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 Digital Books - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Traditional vs Digital Books - 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 Digital Books' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

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

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 reading traditional printed books, while others enjoy reading digital books on electronic devices. 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 traditional vs digital books, 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 Digital Books

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, reading traditional books. They are, like, more real. When I read a book, it is, uh, better to hold it. I think, um, the pages feel nice. Digital books, they is not the same. I read a book last week, and it was, uh, a good experience. Traditional books, they are, like, better for eyes. Digital books, they can hurt eyes. I also, um, like the smell of books. It is, uh, nice. Traditional books, they are, like, more real. I think, um, they are better for reading. Digital books, they is not the same. I prefer traditional books.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "Digital books, they is not the same." There is tense inconsistency: "I read a book last week, and it was, uh, a good experience." Filler words like "um" and "like" are pervasive, disrupting fluency. Unnatural pauses occur frequently, affecting speech clarity and pacing. Content development is weak, with repeated phrases like "Traditional books, they are, like, more real," and missing support points, such as specific examples of how digital books hurt the eyes. Transitions are weak, and the response lacks depth, relying on basic ideas. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed, structured content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer reading traditional printed books over digital ones. There's something uniquely satisfying about holding a physical book, feeling the texture of the pages, and even the smell of the paper. For instance, when I read a novel, I find that the tactile experience enhances my immersion in the story. Additionally, printed books don't strain my eyes as much as screens do, which is important for long reading sessions. I also appreciate the opportunity to disconnect from digital devices and the distractions they bring. Overall, traditional books offer a more enriching and focused reading 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 "when I read a novel, I find that the tactile experience enhances my immersion in the story," demonstrating complex sentence construction and precise word usage. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "tactile experience" and "immersion" further enhance the response. Delivery is characterised by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing the physical attributes of books to the benefits of disconnecting from digital devices. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the reduced eye strain from printed books, and a coherent progression of ideas. These elements collectively showcase the speaker's mastery and should be maintained for continued success.

Excellent work on completing this practice! Ready for more challenges? We offer a wide range of practice tests specifically designed to strengthen your speaking skills and boost your TOEFL performance.

Every practice session builds your path to success!

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