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.

Written vs Verbal Communication - TOEFL Independent Speaking Practice Test

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Written vs Verbal Communication - TOEFL Speaking Practice Test (Independent)

Reena Saini

4 min read

Updated On February 21, 2025

"Prepare for the TOEFL Independent Speaking section with the practice test on 'Written vs Verbal Communication' along with sample answers to score higher."

Key Highlights

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

Effective communication in the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task involves more than just good English. The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task assesses the ability to voice one's personal opinion in a coherent and organized manner. This demonstrates stating a position on the topic and backing it up with reasonable arguments and examples. The answer is supposed to take the form of logical separation- introductory, main supporting points, and conclusion.

Our practice tests for the TOEFL Independent Speaking Task on 'Written vs Verbal Communication' will help you develop these crucial skills while familiarizing you with the exam format. A well-organized answer would highlight the critical thinking and clear communication in English. Remember to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern which will boost your confidence to ace the TOEFL exam.

Let's get started!

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 communicating important information, do you prefer to use written communication, such as emails or letters, or verbal communication, like phone calls or face-to-face meetings? Explain your reasons and provide examples from your experience.

Preparation Time: 15 Seconds

Response Time: 45 Seconds

Points to Remember

When addressing the question about written vs verbal communication, 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 - Written vs Verbal Communication

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, written communication for important information. Emails and letters, they are more clear and, uh, organised. For example, when I was in school, I write a letter to my teacher about a project. It was, like, very detailed. Written communication is, um, more reliable because you can read it again. Also, it is good for record keeping. But, um, sometimes, I use verbal communication. Like, when I talk to my friend about a problem, it is more personal. But, uh, written is better for important things. It is, um, more clear and organised. So, I prefer written communication for important information.

Rater’s Comment:

The response earns a Score 1 due to significant language and delivery issues. Language errors include tense inconsistency, as seen in "I write a letter" instead of "wrote," and incorrect article usage, such as "it is good for record keeping" missing "a." Filler words like "um" and "uh" appear frequently, disrupting fluency, e.g., "I prefer, um, written communication." Unnatural pauses and choppy delivery hinder clarity, while repeated phrases like "more clear and organised" indicate limited content development. The response lacks depth, missing key points like the immediacy of verbal communication. Weak transitions and reliance on basic ideas further limit coherence. To score higher, the speaker should improve grammatical accuracy, reduce filler words, and develop more substantial content with varied vocabulary and clearer structure.

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

High-Level Answer Audio Transcript:

I prefer verbal communication for conveying important information because it allows for immediate feedback and clarification. For instance, during a project at work, I had to explain a complex process to my team. By discussing it in a meeting, I could address their questions instantly, ensuring everyone understood. This interaction also helped build rapport and trust, which is crucial in a team setting. While written communication is useful for documentation, it often lacks the personal touch and can lead to misunderstandings if not phrased correctly. Verbal communication, on the other hand, allows for tone and body language to convey nuances, making it more effective for important matters. Thus, I find verbal communication more efficient and reliable for significant discussions.

Rater’s Comment:

The response effectively addresses the task, demonstrating a preference for verbal communication with clear reasoning and examples. Language strengths include advanced grammar, such as "By discussing it in a meeting, I could address their questions instantly," and sophisticated vocabulary like "rapport" and "nuances." The use of complex sentence structures, such as "While written communication is useful for documentation, it often lacks the personal touch," showcases precise word usage. Delivery is marked by a natural flow and effective pacing, with clear articulation and smooth transitions, as seen in the seamless shift from discussing team interactions to the limitations of written communication. Content development is strong, with well-organised ideas and effective supporting examples, such as the work project scenario. This response earns a score of 4 due to its coherent discourse, mastery of language, and notable strengths in delivery 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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