TOEFL Speaking Interview – Smartphones

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 smartphone usage. 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. Please think back to the last time you used your phone for something important—such as contacting someone, finding your way, making a payment, or translating. Why did you use it at that time? What did you like about how it worked for you?

 

Sample Answer, Question One:

A few weeks ago I was traveling in a whole new city, actually it was Paris, and I got completely lost. I just couldn’t figure out how to get back to my hotel room right and I started to get quite nervous. Fortunately I had my cell phone in my pocket and I also had a robust data plan so I just opened the phone and launched a map app. I told it where my hotel was and I instantly got directions to get back there. In fact, it could show me how to get back there on foot and even how to use various public transportation options as well. That made me feel really relieved and all my worries about my safety and all stuff that went away, so I was pretty happy with what the cell phone did for me on that day.

 

Question Two:

Everyone feels differently about phones. Some feel phones make them more connected and efficient, while others feel distracted or overwhelmed. How do you usually react to your phone in daily life? Why do you think you react that way?

 

Sample Answer, Question Two:

I have to admit that my phone often makes me feel distracted and has a negative impact on my well being. I’m probably somewhat addicted to my phone, so I always carry it around with me and I constantly pull it out to check for emails or messages from family members or work colleagues. Even though it makes me feel terrible that I keep checking my email instead of focusing on what’s going on around me in the real world I just can’t find the strength to leave it at home. I certainly need to stop looking at my phone when I’m visiting a beautiful scenic landscape, for instance. This is something I hope to deal with in the future so if we have another interview next year maybe I’ll have something more optimistic to say about my relationship with my phone.

 

Question Three:

Now I’d like your opinion. Some people believe smartphones clearly make life better in the modern world. Do you agree with that idea? Why or why not?

 

Sample Answer, Question Three:

Overall, I’d say that smartphones make life better in the modern world, even though they do cause people to be distracted like I said a moment ago. This is because they increase access to information and of course information is power these days. For instance, a student who wants to perform better at school or university can access a wealth of valuable resources from his cell phone no matter where he is. So even a student who’s studying at an extremely remote school that has a low budget and a tiny library basically has access to the same academic textbooks and journal articles that people who study at a cutting edge university in Massachusetts can use. This is an incredible benefit.

 

Question Four:

One last question. Do you think schools and workplaces should encourage healthier phone habits among students and employees? For instance, should they encourage them to turn off their phones during breaks or in the evening to reduce interruptions? Why or why not?