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 Theoretical Learning - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Practical vs Theoretical Learning - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On January 15, 2025

"Learn to utilise the speaking skills for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Practical vs Theoretical Learning' along with sample answers and receive the desired TOEFL scores."

Key Highlights

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

In the TOEFL iBT® exam, the TOEFL Speaking Independent Section requires the test-takers to think in a structured and persuasive way. This section examines the skills of fluency as you are expected to brainstorm your thoughts without any hesitation or long pauses. By practising on how to organise your ideas, you will be able to use the appropriate language effectively in order to justify your argument. Moreover, it is crucial to use examples which will help make your argument more convincing in front of the examiner. Acquiring these skills will help score higher in the TOEFL Speaking Section and also help in learning the most effective methods for good communication in English language.

With the TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Practical vs Theoretical Learning', practicing speaking on a regular basis will help you with developing these skills and get you a good score in TOEFL Speaking Section. In addition to that, giving very clear examples and employing specific details can help hold your argument together. As this is a time based exam, you need to practice to improve your skills so that you can ace the TOEFL exam.

Why wait any longer? Let's start the test!

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 learning, such as internships or hands-on projects, is more beneficial for students. Others argue that theoretical learning, like lectures and textbooks, provides a stronger foundation. Which do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about practical vs theoretical learning, 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 Theoretical Learning

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 practical learning because it help students to, um, apply what they learn in real life. For example, when I was in school, I did a internship. This internship, uh, was very helpful because I could use the things I learned in class. Practical learning is, you know, more engaging. It is more engaging because it is hands-on. Theoretical learning is also important, but practical learning is more engaging. It is more engaging because it is hands-on. I think practical learning is better because it is more engaging. Uh, practical learning is more engaging and, aahh, helps students to learn better.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ("it help students" should be "it helps students") and incorrect article usage ("a internship" should be "an internship"). Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" disrupt the flow, and there are unnatural pauses after "real life" and "in class," affecting clarity and pacing. Content is repetitive, with phrases like "Practical learning is more engaging" repeated multiple times, and lacks depth, missing key points like critical thinking benefits. Transitions are weak, and the response relies heavily on basic ideas without substantial development. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing repetition, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed support for their preference.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer practical learning because it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, which enhances understanding and retention. For instance, during my university studies, I participated in an internship at a local company. This experience enabled me to apply the theories I had learned in class to actual business scenarios, which significantly deepened my comprehension. Moreover, practical learning often involves problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that are essential in the workplace. While theoretical learning provides a necessary foundation, it can sometimes be too abstract. Practical experiences make learning more engaging and relevant, preparing students better for their future careers. Therefore, I believe that practical learning offers more tangible benefits and a more comprehensive educational experience.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively addresses the task, demonstrating a preference for practical learning with clear reasoning. Language strengths include advanced grammar, such as "which enhances understanding and retention," and sophisticated vocabulary like "comprehension" and "tangible benefits." The speaker uses complex sentence constructions, for example, "While theoretical learning provides a necessary foundation, it can sometimes be too abstract." Precise word usage is evident throughout. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, such as "Moreover, practical learning often involves problem-solving and critical thinking." Content development is strong, with a well-organised structure and effective supporting examples, like the internship experience. The response earned a score of 4 due to its coherent discourse, effective language use, and well-developed arguments. The speaker should maintain their sophisticated vocabulary and clear articulation.

Great job completing this practice test! Ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? We provide numerous practice opportunities tailored to help you improve specific aspects of your TOEFL Speaking performance.

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