TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Medium (for score 90+) #06

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 bought a new laptop for my university classes. Actually, I chose to go to a physical store instead of buying it online. It was a pretty big purchase, so I felt like I needed to see the screen quality in person. I went to a local electronics shop, and the sales clerk was incredibly helpful. He let me test out the keyboard and compare different models, which was really **pivotal** for my decision. If I had just ordered it online, I might have been disappointed by the weight or the screen resolution. Even though it took more time, having that hands-on experience was **profoundly** reassuring. As a result, I walked out feeling totally confident in my choice, and I’m definitely glad I shopped in-store.

130 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I bought a new laptop for my university classes. I actually decided to buy it at a physical store instead of online. I did this because I really wanted to see the screen quality and test the keyboard before spending so much money. It was great to talk to the salesperson because they answered all my questions right there. I felt pretty good about the experience because I didn’t have to worry about shipping or the package getting lost. I mean, it was just much more reliable to walk out of the store with the product in my hands. So, I think shopping in person was the right choice for me.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I prefer shopping online for almost everything, especially for groceries or household items. I’d say it’s mostly because I’m incredibly busy with my studies, so saving time is my top priority. Actually, there’s this app I use called Coupang, and it’s just so convenient. I can place an order at midnight, and by the time I wake up, the package is already at my door. It’s pretty much a lifesaver. While some people crave the social interaction of a physical store, I find the hustle and bustle of malls to be quite overwhelming. The efficiency of clicking a button is just more appealing to me. As a result, I rarely visit brick-and-mortar shops anymore. For me, the convenience of digital shopping is definitely the most pivotal factor in my routine.

134 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I prefer to do most of my shopping online because it’s just so much faster and easier for me. I mean, I’m a really busy student, so I don’t have much time to walk around stores after my classes. If I need things like shampoo or basic snacks, I just open an app on my phone and order them in like two minutes. It’s really convenient. I know some people like going to stores to see the items in person, but I just find that process kind of slow. For me, it’s just better to have everything delivered right to my door so I can focus on my studies instead of traveling to the mall.

119 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly believe that in-store shopping is far from becoming obsolete. While online platforms are definitely convenient, there’s a **pivotal** sensory experience you just can’t replicate through a screen. For instance, last month I was shopping for a new winter coat at a local mall in Seoul. I found an item online that looked great, but when I actually tried it on in the store, the fabric felt cheap and the fit was totally off. Because of this, I was able to avoid an expensive mistake. Not only that, but the social aspect of browsing with friends makes the whole process feel more meaningful. I mean, shopping isn’t just about the transaction; it’s about the experience. So, despite the rise of e-commerce, I’d say physical stores remain **inherently** valuable for consumers who prioritize quality and connection.

137 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly believe that in-store shopping is still really important, even though online shopping is super convenient. I mean, sure, you can find better prices online, but I think the experience of going to a store is different. For example, if I’m buying clothes, I really like to try them on to see if they fit well. Online, it’s just kind of a guessing game, and then you have to deal with the hassle of returning things. So, for me, being able to touch the items and see them in person is still a huge benefit that websites just can’t replace. It’s definitely not going away anytime soon, I think.

111 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a really smart move for local governments to support small, physical shops. You know, online retailers have such a massive reach that it’s inherently difficult for local stores to keep up. Take my favorite local bookstore, ‘The Book Nook,’ for instance; they’ve been struggling for years because people just find it easier to order from big websites. If the government offered tax breaks, these shops could finally afford to renovate their spaces or maybe host community events. Not only that, but these small businesses add a unique charm to our neighborhoods that an algorithm simply can’t replicate. It’s actually pretty pivotal to preserve that local culture. So, I’d say providing financial support isn’t just about money; it’s about keeping our local communities vibrant and unique.

130 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a great idea for local governments to support small shops. You see, online shopping is super convenient, but physical stores really help our neighborhoods stay alive. If a town loses all its small businesses, it just starts to look empty and feels kind of sad. So, providing tax breaks is a good way to keep these shops open. It makes it easier for them to lower their prices and compete with the big websites. I mean, small business owners work really hard, but they don’t have the same money as huge companies. Supporting them is important because it keeps our local community unique, and things like that really matter to people.

116 words