TOEFL Speaking Question 2: List

This question asks the test-taker to give a personal opinion usually by making and defending a personal choice between two contrasting behaviors or courses of action.

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

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Some students like to prepare for tests at home. Others prefer to study for tests at school. Which method of test preparation do you think is better and why?

Would you rather live in the country or the city?

When faced with an emergency, some people take on the role of leader and others prefer to take on the role of followers. Which role do you prefer? Give details and examples to support your response.

Would you prefer to study in a classroom or take an online course? Use reasons and details to support your response.

Do you prefer to talk to a family member about a personal problem, or one of your friends? Give reasons and examples to support your preference.

When choosing a place to live, what do you consider most important: location or the home itself (size, style, number of rooms, types of rooms, or other features)? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with. Give reasons to support your answer.

Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat the food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books." In your opinion, which source is more important knowledge gained from experience or knowledge gained from books? Why?

Some students join clubs and participate in campus activities. Other students spend all of their time studying. Which lifestyle do you think is better and why?

Some students live in dormitories on campus. Other students live in apartments off campus. Which living situation do you think is better and why?

Some universities require first-year students to live in dormitories on campus. Others allow students to live off campus. Which policy do you think is better for first-year students and why? Include details and examples in your explanation.

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