TOEFL Speaking Interview – Exercise

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 physical activity. You will have a short online interview with a researcher. The researcher will ask you some questions.

Question One:

Thank you for speaking with me today. Now, please think back to the last time you were active—such as taking a brisk walk, doing a workout or playing a sport. Why did you choose that activity at that time?

 

Sample Answer, Question One:

That’s a good question.  I guess the last time I was physically active was last week, when I went running.  I ran for about five kilometers, which is my usual distance.  I try to get out for a brisk run at least once a week, though nowadays I’m pretty busy and sometimes skip my runs.  I chose that particular activity because it is really convenient.  All I have to do is put on my shoes and shorts and head outside.  I can even start running right from my front door.  Moreover, if I run in a loop I can finish exactly where I started.  In comparison, playing an organized sport usually requires expensive equipment and scheduling the use of a facility somewhere.  I don’t normally like to deal with those hassles.

 

Question Two:

People respond to exercise in different ways. Some say that it makes them more energized and focused. Others find it tiring and don’t really enjoy the experience. How do you usually feel about being active?

 

Sample Answer, Question Two:

Personally, I absolutely love being active.  Sadly, I’m pretty inactive during the day, because my job keeps me at a desk for almost nine hours straight.  As a result, I get pretty lethargic towards the end of the week.  For this reason, I always try to fit some exercise into my weekend schedule.  Even just an hour or two of physical activity helps me shake off the lethargy of the week and gets me excited about the future.  Without that, I would probably feel pretty depressed about my desk job. While some people might get stressed about trying to fit physical exercise into their busy lives, I don’t feel any such apprehension.  That’s why I’m always excited to exercise, and I enjoy the experience.

 

Question Three:

Now I’d like your opinion. Some people say that getting regular exercise is the most important part of maintaining our long term health. Others feel that it’s more important to have a healthy diet. What do you think? Why do you feel that way?

 

Sample Answer, Question Three:

To me, the most important thing is to get regular exercise.  While eating a healthy diet is a good way to maintain a proper body weight, exercise is a way to keep our whole body in tip top shape.  For instance, lifting weights can help us maintain our muscles which prevents injuries while doing everyday tasks.  That’s something that is increasingly important as we age.  Moreover, exercises like jogging that improve our cardiovascular health can prevent serious health problems like heart attacks down the road. Personally, I also find that physical exercise helps improve my mental health.  I know that not everyone feels the same way, but it really does reduce my anxiety and prevents me from getting too worried about things related to my work and family.

 

Question Four:

One last question. Nowadays, many schools are cutting back on physical education classes so that students have more time to focus on academic subjects like math and science. Do you think this trend will continue in the future? Or will schools start to spend more time on physical education classes again?