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.

Practical vs Academic Skills - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Practical vs Academic Skills - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 22, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Practical vs Academic Skills' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Practical vs Academic Skills

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:

Some people believe that practical skills, such as cooking or car maintenance, are more important to learn than academic skills, like mathematics or history. Which do you think is more important to learn, and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about practical vs academic skills, 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 - Practical vs Academic Skills

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 think practical skills is more important than academic skills. Um, practical skills like cooking and car maintenance is useful. Cooking helps you save money and, uh, eat healthy. Car maintenance, you know, it can save money too. Academic skills like maths and history are important, but practical skills are more useful in daily life. I remember when I learn to cook, it was very helpful. It, aahh, gave me independence. Practical skills are, um, more important because they help in real life. So, I think practical skills is better.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "practical skills is more important" and "cooking and car maintenance is useful." Tense inconsistency is evident in "I remember when I learn to cook." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," causing unnatural pauses and affecting speech clarity. The pacing is uneven, with choppy transitions, particularly in "Academic skills like maths and history are important, but practical skills are more useful in daily life." Content development is limited, with repeated ideas like "practical skills save money" and missing support for academic skills' importance. The response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on grammar accuracy, reducing filler words, and providing balanced arguments with clear transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I believe that practical skills are more important to learn than academic skills. While academic knowledge is valuable, practical skills are essential for everyday life. For instance, knowing how to cook can save money and improve health by allowing individuals to prepare nutritious meals at home. Additionally, skills like car maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure safety. In my experience, learning to cook has been incredibly beneficial. It not only allows me to experiment with different cuisines but also provides a sense of independence. Although academic skills are important for career advancement, practical skills offer immediate, tangible benefits that enhance daily living. Therefore, I prioritise practical skills as they equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate real-world challenges effectively.

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 "While academic knowledge is valuable, practical skills are essential for everyday life," demonstrating complex sentence construction. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "nutritious meals" and "tangible benefits" enhance the response. The delivery is smooth, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the seamless transition from discussing cooking to car maintenance. Articulation is clear, ensuring intelligibility throughout. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal experience of cooking, which illustrates the argument effectively. The progression of ideas is logical, leading to a coherent argument. The response's notable strengths include its precise word usage and the ability to maintain a clear, coherent discourse, which should be maintained.

How did you do on this practice test? Whether you're satisfied or see room for improvement, we've got you covered! Our extensive collection of practice materials is designed to help you strengthen your speaking abilities and excel in the TOEFL exam.

Remember, consistent practice is the key to success!

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