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.

Small vs Large Friend Groups - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Small vs Large Friend Groups - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On January 16, 2025

"Formulate the best answers for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Small vs Large Friend Groups' while going through the sample answers and score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Small vs Large Friend Groups

To excel in the TOEFL Speaking Independent Section, it is essential to present your opinion in a clear, structured and convincing way from a clear source as you prepare for the TOEFL iBT® exam. This section requires you to develop skills such as organising your ideas logically, speaking fluently and elaborating your viewpoint within a given limited time frame. Additionally, practicing your pronunciation and pacing will help you give a clear and easy-to-understand speech. It might seem intimidating in the beginning but with regular practice, you will be able to master these key skills which will help you perform confidently on the actual exam and improve your overall speaking abilities.

The TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Small vs Large Friend Groups' would help you become aware of the structure of the TOEFL exam. Not only that but you will also gain the confidence as you attempt this test paper which also consists of the sample answers with rater's comments. Since you have to understand the different aspects which must be considered while answering, going through the sample answers would help you understand the differences. With practice, you will be able to formulate the best answers to achieve your desired scores!

Let's take a step closer towards success!

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 having a small group of close friends, while others enjoy being part of a large social circle. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about small vs large friend groups, 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 - Small vs Large Friend Groups

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, having a small group of close friends. It is, uh, better because you can, like, know them well. When you have a small group, you can spend more time with them. For example, my friend and I, we go to the park every weekend. We, uh, share many things. A large group, it is not, um, easy to manage. You can't, uh, know everyone well. I think small group is more, uh, personal. You can trust them more. I, uh, think it is better. You can, um, have deeper connection. A large group, it is, uh, not the same. I prefer small group.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to its limited content and coherence, with frequent language errors and delivery issues. Language errors include subject-verb agreement, as in "A large group, it is not, um, easy to manage," tense inconsistency in "You can't, uh, know everyone well," and article misuse in "I prefer small group." Delivery is hindered by numerous filler words like "um" and "uh," causing unnatural pauses and choppy speech, such as "I prefer, um, having a small group of close friends." Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "small group is more, uh, personal" and missing support points on personal growth. The response lacks depth and relies on basic ideas. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed, varied content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer having a small group of close friends because it allows for deeper, more meaningful relationships. With fewer people, I can invest more time and energy into each friendship, fostering trust and understanding. For instance, my best friend and I have known each other for over a decade, and our bond is incredibly strong because we share personal experiences and support each other through life's challenges. In contrast, a large social circle might offer more social opportunities, but it often lacks the intimacy and reliability that close friendships provide. Additionally, managing numerous relationships can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Therefore, I value the quality of connections over quantity, as it leads to more fulfilling and lasting friendships.

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 "it allows for deeper, more meaningful relationships," and sophisticated vocabulary, including "fostering trust and understanding." Complex sentence constructions like "In contrast, a large social circle might offer more social opportunities, but it often lacks the intimacy and reliability that close friendships provide" demonstrate precise word usage. 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 experiences to contrasting with larger social circles. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the decade-long friendship, illustrating clear idea progression and coherent arguments. The response's notable strengths include its mastery of language and the ability to maintain a coherent and engaging discourse.

Did you nail the practice test? Fantastic! Let's keep that momentum rolling. We offer a wealth of personalized practice tests specifically designed to address your weaknesses and boost your TOEFL Speaking skills.

The more you practice, the more confident you'll become!

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