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TOEFL iBT Take an Interview: practice prompt 5

One real-format Take an Interview prompt with a model spoken answer and notes on why it scores. Read the interviewer's question, take a few seconds to plan, then answer for about a minute. Speak in full sentences and give a reason for what you say.

The prompt

Many cities are trying to reduce the number of cars in their centres. Do you think that is the right priority for your city? Explain your reasoning.

15 seconds to prepare, up to 75 seconds to speak.

Hear a strong answer

One way this question can be answered well, spoken at the pace and length the task expects. Listen for where the pauses fall, then try it again in your own words and with your own examples.

For my city, no, I don't think it's the right first priority, and I say that as somebody who would love fewer cars. The centre is already choked, but the reason people drive is that the alternative is unreliable rather than unavailable. If you restrict cars before the buses run to a timetable, you haven't reduced traffic, you've just moved the misery onto people with the least money. Get the transport working first, then restrict, and the restriction becomes popular instead of resented. I'd point at the cities that did it in that order, because their centres are the ones people actually enjoy walking in now. So it's a question of sequence for me, not of direction.

Why this earns band 6

  1. Takes a clear position and defends it with reasoning, rather than listing advantages and disadvantages.
  2. The distinction between sequence and direction is the kind of precise idea that lifts an answer.
  3. Concedes the other side in one clause, which sounds confident rather than evasive.

Questions about this answer

What band is this model answer?

It is written to earn the top of the TOEFL iBT scale, band 6, and the notes under it say why.

How long do I get for this prompt?

15 seconds to prepare and up to 75 seconds to speak.

What should I watch for in my own answer?

Takes a clear position and defends it with reasoning, rather than listing advantages and disadvantages.

Answer it yourself, then see your score

Record your own answer and get a score with your transcript in about a minute. Your first test is free, no sign-up.

Record my answer

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