Scheduled vs Spontaneous Exercise - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

In the TOEFL iBT® exam, the key to success lies in logical development and clarity while delivering your response in the TOEFL Independent Speaking Section. To ace this section, you are required to acquire the skills such as the ability to organise an answer in a coherent manner, speak uninterrupted without much hesitation, and provide specific examples in support of your opinion to strengthen your opinion. Therefore, getting familiar with the structure by attempting many practice tests would help you score higher in the exam. It is essential to improve pronunciation which will quite bolter your overall performance and, as a result, you are very likely to tackle the TOEFL speaking section.

The TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test on 'Scheduled vs Spontaneous Exercise' provides you with an opportunity to practice and also note down the areas of improvement. As you attempt this practice test, you will become familiar with the exam structure as the format closely resembles the exam format. Remember to note down the areas of improvement so that you can gradually improve your scores.

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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 schedule their exercise routines at specific times each day, while others enjoy exercising spontaneously whenever they feel like it. Which approach do you prefer and why? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about scheduled vs spontaneous exercise, 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 - Scheduled vs Spontaneous Exercise

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:

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include excessive filler words such as "um," "uh," and "like," which disrupt fluency and clarity. For example, "I prefer, um, to exercise spontaneously" and "I think, like, exercising when I want is better." There are no significant grammar errors, but the response lacks complexity and variety in sentence structure. Delivery is choppy with unnatural pauses, making it difficult to follow. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "it is more fun and enjoyable" and "I prefer to be flexible," indicating a lack of depth and support. The response is largely repetitive and lacks substantial examples or transitions. To improve, the speaker should reduce filler words, enhance vocabulary, and provide more detailed examples and coherent structure.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

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 "having a set schedule allows me to plan my other activities around it," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "consistency," "discipline," and "accountability" 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 physical health benefits to mental clarity. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the routine of jogging at 7 a.m., illustrating the benefits of scheduled exercise. The coherent progression of ideas and logical arguments further solidify the response's strength. The speaker should maintain these notable strengths, particularly the structured argumentation and precise language use.

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