TOEFL 2026 Speaking Interview Practice for Beginners #8
Take an Interview — four connected questions on one topic, with a sample answer for each.
Watch & speak along
Play the video and answer out loud before you open the model answers.
Take an Interview
Listen to each question and answer out loud. You have 45 seconds for each answer, and there is no preparation time. Try it first, then open the sample answer.
An interviewer asks you four questions about friends and family. They start with you and get a little wider each time. Use the beginner formula for every answer: Answer, Reason, Example, Wrap-up.
Can you tell me about your family?
Start withThere are … people in my family.
Show Answer
There are four people in my family: my parents, my younger brother, and me. My dad works at a bank, and my mom is a nurse. My brother is in high school, and he loves soccer. We are all busy during the week, so we eat dinner together on Sunday. My family is not perfect, but we laugh a lot. I feel lucky to have them.
Why it works: Start with how many people and who they are. Give one short detail about each person, then one family habit (Sunday dinner). The ending adds a feeling, which is an easy way to finish a describe question.
Tell me about a time a friend helped you.
Start withLast year, my best friend…
Show Answer
Last year, my best friend Jisoo helped me a lot. I was moving to a new apartment, and I had too many boxes. I asked a moving company, but it was too expensive. So Jisoo came on a Saturday morning with her car. We carried boxes all day and ate pizza on the floor at night. Without her, I could not finish in one day. Since then, I always help her when she needs me.
Why it works: Say who helped and when, then the problem (too many boxes, too expensive). Tell what your friend did step by step, then the result (finished in one day). The last line shows what the experience changed.
Do you prefer spending time with old friends or making new friends? Why?
Start withI prefer spending time with…
Show Answer
I prefer spending time with old friends. First, I feel comfortable with them. I don't have to worry about what I say. Second, they know my story, so they understand me quickly. For example, when I had a bad day at work, my old friend knew how to make me feel better without asking many questions. Of course, new friends can be fun. But old friends feel like family to me.
Why it works: Pick one side, then two reasons with First and Second. The bad day at work is a short, real example. "New friends can be fun" shows the other side before the wrap-up.
Do you think families today spend enough time together? Why or why not?
Start withNo, I don't think…
Show Answer
No, I don't think families today spend enough time together. Parents work late, and children are busy with school and academies. Also, at home, everyone looks at their own phone. For example, at many restaurants, I see families eating without talking because they are watching videos. I think families should make one rule, like no phones at dinner. Small changes like this can bring families closer.
Why it works: A clear no first. Two reasons (busy schedules, phones) and one thing you have seen as the example. Suggesting one simple rule is a strong way to end an opinion answer.
Every answer graded, for less than one tutoring lesson.
You heard the model answers. Record all 11 in a full TOEFL test and each one gets a band from 1 to 6 and a line by line note, like this sample.
I think it is important because hobbies makesmake people more creative inat work, and they come back more freshfresher.
That was one answer. Your full test has 11. Every one gets this.