TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Easy (for score 80+) #38

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 my older brother gave me a vintage film camera for my graduation. I’d been talking about wanting one for months, but I never actually expected him to buy it. When I opened the box, I was honestly stunned because it was such an expensive and thoughtful gesture. For me, that moment felt so special not just because of the camera itself, but because it showed how much he truly paid attention to my interests. It was a pivotal moment in my hobby; I started taking photos everywhere I went, which really changed how I see the world. It’s definitely the most memorable gift I’ve ever received because it was so personal. I still use it today, and every time I do, I’m reminded of how much he supports me.

134 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I received a really special gift for my high school graduation. My older brother surprised me with a brand new acoustic guitar. I had been talking about wanting to learn how to play for a long time, but I never actually bought one for myself. It was such a surprise because I didn’t expect him to spend that much money. I felt so happy when I opened the box, and I started taking lessons the very next week. That moment was special because it showed he really listened to my interests. It’s a hobby I still enjoy today, and I think about that day whenever I play.

112 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my case, I usually prefer spending a lot of time searching for the perfect, personalized gift rather than just handing over a gift card. I find that the process of hunting for something meaningful is actually quite exhilarating because it shows the person how much I care. For instance, last month for my sister’s birthday, I didn’t just buy her something generic. I remembered she mentioned wanting to start painting, so I meticulously researched high-quality brushes and a specific set of watercolors she’d love. When she opened it, she was so touched by the effort. I feel like practical gifts can sometimes feel a bit cold, whereas a thoughtful item creates a stronger connection. So, even though it takes way more energy, I think the personal touch is definitely worth it in the end.

135 words

Score 80 — Good

In my case, I usually prefer to spend a long time searching for a personalized gift instead of just giving a gift card. I think that choosing something specific shows that I really care about the person. For example, last month it was my best friend’s birthday, so I spent the whole afternoon looking for a special book that she mentioned months ago. I didn’t want to just give her money or a boring gift card because that feels kind of impersonal. When I finally found it, she was so happy and surprised. I mean, it’s just much better to give a gift that shows I was listening to her, you know? It makes the whole experience more meaningful.

119 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I feel that homemade gifts are definitely more meaningful than store-bought ones. I mean, when you make something yourself, it shows you’ve put actual time and effort into the process. For instance, last year for my mom’s birthday, I didn’t have much money, so I decided to bake her favorite lemon cake from scratch. I spent all afternoon in the kitchen, and honestly, the result was a bit messy, but she was so touched. It resonated with her because she knew I had meticulously crafted it just for her, rather than just grabbing something off a shelf. Because of this, I believe the sentimental value is far greater than any price tag. Ultimately, it’s the thought and personal energy behind the gift that really counts in the end.

129 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I feel that homemade gifts are much more meaningful than store-bought items. Um, the main reason is that they show you really care. Like, last year for my mom’s birthday, I didn’t have much money to buy a fancy present, so I decided to make a photo album of our family trips instead. I spent hours picking out the pictures and writing little notes about our memories. When she opened it, she was so happy and even started crying because it was so personal. I mean, you can buy expensive things at a store, but a homemade gift shows you put in time and effort, and that’s just more special.

111 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it is better to discourage mandatory gift exchanges in the workplace. I mean, they often create unnecessary pressure instead of actual fun. Last year at my office, we did a Secret Santa, and it was honestly kind of stressful. One of my coworkers, Sarah, was really struggling financially at the time, and she felt like she had to spend money she didn’t have just to fit in. It was a pretty awkward situation for everyone involved. Because of this, I believe these activities are inherently exclusionary. Instead of making people buy gifts, offices should focus on low-pressure ways to celebrate, like having a potluck lunch. This way, nobody feels singled out or burdened by costs. So yeah, I’d say it’s better to skip the mandatory gifts to keep the environment friendly and stress-free.

135 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it is better to discourage mandatory gift exchanges at work or school. To be honest, these things can create a lot of unnecessary pressure for people. Like, for example, when I was in high school, we had a Secret Santa event. I was really stressed out because I didn’t have much money to spend on a nice gift. I felt like I had to buy something expensive so I wouldn’t look bad in front of my classmates. It wasn’t fun at all because I was just worried about the cost. So, I think it’s better to keep those activities optional because some people just don’t have the budget for things like that.

114 words