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.

Single-tasking vs Multitasking - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Single-tasking vs Multitasking - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On January 16, 2025

"Improve time management skills for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Single-tasking vs Multitasking' along with sample answers and achieve your desired TOEFL scores."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Single-tasking vs Multitasking

In the TOEFL iBT® exam, a candidate would have to respond to a well-elaborated question with a well-structured response in limited time in the TOEFL Speaking Independent Section. This section would give you a short preparation time of 15 seconds after which 45 seconds would be provided for speaking. Remember to manage your time effectively in this section so that you can build your answer in a coherent way where the ideas are logically arranged. Moreover, you must develop good speaking skills to achieve fluency, organization, and clear pronunciation so that you are able to speak your thoughts with increased confidence throughout the time frame.

With the TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Single-tasking vs Multitasking', it is crucial to practice both time management and speaking skills. It is advisable to use a stopwatch so that you can understand the time you are taking to brainstorm ideas and note the areas of improvement when you deliver the responses. As you prepare, you need to provide intact, comprehensive, and effective task responses on the day of the exam.

Let's get started!

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 focusing on one task at a time leads to better results, while others think that multitasking allows them to accomplish more in the same amount of time. Which approach do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about single-tasking vs multitasking, 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 - Single-tasking vs Multitasking

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, um, multitasking because it help me do more things at once. When I was, uh, studying, I tried to read and write notes at same time. This way, I can finish faster. Multitasking is good because it save time. I think, you know, it is better to do many things together. When I was cooking, I also clean the kitchen. This make me feel like I am doing more. But, um, sometimes it is hard to focus. Multitasking is, uh, good for me because I can do more things. I think it is better to do many things together. But, um, sometimes it is hard to focus.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "it help me do more things" and "it save time." There is also repetition of content, like "I think it is better to do many things together" and "Multitasking is good because it save time." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words, such as "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. The speaker's ideas lack development, with weak transitions and missing support points, such as why multitasking is beneficial beyond saving time. The response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To score higher, the speaker should focus on improving grammar, reducing filler words, and providing more detailed and structured content with clear examples and transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer single-tasking because it allows me to concentrate fully on one task, leading to higher quality work. For instance, when I was studying for my exams, I found that dedicating uninterrupted time to each subject helped me understand the material more deeply. Multitasking, on the other hand, often left me feeling scattered and less productive. By focusing on one task, I can manage my time more effectively and reduce stress. This approach also helps me avoid mistakes, as I am less likely to overlook important details. Overall, single-tasking enhances my efficiency and ensures that I produce my best work. This method aligns with my personal experience of achieving better outcomes when I concentrate on one thing at a time.

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 "By focusing on one task, I can manage my time more effectively," demonstrating control over complex sentence constructions. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "uninterrupted time" and "scattered" 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 personal study habits to the broader benefits of single-tasking. The content is well-organised, with a strong introduction of the preference for single-tasking, supported by a personal example of exam preparation, and a coherent argument about efficiency and stress reduction. These elements collectively showcase the speaker's mastery, with notable strengths in language precision and coherent argumentation to maintain.

How did you do on this practice test? Whether you're satisfied or see room for improvement, we've got you covered! Our extensive collection of practice materials is designed to help you strengthen your speaking abilities and excel in the TOEFL exam.

Remember, consistent practice is the key to success!

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