TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Hard (for score 100+) #17

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 was in my sophomore year of college, and I attended this lecture on existential literature. We were analyzing Camus’s ‘The Stranger,’ and honestly, it was a total turning point for me. Before that, I just viewed my studies as a means to an end, but hearing the professor dissect the protagonist’s alienation made me rethink my own perspective on society. It was profoundly moving, I mean, it forced me to confront these abstract questions about human existence that I’d previously ignored. As a result, I became much more critical in my thinking. It wasn’t just about reading a book; it shifted my entire academic focus toward philosophy. That experience really underscored for me why the humanities are so pivotal—they don’t just teach you facts, they fundamentally shape how you interpret the world.

138 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I took a history class during my sophomore year. We were studying the civil rights movement, and the professor assigned us a really intense book about the personal experiences of people during that era. It was just so different from the textbooks I usually read because it made the history feel real, you know? I mean, it wasn’t just dates and facts anymore; it was about actual people and their struggles. That experience really changed how I look at the world today because it helped me understand the importance of empathy. I think that’s why it left such a big impression on me, and I still remember those stories.

114 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my own experience, I’ve always tried to strike a balance between technical skills and the humanities, though it’s definitely a challenge. Honestly, I used to be entirely focused on computer science, thinking that was the only path to a good career. But then, I took this elective called ‘Philosophy of Technology’ during my sophomore year, and it was a total game-changer. It forced me to think about the ethical implications of the code I was writing, which was a pretty profound shift for me. I realized that technical expertise is actually quite hollow without a broader, more nuanced understanding of human values. Because of this, I’ve become much more intentional about interweaving literature or history into my studies. It’s made me a more well-rounded thinker, and I’m convinced that this multidisciplinary approach is essential for long-term success.

138 words

Score 80 — Good

In my own experience, I tend to focus mostly on technical training because I want to be ready for my future career. I study computer science, and it takes up so much of my time that I don’t really have room for other classes. I feel like I need to learn as much as I can about programming and data to get a good job later. Um, I guess I developed this habit because my parents always told me that practical skills are the most important thing for success. So, I just prioritize my technical courses and skip things like literature or history, even though I know they might be interesting, because I’m just too busy with my main studies.

120 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly believe that a solid foundation in the arts and humanities is absolutely pivotal for any university student, even in our tech-driven world. While technical skills are obviously important for landing that first job, I think the humanities provide something more enduring, like critical thinking and empathy. For instance, back when I was an undergraduate, I took a philosophy course on ethics that completely changed how I approach problem-solving; it forced me to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives rather than just looking for a quick fix. Because of this, I’ve become a much more nuanced communicator in my professional life. Not only that, but these subjects help us navigate the human experience, which is something a coding boot camp just can’t teach. So, I’d say prioritizing the humanities is essential for developing a truly well-rounded individual.

139 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly believe that arts and humanities are just as important as job-focused skills in college. Well, I think that studying things like literature or philosophy helps students become better thinkers. If we only focus on technology or business, we might miss out on learning how to really understand people and society. I mean, even if someone is a great engineer, they still need to communicate well and think about the ethics of their work. So, I feel that a well-rounded education is necessary because it prepares us for life, not just for a specific job. It helps us see the world in a broader way, and that’s a skill that is useful in any career.

117 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I believe this policy would be incredibly beneficial for students in every field. Honestly, I think we’re seeing a bit of a disproportionate focus on technical skills lately, but the arts and humanities are really what teach us how to think critically about our impact on society. Take my cousin, for instance; he’s an engineering major at Seoul National University, and he recently took a philosophy course on medical ethics. He told me it completely changed how he views his own research, because he started considering the moral consequences of the technology he’s building. Not only that, but these courses foster empathy and a more nuanced perspective on complex global issues. So, yeah, I’m convinced that requiring these credits is essential for creating well-rounded graduates who can actually navigate the real world.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

I believe this policy would be a really great idea for all students. I mean, even if someone is studying something technical like engineering, they still need to understand the world around them. If students only focus on their major, they might miss out on important stuff like ethics or how to think critically about society. So, requiring a few classes in arts or philosophy would help them become better people and better professionals too. It’s just important to have a well-rounded education because you need more than just technical skills to succeed in the real world. That’s why I think universities should definitely make these courses a requirement for everyone.

111 words