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🏆 Universal TOEFL Speaking Task 1 Template
🔹 Introduction
“To be honest, I would definitely say that ___ because it provides me with clear advantages.”
🔹 Reason 1 + Example
“First of all, it allows me to ___, which helps me [collocation + collocation]. For example, when I ___, it really improved my ___.”
🔹 Reason 2 + Example
“Moreover, it also helps me to ___, which is important for [collocation + collocation]. For instance, last year I ___, and that experience showed me how useful it was.”
🔹 Conclusion
“So, that’s why I strongly believe ___ is the best choice for me.”
🎯 Why this works
Fits all types: Agree/Disagree, Preference, Problem/Solution, General.
Balanced: intro (3–4s), 2 reasons (15s each), conclusion (3–4s).
Uses collocations TOEFL raters love: save time, reduce stress, boost confidence, broaden horizons, build relationships, develop skills, increase productivity, improve communication, enrich experience.
~100–110 words = perfect 45 seconds.
🏆 TOEFL Speaking Task 1 — Daily Life & Preferences (25 Topics)
1. Favorite day of the week
To be honest, I would definitely say that Friday is my favorite day of the week because it provides me with clear advantages and relaxation. First of all, it allows me to finish schoolwork, which helps reduce stress and increase free time. For example, when I complete my assignments on Friday, it really improves my mood. Moreover, it also gives me time for family and friends, which is important for building relationships and boosting confidence. For instance, last year I always met my best friend on Fridays, and that experience made the day very enjoyable. So, that’s why I strongly believe Friday is my favorite day of the week.
2. Favorite season of the year
To be honest, I would definitely say that spring is my favorite season because it provides me with clear advantages and joy. First of all, it allows me to enjoy pleasant weather, which helps reduce stress and improve health. For example, when I take walks in spring, it really improves my energy and mood. Moreover, it also brings festivals and outdoor activities, which are important for building relationships and enriching experiences. For instance, last year I joined a spring fair, and that experience gave me unforgettable memories. So, that’s why I strongly believe spring is the best season of the year.
3. Favorite type of weather
To be honest, I would definitely say that sunny weather is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and energy. First of all, it allows me to spend more time outdoors, which helps improve health and reduce stress. For example, when I jog under the sun, it really improves my fitness and mood. Moreover, it also motivates productivity, which is important for boosting confidence and increasing efficiency. For instance, last summer I studied in sunny weather, and that experience made me more active. So, that’s why I strongly believe sunny weather is my favorite.
4. Favorite meal of the day
To be honest, I would definitely say that breakfast is my favorite meal of the day because it provides me with clear advantages and energy. First of all, it allows me to start fresh, which helps improve focus and increase productivity. For example, when I eat a healthy breakfast, it really improves my concentration in class. Moreover, it also improves health, which is important for boosting confidence and reducing stress. For instance, last year I ate breakfast every day, and that habit made me more energetic. So, that’s why I strongly believe breakfast is the best meal of the day.
5. Cooking at home vs. eating out
To be honest, I would definitely say that cooking at home is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and health benefits. First of all, it allows me to eat fresh food, which helps reduce stress and improve fitness. For example, when I prepared homemade meals, it really improved my diet. Moreover, it also saves money, which is important for boosting independence and managing time. For instance, last year I cooked regularly instead of eating out, and that experience made my lifestyle healthier. So, that’s why I strongly believe cooking at home is better than eating out.
6. Fast food vs. homemade food
To be honest, I would definitely say that homemade food is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and nutrition. First of all, it is healthier, which helps reduce stress and improve fitness. For example, when I ate home-cooked meals, it really improved my energy levels. Moreover, it also saves money, which is important for boosting independence and managing budgets. For instance, last year I avoided fast food and cooked regularly, and that experience kept me healthier. So, that’s why I strongly believe homemade food is better than fast food.
7. Tea vs. coffee
To be honest, I would definitely say that tea is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and health benefits. First of all, it keeps me relaxed, which helps reduce stress and improve focus. For example, when I drank tea before studying, it really improved my concentration. Moreover, it also supports digestion, which is important for boosting energy and maintaining balance. For instance, last year I switched from coffee to tea, and that experience made me feel healthier. So, that’s why I strongly believe tea is better than coffee.
8. Early bird vs. night owl
To be honest, I would definitely say that being an early bird is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and productivity. First of all, it allows me to manage time better, which helps save time and increase efficiency. For example, when I woke up early for study, it really improved my results. Moreover, it also improves health, which is important for boosting confidence and reducing stress. For instance, last year I started exercising in the morning, and that experience gave me more energy. So, that’s why I strongly believe being an early bird is better than being a night owl.
9. Reading vs. watching TV
To be honest, I would definitely say that reading is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and deeper learning. First of all, it improves concentration, which helps build imagination and broaden horizons. For example, when I read novels, it really improved my vocabulary. Moreover, it also strengthens critical thinking, which is important for boosting confidence and developing creativity. For instance, last year I read a history book, and that experience made me more knowledgeable. So, that’s why I strongly believe reading is better than watching TV.
10. Indoor activities vs. outdoor activities
To be honest, I would definitely say that outdoor activities are the best choice because they provide me with clear advantages and health benefits. First of all, they improve fitness, which helps reduce stress and boost energy. For example, when I played football outside, it really improved my stamina. Moreover, they also build social skills, which are important for strengthening relationships and boosting confidence. For instance, last year I joined outdoor sports with friends, and that experience was very enjoyable. So, that’s why I strongly believe outdoor activities are better than indoor ones.
11. Shopping with friends vs. shopping alone
To be honest, I would definitely say that shopping with friends is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and enjoyment. First of all, it makes the experience more fun, which helps reduce stress and build relationships. For example, when I went shopping with my best friend, it really improved my mood. Moreover, it also helps in decision-making, which is important for saving money and boosting confidence. For instance, last year my friend gave me advice about clothes, and that experience made shopping easier. So, that’s why I strongly believe shopping with friends is better than shopping alone.
12. Saving money vs. spending money
To be honest, I would definitely say that saving money is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and security. First of all, it reduces financial stress, which helps build independence and responsibility. For example, when I saved part of my allowance, it really improved my confidence. Moreover, it also prepares for emergencies, which is important for boosting stability and reducing risks. For instance, last year I used my savings to buy a new laptop, and that experience proved the value of saving. So, that’s why I strongly believe saving money is better than spending it.
13. Doing chores daily vs. once a week
To be honest, I would definitely say that doing chores daily is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and organization. First of all, it keeps the environment clean, which helps reduce stress and improve health. For example, when I cleaned my room daily, it really improved my comfort. Moreover, it also builds discipline, which is important for boosting confidence and managing time. For instance, last year I created a daily routine for chores, and that experience made me more responsible. So, that’s why I strongly believe doing chores daily is better than once a week.
14. Living in a big city vs. small town
To be honest, I would definitely say that living in a big city is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and opportunities. First of all, it offers better facilities, which helps save time and increase convenience. For example, when I lived in a city, public transport really improved my lifestyle. Moreover, it also provides career chances, which are important for boosting confidence and broadening horizons. For instance, last year my cousin found a good job in the city, and that experience inspired me. So, that’s why I strongly believe living in a big city is better than living in a small town.
15. Walking vs. cycling for short distances
To be honest, I would definitely say that walking is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and health benefits. First of all, it improves fitness, which helps reduce stress and increase stamina. For example, when I walked to school daily, it really improved my energy. Moreover, it also saves money, which is important for boosting independence and managing resources. For instance, last year I chose walking instead of cycling, and that experience made me healthier. So, that’s why I strongly believe walking is better than cycling for short distances.
16. Wearing casual clothes vs. formal clothes
To be honest, I would definitely say that wearing casual clothes is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and comfort. First of all, it allows me to relax, which helps reduce stress and boost confidence. For example, when I wore casual outfits to a party, it really improved my mood. Moreover, it also provides flexibility, which is important for saving time and increasing productivity. For instance, last year I wore casual clothes for study sessions, and that experience made me more comfortable. So, that’s why I strongly believe casual clothes are better than formal ones.
17. Eating breakfast daily vs. skipping
To be honest, I would definitely say that eating breakfast daily is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and health benefits. First of all, it improves focus, which helps boost confidence and increase productivity. For example, when I ate breakfast before class, it really improved my performance. Moreover, it also keeps me energetic, which is important for reducing stress and strengthening health. For instance, last year I followed a routine of eating breakfast daily, and that habit gave me better results. So, that’s why I strongly believe eating breakfast is better than skipping it.
18. Weekend: relaxing vs. being active
To be honest, I would definitely say that relaxing on weekends is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and balance. First of all, it reduces stress, which helps restore energy and improve health. For example, when I rested on weekends, it really improved my focus for Monday. Moreover, it also allows time for hobbies, which is important for boosting confidence and enriching experiences. For instance, last year I spent weekends reading novels, and that experience made my weekends meaningful. So, that’s why I strongly believe relaxing on weekends is better than being active.
19. Spending free time alone vs. with others
To be honest, I would definitely say that spending free time with others is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and joy. First of all, it improves relationships, which helps reduce stress and build confidence. For example, when I spent free time with friends, it really improved my happiness. Moreover, it also allows idea sharing, which is important for broadening horizons and boosting creativity. For instance, last year I joined group activities in my free time, and that experience was very rewarding. So, that’s why I strongly believe spending free time with others is better than being alone.
20. Living with family vs. living independently
To be honest, I would definitely say that living with family is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and support. First of all, it offers emotional care, which helps reduce stress and build confidence. For example, when I lived with my parents, it really improved my comfort. Moreover, it also saves money, which is important for boosting independence and managing resources. For instance, last year I lived at home during studies, and that experience gave me stability. So, that’s why I strongly believe living with family is better than living independently.
21. Pets at home: yes or no
To be honest, I would definitely say that having pets at home is the best choice because it provides clear advantages and happiness. First of all, pets reduce loneliness, which helps build relationships and improve confidence. For example, when I played with my dog, it really reduced my stress. Moreover, pets also teach responsibility, which is important for boosting discipline and strengthening character. For instance, last year I cared for my pet daily, and that experience made me more responsible. So, that’s why I strongly believe pets at home are a good idea.
22. Listening to radio vs. podcasts
To be honest, I would definitely say that podcasts are the best choice because they provide me with clear advantages and knowledge. First of all, they allow me to learn while relaxing, which helps broaden horizons and save time. For example, when I listened to educational podcasts, it really improved my knowledge. Moreover, they also offer flexibility, which is important for boosting confidence and increasing productivity. For instance, last year I listened to podcasts during my commute, and that experience made my time more useful. So, that’s why I strongly believe podcasts are better than radio.
23. Taking naps vs. staying active
To be honest, I would definitely say that taking naps is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages and energy. First of all, it reduces tiredness, which helps restore focus and boost productivity. For example, when I took short naps, it really improved my study performance. Moreover, it also improves health, which is important for reducing stress and building confidence. For instance, last year I started a habit of napping after lunch, and that experience gave me more energy. So, that’s why I strongly believe naps are better than staying active all day.
24. Favorite holiday of the year
To be honest, I would definitely say that New Year is my favorite holiday because it provides me with clear advantages and joy. First of all, it allows me to celebrate with family, which helps strengthen relationships and reduce stress. For example, when I joined my family’s New Year dinner, it really improved my happiness. Moreover, it also inspires motivation, which is important for boosting confidence and setting goals. For instance, last year I made New Year resolutions, and that experience gave me direction. So, that’s why I strongly believe New Year is the best holiday of the year.
25. Favorite food to eat often
To be honest, I would definitely say that pizza is my favorite food to eat often because it provides me with clear advantages and satisfaction. First of all, it is tasty and filling, which helps reduce stress and improve mood. For example, when I ate pizza with friends, it really made me happy. Moreover, it also offers variety, which is important for boosting creativity and enriching experiences. For instance, last year I tried different flavors of pizza, and that experience made me love it even more. So, that’s why I strongly believe pizza is my favorite food to eat often.