What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

Phone Calls vs Text Messages - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Phone Calls vs Text Messages - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 21, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Phone Calls vs Text Messages' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Phone Calls vs Text Messages

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section tests your ability to think quickly and express your ideas clearly in English. With just 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond, you need to organize your thoughts efficiently and present them effectively. Our practice tests will help you master these time-critical skills while developing your speaking abilities.

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 communicating with friends or family, do you prefer making phone calls or sending text messages? Explain your reasons for choosing one method over the other, considering factors such as convenience, personal connection, and time efficiency.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about phone calls vs text messages, 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 - Phone Calls vs Text Messages

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:

I prefer, um, sending text messages when I communicate with friends or family. Text messages is more convenient because you can send them anytime. Uh, you know, when I text my brother, I can do it while I am doing other things. Text messages are also, like, quick and easy. You can send a message and get a reply fast. But, um, sometimes phone calls are better for, uh, more personal connection. Text messages are convenient, but they can be, uh, misunderstood. I think text messages are, um, more efficient for quick updates. So, I prefer text messages because they are, uh, convenient and quick.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "Text messages is more convenient," which should be "Text messages are more convenient." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "like" are pervasive, disrupting fluency and causing unnatural pauses, as seen in "I prefer, um, sending text messages." The delivery is choppy, with frequent hesitations, making the speech fragmented. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "Text messages are convenient and quick," and missing support for personal connection, which is only briefly mentioned. The response lacks depth and relies on basic ideas without substantial elaboration. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed and structured content with clear transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer making phone calls when communicating with friends or family. Phone calls allow for a more personal connection, as you can hear the tone and emotion in the other person's voice, which is often lost in text messages. For instance, when I call my grandmother, I can sense her happiness and warmth, which makes our conversation more meaningful. Additionally, phone calls are more efficient for discussing complex topics, as they allow for immediate feedback and clarification. While text messages are convenient for quick updates, they can lead to misunderstandings due to lack of context. Overall, the personal touch and immediacy of phone calls make them my preferred method of communication.

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 "which makes our conversation more meaningful," and sophisticated vocabulary like "immediacy" and "misunderstandings." The use of complex sentence constructions, such as "Phone calls allow for a more personal connection, as you can hear the tone and emotion in the other person's voice," demonstrates precise word usage. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing personal connection to time efficiency. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the anecdote about calling the grandmother, and a coherent progression of ideas. The response's notable strengths include its clarity, coherence, and the ability to maintain a personal yet analytical tone throughout.

Fantastic job working through this practice test! Looking to push your skills further? We have plenty more practice materials ready to help you tackle any speaking challenges you face.

Your dedication to practice will pay off!

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