Textbook Rental System - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)

"Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Speaking section with a practice test on 'Textbook Rental System' and learn to improve score in TOEFL exam. "
Key Highlights
The TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task presents a distinctive challenge that sets it apart from traditional speaking assessments. This task evaluates your ability to comprehend, synthesize, and articulate information from multiple sources effectively.
Success requires mastery of several key competencies: clear articulation, natural speech flow, precise vocabulary use, and structured presentation. We've developed this focused practice test on "Textbook Rental System" to help you strengthen each of these essential skills.
Let's embark on this practice session and develop the strategies you need for success in the Integrated Speaking Task!
Instructions:
- You will first read a short passage about a campus-related announcement or proposed change. You will have 45 seconds to read the passage.
- Then you will listen to a conversation between two speakers discussing their opinions about the announcement or change.
- After the conversation ends, you will be asked to respond to a question about what you read and heard.
- You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response.
- You will have 60 seconds to speak about the speaker's opinion and the reasons they give for holding that opinion.
Reading Time: 45 Seconds
The university is introducing a new textbook rental system to help students save money and reduce waste..
Textbook Rental System
The university is pleased to announce the implementation of a new textbook rental system starting next semester. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on students by allowing them to rent textbooks at a fraction of the purchase price. Additionally, the system is designed to promote sustainability by reducing the number of new textbooks printed each year. Students will have the option to rent textbooks for the duration of the semester and return them at the end. This change is expected to benefit both students and the environment.
Directions: After the passage appears, a timer located at the top of your computer screen will commence counting down the time allocated for reading. Once the reading time concludes, the passage will disappear from the screen, replacing an image showing a student.
Now, listen to this Audio and answer the question that follows and answer the question that follows.
Audio Transcript
Female Speaker: Have you heard about the new textbook rental system the university is introducing?
Male Speaker: Yes, I have. I think it's a brilliant idea. It will save us a lot of money, especially since textbooks can be so expensive.
Female Speaker: I see your point, but I'm not entirely convinced. What if the books are damaged or lost? We might end up paying more in fines.
Male Speaker: That's a fair concern, but I believe the university will have measures in place to handle such situations. Plus, the savings on rental costs could outweigh any potential fines.
Female Speaker: I suppose, but I also like to keep my textbooks for future reference. Renting means I won't have them after the semester ends.
Male Speaker: True, but you could always buy the ones you really need. For most courses, renting should be sufficient.
Female Speaker: I guess so. Another thing is, what if the book I need isn't available for rent?
Male Speaker: That's possible, but I think the university will ensure a wide selection. Plus, it encourages us to plan ahead and reserve early.
Female Speaker: Well, I hope it works out. It would be nice to save some money and help the environment.
Male Speaker: Exactly, and it's a step towards more sustainable practices on campus.
Directions: Once the lecture concludes, the picture of the two students will be replaced by a screen instructing you to prepare to answer the question. Subsequently, the following question will appear on the screen and will be read aloud by a narrator.
Question
State the female speaker's opinion about the textbook rental system and explain her reasons for agreeing/disagreeing.
Preparation Time: 30 seconds
Response Time: 60 Seconds
Hold on to those answer sheets! Before you jump into the sample response, make sure to go through our top 7 Tips for TOEFL preparation.
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - Textbook Rental System
We've provided two sample responses at different proficiency levels (mid-level and high-level). By comparing the differences, you'll gain valuable insights into the key elements that contribute to achieving a top score on the TOEFL exam.
Listen to the audio recording to hear a mid-level answer to the provided question.
Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The female speaker, um, she is not very sure about the textbook rental system. She thinks, uh, that if books are damaged or lost, it might cost more in fines. She also like to keep her textbooks for future, um, reference, which renting doesn't allow. She is worried about the availability of books, like, what if the book she need isn't available? But she, uh, agrees that saving money and helping the environment is good. She is, um, cautious about the system, weighing pros and cons. She, uh, hopes it works out, but she is not fully convinced yet.
Rater’s Comment:
The response earns a score of 1 due to significant language and delivery issues. Language errors include subject-verb agreement, as in "She also like to keep her textbooks," and pronoun reference errors, such as "what if the book she need isn't available?" Delivery is hindered by excessive filler words like "um" and "uh," which appear in nearly every sentence, causing unnatural pauses and choppy speech. For instance, "The female speaker, um, she is not very sure..." demonstrates these issues. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like concerns over fines and book availability, and lacks depth in supporting points. The response is minimally connected to the task, with vague expressions and limited coherence. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, ensuring grammatical accuracy, and developing more structured and detailed content.
Listen to the audio recording to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.
High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The female speaker expresses some reservations about the new textbook rental system. She is concerned about the potential for incurring fines if textbooks are damaged or lost, which could negate the cost savings. Additionally, she prefers to keep her textbooks for future reference, which renting would not allow. She also worries about the availability of required books for rent, fearing that some might not be accessible. Despite these concerns, she acknowledges the potential benefits of saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability. Her opinion reflects a cautious approach, weighing the pros and cons of the system before fully endorsing it.
Rater’s Comment:
The response effectively captures the female speaker's reservations about the textbook rental system, demonstrating a clear progression of ideas. The speaker's concerns about potential fines, the inability to keep textbooks for future reference, and the availability of required books are articulated with precision. The use of complex sentence structures, such as "She is concerned about the potential for incurring fines if textbooks are damaged or lost, which could negate the cost savings," showcases advanced grammar and sophisticated vocabulary. The response maintains a natural flow with smooth transitions, as seen in "Despite these concerns, she acknowledges the potential benefits of saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability." This response earned a score of 4 due to its coherent discourse, effective language use, and clear topic development. The mastery of language and delivery are notable strengths to maintain.
How did you do on this practice test? Whether you're satisfied or see room for improvement, we've got you covered! Our extensive collection of practice materials is designed to help you strengthen your speaking abilities and excel in the TOEFL exam.
Remember, consistent practice is the key to success!
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