TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Easy (for score 80+) #30

Listen to each question and give a spoken response. Aim to speak for 20–30 seconds per answer.

Score 100 — Perfect

I clearly remember a time when I visited this small Italian place in downtown Seoul called ‘Pasta Bella’ for my birthday. I ordered their signature truffle cream pasta, and honestly, it was absolutely divine. What made the night so memorable wasn’t just the food; it was the atmosphere. The lighting was really warm and the staff were so friendly, which made the whole experience feel incredibly intimate. Usually, I’m kind of a picky eater, but the flavors were so nuanced that I finished everything on my plate. I mean, it’s rare to find a spot that balances great service with such quality ingredients. Because of this, I left feeling totally satisfied and happy. It was a simple dinner, but it really stands out as a perfect evening that I’ll definitely repeat soon.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

I clearly remember a time when I went to this small Italian restaurant downtown with my best friend last month. We ordered a big pepperoni pizza and some pasta with tomato sauce. Everything tasted so fresh because the ingredients were really high quality. It was a super fun night because we hadn’t seen each other in a long time, so we just talked for hours. The atmosphere was also very cozy and quiet, which made it easy to catch up. I think the reason I liked it so much was just the combination of the great food and the good company. It was a really nice break from my busy school schedule, you know?

114 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my case, I usually prefer sticking to the same familiar spots rather than constantly trying new places. I mean, I’m a creature of habit, right? For instance, there’s this small Italian bistro near my house called Mario’s that I’ve been going to for years. I find the experience incredibly comforting because I know exactly what to expect—the pasta is always cooked perfectly and the staff knows my order by heart. I’d say this preference is **profoundly** influenced by my busy schedule; I don’t want to risk a bad meal after a long day of work. It’s just not worth the stress. So, while some people love the thrill of discovery, I find that returning to a place I love provides a sense of stability. It’s definitely my favorite way to dine out.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

In my case, I usually prefer to visit the same restaurants over and over again. I know it might sound a bit boring, but I’m a creature of habit. When I go to a place I already know, I don’t have to worry about whether the food is going to be good or not because I already have a favorite dish there. For example, there’s this small Italian place near my house, and I’ve been going there for years. I always order the same pasta, and it’s just so comforting. I guess I’m not really an adventurous eater, so I prefer to stick to what I like and things like that.

111 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I believe that the atmosphere and company are far more important than just the food itself. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love a good meal, but for me, dining out is really about the experience. For instance, last month I went to this tiny Italian place called ‘Bella Roma’ with my best friend. The food was just okay, but the lighting was so warm and the staff was incredibly welcoming, which made our conversation feel so much more meaningful. It was a **profoundly** enjoyable night because we could actually relax and connect. If the place had been super noisy or cold, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it at all. It’s the vibe that creates a lasting memory. So, I’d say the environment is **inherently** more valuable than the meal.

134 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I believe that the atmosphere and service are more important than just the food. I mean, you can eat good food at home, right? But when I go to a restaurant, I’m looking for an experience. For example, my favorite Italian place has really dim lighting and soft music, and the waiters are always so friendly. It makes the whole night feel special. If the food is okay but the service is bad or the place is too loud, I just don’t have a good time. So, for me, it’s definitely the vibe and the people I’m with that make the meal memorable, and things like that really matter more.

111 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it is a bit too much to force every single restaurant to do this. Actually, I totally understand why it’s helpful for big chains, but for small, independent cafes, it’s just not practical. I mean, I have this favorite local coffee shop in my neighborhood, and they change their menu almost every week based on what’s fresh. If they had to meticulously calculate the exact calories and nutrition for every single pastry or seasonal drink, it would be a huge burden. It’s an inherently expensive and time-consuming process for a small business owner. Instead of a strict mandate, maybe we could encourage them to provide this info online rather than printing it on every menu. So, while transparency is good, I don’t think local governments should impose such a rigid rule on small shops.

136 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it is a bad idea to make every restaurant show nutrition facts. Um, well, for big fast food chains, it’s probably fine because they have the money and the staff to do it. But for small, independent cafes, it’s just too much work. Like, my favorite local coffee shop changes their menu items a lot, and they don’t have a big team to calculate all those numbers. If the government forces them to do it, it would be a huge burden for the owners. They would have to spend so much time and money on paperwork instead of focusing on their coffee and food. So, I think it’s just not fair for small businesses.

116 words