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.

Traditional vs Contemporary Music - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Traditional vs Contemporary Music - 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 'Traditional vs Contemporary Music' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Traditional vs Contemporary Music

Success in the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task requires both effective preparation and strategic response planning. This section challenges you to express your opinions clearly and support them with specific reasons and examples. Our practice materials will help you develop the skills needed to deliver well-structured, confident responses within the time constraints.

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 traditional music because it connects them to their cultural roots, while others enjoy contemporary music for its modern appeal and innovation. Which type of music do you prefer and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about traditional vs contemporary music, 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 - Traditional vs Contemporary Music

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 traditional music because it connect me to my cultural roots. Traditional music, um, it is very important because it, uh, reminds me of my heritage. For example, when I listen to traditional music, I feel like I am, uh, connected to my ancestors. Traditional music is, um, very soothing and calming. I also like traditional music because it is, uh, very soothing and calming. Contemporary music, it is, uh, not as, um, meaningful to me. Traditional music, it is, uh, very important to me. I think traditional music should be, uh, preserved for future generations. Traditional music, it is, uh, very important to me.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to its limited content and coherence. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "it connect me," and repetitive phrases like "Traditional music, it is, uh, very important to me." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words ("um," "uh") and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. The speaker's pacing is inconsistent, affecting clarity. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas ("Traditional music is, um, very soothing and calming") and missing support for contemporary music's appeal. The response lacks transitions and relies on basic expressions. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammar, reduce filler words, and provide more varied and supported content. Practising smoother delivery and expanding on ideas would enhance coherence and engagement.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer contemporary music because it resonates with my current lifestyle and offers a wide range of genres and styles. For instance, I enjoy electronic music for its innovative sounds and the way it energises me during workouts. Contemporary music often reflects current societal issues, which I find engaging and relevant. Additionally, the accessibility of contemporary music through streaming platforms allows me to discover new artists and trends easily. While traditional music has its charm, contemporary music's diversity and adaptability make it more appealing to me. This preference is not only about entertainment but also about staying connected with the evolving world around me. Thus, contemporary music aligns more closely with my personal interests and daily experiences.

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 "Contemporary music often reflects current societal issues, which I find engaging and relevant," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "resonates," "innovative," and "accessibility" 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 personal enjoyment to societal relevance. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the use of electronic music during workouts, illustrating the speaker's preference. The coherent progression of ideas and the clear argument that contemporary music aligns with personal interests and daily experiences further solidify the response's high score. The speaker should maintain these strengths, particularly the sophisticated vocabulary and coherent argumentation.

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