Traditional vs Modern Communication - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Scoring in the TOEFL Speaking section needs you to focus on preparation and attempt realistic practice tests. To help you with the skills, we've created personalized TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Tests with Sample Answers. These tests simulate actual exam conditions, highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, and familiarizing you with the assessors' criteria.

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:

When communicating with friends and family, do you prefer using traditional methods like face-to-face conversations and handwritten letters, or modern methods such as texting and social media? Explain your reasons for your preference.

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about traditional vs modern communication, 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 Modern Communication

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:

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 "They is, uh, very fast," and repetitive phrases like "I can see photos and updates." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words, such as "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, particularly after "I prefer, um, modern methods." Speech clarity is affected by choppy pacing and fragmented delivery. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "texting is fast" and "I can send messages quickly," lacking substantial support or transitions. The response is largely formulaic and fails to sustain a coherent argument. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more varied and supported content.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

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 is not possible with traditional methods," and sophisticated vocabulary like "fostering a sense of connection." Complex sentence constructions are evident in phrases like "While face-to-face conversations are irreplaceable for their personal touch, modern communication methods offer flexibility and immediacy." The precise word usage enhances clarity and coherence. Delivery is marked by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing texting to social media. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the ability to "instantly send a message to a friend across the globe," and a coherent progression of ideas. The response demonstrates mastery in maintaining a balance between efficiency and connectivity, which are notable strengths to uphold.

Well done on finishing this practice test! Whether you're just starting or fine-tuning your skills, we have more practice materials waiting for you. Each test is designed to help you master different aspects of TOEFL Speaking.

Keep practicing, and watch your confidence grow!

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