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Tag: Independent Speaking

TOEFL Speaking Topics — Travel, Language learning, Research

I’ve published model answers to TOEFL Independent Speaking Questions every Monday in this month. Each episode features two model answers. I’ve also published video transcriptions to my Instagram.


Question 1: Which do you think is more helpful to the students: internet materials or textbook materials? Why do you think so?

Question 2: Some people like to do indoor activities in their free time, and others prefer to enjoy outdoor activities; which do you prefer and why?


Question 1: Some people believe it’s essential for a person’s education to learn to play a musical instrument. Others don’t believe music education is important. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

Question 2: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All children should be required to learn a second language in school.


Question 1: When some people visit a city or country for the first time, they prefer to take an organized tour. Other people prefer to explore new places on their own. Which do you prefer and why?

Question 2: When looking for information for a research project, some students prefer to get their information mainly form the Internet. Others prefer to mainly use printed materials such as books and academic journals. Which do you prefer, and why?

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How-to Master TOEFL Speaking — Fluency At Your Fingertips

In the past month or so, I have begun recording sample answers to TOEFL iBT Speaking Question 1. This series of podcasts contains 2 or 3 sample answers each episode. I am continuing to publish more every Monday to Apple Podcast and Spotify. I have also created videos which I have published to my Instagram.


Some people think that family members are the most important influence on young adults. Others believe that friends are the most important influence. Which do you agree with?

Some students would prefer to live with roommates. Others would prefer to live alone. Which option would you prefer?

Some people prefer to go to the movie theatre; others prefer to stream a movie online. Which do you think is better?


Some think the college experience is essential; others think it is not. What is your opinion?

Some people like to watch action movies; others prefer to watch comedies. Which type of movie do you prefer?


In the following two episodes, I have shared a first try and a second try. I always try to improve my recordings after a first try. I will rerecord my speeches until the flow is logical and there are no long, awkward pauses.

Many universities now offer academic courses over the internet. However, some people still prefer learning in traditional classrooms. Which do you think is better? Why?


What do you miss most about your home when you are away?


Remember that the time for TOEFL iBT Independent Speaking is 15 seconds for preparation and 45 seconds for speaking. If you go over the time limit, the recording will be cut off in the test.

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