TOEFL TPO Speaking Questions

Here is a list of TOEFL Practice Online (TPO) questions that you must check out before taking your test.


In case you don't know what these tests are. A TPO test can be one you purchase from ETS, and they give you your score. Your test, though, may go through a probably automated scoring system as many complain about it.

So there are Chinese TPOs that emulate the actual test.
https://www.superlearn.com/practice/base/listen/alltpo.shtml
I gathered these speaking questions from them.

Use this recommended app to practice.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toefltimer
I hope you find this useful.

TPO 1

1-1
Talk about a book you have read that was important to you for some reason. Explain why the book was important to you. Give specific details and examples to explain your answer.
1-2
Some people believe that television has had a positive influence on society. Others believe it has had a negative influence on society. Which do you agree with and why? Use details and examples to explain your opinion.

TPO 2

2-1
Choose a place you go to often that is important to you and explain why it is important. Please include specific details in your explanation.
2-2
Some college students choose to take courses in a variety of subject areas in order to get a broad education. Others choose to focus on a single subject area in order to have a deeper understanding of that area. Which approach to course selection do you think is better for students and why?

TPO 3

3-1
What characteristics do you think make someone a good parent? Explain why these characteristics are important to you.
3-2
Some students prefer to work on class assignments by themselves. Others believe it is better to work in a group. Which do you prefer? Explain why.

TPO 4

4-1
What do you miss most about your home when you are away? Use specific details in your explanation.
4-2
Many universities now offer academic courses over the Internet. However, some people still prefer learning in traditional classrooms. Which do you think is better? Explain why.

TPO 5

5-1
Talk about a place you enjoyed going to or visiting when you were a child. Describe the place. Explain why you enjoyed it.
5-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Why or why not? Use details and examples to explain your answer. It is more important to study math or science than it is to study art or literature.

TPO 6

6-1
Talk about a photograph or painting you have seen that was memorable. Explain what you liked or disliked about it.
6-2
Some people have one career throughout their lives. Other people do different kinds of work at different points in their lives. Which do you think is better? Explain why.

TPO 7

7-1
If friends from another country were going to spend time in your country, what city or place would you suggest they visit? Using details and examples, explain why.
7-2
State whether you agree or disagree with the following statement. Then explain your reasons, using specific details in your explanation. Learning through online courses is more effective than learning in the traditional classroom setting.

TPO 8

8-1
Talk about a time when a friend or family member helped you in the past. Describe how the person helped you. Then explain why this was important to you.
8-2
Some people enjoy taking risks and trying new things Others are not adventurous: they are cautious and prefer to avoid danger. Which behavior do you think is better? Explain why.

TPO 9

9-1
Talk about an important experience that you recently had. Describe what happened and explain why it was important to you.
9-2
Some people think that family members are the most important influence on young adults. Others believe that friends are the most important influence. Which do you agree with? Explain why.

TPO 10

10-1
Talk about a time when you accomplished something you did not think you could do. What do you accomplish? Why did you think you could not do it?
10-2
Talk about a time when you accomplished something you did not think you could do. What do you accomplish? Why did you think you could not do it?

TPO 11

11-1
Talk about an interesting book you have read. Explain why you thought the book was interesting. Give specific details and examples to explain your answer.
11-2
Some people think that children should be allowed to watch whatever television programs they choose to. Others think that parents should exercise control over the television programs their children watch. Which do you agree with? Explain why.

TPO 12

12-1
What is the most efficient type of transportation in your country? Explain why you think it is efficient. Include specific reasons or examples.
12-2
Some people believe it’s essential for a person’s education to learn to play a musical instrument. Others don’t believe music education is important. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

TPO 13

13-1
Talk about a game, sport or other group activity that is played in your country. Explain why you think the activity is enjoyable.
13-2
When looking for information for a research project, some students prefer to get their information mainly from the Internet. Others prefer to mainly use printed materials such as books and academic journals. Which do you prefer, and why?

TPO 14

14-1
People enjoy reading many different types of books such as mystery, biography, romance, etc. Of all the different types of books that there are, what type do you most enjoy? Explain why.
14-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One of the best ways to learn is by making mistakes. Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 15

15-1
People make friends in many different ways. What do you think is a good way to make new friends? Use specific details and examples in your response.
15-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is important to remember and learn from the past. Use details and examples to explain your opinion.

TPO 16

16-1
If you could have any job or career you wanted, which would you choose and why? Give specific details to explain your response.
16-2
Some people who unexpectedly receive a large amount of money spend it on practical things, while others spend it for pleasure only. Which do you think is better and why?

TPO 17

17-1
Talk about a special opportunity that was given to you. Explain why the opportunity was important.
17-2
State whether you agree or disagree with the following statement. Then explain your reasons. Using specific details in your explanation. Students should not be allowed to bring cell phones (mobile phones) into a classroom.

TPO 18

18-1
Imagine your life ten years in the future. Talk about one way you think your life will be different in ten years than it is now. Use details to explain your answer.
18-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is important to learn about other cultures. Use details and examples to explain your opinion.

TPO 19

19-1
Talk about a skill or ability that you consider especially important for a student to have. Use details and examples to explain your answer.
19-2
More and more people are buying items on the Internet and from magazines or catalogs. Other people prefer shopping in a store. Which do you prefer and why?

TPO 20

20-1
Choose a quality you think makes someone a valuable member of a team. Explain why you think it is an important quality for a team or group member to have.
20-2
Some people prefer to learn about current events from watching television news programs. Others prefer to read about current events in newspapers or on the Internet. Which do you think is better: watching the news or reading the news? Explain why.

TPO 21

21-1
Talk about an important news event that happened recently in your country. Describe the event and explain why it was important.
21-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Your friends are the most important influence in your life. Use details and examples to explain your opinion.

TPO 22

22-1
Talk about one way your personality has changed since you were a child. Use examples and details to explain your answer.
22-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Children should be required to learn practical skills, such as cooking or personal finance, in addition to academic subjects.

TPO 23

23-1
There can be several advantages to spending time living in another country. Talk about one advantage and explain how living in another country provides that advantage. Use details and examples in your response.

23-2
Some people enjoy spending their free time alone in activities such as reading, thinking, or writing. Others enjoy spending their free time in shared activities with other people. Which do you prefer and why?

TPO 24

24-1
Talk about a popular gathering place in your town where people like to go. Describe the place and explain why people enjoy going there.
24-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students benefit more from classes with a large number of students than they do from smaller classes. Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 25

25-1
Students often want to get better grades in their classes. Explain what students should do in order to improve their performance in a class.
25-2
Some people do not enjoy shopping and shop only when they have a specific purchase to make. Others like to go shopping for pleasure whether or not they have something to buy. Which do you prefer and why?

TPO 26

26-1
Think of a book that you have not read but are interested in reading. Explain why the book was important to you. Give specific details and examples to explain your answer.
26-2
Some people like to have their cell or mobile phone with them at all times. Other people prefer not to bring their cell or mobile phone with them everywhere they go, or they choose not to own one at all. Which do you prefer? Explain why.

TPO 27

27-1
Talk about a popular actor, musician, or artist whose work you do not admire. Explain why you do not like this person’s work. Use specific details and reasons in your response.
27-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents should be in the process of helping their children to choose a university. Use specific reasons and details in your response.

TPO 28

28-1
Students have to complete various types of academic assignments in school.
Choose one of the assignments below and explain why you think it is beneficial for students.
- Research paper
- Class presentation
- Group project
28-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? To protect the health of young children, advertisements for candy and junk food should not be shown on television. Use specific reasons and details in your response.

TPO 29

29-1
Which of the following jobs or careers do you think would be most rewarding?
- University professor
- Environmental scientist
- Newspaper journalist
Choose one career and explain why you think it would be most rewarding. Use details and examples to support your answer.
29-2
Some people like to study in public places where there are other people around. Others prefer to study in places where there are few or no people around. Which kind of place do you prefer? Explain why.

TPO 30

30-1
A friend of yours is looking for a new place to live and has asked for your advice. What do you think is the most important characteristic of a good neighborhood? Use details and examples to explain your answer
30-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents should be involved in the process of helping their children to choose a career. Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 31

31-1
Parents need to make sure their children lead healthy lives. What can parents do to help their children have healthy lifestyles?
31-2
Some university students choose to take difficult classes even if they know they might not get a good grade in the class. Other students prefer to take easier classes in which they know they will get a good grade. Which do you prefer? Explain why.

TPO 32

32-1
Students often like to study with others in a group. What do you think are the benefits of group study? Give at least one benefit. Explain your reasons.
32-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should receive money for doing household tasks such as cleaning. Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 33

33-1
A friend of yours wants to go to university next year but cannot decide on a major field of study. What advice would you give your friend to help make this decision?
33-2
Do you think that eating healthy food is easier or more difficult today than it was 40 or 50 years ago? Use examples and details to support your answer.

TPO 34

34-1
Your university plans to open a cafe inside the campus library. Do you think this is a good idea? Explain why or why not.
34-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A private car should not be allowed in the city centers of large cities. Use details and examples to explain your opinion.

TPO 35

35-1
Which technology has made the greatest impact on people's’ lives in your country: airplane, computer, or television?
35-2
Some people believe that it is better for children to grow up in big cities. Others believe that it is better for children to grow up in small towns or rural areas. What is your opinion?

TPO 36

36-1
What advice would you give to a child just starting school? Why do you think this advice will be helpful to the child? Use details and examples to explain your answer.
36-2
Some people prefer to buy the food that is already prepared. Other people prefer to buy fresh food and prepare meals by themselves. Which do you prefer? Explain why, using details and examples in your answer

TPO 37

37-1
In order to teach young people about good nutrition and health, your school is planning to require students to take cooking classes in addition to other subjects. Do you think this requirement is a good idea? Why or why not?
37-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students will learn more if the teachers are kind and friendly. Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 38

38-1
Your friend is thinking about getting a pet and asks for your advice. What kind of pet would you recommend for your friend? Explain the reasons for your recommendation
38-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more enjoyable for students to read the works of fiction (such as novels and stories) than nonfiction. Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 39

39-1
A friend of yours is thinking of taking a year off to work before going to a university. Explain to your friend why this is or is not a good idea.
39-2
If you were given the choice of a school or work assignment, would you prefer to write a long report or give a speech in front of a large group of people? Use details and examples to explain your choice.

TPO 40

40-1
Talk about a country or culture that you would like to learn more about. What is the country or culture and why would you like to learn more about it?
40-2
Some people think that materials printed on paper, such as books and newspapers, will one day be replaced by electronic versions of those materials. Others believe that printed materials will always be popular. Which point of view do you agree with? Explain why.

TPO 41

41-1
Talk about a famous person that you admire. Explain why you respect this person.
41-2
Some people believe it is important for universities to provide funding for student entertainment, such as movies or concerts on campus. Others believe that university money should only be used for academic purposes. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

TPO 42

42-1
Choose an accomplishment that required you to work very hard. Explain what the accomplishment was and why it was important to you.
42-2
Some people prefer living in a big city. Other people prefer living in the countryside, away from urban areas. Which do you think is better? Explain why using specific details in your explanation.

TPO 42

43-1
People set a variety of goals for themselves throughout their lives. Describe one goal you would like to achieve in the future, and explain why this goal is important to you. Include specific details in your explanation.
43-2
Some students attend college full-time, while others attend college part-time. Which do you think is better? Explain why.

TPO 44

44-1
Talk about a special job you have had in the past or would like to have in the future.
44-2
Some people believe that primary schools should no longer teach children how to write by hand, and instead, should spend time teaching them how to type on a computer. Other people believe that it is still important for schools to teach children to have good handwriting. Which point of view do you agree with? Explain why.

TPO 45

45-1
Which of the following qualities do you think is most important for a university student to be successful?
- Highly motivated
- Hard working
- Intelligent
Choose one of these qualities and explain why it is important.
45-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
- Artists and musicians are important to a society.
- Use details and examples to explain your answer.

TPO 46

46-1
Talk about one way in which you have benefited from using the Internet. Use specific examples and details in your response.
46-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
People today have healthier lifestyles than people did 100 years ago.
Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 47

47-1
Which one of the following forms of transportation do you consider to be most enjoyable?
- bicycle
- automobile
- train
Explain why you enjoy it.
47-2
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
In the future, people will read fewer books than they do today.
Use specific examples and details to support your opinion.

TPO 48

48-1
Students study in a variety of ways. Explain how your study habits are different from those of other students you know.
48-2
Some people like to shop in large grocery stores and department stores. Other people prefer to shop in small specialty stores or shops. Which do you prefer? Explain why.

TPO 49

49-1
One of your friends is often late for events and appointments, which makes other angry. You would like to help your friend. What advice will you give your friend to help avoid this problem in the future? Use specific details and examples in your advice.
49-2
Some teachers think that it is important for students to sit in assigned seats, that is, to sit in the same place every day in class. Other teachers think that students should be allowed to choose where they will sit, and they allow them to sit in different seats on different days. Which do you think is better? Explain why.

TPO 50

49-1
Talk about a social or political event that is celebrated in your country. Describe the event and explain how people in your country celebrate it.
Use details and examples in your explanation.
49-2
Some people like having a wide variety of friends and acquaintances they can spend time with. Others like to spend most of their free time with the same small group of close friends. Which do you prefer? Explain why.

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