TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Easy (for score 80+) #15

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

Score 100 — Perfect

I remember a birthday when I turned twenty-five, and it was honestly the most memorable one I’ve ever had. My friends decided to organize a surprise camping trip in the mountains, which was such a departure from my usual, quiet dinners at home. I was actually expecting a simple cake, but instead, they drove me out to this beautiful spot near a lake. It was quite an exhilarating experience because we spent the whole night sitting around a bonfire, talking and laughing under the stars. The reason it stands out so much is that it felt so spontaneous and genuine. I mean, they put so much effort into planning it just for me. Because of this, it remains a cherished memory that I still think about whenever I want to feel happy.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a birthday when I turned twenty. It was actually a really big surprise for me. My friends told me we were just going to a quiet dinner, but when I walked into the restaurant, they were all there waiting for me. I was so happy because I didn’t expect a party at all. We ate a lot of good food, like pizza and cake, and we talked for hours. It stands out in my memory because it was the first time my friends planned something like that for me. It made me feel really special and loved. It was just a simple night, but I still think about it a lot because it was so much fun.

119 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my case, I prefer keeping my birthdays pretty low-key with just a couple of close friends. Honestly, I’m not really into big, loud parties. I find them a bit overwhelming, you know? Instead, I’d rather have a quiet dinner at home or maybe go to a nice café. For instance, last year on my birthday, I invited my two best friends over to my apartment and we just ordered pizza and played board games all night. It was such a relaxing experience, and it really resonated with me because I could actually talk to everyone without shouting over loud music. Because of this, I feel much more connected to my friends. So yeah, for me, a small, intimate gathering is definitely the best way to celebrate another year.

129 words

Score 80 — Good

In my case, I prefer to spend my birthday with just a small group of my closest friends. I’m not really a big fan of large parties because they can be kind of overwhelming, you know? I usually just invite two or three friends to my favorite restaurant for a nice dinner. We just talk, eat good food, and have a relaxing time together. It’s definitely more comfortable for me than a loud party. Also, it’s much easier to have real conversations when there aren’t too many people around. So yeah, I just really enjoy those quiet, private moments because they feel more special and meaningful to me.

108 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I believe that spending a fortune on birthdays is actually unnecessary. I mean, it’s not really about the price tag, right? It’s more about the thought you put into it. For instance, last month for my sister Sarah’s birthday, I didn’t have much money, so I just cooked her favorite pasta dish at home and we watched a movie. It was such a **pivotal** moment for us because we just talked for hours, and she told me later it was the best gift she’d received in years. I think spending a ton of money can feel kind of forced. When you focus on simple, personal gestures, the connection you share with someone is **inherently** more meaningful. So, no, I don’t think big, expensive parties are worth the cost at all.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I believe that spending a lot of money on birthday parties is not really necessary. I mean, for me, the most important part of a birthday is just spending quality time with friends and family. Um, last year, my friends and I just had a small dinner at home instead of going to an expensive restaurant. We cooked some food and played board games, and it was actually a lot of fun. I think people don’t need to spend a lot of money to show they care about someone. So, I feel that just being together and talking is enough to show appreciation. It’s really the thought that counts, not the price of the gift or party.

118 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a fantastic idea for schools and offices to celebrate birthdays. Honestly, it’s all about morale. When people feel recognized, they’re just more motivated to work or study hard. For instance, back when I was an intern at a marketing firm in Seoul, my boss once surprised me with a small cake during our lunch break. It was such a spontaneous gesture, but it honestly made me feel so valued and connected to the team. Because of this, I think even a simple group celebration is enough to foster a positive environment. It doesn’t have to be a full day off, but acknowledging someone’s special day creates a sense of belonging. As a result, I truly believe that official recognition of birthdays is a simple way to improve the overall culture in any setting.

138 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a really nice idea for schools or workplaces to celebrate birthdays. Um, I mean, it’s just a great way to make people feel special. Like, when I was in high school, my teacher would sometimes bring in cupcakes for students on their birthdays, and it honestly made the whole class feel a lot closer. It’s just a simple gesture, but it really boosts everyone’s mood. If a company did something small, like a quick break or a group lunch, it would probably help employees feel more appreciated by their boss. So yeah, I think it’s a good way to build a positive environment for everyone.

110 words