TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Easy (for score 80+) #11

Listen to each question and give a spoken response. Aim to speak for 20–30 seconds per answer.

Score 100 — Perfect

I remember a time when I went on a trip to Jeju Island with my best friend right after we finished our final exams. We didn’t really have a plan, so it was a pretty spontaneous trip, which made it feel even more exciting. For instance, we just rented a scooter and drove along the coast without checking a map. I think the highlight was when we accidentally found this tiny, hidden beach at sunset. The view was absolutely exhilarating, and we just sat there for hours listening to the waves. Because of this, that trip really resonated with me because it was the first time I felt truly independent. It wasn’t just about the scenery; it was about the freedom of that moment. That’s definitely a memory I’ll always cherish.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I went to Jeju Island with my family about two years ago. It was our first big trip together in a long time. We went to a beautiful beach and just spent the whole day swimming and eating fresh seafood. What made it stand out was the sunset. I mean, we were sitting on the sand, and the sky turned this amazing bright orange color. It was just so peaceful because we were all laughing and talking together without any stress from school or work. It was a really special moment for us, and I still think about that day whenever I feel tired or stressed out.

112 words

Score 100 — Perfect

When I travel, I tend to be pretty spontaneous rather than planning every single detail. I mean, I usually just book my flights and a place to stay, and then I leave the rest of my schedule wide open. Honestly, I find that over-planning makes me feel trapped, whereas being flexible allows for more **exhilarating** experiences. For instance, last summer when I was in Tokyo, I didn’t have any set itinerary at all. I just started walking around the Shinjuku area and stumbled upon this tiny, local ramen shop that wasn’t on any blog or guide. It turned out to be the highlight of my trip. Because of this, I prefer to keep my plans loose; it’s just a much more authentic way to explore a new culture.

128 words

Score 80 — Good

When I travel, I tend to be pretty spontaneous because I don’t really like following a strict schedule. I mean, if I have a plan for every single hour, I feel like I’m just rushing from one place to another, you know? It’s not relaxing at all. So, I usually just pick a city and maybe book a hotel, but then I just walk around and see what happens. For example, last summer I went to Busan and I didn’t have any plan. I just walked along the beach and found some great cafes and restaurants that I never would have found if I had a list. It’s just more fun that way.

113 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I prefer to travel to distant, exotic locations rather than sticking close to home. I’d say that going somewhere completely different is the best way to grow. When you’re in a foreign country, you’re forced to step out of your comfort zone, which is such a pivotal experience. For instance, last summer I went to Vietnam, and it was a total culture shock. I mean, the language, the food, and the way people live were so different from my life in Seoul. Navigating those differences made me much more open-minded. It’s not that local travel isn’t fun, but I think traveling far away provides a more profound perspective on the world. As a result, I always come back home feeling like I’ve learned something new about myself and other cultures.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I prefer to travel to distant places because it’s just a much better way to learn about new cultures. When you go somewhere far away, everything is different, like the food, the language, and how people live their daily lives. For example, I went to Europe last year and it was so different from Korea. I learned so much because I had to figure out how to talk to people and try new things I’d never seen before. If I just stayed in my own city, I think I would just keep doing the same things every day. So, for me, going far away is definitely the best way to grow.

112 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think this is a fantastic idea, actually. I mean, studying abroad shouldn’t just be for the wealthy; it should be an essential part of the college experience. When I spent a semester in Berlin back in my junior year, it was an incredibly pivotal moment for me. Before that, I only really understood my own culture, but living there, I had to navigate a completely different language and social system. Because of this, I gained a much more nuanced perspective on the world. If universities provided funding, it would allow students from all backgrounds to experience that kind of growth. Not only that, but it builds real independence. As a result, students would graduate as much more well-rounded individuals. So, yes, I definitely think schools should make travel a priority for everyone.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

I think this is a great idea, actually. I mean, I really believe that traveling abroad is important for students. If schools provided funding, it would help so many people who can’t afford to travel on their own. When you go to a different country, you see how other people live and you learn about different cultures, right? It’s not just about reading books in a classroom. You get to meet new people and try new food, and that’s a really special experience. So, yeah, I think universities should definitely make it a requirement because it helps students grow and understand the world better, and things like that are very valuable for their future.

114 words