WiFi Network Upgrade - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test with Answers (Integrated)

While the TOEFL Speaking Section assesses general English speaking abilities, the Speaking Integrated Task challenges you in unique ways. This component tests your skill in synthesizing information from both written and spoken sources, requiring you to present your understanding clearly and effectively.

Success in this task requires mastery of multiple language skills: clear pronunciation, natural fluency, appropriate vocabulary selection, and coherent organization. We've designed this Speaking Integrated practice test focused on "WiFi Network Upgrade" to help you develop these crucial abilities.

Ready to strengthen your integrated speaking skills? Let's dive into this practice session and build your confidence in handling complex communication tasks!

Instructions:

• You will first read a short passage about a campus-related announcement or proposed change. You will have 45 seconds to read the passage.
• Then you will listen to a conversation between two speakers discussing their opinions about the announcement or change.
• After the conversation ends, you will be asked to respond to a question about what you read and heard.
• You will have 30 seconds to prepare your response.
• You will have 60 seconds to speak about the speaker's opinion and the reasons they give for holding that opinion.

The university has announced a WiFi network upgrade to improve connectivity and speed across campus.

WiFi Network Upgrade

The university is pleased to announce an upgrade to the campus WiFi network, scheduled to be completed by the end of the semester. This upgrade aims to enhance internet speed and connectivity in all campus buildings, including dormitories and libraries. The new system will support a higher number of simultaneous connections, reducing network congestion during peak hours. Additionally, the upgrade will introduce a more secure login process to protect student data. We believe these improvements will significantly enhance the academic and social experience for all students and staff.

Directions: After the passage appears, a timer located at the top of your computer screen will commence counting down the time allocated for reading. Once the reading time concludes, the passage will disappear from the screen, replacing an image showing a student.

Now, listen to this Audio and answer the question that follows and answer the question that follows.

Directions: Once the lecture concludes, the picture of the two students 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

State the speakers' opinions about the WiFi network upgrade and explain their reasons for agreeing or disagreeing.

Hold on to those answer sheets! Before you jump into the sample response, make sure to go through our top 7 Tips for TOEFL preparation. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Speaking Test - WiFi Network Upgrade

We've provided two sample responses at different proficiency levels (mid-level and high-level). By comparing the differences, you'll gain valuable insights into the key elements that contribute to achieving a top score on the TOEFL exam.

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

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to significant language and delivery issues. Language errors include subject-verb agreement, as in "Speaker A and Speaker B talks," and article usage, such as "done by end of semester." Delivery is hindered by numerous filler words like "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, making the speech choppy and fragmented. Content development is weak, with repeated ideas like "Speaker B thinks it's, uh, good news because the current WiFi is slow," and missing support points, such as the specific benefits of the secure login process. The response lacks coherence and fails to provide a clear, organised account of the speakers' opinions. To score higher, the speaker should focus on reducing filler words, improving grammatical accuracy, and providing a more structured and detailed response.

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

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a score of 4 due to its comprehensive fulfilment of the task's demands, with only minor lapses. Language strengths are evident in the use of advanced grammar structures, such as "Speaker B is optimistic about the upgrade, believing it will improve the current slow and congested network," which demonstrates complex sentence construction. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "optimistic," "sceptical," and "congestion" enhance the response's precision. Delivery is marked by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in "On the other hand, Speaker A is sceptical..." Content development is strong, with a clear organisation and coherent arguments, effectively summarising both speakers' perspectives. The response's mastery is demonstrated through its precise word usage and coherent discourse, making it highly intelligible. The notable strengths to maintain include the sophisticated vocabulary and clear idea progression.

Fantastic job working through this practice test! Looking to push your skills further? We have plenty more practice materials ready to help you tackle any speaking challenges you face.

Your dedication to practice will pay off!

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