Research Facility Access - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)
"Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Speaking section with our practice test on 'Research Facility Access' and learn how to improve score in the TOEFL exam. "
Key Highlights
The TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task presents a distinctive challenge that sets it apart from traditional speaking assessments. This task evaluates your ability to comprehend, synthesize, and articulate information from multiple sources effectively.
Success requires mastery of several key competencies: clear articulation, natural speech flow, precise vocabulary use, and structured presentation. We've developed this focused practice test on 'Research Facility Access' to help you strengthen each of these essential skills.
Let's embark on this practice session and develop the strategies you need for success in the Integrated Speaking Task!
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.
Reading Time: 45 Seconds
The university has announced a new policy regarding access to research facilities on campus.
Research Facility Access
The university is implementing a new policy to enhance access to research facilities. Starting next semester, all students will be required to register online to book time slots for using the labs. This change aims to ensure fair access and prevent overcrowding. Additionally, priority will be given to students who are working on thesis projects or have research deadlines. The administration believes this system will streamline facility usage and improve the overall research experience for students.
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
Speaker A: Did you hear about the new policy for accessing the research facilities?
Speaker B: Yes, I did. I think it's a great idea. It should help manage the crowd and ensure everyone gets a fair chance to use the labs.
Speaker A: I’m not so sure. It sounds like it could be a hassle to have to book every time you want to use the facilities.
Speaker B: But think about it. With the current system, it’s often first-come, first-served, and that can be really unfair, especially for those with tight schedules.
Speaker A: True, but what if you need to use the lab urgently and there are no slots available? That could be a problem.
Speaker B: Well, they did mention that priority will be given to those with thesis projects or deadlines. That should help in urgent cases.
Speaker A: I suppose, but I still think it might be inconvenient for spontaneous work sessions.
Speaker B: I see your point, but overall, I think it will make the process more organised and less stressful.
Speaker A: Maybe. I guess we’ll have to see how it works out in practice.
Speaker B: Exactly. It might take some getting used to, but it could really improve the research experience.
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 woman's opinion about the new research facility access policy and explain her reasons for agreeing with it.
Preparation Time: 30 seconds
Response Time: 60 Seconds
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 Facility Access
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.
Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The woman, um, she thinks the new policy for research facilities is good. She say it will help manage the crowd and, uh, make it fair for everyone. The current system is first-come, first-served, which is not fair. She also mention that priority is given to students with thesis projects. This, um, should help in urgent cases. But, uh, she thinks it will be more organised and less stressful. The man, he is worried about inconvenience, but she thinks it will improve the research experience. Overall, she is positive about the new policy, and, um, it will be better for students.
Rater’s Comment:
The response earns a score of 1 due to significant language and delivery issues. Language errors include subject-verb agreement mistakes, such as "She say it will help" and "She also mention," which should be "says" and "mentions." Filler words like "um" and "uh" appear frequently, disrupting fluency and clarity. Unnatural pauses occur after "The woman, um," and "This, um," affecting speech flow. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "the new policy for research facilities is good" and "Overall, she is positive," showing limited elaboration. The response lacks depth, missing support points like the specific benefits of prioritising thesis students. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and expanding on content with clear, organised ideas. These improvements would enhance coherence and clarity, potentially raising the score.
Listen to the audio recording to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.
High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The woman expresses a positive opinion about the new research facility access policy. She believes that the new system of booking time slots online will help manage the crowd and ensure fair access to the labs. Her reasoning is that the current first-come, first-served system can be unfair, particularly for students with tight schedules. She also points out that the policy prioritises students with thesis projects or research deadlines, which she thinks will address urgent needs effectively. Although the man raises concerns about potential inconveniences, the woman maintains that the new policy will make the process more organised and less stressful, ultimately improving the research experience for students.
Rater’s Comment:
The response earns a score of 4 due to its clear and coherent discourse, effectively fulfilling the task's demands. The speaker demonstrates advanced language use with complex sentence constructions, such as "Her reasoning is that the current first-come, first-served system can be unfair, particularly for students with tight schedules." The vocabulary is sophisticated, with precise word usage like "prioritises" and "organised." Delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the smooth transition from discussing fairness to addressing urgent needs. The content is well-organised, with a logical progression of ideas, supported by examples like the prioritisation of students with deadlines. This response showcases mastery in language use and topic development, with notable strengths in maintaining clarity and coherence throughout.
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:
Featured Articles
Music Practice Rooms - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)
Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Speaking section with our practice test on 'Music Practice Rooms' and improve your preparation for the TOEFL exam.
January 02, 2025Multimedia Lab Access - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)
Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Speaking section with our practice test on 'Multimedia Lab Access' and improve your preparation to score high in the TOEFL exam.
January 02, 2025Mental Health Resources - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)
Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Speaking section with our practice test on 'Mental Health Resources' and learn how to improve score in the TOEFL exam.
January 02, 2025Library Material Borrowing - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)
Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Speaking section with our practice test on 'Library Material Borrowing' and learn how to improve score in the TOEFL exam.
January 02, 2025