University Auditorium - TOEFL iBT® Speaking Integrated Practice Test with Responses
"Prepare for the TOEFL Speaking Integrated Task with the Practice test with sample responses on ‘University Auditorium’ and sharpen your TOEFL speaking skills!"
Key Highlights
The TOEFL Speaking Section checks your overall English speaking skills, but the Speaking Integrated Task is complex. Here, you need to show you can not only speak well but also understand and combine the information you hear and read into one clear answer.
This part of the test looks at many things, like how you pronounce words, how smoothly you speak, the words you choose, and how well your answer makes sense overall. To help you get better at these things, we have a special practice test for the Speaking Integrated Task on the ‘University Auditorium’. So, let's start your practice for the TOEFL Speaking Integrated Task and improve your listening and reading comprehension!
Instructions
- The narrator will introduce you to the question format, consisting of reading a short academic passage followed by a related lecture on a similar topic.
- Subsequently, you will be asked to respond to a question, integrating information from both the passage and the lecture.
- After hearing the question, you will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to deliver it.
- Following the initial instructions, the narrator will prompt you to read the passage on ‘University Auditorium’ within 45 seconds.
- The reading passage will be displayed on the screen for your convenience.
University Auditorium
The university is making way for a brand new auditorium by removing the old one. This historic building, one of the first on campus, is simply showing its wear and tear. Administrators say it has sagging floors, peeling paint, uncomfortable drafts, and outdated decor. The new auditorium will be a refreshing change, boasting a sleek and modern design. There's another reason for the replacement - the current auditorium is too small for our growing student body. The new one will be significantly larger, offering more seats to accommodate everyone.
Directions: A clock displayed at the top of your computer screen will indicate the remaining time for reading. Once the reading time ends, an image of a professor teaching a class will appear on the screen. Then, you will hear the following instructions.
Now, listen to this Audio and answer the question that follows.
Audio Transcript of Speaking Integrated Test on ‘University Auditorium’
Narrator: Now listen to two students discussing the article.
Male Student: Ugh, I wish they wouldn't tear it down.
Female Student: Really? It is pretty ancient though...
Male Student: Yeah, but I dig the vibe. It's got a cool, old-timey feel.
Female Student: Mmm... yeah, it does have a certain charm...
Male Student: It's a big part of the university's past, you know? Like, one of the very first buildings. We should keep it, not demolish it.
Female Student: That's a valid point. But what about making it bigger?
Male Student: I dunno, I don't think they need a bigger one.
Female Student: Well, back then, the university was way smaller, right?
Male Student: True, but have you ever seen it packed? Like, completely full?
Female Student: Uh... not really, now that you mention it.
Male Student: Me neither. Most events have a small crowd. Plays, concerts, whatever.
Female Student: Good point.
Male Student: So, why build a bigger one if the current one works just fine?
Female Student: I get your point.
Directions: Once the lecture concludes, the picture of the professor will be replaced by a screen instructing you to prepare to answer the question. Subsequently, the following question will appear on the screen and will be read aloud by a narrator.
Question:
The man expresses his opinion of the university’s plan. State his opinion, and explain the reasons he gives for holding that opinion.
Preparation Time: 30 Seconds
Response Time: 60 Seconds
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - ‘University Auditorium’
We have provided two sample answers below at varying levels (High-level and Mid-level). By analyzing the distinctions between them, you will acquire valuable insights into the crucial components that will help you in attaining a high score on the TOEFL test.
Listen to the Audio to hear a mid-level answer to the provided question.
Mid-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The man strongly, uh, opposes the university's decision to demolish the old auditorium. He holds this opinion because he considers the auditorium to be special due to its age and distinctive ambiance. Being one of the initial structures erected on campus, he regards it as a significant piece of the university's history that should be preserved. He argues against constructing a new auditorium, stating that the current one still functions well for events. Uh, I don't think they should tear down the old auditorium, you know? I mean, it is like, really old, yeah, but it kinda cool. It have this, uh, old-timey feel, you know, different from other buildings. And also, it like, one of the first buildings here at the university, right? So, it like, a part of history. They should keep it.
Rater’s Comment:
The response touches on the key point of the passage regarding the historical significance of the auditorium. However, the delivery weakens the overall score. The use of fillers ("uh, you know, like") and informal language ("kinda cool") undermines the formality expected in the TOEFL exam. Additionally, while mentioning it has a "different" feel, it would be stronger to elaborate on the specific "old-timey" atmosphere to showcase your ability to describe and express opinions.
Listen to the Audio to hear a high-level answer to the provided question.
High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:
The man adamantly opposes the university's proposal to demolish the aging auditorium. While he concedes the structure's age and possible maintenance requirements, he firmly advocates for its preservation due to its historical significance and distinctive ambiance. He describes the auditorium as exuding a charmingly nostalgic "cool, old-timey feel," which he believes adds depth to the campus's overall character. Furthermore, he underscores its status as one of the initial edifices erected, emphasizing its tangible connection to the university's origins and evolution over time. To him, the auditorium serves as more than just a functional space; it symbolizes the institution's journey and achievements throughout history. Therefore, he urges the university to reconsider its plans and explore alternative solutions that honor and preserve this integral part of its past.
Rater’s Comment:
The response effectively analyzes the conversation about the university's auditorium demolition. You accurately identify the male student's strong opposition and his reasons based on the building's historical significance and unique atmosphere. Phrases like "cool, old-timey feel" and "tangible link to the university's history" demonstrate strong vocabulary usage and a clear understanding of the speaker's perspective. For an even stronger response, you could consider mentioning the female student's counterpoint about the auditorium's size and then explain how the male student ultimately prioritizes history despite this.
What did you think of that Speaking Integrated task? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback and how you would have tackled it under TOEFL exam pressure in the comments below.
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