TOEFL Speaking Type 1

Independent Type 1: Personal Preference

Time to prepare: 15 seconds
Time to respond: 45 seconds
Reading Section: None
Listening Section: None
Opinion: YES

OBJECTIVE

Using at least 2 reasons with examples/details, answer an open-ended question that asks speakers to draw from personal experience for their response.

STRUCTURE

1) Introduction (Restate topic + State opinion + Segue into main content)

2) Body 1
A. Topic Sentence (Transition + Specific Reason)
B. Specific details/example

3) Body 2
A. (Same as body 1)

4) Conclusion
A. Transition + Restate topic + restate opinion


SAMPLE QUESTION

If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you travel and why? Use specific details and examples to support your answer.

SAMPLE RESPONSE

If I could travel to any country in the world (RESTATE TOPIC), I would travel to Japan (STATE OPINION) for the following reasons.

First of all (TRANSITION), I love Japanese food (REASON #1). When I was growing up, some of my favorite foods were Sushi, Ramen noodles, and beef dumplings. I would look forward to dinner every time Japanese food was served, and if could travel to Japan, I could eat Japanese food three times a day (PERSONAL EXPERIENCE).

Furthermore (TRANSITION), Japan has some of the most amazing cities in the world (REASON #2). My brother has traveled to countries all over the world, and he still ranks Kyoto as the most beautiful city he has ever seen (SECONDHAND EXPERIENCE). I have been to Tokyo myself, and was amazed by how futuristic it felt (PERSONAL EXPERIENCE). I would love to see these and other Japanese cities again.

To sum up (TRANSITION), I would definitely fly to Japan (OPINION) if I could travel anywhere on earth (RESTATE TOPIC).


You should notice that the examples are very SPECIFIC. I do not just say "Japanese food is great, and I like eating it." I meantioned SPECIFIC foods like ramen and dumplings to illustrate my reason. For my second reason, I did not just say "there are many beautiful cities in Japan, and I would learn about their culture." I mentioned Kyoto and Tokyo SPECIFICALLY. Your support must always be specific.