TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Hard (for score 100+) #05

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, Min-ho, was finalizing his college applications. We were looking at a top-tier private university, and honestly, the tuition was just astronomical—like, fifty thousand dollars a year. It was a really stressful period because our family didn’t have that kind of liquidity, so he was constantly obsessing over financial aid packages. He felt like his entire future hinged on whether he’d receive a scholarship, which was a pretty heavy burden for a teenager. Eventually, he opted for a public state university instead, which was a much more pragmatic choice. Looking back, that experience profoundly shifted my perspective on education; I realized that the value of a degree is often disproportionate to the tuition price tag. It taught me that fiscal responsibility is just as vital as academic ambition.

135 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when my older brother was choosing between two universities. One was a really famous school, but it was super expensive. The other one was smaller, but they offered him a lot of financial aid. It was a stressful time because my parents were worried about the cost of tuition. So, my brother had to think about whether the name of the school was worth the debt. In the end, he decided to go to the smaller school because it was much cheaper. I think it was a smart choice, but it was hard for him to give up his dream school just because of money, you know?

111 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my case, I tend to view higher education as a pivotal investment, though I’m definitely not blind to the financial strain it causes. When I was applying for my master’s program in Seoul last year, I really had to crunch the numbers because the tuition was honestly quite steep. I mean, it’s a significant chunk of change, right? But I ultimately decided that the long-term career prospects far outweighed the initial debt. The reason I prioritize this is that I’ve seen how systemic barriers can limit professional growth without specialized credentials. For instance, in my field, a degree isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a prerequisite for high-level roles. So, while the cost is a burden, I’d say it’s a calculated risk that profoundly enhances my ability to secure a rewarding career down the road.

137 words

Score 80 — Good

In my case, I tend to look at higher education as a really big investment for my future, but I also worry about the cost. I mean, getting a degree is important because it helps you get a better job and learn new skills, so that’s a huge benefit for me. But, the tuition is so expensive and it can take years to pay back all that money, which is a scary thought. I prioritize the long-term career growth because I think it pays off later, even if the debt is hard to handle at first. So, I guess I weigh the benefits more than the costs, because I want to reach my goals.

114 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I firmly believe that university education should be provided free of charge to all citizens. I mean, when you look at the current landscape, the barrier of entry is just too high for many, which creates a disproportionate advantage for those from wealthy backgrounds. For instance, my cousin back in Seoul had to work two part-time jobs while studying engineering, and it was honestly exhausting; she was so burnt out that her grades suffered, which I think is a systemic failure. If tuition were covered, students could actually focus on their academic performance rather than just surviving. It’s not just about fairness, but about unlocking human potential that’s currently being stifled by debt. So, I’d say that investing in public education is a pivotal step toward a more equitable society where talent, not bank accounts, dictates future success.

139 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I firmly believe that university should be free for everyone. I mean, it’s really important because it gives all students a fair chance to succeed, no matter how much money their family has. Right now, a lot of talented people don’t go to college just because they’re worried about the cost, and that’s a big problem. If education was free, more people would graduate and get better jobs, which would help the whole country grow. I know some people say that paying makes students work harder, but I think students will still be motivated because they want a good career. So, yeah, I think free tuition is the best way to help everyone get ahead.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a mistake to make university education free for everyone, honestly. While the idea sounds great, I’d argue that the systemic costs would just be too high. If you look at a country like Germany, for instance, they provide free tuition, but they also have a massive tax burden that impacts the average household’s disposable income. I mean, I think it’s much more logical to focus on need-based financial aid rather than a blanket policy. If we tax the entire population to subsidize degrees for people who can already afford them, it creates a disproportionate financial strain on the working class. So, instead of universal free tuition, I’d prefer to see that funding directed toward infrastructure or healthcare. Ultimately, I just don’t believe that universal access to degrees should be prioritized over more essential public services.

140 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a really good idea for governments to make university free for everyone. I mean, it’s just so important for people to get a good education because it helps them find better jobs later on. If more people have degrees, then the whole country can grow and become more successful. I know that taxes might go up, but I really think it’s worth it because having a smart, educated workforce is better than spending money on other things. It’s hard for many students today to pay for school, so if the government helps, it’s just a much fairer system for everyone in the end, you know?

110 words