TOEFL® Speaking Practice Questions (2026)

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Yes, I believe it is quite important to live close to your school or workplace. One major reason is that it saves time. Instead of spending one or two hours commuting every day, you could use that time for studying, exercising, or simply relaxing. Another reason is that living nearby reduces stress. Long commutes can often be unpredictable because of traffic or delays, and that makes people anxious about being late. In addition, living close often helps you feel more connected to your community. For example, when I lived near my university, I was able to join more campus activities because I didn't have to worry about rushing home. Overall, staying close improves both productivity and quality of life.

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If I had to choose between commuting by car or using public transportation, I would choose public transportation. The first reason is cost. Cars can be very expensive, not only because of fuel but also because of parking fees, maintenance, and insurance. Public transit, even if it takes a little longer, saves a significant amount of money in the long term. The second reason is environmental impact. Cars contribute heavily to air pollution, while buses and trains reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Personally, I don't mind spending an extra twenty minutes on a bus if it means I can read a book, listen to music, or even review my notes. That time is not wasted. So, for me, public transportation is the more practical and sustainable choice.

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There are definitely ways to make commuting less stressful. One idea is to use that time productively by listening to podcasts or audiobooks. For instance, I often listen to language-learning podcasts on the bus, and it makes the ride feel much shorter while helping me build new skills. Another way is to make the commute more physically comfortable. Simple things like having noise-canceling headphones or carrying a comfortable backpack can reduce irritation. If you're driving, you could even create playlists of your favorite music to make traffic jams feel less frustrating. Essentially, the key is to turn commuting time into either enjoyable entertainment or an opportunity for personal growth. That way, instead of feeling wasted, the time actually feels valuable.

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A major positive effect of reduced commuting would be lower costs for businesses. If more employees work remotely, companies don't need to spend as much money on large office spaces, utilities, or even supplies like furniture and printing. For example, many technology firms have already saved millions by downsizing their office buildings. On the other hand, a negative effect is the loss of teamwork and spontaneous collaboration. When people only meet online, it's harder to build close relationships or share ideas naturally, the way you would in a break room or hallway. For example, some companies have noticed creativity declining when teams are fully remote. So, while less commuting saves money and improves flexibility, it also challenges the social and collaborative culture of a business.