Traditional vs Modern Parenting - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)
"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Traditional vs Modern Parenting' along with sample answers to score higher."
Key Highlights
The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task evaluates your ability to express and support personal opinions effectively in English. In this section, you'll need to speak about familiar topics, presenting your views clearly and providing relevant examples to support your perspective. To help you master these skills, we've prepared this comprehensive practice test with sample responses and detailed feedback.
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 believe that traditional parenting methods, such as strict discipline and clear rules, are more effective in raising children. Others argue that modern parenting approaches, which focus on open communication and flexibility, are better. Which approach do you prefer, and why?
Preparation Time: 15 Seconds
Response Time: 45 Seconds
Points to Remember
When addressing the question about traditional vs modern parenting, 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 Parenting
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 modern parenting because it, um, it is more better for children. Modern parenting, uh, it focus on open communication. When parents talk to their child, they can understand them better. This is important because, you know, children need to feel heard. Traditional methods, they are too strict. Modern parenting, it also allows flexibility. Parents can change their methods, um, to fit the child. This is good because every child is different. Traditional methods, they don't allow this. Modern parenting, it helps children grow. Uh, I think modern parenting is better because it is more flexible and open. Traditional methods, they are not as good for today's world.
Rater’s Comment:
The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues in "Modern parenting, uh, it focus on open communication," and incorrect pronoun reference in "Modern parenting, it also allows flexibility." Article usage is flawed in "Parents can change their methods, um, to fit the child." Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt fluency and cause unnatural pauses. Speech clarity is compromised by choppy pacing and fragmented delivery. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas such as "Modern parenting, uh, it focus on open communication" and "Traditional methods, they are too strict," lacking depth and support. The response earned a score of 1 due to minimal content and coherence, with language and delivery issues preventing higher scoring. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and developing more substantial content with clear transitions.
Listen to the audio recording to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.
High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
I prefer modern parenting approaches because they foster open communication and adaptability, which are crucial in today's rapidly changing world. For instance, when I was a child, my parents encouraged me to express my thoughts and feelings openly. This not only strengthened our relationship but also helped me develop strong communication skills, which have been invaluable in my personal and professional life. Moreover, modern parenting allows for flexibility, enabling parents to adapt their methods to suit the unique needs of each child. This personalised approach can lead to more well-rounded individuals who are better equipped to handle life's challenges. In contrast, traditional methods may stifle creativity and hinder a child's ability to think independently. Overall, modern parenting promotes a nurturing environment that supports a child's growth and development.
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 "This not only strengthened our relationship but also helped me develop strong communication skills," demonstrating control over complex sentence constructions. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "adaptability," "personalised approach," and "nurturing environment" 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 progression from personal experience to general observations. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as the personal anecdote about open communication with parents, which effectively illustrates the benefits of modern parenting. The response's coherence and logical progression of ideas, alongside its minor lapses, showcase the speaker's mastery and justify the high score.
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