TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Hard (for score 100+) #04

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

Score 100 — Perfect

I vividly remember a time when I traveled to a small village in Gyeongju for the Seollal holiday. I participated in a traditional tea ceremony, which was honestly quite a departure from my fast-paced life in Seoul. At first, I felt a bit awkward because the movements were so precise and meticulous, but as we sat there in silence, I started to feel this sense of calm. It wasn’t just about the tea; it was about honoring the history behind it. This experience felt profoundly significant to me because it highlighted the importance of slowing down to appreciate our heritage in an increasingly globalized world. As a result, I’ve made it a point to seek out these cultural touchstones more often, as they really ground me and provide a much-needed perspective on my own identity.

135 words

Score 80 — Good

I vividly remember a time when I went to a local harvest festival in my hometown. It was a really big deal because the whole community came out to dance and share traditional food. I remember watching the older generation perform these old folk dances, and it was just so cool to see how much energy they had. I think it felt significant to me because it was one of the few times everyone actually put their phones away and just talked to each other. It made me realize how important these customs are to keeping us connected. I mean, it was just a simple festival, but it really helped me appreciate my roots and things like that.

118 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I tend to view my cultural identity not as something rigid, but as something that evolves alongside global influences. I mean, I don’t see them as mutually exclusive. For me, it’s about integration. For instance, I’m a huge fan of K-pop, which is obviously a global phenomenon, but I make sure to spend my weekends learning traditional Korean calligraphy with my grandfather. This, I’d say, is a pretty nuanced way to stay grounded. By doing this, I avoid the trap of becoming culturally detached while still remaining relevant in a modern, interconnected world. It’s inherently rewarding to bridge those two worlds. So, I’ve found that by intentionally carving out time for my roots, I can embrace global trends without feeling like I’m losing my core identity in the process.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I tend to embrace both my Korean heritage and global trends because I think they both matter. I really enjoy learning about traditional customs like celebrating Chuseok with my family because it helps me feel connected to my roots. But, at the same time, I also love following international fashion and listening to music from all over the world. It’s just how I live. I don’t think I have to pick just one, so I try to keep a balance. Um, it makes me feel like a global citizen while still remembering where I came from, and I think that’s a pretty good way to be.

110 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I am of the opinion that globalization is a double-edged sword, but ultimately, it acts as a catalyst for cultural preservation. I mean, while it’s true that some local traditions might fade, I think the exposure globalization provides is actually quite profound. For instance, my grandmother lives in a small village in Korea, and she’s been able to share her traditional kimchi-making techniques on YouTube with people from all over the world. Because of this, what was once a fading local practice is now being appreciated by a global audience. It’s not just about losing identity; it’s about having a platform to showcase it. As a result, I believe that if we leverage these digital tools correctly, globalization doesn’t inherently erode our heritage—it gives it a new, vibrant life on the world stage.

134 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I am of the opinion that globalization is a big threat to local cultures. I mean, when you look at how things are today, it seems like everything is becoming the same. Like, you go to a new city and you see the same big coffee chains and fast food restaurants everywhere. It’s kind of sad because the unique traditions and local languages are just disappearing. Because of this, it’s getting harder for people to keep their own customs alive. So, I think it’s really important for us to focus on protecting our local identity before those special things are lost forever. It’s just a shame that we’re losing so much of what makes each place different.

118 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I believe that such a policy would be incredibly beneficial, because, honestly, culture isn’t just a hobby; it’s the bedrock of our identity. If we just let globalization run wild, we risk a kind of cultural homogenization where everything starts looking the same. For instance, in Korea, there’s been a massive, concerted effort to preserve traditional pansori music through government grants, and frankly, that’s kept a vital piece of our history from fading away. It’s not about rejecting the modern world, but rather about ensuring we don’t inadvertently lose our unique heritage to the massive influence of international media. By subsidizing these practices, governments essentially create a safeguard for diversity. So yeah, I’m convinced that protecting these local traditions is a pivotal move to maintain a vibrant, distinct society in an increasingly globalized era.

134 words

Score 80 — Good

I believe that such a policy would be really good for society. I mean, it’s important to keep our traditions alive because they are a huge part of who we are. If we just let global media take over everything, then local arts and languages might disappear, and that would be a real shame. I think it’s smart for governments to give money to traditional artists or make sure kids learn their native language in school. It’s not about hating other cultures, but just making sure our own history doesn’t fade away. So, yeah, I definitely support these kinds of policies because protecting our heritage is just something we need to prioritize.

112 words