Personal vs Public Transportation - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Mastering the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task requires a combination of clear expression and logical organization. This section evaluates how well you can present and support your views on everyday topics. Our carefully designed practice materials will help you develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in this challenging task.

Instructions:

• You'll receive a familiar topic to speak about with no accompanying reading or listening passages.
• After hearing the question, you will have 15 seconds to prepare your response and 45 seconds to deliver it.
• Remember, 15 seconds might seem short, but it's ample time for preparation.
• For this Question, you'll encounter two situations or opinions and must express your preference, providing reasons for your choice.

Now, play this Audio to hear the Question.

Question:

When considering your daily commute, do you prefer using personal transportation, such as a car or bicycle, or public transportation, like buses or trains? Explain your reasons for choosing one over the other.

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about personal vs public transportation, consider these key points to craft a well-rounded response. You must clearly state your position and provide specific reasons to justify your opinion. Include relevant examples and maintain a clear, logical organization. Your response should be concise yet detailed enough to demonstrate your speaking abilities within the time limit.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Personal vs Public Transportation

Here, we've included two sample answers, one at a mid-level and one at a high-level proficiency. By comparing the differences in language use, you will gain valuable insights into the key elements that contribute to achieving a higher TOEFL score.

Listen to the audio recording to hear a mid-level answer to the provided question.

Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to significant language errors, delivery issues, and content development problems. Language errors include subject-verb agreement, as in "Cars is more, uh, convenient," and article usage, such as "I used to take bus." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. Content development is weak, with excessive repetition: "I think cars are better because they are faster and more convenient. Public transport is not, uh, flexible." The response lacks depth, with no additional support points or transitions. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and develop more coherent and varied content. Enhancing fluency and expanding on ideas would also be beneficial.

Listen to the audio recording to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

Rater’s Comment:

This response earns a score of 4 due to its effective language use, clear delivery, and well-developed content. The speaker employs advanced grammar structures, such as "especially with rising fuel prices," and sophisticated vocabulary like "cost-effectiveness" and "carbon footprint." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "Although personal transport offers flexibility, the benefits of cost savings, relaxation, and environmental impact make public transport my preferred choice." The word usage is precise, enhancing clarity. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from cost considerations to environmental impact. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote about using the train during university years. The response demonstrates mastery through its coherent arguments and clear idea progression, maintaining notable strengths in language and delivery.

Congratulations on completing this practice test! Looking to further enhance your speaking abilities? Our comprehensive practice materials are specifically crafted to help you identify and overcome your challenges in the TOEFL Speaking section.

Success comes with dedication and regular practice!

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