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.

Private vs Public Schools - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Private vs Public Schools - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 24, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Private vs Public Schools' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Private vs Public Schools

In the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task, your ability to express and defend personal opinions is key to success. This section assesses not just your English proficiency, but also your ability to organize and present your thoughts coherently. Our practice tests are designed to help you perfect these essential skills through focused preparation.

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 private schools offer a better education due to smaller class sizes and more resources, while others argue that public schools provide a more diverse environment and are more accessible. Which type of school do you prefer for your education, and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about private vs public schools, 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 - Private vs Public Schools

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 public school because, um, they are more diverse. Public schools have, uh, students from different backgrounds. This diversity is important. Also, public schools are more accessible. They are open to everyone. Private schools, they have smaller class sizes, but public schools are, you know, more diverse. I think public schools are better because they are more diverse. Uh, public schools are more accessible, and they are open to everyone. I think public schools are better because they are more diverse. Uh, public schools are more accessible, and they are open to everyone. I think public schools are better because they are more diverse. Uh, public schools are more accessible, and they are open to everyone.

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 "I prefer public school" instead of "schools," and tense inconsistency with "Public schools have, uh, students" instead of "had." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" disrupt fluency, and there are unnatural pauses after phrases like "more diverse." The speech is choppy, with repeated phrases like "public schools are more diverse" and "more accessible," indicating a lack of content development. The response lacks supporting points and transitions, relying heavily on repetition. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and develop more varied and substantiated content. Enhancing fluency and coherence will also aid in achieving a better score.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer public schools for my education because they offer a more diverse environment, which I believe is crucial for personal development. In public schools, students come from various backgrounds, allowing for a richer exchange of ideas and perspectives. For instance, during my time in a public school, I had classmates from different cultures, which broadened my understanding of the world. Additionally, public schools are more accessible, ensuring that education is available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This inclusivity fosters a sense of community and equality. While private schools may have more resources, the diversity and accessibility of public schools provide invaluable life lessons that go beyond academics. Therefore, I believe public schools offer a more holistic educational 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 "which I believe is crucial for personal development," and sophisticated vocabulary like "inclusivity" and "holistic." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "While private schools may have more resources, the diversity and accessibility of public schools provide invaluable life lessons that go beyond academics." 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 shift from discussing diversity to accessibility. The content is strongly organised, with coherent arguments and effective supporting examples, such as the personal experience of interacting with classmates from different cultures. These elements demonstrate mastery, and the notable strengths to maintain include the sophisticated vocabulary and coherent argumentation.

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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