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.

Writing vs Typing Notes - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Writing vs Typing Notes - 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 'Writing vs Typing Notes' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

Question:
Points to Remember
Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Independent Speaking Test - Writing vs Typing Notes

Mastering the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task requires a combination of clear expression and logical organization. This section evaluates how well you can present and support your views on everyday topics. Our carefully designed practice materials will help you develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in this challenging task.

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 taking notes, some people prefer writing them by hand, while others prefer typing them on a computer or tablet. Which method 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 writing vs typing notes, 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 - Writing vs Typing Notes

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 writing notes by hand because it helps me remember better. When I write, um, I can focus more on what is being said. Writing by hand is, uh, slower, but it makes me think about the information. For example, when I was in school, I write notes by hand and it help me remember. Also, um, writing by hand is more personal. I can draw, you know, diagrams and make it colourful. Uh, I think writing by hand is better for me. But, um, sometimes typing is faster, but I still prefer writing by hand. It is, uh, more effective for me.

Rater’s Comment:

The response demonstrates significant language errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues: "I write notes by hand and it help me remember," and tense inconsistency: "I write notes by hand" instead of "wrote." Article usage is generally correct, but the response lacks complexity in grammar. Delivery is hindered by frequent filler words like "um" and "uh," and unnatural pauses, particularly after "When I write, um," and "Writing by hand is, uh." These affect speech clarity and pacing, making the response choppy. Content development is limited, with repeated ideas: "writing by hand helps me remember" and "writing by hand is more personal," without substantial support or examples. Weak transitions and self-corrections further detract from coherence. This response earned a score of 1 due to its limited content and coherence, frequent language errors, and delivery issues. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and provide more detailed content with clear examples and transitions.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer typing notes on a computer because it allows for faster and more efficient note-taking. For instance, during lectures, I can type quickly and capture more information than I could by writing. Additionally, digital notes are easier to organise and search through, which is particularly useful when revising for exams. I remember a time when I had to prepare for a history exam; having my notes typed meant I could easily find specific topics using the search function. Moreover, typing reduces the physical strain on my hand, especially during long sessions. Overall, typing notes enhances my productivity and helps me stay organised, making it my preferred method.

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 my notes typed meant I could easily find specific topics," demonstrating control over complex sentences. Sophisticated vocabulary choices like "efficient note-taking" and "physical strain" enhance the response's precision. The delivery is fluid, with a natural flow and effective pacing, as seen in the smooth transition from discussing speed to organisation benefits. Articulation is clear, with no significant pronunciation issues. Content is well-organised, with coherent arguments supported by specific examples, such as the history exam preparation anecdote. The response's strengths include its clear idea progression and the ability to maintain coherence throughout, showcasing mastery in both language use and topic development.

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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