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.

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Virtual vs Physical Socialising - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Virtual vs Physical Socializing - 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 'Virtual vs Physical Socializing' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Virtual vs Physical Socialising

Effective communication in the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task involves more than just good English. You need to express your opinions clearly, support them with specific examples, and deliver your response confidently. Our practice tests will help you develop these crucial skills while familiarizing you with the exam format.

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 prefer socializing virtually through online platforms, while others enjoy meeting friends in person. 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 virtual vs physical socializing, 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 - Virtual vs Physical Socialising

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, um, meeting friends in person because it is more real. When I meet friends, we can talk and, uh, see each other. For example, when we meet at a park, we can, like, enjoy the nature together. Meeting in person is more fun. Online is not the same. When I meet friends, we can do activities. Activities like playing games or, you know, eating together. Online, it is not the same. I think meeting in person is better because it is more fun. Uh, I think it is more fun because we can do things together. Online, it is not the same. Meeting in person is better.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant limitations in language use, delivery, and content development, justifying a score of 1. Language errors include subject-verb agreement issues, such as "I prefer, um, meeting friends in person because it is more real," and article usage errors like "we can, like, enjoy the nature together." The response is riddled with filler words, including "um," "uh," and "you know," which disrupt the flow and clarity. Unnatural pauses and choppy delivery further hinder comprehension. Content is repetitive, with phrases like "Online, it is not the same" repeated without elaboration. The response lacks depth, failing to explain why online interactions are less preferable. To improve, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, enhancing grammatical accuracy, and providing more detailed, varied 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 socializing in person because it allows for a more genuine connection. For instance, when I meet friends at a café, I can read their body language and facial expressions, which adds depth to our interactions. This face-to-face communication fosters a stronger bond and understanding. Additionally, physical socializing often involves shared activities, like playing sports or attending events, which create lasting memories. While virtual platforms are convenient, they lack the personal touch and spontaneity of in-person meetings. For example, a spontaneous hug or a shared laugh over a meal is irreplaceable. Thus, I find physical socializing more fulfilling and enriching, as it nurtures relationships in a way that virtual interactions cannot.

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 "when I meet friends at a café, I can read their body language and facial expressions," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "genuine connection" and "spontaneity" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the smooth transition from discussing body language to shared activities. The articulation is clear, ensuring intelligibility throughout. The content is well-organised, with strong supporting examples, such as "a spontaneous hug or a shared laugh over a meal," illustrating the preference for in-person socialising. The response's coherence and logical progression of ideas highlight the speaker's mastery, making it a high-level performance.

Great effort on this practice test! Want to keep improving? Our extensive collection of practice materials is here to help you master every aspect of the TOEFL Speaking section.

Practice makes progress - keep going!

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