How would you respond to these sample TOEFL Speaking prompts?  They are questions 1 and 2.

• What is your favorite holiday tradition?  Why?

• Some people believe a college degree is important for future success in life.  Others believe work experience or job training programs are sufficient.  In your opinion, which is better?  Why?  Support your answer.

• If a tourist were to visit your home country, what landmark would you suggest he or she visit?  Why?
  

• Some people are savers.  They want to save money for emergencies or future goals.  Others are spenders who prefer to use their money and enjoy the present moment.  Which is better?  Why?
  

• What are important qualities in a friend?  Why are they important?  Use details and examples to support your answer.
  
  

Are you preparing to take the TOEFL exam?  If you are, or if you just want to enhance your speaking and writing skills, East Bay ESL has a new online course to help you.

Tips for the TOEFL is a PDF workbook, delivered by email.  It includes tips, sample questions and suggested responses, and audio files to help you practice.  Purchase the workbook and you gain lifetime access to the audio files.

The full-price workbook is 15 USD, but you can purchase it on sale for 10 USD until March 31, 2014.  Buy it here now.

Listen again to the recording posted earlier this week.  When you feel you are ready, answer the following question in the comment box.

The speaker is making a complaint. What is her opinion and why does she hold that opinion? Do you agree with her?  Use details from the recording to support your answer. 

Tradition is sometimes controversial.  As society changes, so do the borderlines between what is acceptable and unacceptable.  In some cases, public opinion on traditions about gender roles or religious observance change.  At the same time, many who immigrate to a different country with its own culture struggle to hold on to the customs they have learned and valued.

How do you feel about changing traditions?  Why do traditions change?  Is it right to give up some cultural or religious traditions if you are in a new country?  Should people practice the same traditions as their parents or grandparents?  Why?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below.