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.

Summer vs Winter Activities - Independent TOEFL Speaking Practice Test

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Summer vs Winter Activities - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On December 26, 2024

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Summer vs Winter Activities' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Summer vs Winter Activities

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 engaging in outdoor activities during the summer, such as hiking and swimming, while others enjoy winter activities like skiing and ice skating. Which do you prefer and why? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about summer vs winter activities, 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 - Summer vs Winter Activities

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 summer activities like hiking and swimming. Um, I like the warm weather because it is more, uh, comfortable. Hiking is good because you can see nature. Last summer, I go hiking and it was fun. Swimming is also nice, you know, because it is refreshing. I often swim in the pool. Winter activities, um, are cold and not as fun. I think summer is better because it is more enjoyable. Hiking and swimming are, uh, my favourite because they are fun. Winter is cold and, uh, not as fun. I prefer summer because it is warm and nice. Hiking and swimming are, uh, my favourite because they are fun.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "Last summer, I go hiking," and tense inconsistency, mixing past and present. Filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know" disrupt fluency, and there are unnatural pauses, particularly after "I prefer summer activities like hiking and swimming." Speech clarity is affected by choppy delivery and fragmented sentences. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "Hiking and swimming are, uh, my favourite because they are fun," and missing support points, such as socialising benefits. Transitions are abrupt, as seen in "I prefer summer activities like hiking and swimming. Um, I like the warm weather." To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed, coherent content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I personally prefer summer activities like hiking and swimming. One reason is that I enjoy the warmth and sunshine, which makes outdoor activities more pleasant and invigorating. For instance, last summer, I went hiking in the Lake District, and the experience was breathtaking. The vibrant greenery and clear skies made the trek enjoyable and memorable. Additionally, swimming in the summer is refreshing and a great way to cool off. I often visit the local beach with friends, where we swim and play beach volleyball. These activities not only keep me physically active but also provide opportunities for socialising and relaxation. In contrast, winter activities can be quite restrictive due to the cold and require more specialised equipment and skills, which can be a barrier for some people. Overall, summer activities offer a more accessible and enjoyable experience for me.

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 "which makes outdoor activities more pleasant and invigorating," and sophisticated vocabulary like "breathtaking" and "invigorating." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "These activities not only keep me physically active but also provide opportunities for socialising and relaxation." The precise word usage enhances clarity and engagement. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing hiking to swimming. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the hiking experience in the Lake District, and coherent arguments contrasting summer and winter activities. The response demonstrates mastery in language use and topic development, with notable strengths in vocabulary and idea progression to maintain.

Great effort on this practice test! Want to keep improving? Our extensive collection of practice materials is here to help you master every aspect of the TOEFL Speaking section.

Practice makes progress - keep going!

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