TOEFL 2026 Speaking Interview Practice for Beginners #1

My favorite food is kimchi stew. I like it because it is warm and a little spicy. My mom makes it every Sunday. She puts kimchi, pork, and tofu in it. When I eat it with rice, I feel very happy. Also, it is good on cold days. It makes my body warm. I can make it too, but my mom's stew is the best. So, kimchi stew is my favorite food.

Why it works: The first sentence answers the question right away. "Because" gives the reason (warm and a little spicy), and the Sunday stew is a real example. "Also" adds a second reason, and "So" closes by repeating the answer.

I remember my grandmother's birthday dinner last year. My whole family went to a Korean barbecue restaurant. There were twelve of us at one long table. We grilled pork and beef, and my uncle told funny stories all night. My grandmother laughed so much. At the end, we sang happy birthday and ate a big cake. The food was great, but the best part was being together. I will never forget that dinner.

Why it works: A memory question needs a short story in the past tense. The first sentence says which meal, then who, where, and what happened, in that order. The last two sentences say why it mattered, so the story has a point.

I prefer eating at home. First, it is cheaper. One meal at a restaurant costs the same as three meals at home. Second, home food is healthier. I can use less salt and oil. For example, I often make fried rice with vegetables and an egg. It takes only ten minutes. Of course, eating out is fun on special days. But for everyday meals, home is better for me.

Why it works: The answer picks one side right away. "First" and "Second" give two clear reasons, and the fried rice is a real example. Saying one good thing about the other side ("eating out is fun on special days") and then coming back to your choice sounds balanced.

Yes, I think everyone should learn how to cook. The main reason is health. When you cook, you know what is in your food. Also, it saves money. For example, my older brother lives alone, and he eats instant noodles every day because he can't cook. Now he feels tired all the time. Cooking simple meals is not hard. So I believe everyone should learn at least a few easy dishes.

Why it works: For an opinion question, say yes or no in the first sentence. Two reasons follow (health, money), then one person as the example. The last sentence repeats the opinion in different words.