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.

Self-study vs Classroom Learning - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Self-study vs Classroom Learning - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 25, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Self-study vs Classroom Learning' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Self-study vs Classroom Learning

The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task evaluates your ability to express and support personal opinions effectively in English. In this section, you'll need to speak about familiar topics, presenting your views clearly and providing relevant examples to support your perspective. To help you master these skills, we've prepared this comprehensive practice test with sample responses and detailed feedback.

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 believe that self-study is more effective for learning, while others think that classroom learning is better. Which method 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 self-study vs classroom learning, 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 - Self-study vs Classroom Learning

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 self-study because it is more effective for me. Um, self-study allows me to learn at my own pace. For example, when I study history, I can focus on the topics that is difficult. Uh, this helps me understand better. In classroom, you have to follow the teacher's schedule, which is not always good. Self-study also, um, helps me to be more independent. Uh, I can choose what I want to learn. Classroom learning is, uh, good for interaction, but self-study is better for me. I think self-study is more effective because it is more flexible. Uh, I can learn what I want, when I want.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant limitations in language use, delivery, and content development, justifying a score of 1. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "topics that is difficult," and awkward phrasing like "Self-study also, um, helps me to be more independent." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words, including "Um" and "Uh," which disrupt the flow, and unnatural pauses that affect speech clarity and pacing. Content development is minimal, with repeated ideas like "self-study is more effective" and "I can learn what I want, when I want," lacking depth and specific examples. The response is choppy and lacks coherence, preventing it from scoring higher. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed and varied content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer self-study because it allows me to learn at my own pace and focus on topics that interest me. For instance, when I was preparing for my history exam, I could spend more time on the periods I found challenging, using online resources and books. This flexibility helped me understand the material better than if I had been restricted to a classroom schedule. Additionally, self-study encourages independence and self-discipline, which are valuable skills in any field. While classroom learning offers structure and interaction, I find that the autonomy of self-study suits my learning style more effectively, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

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 "when I was preparing for my history exam, I could spend more time on the periods I found challenging," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "autonomy" and "self-discipline" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the smooth transition between discussing personal experience and general benefits of self-study. The content is well-organised, with a clear progression from personal preference to supporting examples, such as using "online resources and books." The response's coherence and the logical development of ideas showcase mastery, with notable strengths in maintaining clarity and depth of argumentation.

Well done on finishing this practice test! Whether you're just starting or fine-tuning your skills, we have more practice materials waiting for you. Each test is designed to help you master different aspects of TOEFL Speaking.

Keep practicing, and watch your confidence grow!

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