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.

Printed vs Digital Newspapers - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Printed vs Digital Newspapers - 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 'Printed vs Digital Newspapers' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

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

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section challenges you to share your views on familiar topics with clarity and confidence. Success requires not only good English skills but also the ability to structure your response effectively within the time limit. These practice materials will help you develop both the language and organizational skills needed for a high score.

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 staying informed, some people prefer reading printed newspapers, while others choose digital newspapers. 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 printed vs digital newspapers, 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 - Printed vs Digital Newspapers

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, digital newspapers because they is more convenient. You can read them anywhere, like, on your phone or computer. For example, I read news on my phone when I am, uh, travelling. Also, digital newspapers are cheaper than printed newspapers. They are cheaper because you don't need to buy them every day. Digital newspapers are also good for environment because they don't use paper. So, um, they save trees. I think digital newspapers is better because they are more convenient and cheaper. They are more convenient because you can read them anywhere. So, I prefer digital newspapers.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to significant language errors and limited content development. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "they is more convenient" and "digital newspapers is better," and article usage errors like "good for environment." Delivery is hindered by filler words, e.g., "um," "like," and "uh," and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "more convenient and cheaper" and missing support points, such as specific examples of cost savings. The response lacks coherence and depth, relying on basic ideas without substantial elaboration. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed and varied content. Enhancing fluency and coherence would also benefit the response.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer digital newspapers over printed ones for several reasons. Firstly, digital newspapers are more convenient as they can be accessed anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. For instance, I often read the news on my smartphone during my commute, which would be impossible with a bulky printed newspaper. Additionally, digital newspapers are environmentally friendly, as they reduce the need for paper and ink, thus conserving natural resources. Moreover, they offer interactive features such as videos and hyperlinks, enhancing the reading experience. Lastly, digital subscriptions are often cheaper than printed ones, making them more cost-effective. Overall, the convenience, environmental benefits, and enhanced features make digital newspapers my preferred choice.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively meets the task's demands, demonstrating a high level of language proficiency and coherent discourse. The speaker employs advanced grammar structures, such as "which would be impossible with a bulky printed newspaper," and sophisticated vocabulary, including "environmentally friendly" and "interactive features." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "Additionally, digital newspapers are environmentally friendly, as they reduce the need for paper and ink, thus conserving natural resources." The word usage is precise, enhancing clarity. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless progression from convenience to environmental benefits. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as reading news on a smartphone during a commute, and coherent arguments. This response earns a score of 4 due to its mastery of language use, delivery, and topic development, with notable strengths in vocabulary and sentence complexity to maintain.

Congratulations on completing this practice test! Looking to further enhance your speaking abilities? Our comprehensive practice materials are specifically crafted to help you identify and overcome your challenges in the TOEFL Speaking section.

Success comes with dedication and regular practice!

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