Research Database Expansion - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)

The TOEFL Speaking Section tests a candidate's overall English communication skills, however, the Speaking Integrated Task takes it a step further. This task specifically evaluates your capacity to integrate knowledge from reading and hearing passages and present it in a logical manner in your response.

The Speaking Integrated Task evaluates various aspects of spoken English proficiency, including pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary usage, and overall coherence. To help you refine these skills, we have prepared a dedicated Speaking Integrated practice test centered on the topic "Research Database Expansion."

Let's begin your practice journey with this TOEFL Speaking Integrated Task and enhance your comprehension and communication strategies!

Instructions:

• You will first read a short passage about a campus-related announcement or proposed change. You will have 45 seconds to read the passage.
• Then you will listen to a conversation between two speakers discussing their opinions about the announcement or change.
• After the conversation ends, you will be asked to respond to a question about what you read and heard.
• You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response.
• You will have 60 seconds to speak about the speaker's opinion and the reasons they give for holding that opinion.

The university plans to expand its research database access for students.

Research Database Expansion

The university is pleased to announce the expansion of its research database access. Starting next semester, students will have access to over 50 new databases, covering a wide range of disciplines including science, humanities, and social sciences. This initiative aims to support students in their academic research by providing more comprehensive resources. Additionally, the university will offer workshops to help students effectively utilise these databases. The expansion is part of the university's commitment to enhancing academic resources and supporting student success.

Directions: After the passage appears, a timer located at the top of your computer screen will commence counting down the time allocated for reading. Once the reading time concludes, the passage will disappear from the screen, replacing an image showing a student.

Now, listen to this Audio and answer the question that follows and answer the question that follows.

Audio Transcript

Female Speaker: Did you hear about the university expanding the research database access?

Male Speaker: Yes, I did. I think it's a fantastic move. More databases mean more resources for our projects and papers.

Female Speaker: I see your point, but I'm not entirely convinced. Sometimes, too many options can be overwhelming, and it might be hard to find exactly what you need.

Male Speaker: That's true, but the workshops they’re offering should help us navigate through the databases efficiently. Plus, having access to diverse resources can really enrich our research.

Female Speaker: I suppose the workshops could be beneficial. However, I worry about the time commitment. With our busy schedules, attending these workshops might be challenging.

Male Speaker: I understand that, but I think investing some time in learning how to use these resources could save us time in the long run when working on assignments.

Female Speaker: Perhaps. But I also think the university should consider providing more personalised support, like one-on-one sessions, for those who need it.

Male Speaker: That's a good suggestion. Personalised support could definitely help students who struggle with using the databases. But overall, I think the expansion is a positive step.

Female Speaker: I agree that it has potential. I just hope they implement it in a way that truly benefits all students.

Male Speaker: Absolutely, the implementation will be key to its success.

Directions: Once the lecture concludes, the picture of the two students will be replaced by a screen instructing you to prepare to answer the question. Subsequently, the following question will appear on the screen and will be read aloud by a narrator.

Question

State the female speaker's opinion about the research database expansion and explain her reasons for agreeing/disagreeing.

Hold on to those answer sheets! Before you jump into the sample response, make sure to go through our top 7 Tips for TOEFL preparation. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - Research Database Expansion

We've provided two sample responses at different proficiency levels (mid-level and high-level). By comparing the differences, you'll gain valuable insights into the key elements that contribute to achieving a top score on the TOEFL exam.

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

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to significant language errors, delivery issues, and content development problems. Language errors include subject-verb agreement mistakes, such as "She think that," and tense inconsistency, as seen in "She also, like, worries." Delivery is hindered by excessive filler words like "um," "uh," and "like," which disrupt the flow and clarity of speech. Unnatural pauses and choppy pacing further obscure meaning. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "she is not very convinced" and "she agrees that it has potential," lacking depth and coherence. The response is minimally connected to the task, with vague and limited content. To score higher, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, improving grammatical accuracy, and providing more structured and detailed content with clear transitions.

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

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 4 due to its comprehensive and coherent discourse, effectively addressing the task's demands. The speaker uses advanced grammar structures, such as "She acknowledges the potential benefits," and sophisticated vocabulary like "overwhelming" and "personalised support." Complex sentence constructions are evident in "She suggests that the university should offer more personalised support," demonstrating precise word usage. Delivery is marked by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless progression from concerns about the volume of resources to the suggestion of personalised support. The content is well-organised, with a clear progression of ideas and coherent arguments, such as the emphasis on "effective implementation to ensure that all students benefit." These elements showcase mastery in language use and topic development, highlighting notable strengths to maintain.

Fantastic job working through this practice test! Looking to push your skills further? We have plenty more practice materials ready to help you tackle any speaking challenges you face.

Your dedication to practice will pay off!

Also Read:

• TOEFL iBT® Exam Pattern and Syllabus: All You Need to Know 
• Attribution Bias - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Integrated Practice Test with Answers
• Important Teacher - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Independent Practice Questions with Answer Key