Security Camera Installation - 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 'Security Camera Installation.'

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 install security cameras across campus to enhance safety. The conversation discusses differing opinions on this proposal.

Security Camera Installation

The university administration has announced a new initiative to install security cameras throughout the campus. This decision aims to enhance the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff. The cameras will be strategically placed in high-traffic areas, such as entrances, parking lots, and common areas. The administration believes that this measure will deter criminal activities and provide valuable evidence in case of incidents. Additionally, the presence of cameras is expected to foster a sense of security among the campus community. The installation process is scheduled to begin next month and will be completed by the end of the semester.

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.

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 security camera installation and explain her reasons for agreeing.

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 - Security Camera Installation

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 demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "she think the cameras is a good idea" and "she say it will make campus safer." Tense inconsistency is evident in "cameras give evidence if something happen." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "like" disrupt fluency, and unnatural pauses occur after "The woman, um," and "She, uh, think." Speech clarity is compromised by choppy delivery and fragmented sentences. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "being watched all the time" and missing points such as the woman's concern about privacy. Transitions are poor, and self-corrections are frequent. This response earned a score of 1 due to limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on grammar accuracy, reducing fillers, and developing a more structured response.

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 clear and coherent discourse, effectively fulfilling the task's demands. The speaker demonstrates advanced grammar, such as in "She believes that the cameras will significantly enhance campus safety by deterring potential criminals," showcasing complex sentence construction. Vocabulary is sophisticated, with terms like "strategic placement" and "sensible approach," indicating precise word usage. Delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, ensuring high intelligibility. The speaker articulates clearly, using smooth transitions between ideas, such as moving from privacy concerns to the benefits of evidence provision. Content is well-organised, with a logical progression of ideas and effective supporting examples, like the distinction between public and private areas. This response exemplifies mastery through its strong organisation, precise language, and coherent argumentation, which are 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!

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