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.

Physical vs Digital Organisation - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Physical vs Digital Organisation - 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 'Physical vs Digital Organisation' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Physical vs Digital Organisation

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 organizing your personal documents, do you prefer using a physical filing system with paper folders and cabinets, or a digital system with cloud storage and electronic files? Explain your reasons for your preference.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about physical vs digital organisation, 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 organisation. 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 - Physical vs Digital Organisation

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 physical filing system. It is, uh, more reliable because, you know, paper is always there. I like to have my documents in folders and cabinets. When I need a document, I can just go to the cabinet and find it. I also like the feeling of paper. It is, um, more real. Digital systems can be, uh, confusing sometimes. I once lost a file because I didn't save it properly. Paper is, you know, always there. I think physical systems are better because they are more reliable. I can find my documents easily. I prefer physical filing because it is more reliable.

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 "paper is always there," and tense inconsistency, as seen in "I once lost a file because I didn't save it properly." Article usage is incorrect in "using a physical filing system." Delivery is hindered by filler words like "um" and "you know," causing unnatural pauses and choppy speech. Content development suffers from repetition, e.g., "I prefer physical filing because it is more reliable," and lacks supporting points, making the argument weak. Transitions are choppy, and the response is fragmented. To score higher, the speaker should reduce filler words, improve grammatical accuracy, and provide more detailed, varied content with smoother transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer using a digital system for organising my personal documents. One reason is the convenience of accessing files from anywhere with an internet connection. For instance, when I was travelling last year, I needed to access my insurance documents urgently. Thanks to cloud storage, I could retrieve them instantly on my phone. Additionally, digital organisation reduces physical clutter, which is important for me as I live in a small flat. I also appreciate the search functionality that digital systems offer, allowing me to find specific documents quickly without sifting through piles of paper. Overall, the efficiency and accessibility of digital organisation make it my preferred choice.

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 "Thanks to cloud storage, I could retrieve them instantly," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "convenience," "urgently," and "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 the seamless shift from discussing accessibility to reducing physical clutter. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote about accessing insurance documents while travelling, which illustrates the argument effectively. The response's coherence and logical progression of ideas, alongside its minor lapses, showcase the speaker's mastery, making it a high-level performance.

Well done on finishing this practice test! Whether you're just starting or fine-tuning your skills, we have more practice materials waiting for you. Each test is designed to help you master different aspects of TOEFL Speaking.

Keep practicing, and watch your confidence grow!

Also Read: