TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Medium (for score 90+) #16

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 the historic streets of Kyoto, specifically around the Gion district. It was honestly pretty crowded, and I noticed a bit of a disconnect; many tourists were just rushing around, taking photos of local residents without even asking, which felt kind of disrespectful. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, respectful atmosphere the locals were trying to maintain. Because of this, I felt a bit uncomfortable, even embarrassed to be part of the crowd. It was really a profound realization for me that tourism can inadvertently disrupt the daily lives of residents. As a result, I decided to step back and just observe quietly instead of snapping pictures. It definitely changed my perspective on how we should behave as guests in someone else’s community.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I visited a very famous night market in Taiwan. It was packed with people, and honestly, it was kind of overwhelming. I noticed that many tourists were just taking pictures of the food stalls without actually buying anything, which I felt was a bit disrespectful to the shop owners. But then, I saw some travelers sitting down and trying to talk to the locals in broken Mandarin, and the owners seemed really happy to share their stories. It made me feel like tourism can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Like, it brings in money, but it also changes the local vibe, so it’s important to be a respectful visitor.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

When I travel, I usually prefer to avoid the typical tourist traps and instead look for quiet, off-the-beaten-path locations. I mean, don’t get me wrong, famous landmarks are pretty cool, but they’re often just so crowded that it’s hard to actually enjoy the atmosphere. For instance, last summer I visited a small village in the mountains of northern Italy rather than staying in Rome or Florence. Because of this, I was able to interact with the locals and really experience their daily life, which felt much more authentic. It was a profound change from my usual trips. I think I prefer this because I’m looking for a genuine connection to a place, not just a photo opportunity. As a result, I find my trips way more relaxing and meaningful.

129 words

Score 80 — Good

When I travel, I usually prefer going to quiet, off-the-beaten-path places instead of famous landmarks. I mean, I don’t really like being stuck in big crowds or waiting in long lines just to see a popular tourist spot. It’s just not that relaxing for me. I’d rather find a small, local neighborhood where I can walk around and see how people actually live. It’s a lot more interesting to me because I get to discover hidden cafes or shops that aren’t in the guidebooks. So, I guess I just prefer a more peaceful experience, and things like that make my trips feel much more special and unique, you know?

109 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I believe that tourism is generally a positive influence, although it definitely has a nuanced impact on local communities. Sure, some people worry about overcrowding, but I think the economic benefits are just too significant to ignore. For instance, when I visited a small town in Jeju Island last summer, I saw how local families were able to renovate their old guesthouses and open small cafes because of the influx of visitors. This created jobs and, honestly, it helped preserve their traditional architecture rather than letting it fall into ruin. It’s not just about money, though; it’s about cultural exchange. While there can be a disproportionate focus on pleasing tourists sometimes, I’d say the overall development and global connection brought by tourism make it a net positive for most communities.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I believe that tourism is mostly a positive thing for local communities. I mean, it’s really helpful because it brings in a lot of money and creates many jobs for the people living there, right? Like, in my hometown, a lot of small shops and restaurants survive because of the visitors who come during the summer. Of course, it can get a bit crowded sometimes, and that’s not always great, but I think the economic benefits are much more important. It really helps the town grow and stay active. So, even though there are some downsides, I think the impact on the local economy is a good thing for everyone in the end.

114 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a really smart move for local governments to implement stricter tourism policies. You know, when too many people visit a single place, it can actually cause a lot of damage to the environment and the local culture. For instance, I visited Venice last summer, and it was just packed; the crowds were so intense that it was hard to even walk through the streets, which felt pretty overwhelming for the residents. If governments limited visitor numbers or charged higher taxes, they could use that money to fix up infrastructure, which is a really pivotal step for sustainability. It’s a balance, right? While tourism brings in money, a disproportionate number of visitors can ruin the very charm that brought them there in the first place. So yeah, I’m definitely in favor of stricter management.

138 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a good idea for local governments to limit visitors. I mean, popular places get way too crowded, and that can really ruin the experience for everyone. If there are too many people, the streets get blocked and it’s hard for locals to just go about their day, you know? So, by limiting the number of tourists, the city can stay more comfortable. Also, charging higher taxes is helpful because it gives the town more money to fix things like broken roads or parks. It’s a bit of a trade-off, but I think it’s better to have fewer tourists if it means the community stays in good shape.

112 words