TOEFL Speaking Questions & Samples

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 TOEFL Speaking Questions and Samples
1   Overview
1.1   Introduction
TOEFL iBT Speaking test records your speaking by the computer; then, human examiners will rate your answers. It takes 17 minutes around in total and contains four questions. The topics are usually related to academic activities inside or outside school, such as discussing or summarizing in studying, talking with administrative staff, and expressing an opinion on campus issues.

Here you can kick off your preparation for TOEFL speaking test. Draft the topics, analyze the sample answers, follow speakers' style by audios, and exercise under timing videos and tools. If you finish these materials and are ready for all listed questions, you should confidently deal with over 90% of TOEFL speaking topics.

1.2   Small Vocabulary by Basic Speaking Topic
To help students prepare TOEFL speaking test, we provide nearly 100 small word lists that focus on frequent topics in the TOEFL test scenario. Each vocabulary has meanings and sentences. Some are also recorded as videos on YouTube.

2   Independent Task
2.1   Independent Task's Questions
Independent Task: Question 1
The first question is a straightforward problem with personal preference: usually one or two sentences. You view the issue, prepare, and speak to the microphone directly.

The independent task is limited to one minute: The preparation time is 15 seconds; the response time is 45 seconds.

Question 1 isn't just related to campus scenarios. Candidates may see popular social topics in this question, e.g., whether the Internet is a positive factor for human communication.

Preparing and practicing them in advance is an effective way to help test takers get higher scores. On the page, we collected over 100 TOEFL independent speaking topics for Question 1. They cover common questions of recent years. The topics and questions are organized into two sections:

Section 2.2: Provide sample answers and audio/mock practice for 100 recent TOEFL independent speaking questions. You may follow the style to speak loudly to train your mouth and tongue. You may also prepare your own draft answers and polish them in advance, then memorize your work.

Section 2.3 & 2.4: Recommends more questions in YouTube videos, some with comments and answers. They mock the time frame as precisely as in actual TOEFL speaking test circumstances, by which you may familiarise yourself with the real TOEFL speaking test pace.

2.2   2024 Common Questions and Answers
All TOEFL speaking topics don't need special knowledge or background to answer. If you know these common topics and prepare answers before the test day, you will show more substantial confidence and better fluency. Besides, writing a draft for each question is a shortcut to up your score, so don't miss the list.
The sample answers are only available for VIP users. This is an example.
40: Some people prefer to shop in grocery stores now and then to gather everything they need, while others prefer to go to a supermarket. Which do you prefer and why?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
I prefer to go to the supermarket. Supermarkets typically offer a broader selection of products, often at lower prices, and may be more efficient for people who need to buy a lot of items at once. They may also have additional services, like deli, bakery pharmacy, and a larger range of fresh produce. For many people, the choice between grocery stores and supermarkets may depend on multiple factors, such as budget, convenience, location, and personal preferences. As for me, the main reasons to choose supermarkets are efficiency, savings, and parking easily.
Every day we select one sample answer shown as an example by random. It may be updated the next day. Below are other questions. Their answers are only shown after signing on with a VIP account. If you didn't have yet, HERE are the details.
1: Which do you prefer? Choose to spend your free time with friends or spend your free time alone.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
2: Describe a place you have never been to but would like to go to someday.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
3: If your friends from another country are going to visit your country, where would you suggest they go?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
4: What are the significant features of a cafe or restaurant you like
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
5: In city development, should we keep old buildings or replace them with a new building? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
6: Describe a place, for example, a seashore park in your city that you often visit.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
7: Could you describe an important gift you have and tell us why it is important?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
8: Describe one of your favorite songs or one of your favorite movies.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
9: Describe the most impressive moment in your life.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
10: How do you acquire knowledge? Give us some examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
11: Do you prefer to choose a profession that requires you to work in a group?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
12: Is there any invention that has changed your life most recently? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
13: Which study method do you prefer, online courses or traditional classrooms?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
14: Describe a painting you have seen before. Why do you like it or dislike it?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
15: What kind of friends do you like? Tell the main reason.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
16: What do you like to read in your free time? For example, magazines, newspapers, or books.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
17: Do you like to live with roommates or live alone?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
18: Someone focuses on one job throughout life; others like to change from one position to another. Which one do you think is better? Why?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
19: Some people think life in modern times is easier than our grandparents, do you agree with it?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
20: Do you agree that childhood is the happiest time in your life?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
21: What do you think about a university education? Some people think it's important, and some don't.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
22: What is the most important invention of the last 100 years? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
23: Do you like to go to an art museum alone or with friends? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
24: Should graduate students teach low-level courses or only be assistants to professors? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
25: Parents should control children's access to social media. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
26: Do you think selecting government leaders from the masses and ordinary residents is a good idea? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
27: People should spend time watching the news from other countries. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
28: Good luck is as important as working hard to achieve success. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
29: Some people think reading or watching negative news is better than positive news. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
30: Schools should record large lectures and upload them to the school website for students to watch. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
31: Should the school spend the same time teaching our own country's history as world history? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
32: Which company do you prefer to work with, a company where you work independently or a company with a tutor to help you?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
33: Some people want to change their appearance, even through surgery. Do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
34: Friends should be able to have different opinions and maintain a good relationship. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
35: If you travel to a new country for a week, do you prefer to travel to a major city or several different places?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
36: Suppose the school decided to close the computer lab because all students have their own laptops. Do you agree or disagree with the decision?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
37: Some people think historical sites should be open to the general public. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
38: Some people think that parents should allow their children to make mistakes. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
39: It is not acceptable to interrupt people when they are talking. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
41: It is impolite to take pictures of strangers without their permission. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
42: Parents are not allowed to check their children's grades without permission from their children. Do you agree or disagree with this school's policy?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
43: Employees shouldn't send personal texts or emails during work hours. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
44: Children at early age should learn independent living skills. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
45: What kind of background is better for government leaders? Law, military, or business. Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
46: More and more people tend to post their personal information online. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of it.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
47: Some people prefer to do difficult tasks at first before finishing easy ones, while others prefer to do easy tasks before completing difficult ones. Which one do you prefer?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
48: You have to be completely honest with your close friends. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
49: Some believe that students should choose what courses to study by themself, while others believe that students' professors should make the decision. Which opinion do you support?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
50: Besides getting jobs after graduation, what other benefits do you think students can get from a college education? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
51: Some people sell the gifts their friends gave them or give the gifts to others. Do you think this is a good idea and Why?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
52: Is it better to praise a good behavior than criticize a bad one? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
53: Universities should require first-year and second-year students to live on campus. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
54: If you and your friends have a misunderstanding, do you prefer to talk about it in a public place or a private place? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
55: If you will choose a new roommate, which of the following qualities do you think is the best: quietness, friendliness, or cleanliness? Explain your response with examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
56: Some people think we should act positively when dealing with difficult situations in our lives. Do you agree with it?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
57: Why do some like to play board games or card games, while others like to play video games by using phones or computers? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
58: Where do you like to study? At home, in a library, or at a coffee shop. Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
59: Video games are completely worthless to children. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
60: Which way do you choose to fulfill the final exam? Research paper, oral exam, or paper examination.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
61: Who do you think should receive scholarships, students with high academic performance or students who need financial aid? Explain your response with examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
62: We can judge a person by an appearance at first glance. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
63: Should people be a humorous or serious attitude when facing difficulties? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
64: Which of the following is the most important for recruiting new employees? Level of education degree, work experience, and interview performance.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
65: Would you prefer to decorate your room with objects like paintings and pictures or leave the wall blank and simple? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
66: Do you think it is better to make friends of similar ages or different ages? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
67: A library is a place for quiet reading or a place to meet and communicate. Which would you choose?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
68: Parents should not let children choose jobs that are difficult to become successful. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
69: If your good friend plans to keep a pet, what advice will you give him?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
70: Your friend wants to build up a restaurant. Please give some suggestions. Include specific reasons and details in your explanation.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
71: Do you prefer to finish things early or wait until the deadline is almost there? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
72: Instead of printing books in paper versions, the university decides to release only an online version of textbooks. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
73: Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being active on a social website.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
74: Which of the three qualities is the most important for starting a business? Creative, friendly and outgoing, and well-organized.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
75: Parents should let their children deal with difficulties from an early age. Do you agree or disagree with it?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
76: The important business meeting should be face-to-face rather than using e-technology. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
77: Should parents lead their children to watch TV, or should children choose shows by themselves? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
78: Which one do you think is better to help do research: the internet or academic books? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
79: Should we choose the major for job hunting or our interests? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
80: Some people want to have a relaxed and unhurried life, do you agree with it?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
81: Do you prefer to get advice from family and friends or learn through personal experience? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
82: Students should wear uniforms in school. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
83: High-salary job or a top personal satisfying career, which is your choice?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
84: A student should do a part-time job or summer internship. Do you agree or disagree with it? 
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
85: Some people believe that we should give a hand in severe cases without hesitation; others argue that we should ensure not to cause new troubles. Explain your response.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
86: Do you want to be a leader or to be a follower? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
87: Should mobile phones be forbidden in some places? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
88: Which is a common choice for your party: restaurant, cafe, or home? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
89: What is the most efficient transportation in your country? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
90: Should the government pay bills for museums? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
91: Big city or small town, in which do you prefer to live? Explain your response with details and examples.
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92: Magazine, novel, poem, which do you prefer to read? Explain your response with details and examples.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
93: Some people believe that students should memorize critical historical data, while others think students don't need to remember. Which point do you agree with?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
94: Universities Should require all students to take humanities courses, such as literature or philosophy. Do you agree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
95: Should professors involve students in regular class discussions? Use specific details and examples in your response.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
96: Do you think governments should pay to save endangered species, or should individuals pay to protect endangered species?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
97: Some people think that being a well-liked person is important, while other people will think that being popular is less important. Which one do you prefer?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
98: Some people prefer to watch the news every day, while others prefer to watch the news once in a while. Which one do you like?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
99: Parents are much easier to raise children today than 50 years ago. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Sample Answer Speak it Practice
100: Is it important to reply to other people's messages in seconds? Use specific details and examples in your response.
Sample Answer Speak it Practice


2.3   Question and Answer Samples with Audio
TOEFL Speaking test is based on machine, speak loudly when exercising is very important to show your speaking skill at real test scenario. Follow the samples and study the styles, try your best!
Sample Set 1

0. What is the best class you have taken in school? Why was it the best, in your opinion? Include details and examples to support your explanation.

1. What makes you choose a restaurant, why is it important to you? Include details and examples to support your explanation.

2. What is your dream job? Include reasons and details in your explanation.

3. Which custom of your country do you think people in other countries should adopt? Include reasons and details to support your explanation.

4. What is the most memorable event in high school? Give reasons why and include details and examples to support your explanation.

5. Describe a moment of obstacle you have to overcome, include reasons and details to support your explanation.

6. Which public place do you enjoy going to? Why do you enjoy going to that? Include details and examples in your explanation.

7. What is the most innovative invention? Explain why that event is memorable. Include details and examples to support your explanation.

8. What is the most popular sport in your country? Why is it popular? Include details and examples in your explanation.




Sample Set 2

0. Some people like to do indoor activities in their free time, and others prefer to enjoy outdoor activities; which do you prefer and why? Include details and examples to support your explanation.

1. If you got extra money, would you save the money or spend it immediately? Include reasons and details to support your explanation.

2. Some people prefer to take a long vacation while others prefer to take several short vacations, which do you prefer and why? Include details and examples to support your explanation.

3. Some people like to watch action movies; others prefer to watch comedies; which type of movie do you prefer, and why? Include details and examples to support your explanation.

4. Some people prefer to travel alone; other people prefer to join a tour group, which do you prefer and why? Include details and examples to support your explanation.

5. Do you like to attend a college or university full-time or part-time? Why do you think your choice is better than the other? Explain by using details and examples.

6. Some people prefer to go to the movie theatre; others prefer to rent a movie, which do you think is better and why? Include reasons and details to support your explanation.

7. Would you prefer to select your own roommate or let the university assign a roommate to you? Include reasons and details to support your explanation.

8. Which do you think is more helpful to the students: internet materials or textbook materials? Why do you think so? Include details and examples to support your explanation.




2.4   Imitate Exercise of Question 1
Imitate the speaking test procedure is a great way to familiarize the real TOEFL speaking test scenario in advance. It helps you to have a perfect performance on test day.
Speaking test is an interactive activity. You need to have the right answer and have to speak out the answer in the right way at the right timing. We recommend 2 Youtube videos, which give test takers 15 questions of Question 1 in each. Following the mock exercises, you will experience preparing and speaking out your answer under strict timeframes. Try them, practice speaking test with the mouth!

TOEFL Speaking Test: Question 1, Mock Exercises (1-15)




TOEFL Speaking Test: Question 1, Mock Exercises (16-30)




3   Integrated Task
3.1   Integrated Task's Questions
Integrated Task includes question 2, 3, and 4
The next two questions (Question 2 and Question 3) test your reading and listening skills together. You will read a passage and then listen to a passage, finally speak out your answer.

Question 2 or Question 3 has 30 seconds preparation time and 60 seconds response time in addition to reading and listening to the question.

The last question (Question 4) doesn't have the reading part; you will answer after listening to some academic stuff.

Question 4 has 20 seconds preparation time and 60 seconds response time in addition to listening to the question.

Question 2 is for Campus related - Passage, Conversation

  • A reading passage (75–100 words) describes an issue.
  • A listening passage (60–80 seconds, 150–180 words) comments on what you read
  • You summarize your opinion by reading and listening.

Question 3 is for Academic - Passage, Lecture

  • A reading passage (75–100 words) defines a term, process, or idea from an academic subject.
  • An excerpt from a lecture (60–90 seconds; 150–220 words) provides details to illustrate reading content.
  • You combine essential information from reading the passage and lecture.

Question 4 is for Academic - Lecture

  • An excerpt from a lecture (90–120 seconds; 230–280 words) explains a term and gives examples about that term.
  • You summarize the talk and demonstrate your understanding of the lecture.
3.2   Question and Answer Samples with Audio
TOEFL speaking tests' Question 2 and 3 are integrated with reading, listening, and oral summarizing. The question usually requires to read a passage and to listen to a related conversation. The final problems are similar: what does he/she think and why? Based on what you read and listen to, you should have sufficient information to answer.
Since Aug 1, 2019, TOEFL has adjusted the iBT test. The speaking section has been changed to four questions from six questions. The original Question 2 has been merged to the new Question 1. The original Question 3 Question and 4 become new 2 and 3. The original Question 5 has been removed. The original Question 6 becomes new Question 4. Some old training audio/video materials may still use old identifiers, which shouldn't confuse you.
Sample Set for Question 2
This sample includes below scenarios, the reading passages are in Youtube links too.
  • Closure for the Evening Class
  • Welcome, Freshman Students!
  • Plan to Enlarge the Library
  • Library Renovation plan


Sample Set for Question 3
Question 3 is about an academic topic (business, psychology, geology, biology, etc.) You then have to listen to a lecture related to that topic. This sample includes the below scenarios, and the reading passages are in Youtube links too.
  • Remorse
  • Forgetting
  • Cyclic Population Change


Sample Set for Question 4
Question 4 is related to academic topics. You are asked to summarize a lecture based on listening materials. Your noting ability helps very much in the test. Make sure to take notes as many as you can. This sample includes the below scenarios.
  • Two types of innovations: intentional and accidental innovations.
  • The exotic species impact ecosystem.
  • A biological clock or external factor controls an organism.
  • The broad and narrow definition of a tool.


This sample includes the below scenarios.
  • Decrease perceived waiting time.
  • Two different types of camouflage to confuse a predator.
  • Predicative and descriptive data mining.
  • Emotional recall and use in play.


4   Recent Test Questions
4.1   Question List
In real TOEFL writing tests, similar or near topics occur from time to time. Getting new speaking test questions and practicing them is a common way to prepare for the TOEFL test. These questions can help to imitate test scenarios.

This section presents two latest questions for independent and integrated parts each. They are from memories of recent test-takers or the Internet. We only keep the latest ones here. To get previous questions, please select related links.

Independent Speaking  More Independent Speaking Questions
2024-05-26: Question 1: Explain a Choice
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students should be highly organized to be successful in school.

Use specific details and examples in your response.

Recent Tests:
  • 2024-05-26
  • 2024-05-11
2024-05-18: Question 1: Explain a Choice
Some people believe old people should not take risks or participate in adventurous/challenging events as young people do. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Use details and examples to explain your opinion.

Recent Tests:
  • 2024-05-18
  • 2024-03-10
  • 2023-07-15
Integrated Speaking  More Integrated Speaking Questions
2024-06-12: Question 2: Campus-related
Reading: The university newspaper mentioned that the university will launch a virtual campus tour, which benefits people who want to apply to this university.

Then, listen to students discussing the topic.

The students express their opinions about the topic. State their views and explain the reasons.

Student: agree
  • Point 1: It is beneficial to applicants, saving them time, money, and energy. For example, she is an international student, and it was very tough for her to visit the school;
  • Point 2: It is beneficial to first-year students who want to understand the school and the surrounding situation.
Recent Tests:
  • 2024-06-12
2024-06-12: Question 3: Academic
Paleoendemic species: animals and plants that live only in a specific area.

The professor's example was a reptile in New Zealand. Its skeletal remains prove that it once existed all over the world. Why is it only in New Zealand now? because New Zealand was not an island before but a continent. Later, the plates moved, and the predators on the mainland wiped out the reptiles in other places, leaving only New Zealand.

Using an example, explain Paleoendemic species.

Recent Tests:
  • 2024-06-12