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.

Regular vs Flexible Schedule - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Regular vs Flexible Schedule - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On January 17, 2025

"Get insights into the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Regular vs Flexible Schedule' along with sample answers and learn to strategise for scoring more."

Key Highlights

Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Regular vs Flexible Schedule

To be successful in the TOEFL Speaking Independent Section, one needs to have good time management and fluently speak to ace the TOEFL iBT® exam. You would get 15 seconds of preparation time which may appear to be very little, but with practice, one will be able to draft the response rather quickly. The practice may take some time before substantial results are achieved where one will find that organisation and clarity play an important role. However, the most important aspect is managing time properly so that you should be able to stick to your main points.

With the TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Regular vs Flexible Schedule', you will be able to get an insight into the exam format since the practice test mimics the actual structure. This will guide you towards success and get you started with learning the key skills which will be assessed in the exam. You will be assessed based on your fluency, pronunciation, content, and conherence. Remember to look at the sample answers to be aware of the aspects to be included in the response to score more.

Let's look at the practice test together!

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.

Some people prefer having a regular, fixed schedule for their daily activities, while others enjoy the freedom of a flexible schedule. 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 regular vs flexible schedule, 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 - Regular vs Flexible Schedule

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, a fixed schedule because it help me to be organised. When I have a fixed schedule, I can plan my day better. For example, I know when to start work and when to finish work. This is important because it make me feel more productive. Also, a fixed schedule, uh, helps me to manage my time. I can, like, plan my activities in advance. This is important because it make me feel more productive. However, sometimes I think a flexible schedule is good too. But, um, I prefer fixed schedule because it is more organised. I think, uh, it is better for me.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "it help me" and "it make me feel more productive." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "like" disrupt fluency, and there are unnatural pauses after "I prefer, um," and "a fixed schedule, uh." The speech is choppy, affecting clarity and pacing. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas: "This is important because it make me feel more productive." The response lacks depth, with weak transitions and minimal support for the preference stated. The speaker's reliance on basic expressions and repetition indicates a lack of substantive content. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited coherence and delivery issues. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed examples and transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer a flexible schedule because it allows me to adapt to unexpected changes and seize opportunities as they arise. For instance, if a friend invites me to a spontaneous outing, I can easily adjust my plans without feeling constrained. This flexibility also helps me manage my energy levels better, as I can choose to work when I feel most productive, rather than being bound by a rigid timetable. Additionally, a flexible schedule enables me to balance my personal and professional life more effectively, as I can allocate time for family and leisure activities without compromising my work commitments. Overall, the adaptability and balance that a flexible schedule offers make it 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 "if a friend invites me to a spontaneous outing, I can easily adjust my plans," demonstrating conditional sentence usage. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "seize opportunities" and "adaptability" enhance the response. The complex sentence constructions, such as "This flexibility also helps me manage my energy levels better," show a strong command of language. The delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions between ideas. The content is well-organised, with specific examples like balancing personal and professional life, supporting the preference for a flexible schedule. The response's coherence and clear progression of ideas, alongside its linguistic precision, highlight the speaker's mastery, making it a high-level response.

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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