TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Hard (for score 100+) #14

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

Score 100 — Perfect

I first learned about this when I was scrolling through a news feed during my sophomore year of college, and honestly, my initial reaction was pretty skeptical. I remember reading about a pilot program in Finland, and my first thought was that it sounded completely unsustainable—like, how could a government just give out money without it causing massive inflation? It felt counterintuitive to everything I’d been taught about work and productivity. But as I kept reading, I started to see the nuance, specifically how it could act as a safety net for people in unstable jobs. I mean, it’s not just about free cash; it’s about systemic security. So, while I was initially dismissive, that article really shifted my perspective, making me realize it’s a much more complex policy than I’d first assumed.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

I first learned about this when I was watching a news segment online a few years ago. Honestly, my initial reaction was pretty skeptical because it sounded like such a radical change to our current economic system. I just didn’t see how a government could afford to give everyone money without causing some major problems, like inflation or maybe people just stopping their jobs. So, I was pretty worried that it might hurt the economy instead of helping it. It was a really strange concept to me at the time, and I remember talking to my friends about it, but we all just thought it sounded like a dream that couldn’t actually work in real life.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my case, I usually keep up with economic policies through a mix of news apps and podcasts, specifically the Economist’s daily briefings. I’d say I’ve adopted this habit because I find that understanding systemic changes—like the ongoing debates around universal basic income—is actually vital for navigating modern life. It’s not just about the numbers, right? It’s about how these policies influence our future. For instance, last month I read a compelling piece on how UBI might reshape the labor market, and it really shifted my perspective on automation. I mean, staying informed feels like a responsibility rather than a chore. As a result, I feel much more empowered to make long-term financial decisions. So, yeah, I prioritize this because keeping a pulse on the economy is just a fundamental part of being an engaged citizen.

136 words

Score 80 — Good

In my case, I usually don’t spend much time following economic news because it feels pretty overwhelming. I mean, I prefer to just focus on my own work and studies instead of worrying about complex social policies. Honestly, I’m already pretty busy with my daily schedule, so I don’t really have the energy to read about financial trends or things like that. I guess I just feel like those topics are a bit too far away from my life. So, I mostly just hear about major changes through my friends or maybe social media, but I don’t actively go out and search for that kind of information on my own.

110 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I tend to believe that a universal basic income would profoundly empower people to pursue more meaningful goals, rather than just making them lazy. I mean, the idea that people would simply stop working is kind of a cynical take, right? If you look at the pilot program they ran in Stockton, California, a few years back, the recipients actually ended up being more likely to find full-time employment, not less. Because of this, it’s clear that having a financial safety net removes that paralyzing anxiety about basic survival. It provides the freedom to invest in education or take a risk on a creative venture, which is inherently better for society in the long run. So, I’m convinced that providing that stability is a much more effective way to foster human potential.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I tend to believe that a guaranteed income would really help people pursue their own goals. You know, if everyone had enough money for basic needs, they wouldn’t have to work just to survive. So, they could spend more time on things like education or maybe starting a creative business. I think it’s a good idea because it gives people more freedom to choose what they want to do with their lives. Some people say it might make people lazy, but I don’t really agree. Most people want to stay busy and productive, so they would probably still find work that they actually enjoy doing instead of just working for money.

112 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think this policy would be a bit too risky to implement as a blanket solution. Honestly, the idea of replacing all existing welfare with a flat payment sounds appealing, but it’s inherently flawed because it ignores the disproportionate needs of different people. For instance, someone living in a high-cost city like San Francisco has vastly different expenses than someone in a rural area, so a one-size-fits-all check wouldn’t actually alleviate poverty effectively. I mean, if you scrap specialized programs like disability support or food assistance, you might inadvertently leave vulnerable groups with less than they had before. It’s a compelling theory, sure, but I’d say we should focus on refining current systems instead. So, replacing targeted aid with a universal payment just doesn’t seem like a sustainable way to address systemic inequality.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

I think this policy would be a really big mistake, honestly. I mean, if the government just gives everyone a set amount of money, it could actually cause some major problems. For one thing, I’m worried that it might discourage people from looking for work because they’d have that safety net, you know? And if you replace all the current welfare programs, the people who really need extra help, like those with disabilities, might end up with less support than they have now. So, it seems like a pretty risky idea to me. I think we should just focus on improving the existing systems instead of trying something so drastic and potentially harmful.

113 words