TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Medium (for score 90+) #13

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 visited a tiny, remote village in the Swiss Alps, which was such a contrast to the hectic life I lead in Seoul. I mean, the silence there was just profound compared to the constant noise of the city. I spent most of my time hiking through these narrow, winding trails, and I’ll never forget the moment I reached a high ridge and saw the entire valley below. It was honestly exhilarating to be so disconnected from technology. I think the most memorable part was having dinner with a local family; we didn’t speak the same language, but we shared a meal and just laughed a lot. It was a pivotal experience for me because it made me realize that I don’t always need a fast-paced environment to feel satisfied.

135 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I visited a small village in the countryside because I usually live in a busy city. It was so quiet there, which was a big change for me. During the trip, I just walked around the green hills and talked to some local farmers. The most memorable part was the night sky. Since there were no city lights, I could see so many stars, and it was really beautiful. I mean, it was completely different from my life in the city where you can’t see anything at night. It was a nice break, and I felt very relaxed, so I really enjoyed my time in that quiet place.

113 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I definitely lean toward the fast-paced energy of city living. I live in the heart of Seoul, right near Gangnam, and I honestly think I’d go crazy if it were too quiet. I’m the type of person who thrives on convenience; for instance, I can just walk downstairs at midnight to grab a snack or catch a subway train within five minutes. It’s pretty much an exhilarating environment because there’s always something happening, which keeps me feeling motivated. In contrast, I find rural areas a bit too isolating for my personality. I mean, I value my peace, but the constant accessibility of the city is inherently more practical for my career. Because of this, I’m convinced that the urban lifestyle is the perfect fit for my current needs and energy.

134 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I spend most of my time living in a busy city, and I honestly think I prefer this pace. I mean, I love that everything is so convenient. If I need to buy groceries or go to a cafe, it’s just a short walk away, which is super helpful. I know some people like the quiet of the countryside, but that would be a bit too boring for me. I really enjoy the energy of the city because there is always something to do, like going to the park or meeting friends. It’s just great to have so many options, so I think I’ll stay in the city for a long time.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly believe that living in a city is much better for a young person’s development. I mean, cities are just hubs for opportunity, right? When I moved to Seoul for my internship last year, I was exposed to so many different industries and networking events that I never would have found back home. It’s not just about the career perks, though; the environment is inherently fast-paced, which forces you to adapt and become more independent. In contrast, while rural areas are peaceful, they can sometimes feel a bit stagnant for someone just starting out. I think the sheer variety of experiences in a city is pivotal for building a strong resume and a broader perspective. So, for a young person looking to grow, the city is definitely the place to be.

133 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly believe that living in a city is better for a young person’s development. I mean, cities are just full of opportunities, you know? When you live in a big city, you’re surrounded by so many different career paths and networking events that you just can’t find in the countryside. It’s also much easier to meet people from all over the world, which helps you grow as a person. I think living in a busy place forces you to be more independent and adaptable. So, while country life is nice and quiet, I really think the city environment is better because it gives you the tools you need to succeed in your future career.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a really smart move for the government to invest in rural infrastructure. You know, cities like Seoul are just getting way too congested, and it’s honestly creating a disproportionate strain on housing and public services. If the government offered tax incentives for tech companies to relocate to smaller towns, it would inherently balance out the population. For instance, I have a cousin who lives in a tiny town in Gangwon province, and he’s always complaining about the lack of decent job opportunities there. If there were more offices, he wouldn’t have to move to the capital just to find a career. So, by spreading out the workforce, we could revitalize rural economies while relieving the pressure on cities. It’s a win-win, and I’d say it’s a vital step for sustainable growth.

136 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a really good idea for the government to invest in rural areas. You know, cities are just so overcrowded these days, and it’s kind of hard for people to find affordable housing. If the government gave tax breaks to companies, they might actually move their offices to smaller towns. That would create a lot of new jobs for the locals, and it would also help balance things out. I mean, living in a small town is much quieter and less stressful than the city. So, if there were more opportunities, I think a lot of people would move away from the city to have a better life.

112 words