TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Easy (for score 80+) #32

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 decided to cook a traditional Korean dinner for my roommate, Sarah, who had never tried kimchi stew before. I was actually pretty nervous because I wanted it to be perfect, but I accidentally added way too much chili powder. The soup was incredibly spicy, and it was kind of a disaster at first! I had to **meticulously** balance the flavor by adding extra tofu and sugar to tone down the heat. It was a stressful moment, but we ended up laughing about it while we ate. It was a **pivotal** experience for me because it taught me that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable. That meal really brought us closer together, and it remains one of my favorite memories from that year.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I tried to make spaghetti carbonara for my best friend’s birthday. I’d never cooked it before, so I was actually pretty nervous about getting the eggs just right. I mean, it’s easy to mess up and end up with scrambled eggs instead of a creamy sauce! I followed a recipe online very meticulously, and it turned out surprisingly well. My friend loved it, and we had such a great time laughing and eating together in my small kitchen. It’s a memorable experience for me because it was the first time I felt confident enough to cook a fancy meal for someone else. It was just a really fun and special night.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I’m definitely the type who prefers quick and simple meals. Honestly, I don’t really have the patience to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day. I usually just throw together something easy, like a stir-fry or a quick salad. For instance, last Tuesday, I was exhausted from work, so I just grabbed some frozen dumplings and veggies, and that was dinner. I think I’ve developed this habit because my schedule is just so packed; it’s inherently difficult to find time for elaborate cooking. I’ve found that keeping things simple is a more sustainable approach for me. Not only that, but it lets me focus on other hobbies in the evening. So yeah, for me, efficiency in the kitchen is definitely the way to go.

130 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I actually prefer quick and simple snacks rather than spending hours in the kitchen. I’m a busy student, so I usually just make things like sandwiches or instant noodles because they’re fast and easy. I don’t really have the time or the energy to cook elaborate meals after a long day of classes. I think I developed this habit because my parents were always working when I was growing up, so we often relied on quick meals at home. It just became a normal routine for me. I mean, I do enjoy eating delicious food, but for me, cooking is just about getting something in my stomach quickly so I can finish my homework.

118 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly believe that cooking at home is far superior to dining out, even if it takes a lot of time. I mean, there’s something special about knowing exactly what goes into your food. For instance, my mom taught me how to make her signature kimchi stew, and honestly, no restaurant can replicate that taste. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s the process. When I cook, I find the experience incredibly therapeutic after a long day of work. I meticulously prepare the ingredients, which helps me clear my mind and de-stress. Not only that, but it’s also much healthier and more cost-effective. While dining out offers variety, the comfort of a home-cooked meal is inherently more satisfying. So, for me, the effort is always worth it.

128 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly believe that eating home-cooked meals is much better than going to restaurants. Even though cooking takes a lot of time and effort, I think it’s worth it because you can control exactly what goes into your food. Like, when I cook at home, I can use fresh vegetables and less salt, so it’s a lot healthier for me. Also, it’s much cheaper than dining out all the time, and that helps me save money for other things. I mean, restaurants are okay for special occasions, but I just prefer the comfort of a meal made in my own kitchen. It’s just a better experience for me overall.

110 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a fantastic idea for schools and workplaces to promote healthy eating. Actually, I feel like many people don’t really know how to cook nutritious meals, so providing free classes could be quite transformative. For instance, at my last office, the cafeteria only served greasy fast food, and honestly, I felt sluggish every single afternoon. If they had offered a simple cooking workshop or even just healthier lunch options, my productivity would have improved significantly. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about creating a culture where well-being is a priority. When companies or schools take an active role, it makes healthy living feel much more accessible to everyone. So, yeah, I’m wholeheartedly in favor of these programs because they’d help us form better habits that last a lifetime.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a great idea for schools and workplaces to encourage healthy eating. Um, honestly, most people are just too busy to cook at home, so they end up grabbing fast food. If schools or offices offered free cooking classes, it would help everyone learn how to make simple, healthy meals. Also, it’s really important that cafeterias provide nutritious options because when you’re at work, you just eat whatever is available, right? So, if the only choices are unhealthy, you’re stuck. But if they provide better food, it makes it much easier for people to stay healthy without even thinking about it. It’s just a really helpful way to support everyone.

114 words