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 Universities - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Small vs Large Universities - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On January 16, 2025

"Become self-assured on the TOEFL test day while attempting the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Small vs Large Universities' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

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

In the Speaking Independent Section of the TOEFL iBT® exam, you are required to give your opinion on a topic and explain it clearly within 45 seconds. As time management plays a crucial role in this section, you need to practice and become aware of the skills needed to succeed. The ability to organise your thoughts quickly, speak without hesitation, and provide relevant examples would reinforce your points. Therefore, practicing your pronunciation and intonation will help ensure that you receive a clear answer and the content is engaging. Since you would only have 15 seconds to prepare, you need to brainstorm your ideas so that you are confident in putting them together for a coherent response.

The TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test on 'Small vs Large Universities' would help hone the speaking skills and confidence. As the practice tests closely resemble the exam format, you can become familiar with the structure. With consistent practice, you will be able to improve your TOEFL scores as well as become self-assured on the test day.

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:

When choosing a university, some students prefer attending a small university with a close-knit community, while others opt for a large university with diverse opportunities and resources. Which type of university do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about small vs large universities, 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 Universities

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, attending a small university because it have a close-knit community. Uh, small universities, they offer more personal experience. For example, you know, the class sizes are small, and this means more interaction with professors. This is good because, um, it helps in understanding the material better. Also, a small university, it gives a sense of belonging. I think, uh, this is important for personal growth. When I was in a small college, I find that relationships with faculty was invaluable. Uh, overall, small universities are better for me.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "it have a close-knit community" and tense inconsistency: "When I was in a small college, I find that relationships with faculty was invaluable." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," causing unnatural pauses and choppy speech. The pacing is uneven, affecting clarity. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas: "small universities offer more personal experience" and missing support for the advantages of large universities. Transitions are weak, as seen in "Uh, small universities, they offer more personal experience. For example, you know, the class sizes are small." This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence, with language and delivery issues preventing higher scoring. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and expanding on content with clear transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer attending a small university because it offers a more personalised educational experience. For instance, at a small university, class sizes are typically smaller, allowing for more interaction with professors. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the material and more opportunities for mentorship. Additionally, a close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and support, which can be crucial for personal and academic growth. When I attended a small college for my undergraduate studies, I found that the relationships I built with both faculty and peers were invaluable. These connections not only enhanced my learning experience but also provided a strong network that supported me throughout my academic journey. Overall, the intimate environment of a small university aligns better with my learning style and personal preferences.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively addresses the task, demonstrating a strong command of language and content. Advanced grammar structures are evident in phrases like "allowing for more interaction with professors," showcasing complex sentence construction. Sophisticated vocabulary choices such as "personalised educational experience" and "close-knit community" enhance the response's clarity and precision. The delivery is smooth, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the seamless transition from discussing class sizes to personal experiences. The articulation is clear, ensuring intelligibility throughout. Content development is robust, with a well-organised structure that logically progresses from the benefits of small class sizes to personal anecdotes, such as "the relationships I built with both faculty and peers were invaluable." This response earns a score of 4 due to its coherent discourse, effective language use, and well-developed arguments, demonstrating mastery in topic development and delivery.

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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