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.

Public vs Private Transportation - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Public vs Private Transportation - 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 'Academic vs Athletic Achievement' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

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

Effective communication in the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task involves more than just good English. You need to express your opinions clearly, support them with specific examples, and deliver your response confidently. Our practice tests will help you develop these crucial skills while familiarizing you with the exam format.

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.

When considering your daily commute, do you prefer using public transportation, such as buses and trains, or private transportation, like driving your own car? Explain your reasons for choosing one over the other.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about public vs private transportation, 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 - Public vs Private Transportation

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 public transportation for my daily commute. It is, uh, cheaper than driving a car. Public transport, like buses and trains, is cheaper. I can, you know, relax on the bus. I can read or listen to music. Driving a car is, um, stressful. Public transport is cheaper. I used to take the bus to work, and it was, uh, cheaper. Also, it is better for environment. Public transport is cheaper and better for environment. I think, um, public transport is better. I mean, it is cheaper and better for environment. So, I prefer public transport.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as missing articles in "better for environment" and tense inconsistency in "I used to take the bus to work, and it was, uh, cheaper." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt the flow, alongside unnatural pauses after phrases like "I prefer, um, using public transportation." Speech clarity is compromised by choppy pacing and fragmented delivery. Content development is limited, with repeated points such as "Public transport is cheaper" and "better for environment," lacking depth and support. Transitions are weak, and the response relies heavily on repetition. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited coherence and content, with frequent language and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more structured, supported arguments.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer using public transportation for my daily commute. One reason is the cost-effectiveness; public transport is generally cheaper than maintaining a car, especially with rising fuel prices. Additionally, using buses or trains allows me to relax or catch up on reading during the journey, which is not possible when driving. For instance, during my university years, I used the train daily, which saved me money and provided a stress-free travel experience. Moreover, public transport is more environmentally friendly, reducing my carbon footprint. Overall, the financial savings, personal time, and environmental benefits make public transportation 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 "especially with rising fuel prices," and sophisticated vocabulary like "cost-effectiveness" and "carbon footprint." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "using buses or trains allows me to relax or catch up on reading during the journey." 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 cost to environmental benefits. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote about university commuting, which illustrates the financial and stress-relief benefits. The response demonstrates mastery in maintaining coherence and progression of ideas, with notable strengths in language use and topic development.

Great effort on this practice test! Want to keep improving? Our extensive collection of practice materials is here to help you master every aspect of the TOEFL Speaking section.

Practice makes progress - keep going!

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