TOEFL Speaking Interview – Education

Note that on the real test you won’t be able to read the questions.  You will only hear them.

Basically, the interviewer will ask you four questions about the same topic.  You’ll have 45 seconds to answer each one. You must answer as soon as the question is finished. You won’t be given any time to prepare your answers.

Introduction:

You have agreed to take part in a research study about education. You will have a short online interview with a teaching assistant. The teaching assistant will ask you some questions.

Question One:

Some people think that online classes are superior to in-person classes because students can take them even if they live far from the university campus. What’s your opinion? Why do you feel that way?

 

Sample Answer, Question One:

Personally, I strongly believe that in-person classes are much better than online classes. I feel this way because students really benefit from the experience of interacting face to face with their peers. When we talk to people who are right next to us, we are more likely to give spontaneous opinions that require quick and nimble thinking. In time, this increases the critical thinking skills that we’ll need when we enter the workforce. For instance, I’m always praised by my supervisors for my ability to rapidly address complaints that come in from clients of my company. I’m only able to do this because of the stimulating debates I joined in the business classes I took on campus. That’s why I feel that in-person classes are preferable.

 

Question Two:

Nowadays, a lot of people recommend that students take a year off between high school and university. They think this will give them a chance to explore the world and future opportunities. Do you think this is a good idea?

 

Sample Answer, Question Two:

You know, I think that it’s a great idea to take a year off before heading to university. That’s because these days it is incredibly difficult for students to decide what they should actually study. Many of the jobs they learned about as children don’t actually exist anymore, and some of the highest-paying jobs only came into existence within the last few years, so they might not be familiar with them. For example, AI prompt engineers make a lot of money, but a high school student in 2026 might not actually know what they do. But if they take a year off to get a part time job at an AI company they could learn all about this occupation, and see if it suits them. That’s basically why I feel that taking a break is beneficial.

 

Question Three:

Now, I want to hear a bit more about your experiences at school. Think back to a time when you disagreed with one of your classmates or with a professor. How did you resolve this situation?

 

Sample Answer, Question Three:

I remember a time when I disagreed with my history professor about the grade he gave me for my midterm essay. It happened a few years ago. I expected a really high grade, but he gave me a score of B- because he felt that I didn’t use enough primary sources to support my argument. I handled this situation in a polite way, without getting angry. I visited during regular office hours and asked him to explain the grade. He was patient and told me exactly what to do next time to write a better essay. As a result of that, I got a perfect score on the next one I wrote. This experience was memorable because it taught me the value of politeness and respect, which are two things I always try to practice nowadays.

 

Question Four:

One more thing. It can sometimes be difficult to keep track of deadlines and due dates as a student. How do you handle this challenge?