TOEFL Speaking Questions & Answers — 10 popular samples

Here are 10 TOEFL speaking questions with full sample answers on common opinion topics — leadership, honesty, career choices, and personal preferences. Each answer takes a clear position and supports it with two or three reasons or examples. Read a few, then try answering the same questions in your own words before checking how your structure compares.

Question 1: "Public transportation should be encouraged instead of private cars." Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

I agree that public transportation should be encouraged. As living standards improve, more people can afford their own cars, but private cars can't fully replace buses and subways, which have several advantages. First, they're very cheap — a monthly pass lets you travel from almost any part of the city to another by bus or subway. Second, schedules are well planned, so you rarely wait long to catch one. Third, the seats are comfortable, and many vehicles are air-conditioned. For these reasons, public transportation should be encouraged.

Question 2: What do you think are the qualities of a good leader?

In my opinion, a good leader should be trustworthy, persistent, and forward-looking. The world needs leaders who are honest and principled. To make a real difference, a leader also has to persevere — leaders don't grow in a comfort zone. They aren't necessarily people with exceptional talent; they're people who learn from their mistakes, get back up, and keep trying instead of quitting. In a leadership role, a person should be able to see the big picture, take reasonable risks, and do the right thing at the right time, which lets them assess a situation correctly and know how to take the next step. Honesty, endurance, and vision are what make for effective leadership.

Question 3: Do you agree or disagree that people should always tell the truth?

I don't think it's always a good idea to tell the whole truth. Truth can strengthen a relationship, but depending on the intent behind it, it can also damage one — there are times when telling the truth isn't kind. For example, if a friend is about to give an important presentation and asks how they look, giving a blunt opinion at that moment wouldn't help anyone. Many of us also find it hard to speak honestly to the people closest to us — parents, siblings, close friends, or partners — because we're afraid they'll be hurt or angry, even when we say it without judgment. So telling the truth isn't always the most helpful choice. What matters most is being honest with yourself about your real intent before you decide to speak.

Question 4: Some people have a few favorite foods that they eat most of the time. Others are always trying new dishes and styles of cooking. Which do you prefer, and why?

I prefer trying new dishes. Some people stick to a few favorite foods, feeling that, like a favorite song, a favorite dish doesn't need to change, but I've always been the opposite. I love discovering new dishes and cuisines, and I welcome any chance to try different ethnic foods, since it helps me understand food culture better and sometimes leads me to a new favorite. I also just enjoy the experimentation itself; it's exciting, and it enriches the overall experience of eating. Different dishes reflect different cultures, and that variety pushes me to be more creative in my own cooking. Since the world offers so many styles, I don't see a reason not to try them.

Question 5: Choose a profession that you love but would never actually work in. Explain why it appeals to you and why you wouldn't take it up.

A profession I admire but would never take up is singing. I love to sing because it makes me feel energetic and alive, and I love the natural sound of the human voice — singing genuinely lifts my mood. Still, I'd never sing professionally, even though life might feel sweeter if I earned a living doing what I love. First, life as a professional singer — constant touring, performing, and being in the public eye — would demand more sacrifices than I'm willing to make. Second, I'm realistic about my ability: I enjoy singing, but I don't have the voice or musical talent to hold a large audience's attention for a whole career. For all these reasons, singing isn't a profession I'd pursue long-term.

Question 6: Some people tend to judge a person based on first impressions. Others believe it takes a long time to really know someone. Which approach do you think is better, and why?

In my view, judging someone based on a first impression usually isn't accurate. For one thing, people tend to present themselves as nicer than they really are when meeting someone new — some do this quite deliberately. For another, good looks don't necessarily match good character, so people should stay aware that first impressions can be misleading. A person's character is better judged through sustained observation, since it's mainly revealed through how someone reacts to different situations over time. Getting to know someone's real personality takes time. Judging people purely by appearance is often a mistake.

Question 7: If you unexpectedly received a large amount of money, what would you do with it? Would you spend it practically or just for fun?

If I received a large amount of money unexpectedly, the first thing I'd do is use it to study abroad — I've always wanted to complete a degree in a different country. Back in junior high, one of my classmates got the chance to study in the U.S., and at the time few families could afford to send a child abroad like that. It became a dream for me too, and that dream has stayed with me ever since, so this would be my first priority if I had the money. After that, I'd give the rest to my parents so they could live a more comfortable life. Those are the two things I'd genuinely want to do with a large sum of money.

Question 8: What was your favorite place to go when you were a child? Describe it and explain why you liked going there.

When I was young, my favorite place was the beach near my home. I love nature — white, powdery sand, crystal-clear water, palm trees for shade, and a steady sea breeze are all things I still appreciate. There was also plenty to do there: I learned to swim on that beach, and building sandcastles was my favorite activity. On good days, I'd just lie on the sand and enjoy the sun. I also made some of my closest childhood friends there, and we still keep in touch to this day. It's the place that gave me so many good memories, which is exactly why I loved going there.

Question 9: Compared with science and math, the study of art and literature is not very important. Do you agree or disagree?

I disagree. Many people assume that science and math are more useful to study, but I believe art and literature matter just as much. First, as human beings, we have feelings and emotions that need an outlet, which is exactly why we have music, film, books, paintings, and sculpture: to help us relax, enjoy ourselves, expand our thinking, and refresh our spirits. Second, people have different strengths — some have a talent for science, while others have a talent for art. A society needs both, so we should let a scientist do research and let a painter paint.

Question 10: Some people prefer to keep reading a book until it's finished. Others stop whenever they lose interest. Which approach do you think is better, and why?

I prefer to keep reading a book until I finish it. This habit helps me build the ability to stay focused, since reading in short, scattered bursts tends to get boring fast. It's true that some people start a book, never finish it, switch to another, and never finish that one either — usually because they assume continuing will just be annoying rather than rewarding. But if you push through, you'll often find the story picks up again and becomes interesting. Over time, that renews your enthusiasm for reading and builds a genuinely good reading habit. I'd rather be someone who finishes what they start than someone who reads in scattered pieces.

More practice questions

These four extra questions cover task shapes the ten above don't: describing a place, weighing benefits against drawbacks, and choosing between two priorities. The same pattern applies — answer directly, then support it with specific details.

Describe a place you have visited that you found interesting.

Last year I visited Tokyo, and I found it fascinating for two reasons. First, the view from the Tokyo Skytree was unforgettable. From the observation deck, the city seemed to stretch in every direction, and it gave me a real sense of how enormous Tokyo is. Second, I loved the contrast between that modern skyline and the traditional temples and shrines. Only a short train ride from the busiest streets, I found quiet courtyards with detailed wooden architecture and an atmosphere that felt completely calm. That mix of old and new is what made the trip so memorable for me.

What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of living in a city?

Living in a city has clear benefits and clear drawbacks. On the plus side, cities offer far more choices for work, education, and entertainment, and good public transportation makes it easy to get around without a car. On the minus side, city life is expensive, and the noise, crowds, traffic, and pollution can be exhausting. Personally, I still prefer the city, because the opportunities and energy matter more to me than peace and quiet. But I understand why people who value space and calm would choose to live somewhere smaller.

Some people think it's more important to have a job related to their interests, while others think it's more important to have a job that pays well. Which do you think matters more?

I think a job related to your interests matters more. When you care about your work, it's much easier to stay motivated and put in real effort, and that usually makes you better at it over time. If money is your only reason for doing a job, the motivation tends to fade, and the work can start to feel empty. Of course, everyone needs to pay the bills, so salary can't be ignored. But in my view, the best approach is to start with what you enjoy and then look for a way to earn a decent living from it.

Some people prefer to spend their free time alone, while others prefer to spend it with friends or family. Which do you prefer, and why?

I prefer spending my free time with friends and family. Being around people I'm close to gives me energy, and shared activities — going out for dinner, watching a movie, or just talking at home — help me feel connected after a busy week. Those are also the moments I tend to remember later. That said, I do value some time alone now and then to rest and think things over. Overall, though, time with the people I care about is what I find most rewarding.

More Practice

For more worked examples in this style, see TOEFL Speaking Answers Example and 25 TOEFL speaking practice topics with sample answers.