TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Easy (for score 80+) #39

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 received a hand-knitted scarf from my grandmother for my twenty-first birthday. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything too fancy, but when I opened the box, I was just moved by how much time she must have spent on it. See, she had been having some trouble with her eyesight lately, so the fact that she still worked on it for weeks made the gift feel incredibly profound. It wasn’t just a piece of clothing; it was a symbol of her love and patience. I mean, every time I wear it during the winter, I feel this sense of warmth that goes beyond the wool itself. Because of this, it’s easily the most cherished item I own, and it really stands out as a reminder of our special bond.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I received a handmade photo album from my best friend for my birthday. It was a few years ago, and I was actually feeling pretty down because I had just moved to a new city. She spent so much time collecting all our old photos, and she wrote little notes next to each one. It was just so thoughtful because she knew I was feeling lonely and needed a reminder of our friendship. I mean, it wasn’t an expensive gift or anything, but it really meant the world to me. I still keep it on my shelf today, and I look at it whenever I miss home.

112 words

Score 100 — Perfect

When I choose a gift, I’m definitely the type who plans everything weeks in advance. I think it’s because I want the gesture to feel truly meaningful, rather than just a last-minute chore. For instance, last month I spent forever looking for the perfect vintage camera for my brother’s birthday. I searched through so many online shops until I finally found one in great condition. I’d say my approach is meticulously planned because I love seeing the look on someone’s face when they realize I actually remembered their specific interests. It’s not just about the item; it’s about the thought behind it. I mean, giving something personal creates a much stronger connection. So, even though it takes a lot of time and effort, I think this careful approach is honestly the best way to show someone you care.

138 words

Score 80 — Good

When I choose a gift, I usually like to plan everything well in advance because I get really stressed out if I wait until the last minute. I mean, I prefer to take my time and look for something that the person actually needs. For example, last month I spent two weeks searching for the perfect watch for my brother’s birthday. I wanted to make sure it was something he would really like and use every day. I think I have this approach because I don’t want to buy something useless just to get it over with. So, shopping early helps me feel more relaxed and makes the whole process a lot more enjoyable for me.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly prefer to give thoughtful, handmade gifts rather than just buying something expensive. I think the effort you put into a gift is what really resonates with the person receiving it. For instance, last year for my mom’s birthday, I didn’t have much money, so I decided to make a scrapbook for her. I spent hours printing out photos from our trip to Jeju Island and writing little notes about our favorite memories together. When she opened it, she was genuinely moved, and I could tell it meant way more to her than a generic piece of jewelry would have. Giving something personal shows that you’ve really invested your time and energy into the relationship. Because of this, I’ll always choose a heartfelt, personal gift over an expensive store-bought item.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly prefer to give thoughtful gifts instead of expensive ones. I think that when you put time and effort into a present, it really shows how much you care about the person. For example, last year for my best friend’s birthday, I didn’t have much money to buy a fancy watch or anything like that. So, I decided to make a photo album of all the fun memories we had together over the years. She actually cried when she opened it because it was so personal. It just felt way more special than a store-bought item, and it’s something she still keeps on her desk today.

108 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think that a policy of banning gift-giving is actually a bit too extreme. I mean, while I get that it can cause financial stress, I believe gift exchanges are inherently important for building relationships. For instance, at my last internship, our team did a ‘Secret Santa’ event. It was a small, low-budget exchange, but it really helped everyone bond and feel more connected. I think the key isn’t a total ban, but rather setting clear, modest price limits. This way, people don’t feel the pressure to spend a lot of money to keep up with others. If you just allow people to participate voluntarily, it keeps things fair and fun without forcing anyone into a difficult situation. So yeah, I’d say moderation is better than a strict policy.

129 words

Score 80 — Good

I think that a policy of no gift-giving at work is actually a good idea. You know, workplaces can be pretty stressful, and I feel like buying gifts for coworkers just adds to that pressure. Like, sometimes people don’t have much extra money, so they feel bad if they can’t buy something expensive. If everyone is forced to participate in a holiday gift exchange, it can feel more like a chore than a fun celebration. It’s better to keep things fair and avoid that kind of financial stress. So yeah, I’d prefer if offices just didn’t do it, because then everyone can just relax and enjoy the holidays without worrying about money or buying gifts.

115 words