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.

Social Media vs Face-to-face Communication - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Social Media vs Face-to-face Communication - 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 'Social Media vs Face-to-face Communication' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Social Media vs Face-to-face Communication

Mastering the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task requires a combination of clear expression and logical organization. This section evaluates how well you can present and support your views on everyday topics. Our carefully designed practice materials will help you develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in this challenging task.

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 communicating through social media because it allows them to connect with others instantly, regardless of location. Others believe face-to-face communication is more meaningful and effective. Which do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about social media vs face-to-face communication, 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.

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, face-to-face communication because it is more, uh, meaningful. When I talk to people in person, I can see their, um, expressions and body language. This is, like, important because it helps me understand them better. Social media, it is, uh, fast but not as deep. I remember a time when I, uh, talked to a friend face-to-face, and it was, like, more effective. Face-to-face is, um, better because it is more personal. Social media is, uh, convenient but not as good. I think face-to-face is, um, more meaningful. It is, uh, better for understanding. Social media is, like, not as effective.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "Social media, it is, uh, fast but not as deep," and tense inconsistency with "I remember a time when I, uh, talked to a friend face-to-face, and it was, like, more effective." Article usage is incorrect in "Social media is, uh, convenient but not as good." Delivery is hindered by excessive filler words like "um," "uh," and "like," leading to unnatural pauses and choppy speech, as seen in "I prefer, um, face-to-face communication." Content development is limited, with repeated phrases like "face-to-face is, um, more meaningful," and lacks supporting details. The response earned a score of 1 due to its minimal coherence and intelligibility. To improve, the speaker should reduce filler words, enhance grammatical accuracy, and provide more detailed content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer face-to-face communication because it allows for a deeper connection and understanding. For instance, when I meet friends in person, I can read their body language and facial expressions, which adds depth to our conversations. This non-verbal communication is often lost in social media interactions. Additionally, face-to-face meetings tend to be more engaging and less prone to misunderstandings. I recall a time when a friend and I resolved a disagreement much more effectively in person than we could have over text. The immediacy of feedback and the personal touch of being physically present made a significant difference. While social media is convenient, I believe the quality of interaction in face-to-face communication is unmatched, making it my preferred choice.

Rater’s Comment:

This response earns a score of 4 due to its effective language use, delivery, and topic development. The speaker employs advanced grammar structures, such as "when I meet friends in person, I can read their body language and facial expressions," demonstrating control over complex sentence constructions. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "non-verbal communication" and "immediacy of feedback" 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 body language to resolving disagreements. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote about resolving a disagreement, which illustrates the argument's coherence and progression. The response's notable strengths include its clarity, depth of argument, and effective use of language, all of which contribute to its high-level performance.

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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Speaking Independent

Social Media vs Face-to-face Communication - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)