TOEFL speaking question 1: list

State a personal preference. This question asks the test-taker to express and defend a personal choice from a given category—for example, important people, places, events or activities that the test taker enjoys. Or, more generally, speak about a topic that is familiar to you.

Preparation time: 15 seconds. Response time: 45 seconds.

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People

Who would you like to go on a trip abroad with? Describe this person and say why he/she would be a good travel companion for you.

Which person are you most likely to go to with a personal problem? Describe this person and say why you would go to him/her in particular.

Who is the most intelligent person you know? Describe the person and say why you think he/she is intelligent.

Describe a person from your country’s history. Why do you think this person was important?

Name a famous or influential figure who has inspired you. Describe this person and say why he/she has been inspirational to you.

Name a person whom you truly admire. Describe the person and say why you admire him/her.

Describe your favorite teacher and explain why he or she inspired you. Include details and examples

Talk about a teacher who had a positive influence on you. Describe this person and explain why he/she was so influential to you.

Who has been your favorite teacher so far in your life? Use reasons and details to support your answer.

Talk about a person who has inspired you. Describe the person and explain why you found him/her inspirational.

Who is an important person in your country? Describe this person and explain why he/she is important.

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Family

Who do you feel close to in your family (or extended family)? Describe this person and say why you feel close to him/her.

Talk about something you and your family enjoy doing together. Describe it and explain why you all enjoy it.

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You and Your Experiences

What is your happiest childhood memory? Describe it and give reasons to explain why it is your happiest memory.

Talk about an event from the past that you would like to relive. Describe the original event and say why you would like to relive it.

When have you been happily surprised by something? Describe the experience and say why the surprise was a happy one for you.

Talk about a positive experience with learning or using English. Describe the experience and say why it was a positive one.

Talk about a situation which enabled you to realize you had a certain strength or weakness that you didn’t know about before and how you dealt with this new finding.

What do you think your life will look like after retirement? Use reasons and details to support your response

Talk about an experience in your life that made you feel embarrassed. Describe it and say why it was embarrassing.

Talk about a difficulty you have overcome in your life. Describe the experience and say why it was difficult to overcome.

What was your favorite subject at school? Describe it and explain why this subject was your favorite one.

Talk about a time when you experienced success. Describe the experience and say why it was a success for you.

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School, Education

Describe a class you have taken in school and explain why the class was important to you. Include details and examples to support your explanation

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Things, Possessions

What is your most important possession? Describe it and say why it is so important.

What is your favorite style of clothing? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite.

What's a resource that helped you to do something better than before. Describe it and explain why it was helpful to you.

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Places

What is your favorite place to visit on weekends? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite place to go.

Where would you like to go to spend a vacation? Describe this place and say why you would like to holiday there.

Which place has fond memories for you? Describe this place and explain why it is memorable to you.

Think of a place that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. Describe it and explain why it is relaxing and peaceful for you.

Where is a good place to have fun in your city or town? Describe this place and explain why it is fun.

Where would you most like to live? Describe this place and explain why you would like to live there.

Name a place in your country you would recommend others to visit. Describe this place and explain why you would recommend it.

Talk about an interesting tourist attraction you have been to. Describe it and say why it was interesting.

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Hobbies

What is your favorite freetime activity? Use reasons and details to support your answer.

What is your favorite recreational activity? Describe it and say why you enjoy doing it.

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TV, Movies, Entertainment

What is your favorite movie or movie genre? Use reasons and details to support your answer.

Describe a movie or book that has had a positive influence on you. Please include specific details and examples in your response.

Describe a particular TV show that you think is excellent. Include specific details and examples in your answer.

What is your favorite book or movie? Describe it and say why it is your favorite.

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Reading, Books, Study, News

What is your favorite book? Use reasons and details to support your answer.

What is your most useful study aid? Describe it and explain why it is useful in helping you to study.

Where is your favorite place to study? Describe this place and say why it is a good place for you to study.

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Travel

Who would you like to go on a trip abroad with? Describe this person and say why he/she would be a good travel companion for you.

If you could visit any place in the world for just 24 hours, where would you choose to go? Use reasons and details to support your answer.

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Transport

What is your favorite way of getting around? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite means of transportation.

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Music

What is your favorite style of music? Use reasons and details to support your answer

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Food, Restaurants

Where do most like to go to eat out? Describe this place and say why you like it most.

What is your favorite kind of food? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite.

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Weather

What is your favorite season of the year? Describe the season and explain why you like it so much.

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Country, Culture, Festivals

Talk about an important national holiday in your home country. Describe it and explain why it is important.

Talk about your country’s national anthem or flag. Where is it used and where can it be found today? Include details and examples to support your response.

What custom from your home country are you most fond of? Describe the custom and explain why you are fond of it.

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