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.

Verbal vs Written Instructions - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Verbal vs Written Instructions - 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 'Verbal vs Written Instructions' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Verbal vs Written Instructions

In the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task, your ability to express and defend personal opinions is key to success. This section assesses not just your English proficiency, but also your ability to organize and present your thoughts coherently. Our practice tests are designed to help you perfect these essential skills through focused preparation.

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 given a task, some people prefer to receive verbal instructions, while others prefer written instructions. 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 verbal vs written instructions, 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 - Verbal vs Written Instructions

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 written instructions because, um, it is more clear. When I get a task, written instructions help me to remember, uh, what I need to do. For example, when I was in school, I had a project and the teacher give me written instructions. It was very helpful because I can look at it again. Also, written instructions is, uh, easy to share with others. Verbal instructions, they can be forgotten. I think written instructions is better because it is more clear. Uh, I can refer back to it. So, I prefer written instructions because it is more clear and easy to remember.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "written instructions is, uh, easy to share" and "the teacher give me written instructions." Tense consistency is problematic, with a mix of past and present: "I had a project and the teacher give me." Filler words like "um," "uh," and "they can be forgotten" disrupt fluency, alongside unnatural pauses after "because" and "for example." Speech clarity is hindered by choppy delivery and inconsistent pacing. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas: "I prefer written instructions because it is more clear" and "I think written instructions is better because it is more clear." The response lacks depth, with weak transitions and minimal support points. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content, coherence, and delivery issues. To improve, the speaker should focus on grammatical accuracy, reducing filler words, and expanding on ideas with specific examples.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer written instructions because they allow me to refer back to the details whenever necessary. For instance, when I was working on a complex project at university, having written guidelines helped me stay organised and ensured I didn't miss any crucial steps. Written instructions also minimise misunderstandings, as they provide a clear, unchanging reference. In contrast, verbal instructions can be easily forgotten or misinterpreted, especially if they are lengthy or complicated. Additionally, written instructions can be shared with others, facilitating collaboration. Overall, the clarity and permanence of written instructions make them my preferred choice, as they enhance my ability to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.

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 "having written guidelines helped me stay organised," and sophisticated vocabulary, including "minimise misunderstandings" and "facilitating collaboration." The complex sentence constructions, like "In contrast, verbal instructions can be easily forgotten or misinterpreted," demonstrate precise word usage. 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 general advantages. The content is strongly organised, with a coherent progression of ideas supported by specific examples, such as the university project. The response's clarity and coherence, along with its mastery of language and delivery, highlight notable strengths to maintain.

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.

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