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 Skills - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Traditional vs Digital Skills - 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 Skills' 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 Skills

The TOEFL Independent Speaking section challenges you to share your views on familiar topics with clarity and confidence. Success requires not only good English skills but also the ability to structure your response effectively within the time limit. These practice materials will help you develop both the language and organizational skills needed for a high 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:

In today's world, some people believe that traditional skills like handwriting and mental arithmetic are still important, while others think that digital skills such as typing and using calculators are more essential. Which do you prefer to focus on, and why?

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about traditional vs digital skills, 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 Skills

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 think, um, digital skills is more important today. Like, you know, typing and using calculators are, uh, very useful. In my school, we use computers a lot, and it help us to do work faster. Also, um, digital skills are, like, needed in many jobs. For example, when I was, uh, working in a shop, I had to use a computer to, um, check stock. But, uh, traditional skills like handwriting is also good. They are, um, important too. But, uh, digital skills are more, um, needed now. So, I prefer to focus on digital skills because they are, um, more useful.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "digital skills is more important" and "it help us to do work faster." Tense inconsistency is evident in "when I was, uh, working in a shop, I had to use a computer to, um, check stock." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "like" are pervasive, disrupting fluency and causing unnatural pauses. The speech is choppy, with unclear articulation and uneven pacing. Content is repetitive, as seen in "digital skills are, like, needed in many jobs," and lacks depth, failing to provide substantial support for the preference stated. Transitions are weak, and the response lacks coherence. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more structured, supported arguments.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer to focus on digital skills, as they are more relevant in today's technology-driven world. For instance, being proficient in typing and using digital tools is crucial for most jobs. In my experience, when I interned at a marketing firm, my ability to quickly type and navigate software significantly improved my productivity. While traditional skills like handwriting are valuable, digital skills offer more practical benefits in modern society. Moreover, digital skills are constantly evolving, providing opportunities for continuous learning and adaptation. This adaptability is essential in a rapidly changing job market. Therefore, prioritising digital skills not only enhances employability but also ensures one remains competitive and efficient in various professional settings. Overall, digital skills are indispensable in today's interconnected world.

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 "being proficient in typing and using digital tools is crucial," and sophisticated vocabulary like "technology-driven world" and "interconnected world." Complex sentence constructions, such as "Moreover, digital skills are constantly evolving, providing opportunities for continuous learning and adaptation," demonstrate precise word usage. 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 experience to broader implications. The content is strongly organised, with effective supporting examples, such as the internship experience, and a clear progression of ideas, culminating in a coherent argument about the indispensability of digital skills. The response's notable strengths include its articulate expression and logical structure, which should be maintained.

Congratulations on completing this practice test! Looking to further enhance your speaking abilities? Our comprehensive practice materials are specifically crafted to help you identify and overcome your challenges in the TOEFL Speaking section.

Success comes with dedication and regular practice!

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