TOEFL Independent Speaking Samples

An easy way to get a high score on the TOEFL independent speaking tasks is to think of your answer as a mini essay. Of course, you have only 45 seconds in total, so your introduction and conclusion may be only one line each. Even so, by including them, you provide a complete answer.INTRODUCTION: The introduction should immediately answer the question asked in the task. State clearly what you are going to speak about or what you prefer. This is like the thesis statement in an essay.BODY: The body is where you provide the reasons, details or examples to explain or support your answer.CONCLUSION: Your last sentence allows you to conclude in a logical, powerful and convincing way.Let’s look at some sample TOEFL speaking tasks below. You can practice for your exam by reading the answers aloud. In this way, you’ll have a better idea how to structure your own answer on exam day.Sample 1: Describe something that you do to reduce stress. Explain why it is helpful. Include details and examples to support your answer.IntroductionReading books helps me to relieve stress like nothing else can.BodyThis is true for several reasons. First, when I read a book I mentally enter the world of ideas. I can forget my day-to-day worries.Second, from an emotional angle, reading is a solitary act. It enables me to spend time alone, away from others. This helps me feel more peaceful.Third, from a physical perspective, reading allows me to stop working and relax my body. At home, I like to read while lying in bed or on the sofa.ConclusionThe act of reading transports me to another world. That’s why books are good friends and why reading is such an effective way of reducing my level of stress.ANALYSISThe response above would get a high score for several reasons:WhatIt answered the question fully.HowIt was grammatically correct.It used simple, clear vocabulary.WhyIt spoke about the actual topic, and not some other topic.It proceeded logically, from introduction to body to conclusion.It used transition words, such as first, second and third.It gave three reasons: mental, emotional and physicalIt gave three details /examples: to forget worries, to feel more peaceful, to lie on bed / sofa The conclusion reinforced the fact that the speaker had understood the task clearly.Sample 2: What is the best quality of a good son or daughter? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.IntroductionI think the most important quality is kindness.BodyThis is because kindness automatically includes so many other qualities. First, kindness implies that a son or daughter is helpful to the parents. This is critical no matter how old the child is.Second, kindness means being respectful. There is nothing that touches parents’ hearts more than being treated well by a child. Conversely, nothing hurts parent more than when a child shouts at them.Last, kindness incorporates so many other positive traits such as thoughtfulness, cooperation, caring, compassion, understanding and so on.ConclusionIn today’s world, having loving parents is a blessing and children of all ages should honour that through their kind actions.Sample 3: What is your favourite day of the year? Use reasons to support your answer.IntroductionMy favourite day of the year is December 31.BodyThis is due to many reasons. Personally, December 31 is full of hope and promise for the year ahead. Like others, I love to make resolutions to improve myself in the coming year. December 31 makes everything seem possible.Professionally, since I have my own business, December 31 enables me to take stock of my strengths and weaknesses. It forces me to make better plans for the next yearSocially, Dec 31 shows me who means the most to me because you usually think of those people on this day. It is a lovely time when people from around the world are united in joy.ConclusionAll days in life are special but December 31 makes me feel the most optimistic, hopeful and thankful of all.Sample 4: Do you like to try new kinds of food or eat the same kind of food all the time? Use details and examples to support your answer.IntroductionI prefer to eat the food I know most of the time.BodyFrom the time I was young, I was always a bit fussy and finicky about eating. I don’t really know the reason why. I never liked to feel an unfamiliar taste in my mouth. It’s almost as if I could tell how foods tasted without trying them, and so I restricted my diet to those foods I really enjoyed.As I got older, I realized that I was actually very healthy, even if I was a little thin. So I continued to eat the foods I loved, when I was at home or in restaurants. I never enjoyed going to people’s homes for dinner because the choices would be limited and I didn’t know in advance what they were going to cook.ConclusionOh well, everyone has their pet peeves and this one is mine!Sample 5: Do you prefer to go out to dinner or stay home and cook a meal? Use reasons to support your response.IntroductionI love cooking in my own home.BodyThere are so many reasons for this. First, financially, it’s impossible to eat out often. You would end up spending a lot of extra money for no reason.Second, health-wise, when I cook at home, I have control and can produce much more nutritious meals. Outside, I have no idea of the quality or quantity of the ingredients they have used.Third, emotionally, cooking at home makes me feel relaxed, happy and secure. It gives me a warm feeling to know that my home smells of the delicious food that I have cooked. I also enjoy sharing a meal with my loved ones.ConclusionThat’s why I only eat out on very special occasions or when I have no choice.