20 Sample Answers for TOEFL Speaking Task 1 (Part 1: Questions 1–20)
🏆 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
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Fits all types: Agree/Disagree, Preference, Problem/Solution, General.
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Balanced: intro (3–4s), 2 reasons (15s each), conclusion (3–4s).
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Uses collocations TOEFL raters love: save time, reduce stress, boost confidence, broaden horizons, build relationships, develop skills, increase productivity, improve communication, enrich experience.
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~100–110 words = perfect 45 seconds.
⚡ Example with topic (Do you prefer studying alone or in a group?)
“To be honest, I would definitely say that studying alone is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages.
First of all, it allows me to concentrate deeply, which helps me save time and increase productivity.
For example, when I prepared for my math exam alone, it really improved my focus.
Moreover, it also helps me develop self-discipline, which is important for boosting confidence and strengthening skills.
For instance, last year I created my own study plan, and that experience showed me how useful it was.
So, that’s why I strongly believe studying alone is the best choice for me.”
Sample Answer
🎓 Education & Study Habits – TOEFL Speaking Task 1 Samples
1. Favorite subject in school
To be honest, I would definitely say that English is my favorite subject because it provides me with clear advantages. First of all, it allows me to improve communication, which helps me build relationships and broaden horizons. For example, when I practiced English conversation with friends, it really boosted my confidence. Moreover, it also helps me access global knowledge, which is important for developing skills and enriching experience. For instance, last year I read English articles online, and that experience showed me how valuable English was. So, that’s why I strongly believe English is my favorite subject.
2. Study alone vs. group study
To be honest, I would definitely say that studying alone is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages. First of all, it allows me to concentrate deeply, which helps me save time and increase productivity. For example, when I prepared for my math exam alone, it really improved my focus. Moreover, it also helps me develop self-discipline, which is important for boosting confidence and strengthening skills. For instance, last year I created my own study plan, and that experience showed me how useful it was. So, that’s why I strongly believe studying alone is the best choice for me.
3. Paper books vs. e-books
To be honest, I would definitely say that paper books are the best choice because they provide me with clear advantages. First of all, they allow me to focus better, which helps me reduce stress and remember details. For example, when I read novels in print, it really improved my concentration. Moreover, they also give me a break from screens, which is important for protecting health and reducing eye strain. For instance, last semester I switched to paper textbooks, and that experience showed me how effective it was. So, that’s why I strongly believe paper books are the best choice.
4. Morning study vs. night study
To be honest, I would definitely say that studying in the morning is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages. First of all, it allows me to stay focused, which helps me save time and improve efficiency. For example, when I studied vocabulary early in the morning, it really improved my memory. Moreover, it also keeps me energetic, which is important for boosting confidence and staying motivated. For instance, last year I prepared for exams in the morning, and that experience showed me how effective it was. So, that’s why I strongly believe morning study is better.
5. Note-taking: handwriting vs. typing
To be honest, I would definitely say that handwriting notes is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages. First of all, it allows me to remember better, which helps me strengthen memory and improve focus. For example, when I wrote notes by hand in history class, it really improved my understanding. Moreover, it also reduces distractions, which is important for increasing productivity and saving time. For instance, last semester I avoided typing on my laptop, and that experience showed me how useful handwriting was. So, that’s why I strongly believe handwriting notes is the best method.
6. Online courses vs. classroom learning
To be honest, I would definitely say that classroom learning is the best choice because it provides me with clear advantages. First of all, it allows me to interact directly, which helps me build relationships and improve communication. For example, when I asked questions in class, it really improved my confidence. Moreover, it also keeps me motivated, which is important for developing discipline and strengthening skills. For instance, last year I attended face-to-face lectures, and that experience showed me how effective they were. So, that’s why I strongly believe classroom learning is the best choice for me.
7. Gap year before university
To be honest, I would definitely say that taking a gap year before university is the best choice because it provides clear advantages. First of all, it allows students to gain real-world experience, which helps them broaden horizons and enrich knowledge. For example, when my cousin volunteered abroad, it really improved her independence. Moreover, it also helps students make better decisions, which is important for boosting confidence and planning the future. For instance, my friend worked for one year before college, and that experience showed her what she truly wanted to study. So, that’s why a gap year is valuable.
8. Large university vs. small college
To be honest, I would definitely say that a small college is the best choice because it provides clear advantages. First of all, it allows students to get personal attention, which helps them build relationships and improve learning. For example, when I studied in a small class, it really improved my participation. Moreover, it also creates a close community, which is important for boosting confidence and making friends. For instance, my cousin attended a small college, and that experience gave her a strong support network. So, that’s why I strongly believe a small college is the best option.
9. Writing a paper vs. giving a presentation
To be honest, I would definitely say that giving a presentation is the best choice because it provides clear advantages. First of all, it allows me to improve communication, which helps me boost confidence and build relationships. For example, when I presented my project in class, it really improved my speaking skills. Moreover, it also helps me think critically, which is important for developing ideas and strengthening knowledge. For instance, last year I gave a science presentation, and that experience showed me how useful it was. So, that’s why I strongly believe giving a presentation is better.
10. Teachers: strict vs. friendly
To be honest, I would definitely say that friendly teachers are the best choice because they provide clear advantages. First of all, they allow students to feel comfortable, which helps them reduce stress and boost motivation. For example, when my English teacher encouraged me, it really improved my confidence. Moreover, they also inspire creativity, which is important for developing skills and broadening horizons. For instance, my friendly math teacher used fun activities, and that experience showed me how effective his style was. So, that’s why I strongly believe friendly teachers are better for students.
11. Exams vs. projects
To be honest, I would definitely say that projects are the best choice because they provide clear advantages. First of all, they allow students to apply knowledge, which helps them develop skills and increase productivity. For example, when I worked on a group project, it really improved my problem-solving ability. Moreover, they also encourage creativity, which is important for boosting confidence and broadening horizons. For instance, last semester I made a research project, and that experience showed me how effective projects were. So, that’s why I strongly believe projects are better than exams.
12. Living on campus vs. off campus
To be honest, I would definitely say that living on campus is the best choice because it provides clear advantages. First of all, it allows students to save time, which helps them reduce stress and focus on study. For example, when my cousin lived on campus, it really improved her schedule. Moreover, it also helps students build friendships, which is important for boosting confidence and creating community. For instance, my friend joined dorm activities last year, and that experience showed her how fun campus life was. So, that’s why I strongly believe living on campus is better.
13. Studying abroad vs. staying local
To be honest, I would definitely say that studying abroad is the best choice because it provides clear advantages. First of all, it allows students to broaden horizons, which helps them gain knowledge and build confidence. For example, when my cousin studied in Canada, it really improved her English. Moreover, it also provides career opportunities, which is important for strengthening skills and enriching experience. For instance, my friend got an internship overseas, and that experience showed her how useful studying abroad was. So, that’s why I strongly believe studying abroad is the best option.
14. Mandatory coding classes
To be honest, I would definitely say that mandatory coding classes are a great idea because they provide clear advantages. First of all, they allow students to develop problem-solving skills, which helps them boost creativity and increase productivity. For example, when I learned basic coding, it really improved my logical thinking. Moreover, they also prepare students for future careers, which is important for broadening opportunities and gaining knowledge. For instance, my classmate got an internship because of coding, and that experience showed him how useful it was. So, that’s why I strongly believe coding should be mandatory.
15. Mandatory physical education
To be honest, I would definitely say that mandatory physical education is a great idea because it provides clear advantages. First of all, it allows students to stay healthy, which helps them reduce stress and increase energy. For example, when I joined PE classes, it really improved my fitness. Moreover, it also builds teamwork, which is important for boosting confidence and building relationships. For instance, last semester I played basketball in PE, and that experience showed me how enjoyable it was. So, that’s why I strongly believe physical education should be mandatory in schools.