TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Medium (for score 90+) #20

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 joined a local amateur soccer league in Seoul last summer. Honestly, I’m usually someone who prefers relaxing, but this was a highly competitive tournament. At first, I felt pretty anxious because everyone was playing with such intensity, and the pressure to win was actually quite **profound**. I mean, I found myself constantly checking the scoreboard and worrying about every mistake I made. But then, as the game went on, that competitive edge pushed me to play better than I ever had before. It’s funny, because usually I’d just jog for fun, but the stakes here made the experience so much more rewarding. As a result, I realized that while a relaxed game is nice, a bit of competition can be **inherently** motivating. It really changed how I view sports now.

136 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I played a friendly soccer game with my friends at a local park. It wasn’t a formal match, so the atmosphere was really relaxed and fun. Because we weren’t keeping score, I didn’t feel any pressure to win or perform perfectly. I was just focused on running around and enjoying the sunny weather, you know? In contrast to the competitive games I played in high school, this felt much more refreshing. I actually felt way less stressed because I wasn’t worried about making mistakes or letting my teammates down. It was just a great way to exercise and hang out, so I really enjoyed the day.

111 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I definitely lean toward recreational activities rather than competitive sports. I mean, my job is already pretty high-pressure, so when I finally get some free time, I don’t want to feel that same intensity. For instance, I’ve been going to a local yoga studio every Tuesday night for about six months now. It’s just so relaxing, and the environment is inherently peaceful, which is exactly what I need to recharge. While some of my friends thrive on the adrenaline of a basketball game, I find that kind of environment too draining. As a result, I avoid anything that feels like a contest. I’d say focusing on my own progress without the pressure of winning or losing is the most sustainable way for me to stay active and happy.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I usually prefer recreational activities over competitive sports because I want to relax. When I’m exercising, I just want to feel good and clear my head after a long day of work. Um, if I play a game that is too competitive, I feel a lot of pressure, and that just makes me feel stressed out. So, I prefer things like going for a light jog in the park or maybe playing a casual game of badminton with my friends. It’s a lot more enjoyable for me because there isn’t any pressure to win. I think this approach is better for my well-being because it helps me stay active without feeling exhausted.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly believe that recreational activities are more valuable for personal growth than competitive sports. While competition can teach discipline, I find it often leads to unnecessary stress. For instance, back in high school, I spent a year on the varsity soccer team, and the pressure to win was just overwhelming; it felt like my self-worth was entirely tied to the scoreboard. In contrast, when I switched to recreational hiking, it was a much more liberating experience. I could focus on my own pace without any external pressure. This shift has profoundly improved my mental health because I’m finally able to enjoy the process rather than obsessing over the outcome. So, even though sports have their place, I think choosing relaxation over constant competition is far more beneficial for long-term well-being.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly believe that recreational activities are better for personal growth. I mean, competitive sports can be good, but they often put too much pressure on people to win, right? When you do something just for fun, like hiking or swimming, it helps you relax and clear your head after a long day. It’s not about beating someone else, so you don’t feel that stress. I think this is really important because it improves your mental well-being in the long run. Um, for me, playing basketball with friends just for exercise is way more enjoyable than a formal game. So, I definitely prefer recreational stuff because it keeps me happy and balanced.

113 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be much better if schools and companies focused on offering flexible, recreational activities rather than just competitive sports. Don’t get me wrong, competition is fine, but it’s often exclusionary. If you aren’t an elite athlete, you’re kind of left on the sidelines. For instance, at my last job, they spent a massive budget on a varsity-style soccer team that only ten people joined. That money could have been used to build a small gym or a yoga studio for everyone. Providing accessible facilities is inherently more inclusive because it lets people exercise at their own pace. As a result, you get a healthier, happier environment where everyone feels encouraged to participate, not just the star players. So, I’m convinced that prioritizing casual fitness is the way to go.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be much better for schools and companies to focus on offering flexible, recreational activities for everyone. You know, competitive sports are fine, but they usually only benefit a small group of really athletic people. If a company invests in a gym or yoga classes instead, then everyone can participate regardless of their skill level. It’s just more inclusive that way. I mean, when activities are casual, people don’t feel the pressure to win or be the best. They can just exercise to stay healthy and relieve stress. So, I really believe that providing accessible facilities is a way better use of resources than just supporting a few varsity teams.

113 words