TOEFL 2026 Speaking Practice — Level Medium (for score 90+) #28

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 to get to the airport in Seoul during rush hour, and honestly, the traffic was just a nightmare. I initially thought about driving my own car, but the prospect of getting stuck in gridlock was pretty daunting, so I decided to take the subway instead. It was actually a pivotal choice because the trains were completely unaffected by the surface traffic. I mean, I was able to breeze through the city while watching cars stand still on the highway below. Not only that, but it saved me a ton of money on parking fees, which was a huge bonus. As a result, I arrived at the terminal with plenty of time to spare. For me, public transportation is inherently more reliable for long-distance travel, so I’d definitely choose it again.

137 words

Score 80 — Good

I remember a time when I had to get to the airport for a big trip. I decided to take the subway instead of driving my own car because traffic is usually pretty bad in my city. It was actually a good choice because I didn’t have to worry about finding a parking spot or paying for it, which is always really expensive. The train was crowded, and it was kind of loud, but I still got there on time. Driving would have been way more stressful because of the highway traffic, so I was happy with the train. I think using public transport is just much easier when you’re going somewhere busy like the airport.

116 words

Score 100 — Perfect

In my daily life, I almost always choose to take the subway instead of driving a car. I’d say it’s mainly because I live in downtown Seoul, where traffic is just incredibly congested, especially during rush hour. Honestly, sitting in my own car would be a total nightmare because of the constant gridlock. By taking the train, I’m actually able to stay productive; for instance, I usually spend my forty-minute commute catching up on emails or reading a book. It’s a much more efficient use of my time, and I find the whole experience less stressful than navigating the roads myself. While some people crave the privacy of a private vehicle, I believe the convenience of public transit is profoundly beneficial for my routine. So, for me, public transportation is definitely the better way to go.

136 words

Score 80 — Good

In my daily life, I usually prefer taking the subway instead of driving my own car. Honestly, it’s just so much easier for me. If I drive, I have to deal with heavy traffic and finding a parking spot, which is always really stressful. But when I take the train, I can just sit back and relax. I mean, I can read a book or check my emails while I’m commuting, so it’s actually pretty productive time for me. I think I have this tendency because I really value my time and I don’t want to waste it sitting in a traffic jam. So, yeah, for me, public transportation is definitely the better choice.

114 words

Score 100 — Perfect

Personally, I strongly believe that a robust public transportation system is far more beneficial for our quality of life. I mean, owning a car can be such a hassle, right? Between the constant traffic jams and the never-ending search for parking, it’s just stressful. For instance, back when I lived in Seoul, I used the subway every day to get to university. It was incredibly efficient, and I could actually use that time to read or catch up on emails. In contrast, if I had been driving, I would’ve been stuck behind the wheel, which is just a waste of time. Relying on trains and buses is inherently more sustainable too, as it reduces our carbon footprint. So, I’d say that public transit is definitely the better option for a stress-free lifestyle.

132 words

Score 80 — Good

Personally, I strongly believe that a robust public transportation system is much better for our lives. I mean, owning a private car is just so expensive because you have to pay for gas, insurance, and repairs all the time. It’s a huge burden. With public transit, like the subway or buses, I can just relax or read a book while I’m commuting. I don’t have to worry about traffic or finding a parking spot, which is honestly a big headache. So, I think relying on public transport is way more convenient and also better for the environment. It just makes my daily routine a lot simpler and less stressful than driving a car.

113 words

Score 100 — Perfect

I think it would be a fantastic move for local governments to prioritize public transit, even if it means less space for cars. I mean, honestly, the traffic in my hometown of Seoul is just incredibly frustrating during rush hour. Because of this, I think investing in subways is a more **pivotal** strategy than trying to accommodate more private vehicles. For instance, when I take the subway, I can get across the city in thirty minutes, but driving that same distance during peak hours takes over an hour. It’s just not efficient. Not only that, but shifting the focus to buses and trains is **inherently** better for the environment, right? So, by reducing road lanes, it actually encourages more people to switch to public options. Overall, I think prioritizing transit is definitely the right way to go.

137 words

Score 80 — Good

I think it would be a great idea for local governments to prioritize public transit, even if it means less space for private cars. You know, honestly, traffic in my city is just getting worse every single day. If we had more subway lines or dedicated bus lanes, people would probably choose to take the bus instead of driving. It’s just so much more efficient for everyone. I mean, sure, it might be kind of annoying for drivers at first, but it would really help reduce the number of cars on the road. So, yeah, I think investing in transit is definitely the right move because it makes the whole city more accessible for everyone.

115 words