TOEFL Speaking Type 2

Independent Type 2: Choice

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, choose from one of the two choices offered, and explain the reasons behind the choice.

STRUCTURE (ALMOST IDENTICAL TO TYPE 1)

1) Introduction (Restate topic + State preference

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

Some people prefer to eat out at restaurants. Others prefer to eat at home. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific details and examples to support your answer.

SAMPLE RESPONSE

Although some people prefer eating at restaurants, I prefer to eat at home (RESTATE TOPIC + STATE OPINION) for the following reasons.

To begin with (TRANSITION), eating at home is less expensive (REASON #1). For example, a pasta dish at a local Italian restaurant might cost me ten to twelve dollars. However, I can buy spaghetti noodles, sauce, herbs and spices, etc. for less than ten dollars, and I could also prepare enough for more than one meal (PERSONAL EXPERIENCE)!

Additionally (TRANSITION), my home offers a more comfortable atmosphere (REASON #2). At restaurants, waiters are always running around, and other customers are talking around me. At home, I can listen to music that I enjoy. I can also turn on the television and eat while watching my favorite TV shows (PERSONAL EXPERIENCE). The dining experience is far more enjoyable to me this way.

To sum up (TRANSITION), I would rather eat at home than go out (OPINION + RESTATE TOPIC).


You should notice that I stated both choices and then selected my preferred choice. Some testtakers might say "Some people prefer to eat at home. Others prefer to eat out. If I had to choose, I would choose..." This format is TOO LONG. Your content is the most important part of your speech, so you do not want to spend too much time in your introduction (or conclusion).

"I prefer X rather than Y."
"I enjoy X more than Y."

These sample structures allow you to state both choices AND your opinion within the same short sentence. This allows testtakers to focus on their reasons and their support.

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.