TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Medium (for score 90+) #27

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 had just finished a really grueling twelve-hour shift at my internship last month. I was absolutely exhausted, so my first instinct was to just grab some fast food on the way home, you know, maybe a burger or something quick. But then, I thought about how sluggish that would make me feel the next morning. So, I decided to stop by the grocery store instead and picked up some fresh vegetables and pasta. Cooking a simple meal at home actually felt quite therapeutic after such a chaotic day; it helped me decompress. I’d say it was the most **pivotal** decision for my well-being that night because it left me feeling energized rather than lethargic. Ultimately, choosing to cook was definitely the better move for me.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I had a really long day at work and I was just exhausted. I had to decide between picking up some fast food on my way home or cooking dinner in my kitchen. Honestly, I was so tired that I just chose to grab a burger from a drive-thru. It was definitely the best decision because I didn’t have the energy to stand at the stove or wash dishes after. Even though cooking at home is usually healthier and more relaxing, that night, getting fast food was just much more convenient for me. It saved me a lot of time, and I was able to just go straight to bed.

115 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I actually prefer cooking at home, even though it can be a bit time-consuming. I mean, I’m a student, so my schedule is pretty hectic, but I find that preparing my own meals is inherently more satisfying than grabbing fast food. For instance, last Tuesday, I spent about forty minutes making a stir-fry with fresh vegetables instead of just hitting the drive-thru. I think I developed this habit because I’m quite health-conscious, and honestly, the grease in fast food just leaves me feeling sluggish. It’s not only that the quality is better, but it’s also a way to unwind after a long day of classes. So, despite the convenience of eating out, I’ll always choose a homemade meal because it’s better for my well-being and much more rewarding.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I mostly prefer cooking at home instead of getting fast food. During the week, I usually make simple meals like pasta or stir-fry because it’s much cheaper and healthier than eating out. You know, fast food is fast, but it often makes me feel pretty tired afterward. I think I developed this habit because my mom always cooked for us when I was a kid, so it feels normal to be in the kitchen. It’s just a good way to relax after work, and I like knowing exactly what is in my food. So yeah, I guess I just really value home cooking over grabbing something quick at a drive-thru.

114 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly prefer preparing meals at home because it’s just so much more rewarding than eating out. I mean, don’t get me wrong, fast food is super convenient when you’re in a rush, but it often lacks that nutritional quality you really need. For instance, last Sunday, I spent a couple of hours making a traditional Korean kimchi jjigae from scratch for my friends. It was a pretty meticulous process, but the experience of cooking together and sharing a healthy, homemade dinner was honestly the highlight of my week. It created this sense of connection that you just can’t get at a drive-thru. So, even though our lives are getting busier, I think prioritizing home cooking is pivotal for maintaining both our health and our happiness in the long run.

131 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly prefer eating home-cooked meals. I mean, even though I’m really busy, I think cooking at home is just better for my health. When I make my own food, I know exactly what goes into it, so I can keep it healthy and fresh. Fast food is definitely faster, but it often feels greasy and not that great for you, you know? Plus, I actually find cooking to be kind of relaxing after a long day at school. It’s a nice way to just slow down and clear my head. So, for me, the extra time I spend in the kitchen is totally worth it because I feel much better afterward.

113 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a fantastic idea for workplaces to encourage home cooking. Honestly, most of us are just stuck in this cycle of grabbing greasy fast food every single day during our lunch break. It’s pretty unhealthy, right? If my company, for instance, set up a small communal kitchen, I’d be way more likely to prep my own meals. Not only that, but it would be such a great way for colleagues to bond over food. I think the health benefits are profound; instead of relying on processed ingredients, we could actually control what we eat. As a result, employees would probably feel more energized throughout the afternoon. So, yeah, providing those facilities is a compelling way to shift the culture toward a healthier lifestyle, and I’m all for it.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a really great idea if schools or workplaces helped people learn to cook. You know, nowadays, a lot of us just rely on fast food because it’s convenient and quick, but that’s not really healthy, right? If schools had mandatory cooking classes, students would learn how to make simple meals instead of always buying burgers or chips. Also, if offices had a kitchen, employees could bring their own ingredients and cook together. It would be a nice way to bond, and it’s definitely cheaper than eating out every day. So, yeah, I think promoting home cooking is a good way to help everyone live a bit healthier.

112 words