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 vs Computer Usage - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Phone vs Computer Usage - 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 vs Computer Usage' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Phone vs Computer Usage

The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task evaluates your ability to express and support personal opinions effectively in English. In this section, you'll need to speak about familiar topics, presenting your views clearly and providing relevant examples to support your perspective. To help you master these skills, we've prepared this comprehensive practice test with sample responses and detailed feedback.

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.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

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:

I prefer, um, using a computer for browsing internet. Computers is, uh, better because they have bigger screen. When I, like, research, I can open many tabs. This is more, aahh, efficient. Also, typing on computer is faster. I can write emails quickly. On phone, it is hard to type. Computers are, you know, more comfortable. I can do more things at once. But, um, phones are good for quick search. Computers are better for, uh, long use. I like computer because it is, um, more easy to use. I can do more things on computer. It is better for browsing.

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:

I prefer using a computer for browsing the internet because of its larger screen and better multitasking capabilities. For instance, when I am researching for a project, I can open multiple tabs and view them side by side, which is much more efficient than on a phone. Additionally, typing on a physical keyboard is faster and more comfortable for me, especially when writing long emails or documents. The overall experience feels more immersive and less constrained compared to a phone. 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 for internet browsing. This preference allows me to work more productively and comfortably, enhancing my overall online experience.

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.

Excellent work on completing this practice! Ready for more challenges? We offer a wide range of practice tests specifically designed to strengthen your speaking skills and boost your TOEFL performance.

Every practice session builds your path to success!

Also Read: