TOEFL iBT Mock Test 1 - Speaking
Part of TOEFL iBT Mock Test 1
TOEFL Speaking Section
Task 1: Independent Speaking - Personal Preference
Some people prefer to live in a big city. Others prefer to live in a small town. Which do you prefer and why?
Preparation Time
0:15
Response Time
0:45
Recording Time
0:00
Task 2: Integrated Speaking - Reading & Listening
The reading passage discusses the concept of grit. Explain grit in your own words and give an example of someone who demonstrates grit.
Reading Passage:
Grit is a personality trait that involves passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Psychologist Angela Duckworth defines grit as the combination of passion and sustained persistence. While talent and intelligence are important, Duckworth's research shows that grit is often a better predictor of success than IQ alone. People with grit are willing to work hard even when they encounter obstacles and setbacks.
Listening Script:
The professor discusses the importance of grit in achieving academic success. She explains that students who demonstrate grit are more likely to complete their degrees and pursue advanced studies. For example, she describes a student who struggled with math but spent extra hours practicing and seeking help from tutors. Despite failing several tests initially, this student persisted and eventually mastered the material, graduating with honors.
Preparation Time
0:30
Response Time
1:00
Recording Time
0:00
Task 3: Integrated Speaking - Listening
Using the points and examples from the lecture, explain the concept of cognitive dissonance.
Listening Script:
Today we're going to talk about cognitive dissonance, a psychological concept developed by Leon Festinger. Cognitive dissonance occurs when we hold two contradictory beliefs or when our actions don't align with our beliefs, creating psychological discomfort. For example, imagine someone who believes smoking is unhealthy but continues to smoke. This creates dissonance because their behavior contradicts their belief. To reduce this discomfort, people often change their behavior or justify it by finding ways to minimize the perceived risk. Another example is when someone buys an expensive item they can't afford. They might reduce dissonance by convincing themselves it was a good investment or finding ways to make the purchase seem reasonable.
Preparation Time
0:30
Response Time
1:00
Recording Time
0:00
Task 4: Integrated Speaking - Reading & Listening
Using information from both the reading and the listening, explain what problem-solution fit means in entrepreneurship.
Reading Passage:
Problem-solution fit is a crucial concept in entrepreneurship. It refers to the stage where entrepreneurs have identified a specific problem that needs to be solved and have developed a solution that effectively addresses that problem. This is different from product-market fit, which comes later and refers to having a product that customers actually want to buy. Problem-solution fit requires deep understanding of the target customers' pain points and validation that the proposed solution actually solves the identified problem.
Listening Script:
The professor is discussing problem-solution fit in the context of starting a new business. He explains that many entrepreneurs fail because they try to build solutions without first understanding the actual problems customers face. He gives the example of a student who wanted to create an app for managing study schedules. Initially, the student assumed students needed better organization tools, but after interviewing potential users, he discovered the real problem was procrastination and lack of motivation. The student then pivoted to create an app that combined study techniques with motivational reminders, which much better addressed the actual problem students faced.
Preparation Time
0:30
Response Time
1:00
Recording Time
0:00
Task 5: Integrated Speaking - Listening
Using the example from the lecture, explain the campus policy change and give your opinion about it.
Listening Script:
The university is implementing a new policy regarding parking on campus. Starting next semester, all students will be required to purchase a parking permit, and there will be a $200 annual fee. This change is being made because the current parking situation has become untenable. There are more students than available parking spaces, leading to congestion and safety issues. The new policy will help manage demand and generate revenue to improve parking facilities. Students who don't drive will receive a $50 credit toward their meal plan as compensation.
Preparation Time
0:20
Response Time
1:00
Recording Time
0:00
Task 6: Independent Speaking - Choice
Imagine that you could have dinner with any historical figure. Who would you choose and why? Explain your choice using specific reasons and examples.
Preparation Time
0:15
Response Time
1:00
Recording Time
0:00