Phone vs Computer Usage - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

In the TOEFL iBT® exam, the TOEFL Speaking Independent Section measures on how good you are at presenting a distinct opinion. To score higher in this section, there are a few skills which you need to develop. Firstly, the organisation of your response logically and the structured way of presenting your ideas are important. Moreover, speaking without hesitation and using varied vocabulary words will help ensure a smooth flow of your ideas. Lastly, providing relevant examples for the specific reasons in support of your viewpoints would help strengthen your argument.  Remember that concentrating more on these skill areas would ensire a greater clarity and coherence in your responses.

As you attempt the TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Phone vs Computer Usage', you would be able to develop the needed skills that are necessary in speaking well in English. It is important to brainstorm your ideas within the given time frame before trying answering the question. To help you master these skills, we've prepared this comprehensive practice test with sample responses and detailed feedback.

Are you ready? Let's get to it together!

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 it comes to browsing the internet, some people prefer using their mobile phones, while others prefer using a computer. Which do you prefer and why? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about phone vs computer usage, 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 vs Computer Usage

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 demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "Computers is, uh, better" and incorrect article usage in "bigger screen". Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" are pervasive, disrupting fluency and causing unnatural pauses, particularly after "I prefer, um," and "This is more, aahh, efficient." Speech clarity is compromised by choppy delivery and inconsistent pacing. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas like "I can do more things on computer" and "Computers are better for, uh, long use," lacking depth and support. Transitions are weak, and self-corrections are evident. This response earned a score of 1 due to its minimal content and coherence, with delivery and language use severely limiting expression. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more structured, supported content.

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 "when I am researching for a project, I can open multiple tabs and view them side by side," demonstrating complex sentence construction. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "immersive" and "comprehensive functionality" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in "while phones are convenient for quick searches on the go, the comprehensive functionality and ease of use of a computer make it my preferred choice." The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the comparison of multitasking capabilities and typing comfort, leading to coherent arguments. These elements collectively showcase the speaker's mastery and should be maintained.

Are you ready to face challenges? Or even more practice? We have extensive practice tests which are exclusively meant to develop your speaking skills and help your TOEFL score shoot up. 

Check out the next practice test and hone your speaking skills today!

Also Read:

• Online vs Classroom - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test with Responses
• Important Teacher - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Independent Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Taking Risks - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Independent Practice Test Paper with Responses