TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Easy (for score 80+) #33

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 tried to cook kimchi jjigae for my friends back in Seoul. It was actually my first time hosting a dinner party, and I was honestly pretty nervous because I wanted everything to be perfect. The recipe was my grandmother’s, so I followed her instructions meticulously, but I accidentally added way too much chili powder at the start. It turned out incredibly spicy, so I had to balance the heat by adding a bit of sugar and extra tofu. My friends were so kind about it, and we ended up laughing for hours while sharing the meal. It was such a pivotal moment for me because it made me realize that cooking isn’t just about the food; it’s really about the connection you share with the people you love.

134 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I tried to cook my mom’s kimchi stew for my friends. I had never made it by myself before, so I was actually pretty nervous. I followed her recipe, but I messed up the seasoning at first because I added way too much salt. It was kind of a disaster, but we all just laughed and ordered pizza instead. Honestly, it was such a memorable night because we spent hours just talking and hanging out in my kitchen. Even though the food didn’t turn out great, it was a really fun experience for me. I think I’ll try to make it again, but maybe I’ll be more careful with the salt next time!

118 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I actually treat cooking as a chore, so I prefer quick and convenient meals. Honestly, I’m usually exhausted after my classes, and the idea of spending an hour in the kitchen just doesn’t sound very appealing. Instead, I’ve developed a pretty practical approach; I usually meal prep on Sundays. For instance, last week I made a big batch of chicken fried rice that lasted me three days. This routine is a total lifesaver because it saves me so much time during the busy work week. I know some people find cooking relaxing, but for me, it’s just not the case. I’d say my preference for efficiency is inherently tied to my hectic schedule. So, sticking to simple, pre-made meals is definitely the best way for me to stay organized.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I actually prefer quick and easy meals because I’m just so busy with my schoolwork. Usually, I don’t really have the time or energy to cook a big dinner after I get home, so I just grab something simple like a sandwich or some instant noodles. Honestly, I find cooking to be a bit of a chore rather than a hobby, you know? It’s just not very fun for me to spend an hour in the kitchen when I have so much studying to do. So yeah, I mostly just stick to convenient food because it saves me a lot of time and it’s just easier for my schedule.

113 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly believe that cooking at home is much better than eating out. I mean, it’s not just about saving money, but also about knowing exactly what goes into your body. When I cook for myself, I can control the ingredients, which is honestly so much healthier. For instance, last Sunday, I decided to make my signature vegetable stir-fry instead of ordering takeout. It was a pretty simple dish, but I was able to meticulously select fresh, organic vegetables from the local market, which made the final meal taste incredibly vibrant. Eating out is convenient, sure, but it often feels like you’re sacrificing nutrition for speed. Because of this, I’ve made it a habit to cook most of my meals, and I feel much better as a result. Ultimately, the health benefits make home cooking the superior choice.

139 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly believe that cooking at home is much better than eating out. I mean, it’s just healthier because you know exactly what goes into your food, right? When I cook, I can control the amount of salt and oil, so it’s way better for me. Also, eating out all the time is really expensive. If I cook at home, I can save a lot of money for other things. For example, I usually make pasta or stir-fry during the week. It’s pretty simple and doesn’t take much time. So, yeah, I definitely prefer cooking at home because it’s cheaper and healthier for my body and my wallet too.

110 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a fantastic idea for schools and workplaces to promote healthy eating. Honestly, most people just don’t have the time or skills to cook nutritious meals during a busy work week. For instance, at my last office, the cafeteria only served greasy fast food, which made everyone feel sluggish by the afternoon. I think if companies offered free cooking workshops, it would be a **pivotal** step in changing those habits. Not only that, but preparing food from scratch in cafeterias would **profoundly** improve our overall energy levels. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating a culture where health is a priority. So, I truly believe that by taking these steps, organizations can help us lead much healthier, more productive lives.

126 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a great idea for schools and workplaces to promote healthy eating. Honestly, most people are just too busy to cook, so having free cooking classes or healthy cafeteria food would really help. If we had access to fresh meals, we wouldn’t rely on fast food so much. Like, at my school, the cafeteria mostly serves frozen stuff, and it makes me feel tired in the afternoon. If they prepared food from scratch, I think students would have more energy and be able to focus better. It’s just a simple way to help everyone live a healthier life, so I definitely think schools and offices should do more.

112 words