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.

Quiet vs Lively Environments - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Quiet vs Lively Environments - 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 'Quiet vs Lively Environments' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Quiet vs Lively Environments

The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task evaluates your ability to express and support personal opinions effectively in English. In this section, you'll need to speak about familiar topics, presenting your views clearly and providing relevant examples to support your perspective. To help you master these skills, we've prepared this comprehensive practice test with sample responses and detailed feedback.

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 prefer to live in a quiet environment, while others enjoy a lively and bustling atmosphere. Which type of environment do you prefer to live in, 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 quiet vs lively environments, 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 - Quiet vs Lively Environments

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 to live in a quiet environment because it is more relaxing. Um, when I was living in a city, it was very noisy and, uh, I couldn't concentrate. Quiet places, they help me to focus better. For example, in a quiet place, I can read books without distractions. Also, quiet places are, like, less stressful. I think quiet places are better because they are peaceful. Uh, I can sleep better in quiet places. Quiet places are good for health. I think, um, quiet places are better for health. In conclusion, quiet places are better for me.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "Quiet places, they help me to focus better," and tense inconsistency in "When I was living in a city, it was very noisy." Pronoun reference is incorrect in "Quiet places, they help me." Delivery is hindered by filler words like "Um," "uh," and "like," and unnatural pauses, particularly after "relaxing" and "concentrate," disrupt speech flow. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "quiet places are better for health" and missing points on personal space or pollution benefits. Transitions are choppy, and the response lacks depth. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce repetition, and provide more detailed examples and smoother transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer living in a quiet environment because it allows me to focus and relax. For instance, when I lived in a small village, I found it easier to concentrate on my studies without the constant noise of traffic and crowds. The tranquillity of the countryside provided a peaceful backdrop for my daily activities, enabling me to unwind after a long day. Additionally, a quiet environment often means less pollution, which contributes to a healthier lifestyle. In contrast, lively environments can be overwhelming and stressful, making it difficult to find personal space. While some may thrive in bustling settings, I value the serenity and clarity that a quiet environment offers, as it enhances my overall well-being and productivity.

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 "when I lived in a small village, I found it easier to concentrate," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "tranquillity," "overwhelming," and "serenity" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing personal experiences to contrasting lively environments. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the benefits of a quiet environment on health and productivity, and a coherent progression of ideas. These elements showcase the speaker's mastery, with notable strengths in language use and topic development to maintain.

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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