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 Settings - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Speaking Practice Tests

Social Settings - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Independent Practice Test Paper with Responses

Sanskriti Gupta

3 min read

Updated On May 30, 2024

Achieving success in the TOEFL Speaking section necessitates concentrated training and realistic practice conditions. Competence in speaking is essential for achieving high scores on the TOEFL exam.

The Speaking Section of the TOEFL test plays a vital role in evaluating an individual's English communication abilities. This part of the test requires you to state your opinion on the said topic in the form of a coherent response.

So, to help you prepare for this section, we have devised a customized TOEFL Practice Test on the topic 'Social Settings'. This practice test includes task guidelines and evaluation criteria to support you in achieving your desired TOEFL score.

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 think it is more fun to spend time with friends in restaurants or cafés. Others think it is more fun to spend time with friends at home. Which do you think is better?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When responding to the above TOEFL Speaking Independent Task question, candidates should approach the answer methodically. Choose one option based on your personal preference, but ensure to provide reasons to support your choice. For instance, if you believe spending time at home is better, explain why you find comfort and enjoyment in a familiar environment, highlighting the benefits of privacy, convenience, and the ability to create meaningful memories with friends.

It's essential to use specific examples or personal experiences to illustrate their points effectively. Concluding the response with a brief summary reaffirms their stance and wraps up the answer concisely, ensuring clarity and coherence. If you wish to explore both options as your preference and deem them equally favorable, that is acceptable. However, covering both choices comprehensively within the allotted time may prove challenging.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Social Settings

Listen to the Audio to hear a High-level Response to the provided question.

High-Level Response Audio Transcript

Uh, so, like, I think spending time with friends at home is better. While restaurants and cafés offer a lively atmosphere, home settings, you know, allow for deeper connections and more meaningful conversations. At home, we can, uh, relax, play games, cook together, and create memorable experiences in a comfortable environment. It's a space where we can, um, truly be ourselves and enjoy each other's company without distractions. Overall, home gatherings, you know, foster stronger bonds and genuine enjoyment with friends, I guess.

Rater’s Comment:

This response demonstrates a high level of proficiency in spoken English. The speaker articulates a clear and coherent argument for preferring spending time with friends at home over going to restaurants or cafés. The reasons provided are well-developed and supported with specific examples, showing a strong ability to express opinions and ideas effectively. The use of vocabulary is varied and appropriate, contributing to the overall clarity and sophistication of the response. Additionally, the speaker maintains a natural and engaging delivery throughout, enhancing the overall impact of the response.

Listen to the Audio to hear a Mid-level Response to the provided question.

Mid-Level Response Audio Transcript

Um, yeah, so, I think going out with friends is best. You know, the restaurants have many foods, and it's cool to try them with friends. And, uh, at home, we can't get all the foods we want. It's boring sometimes. So… I, uh, like restaurants more because, you know, there's a wider variety of food options and it's more exciting to explore different cuisines with friends. Plus, you get to experience the ambiance and vibe of different restaurants, which adds to the fun of the outing. Um, yeah, so, I think going out with friends is best.

Rater’s Comment:

This response demonstrates a basic understanding of the question and expresses a preference for going out with friends to restaurants. However, it lacks depth and coherence in supporting reasons. The language is simple and includes pauses and fillers ("um") that hinder fluency. To improve, the speaker should provide more specific examples or details about why dining out with friends is preferred, use a wider range of vocabulary, and speak more confidently without relying heavily on fillers.

We offer a range of practice tests to help sharpen your speaking skills. Dive into more tests to prepare for the Speaking Section and watch your confidence soar!