TOEFL Speaking
competition
Practice questions
- 1.Do you think competition among students usually helps them learn, or does it create too much pressure? Explain your view.
- 2.Describe a time when competing with someone motivated you to improve. What did you learn from the experience?
- 3.Some people prefer working in teams, while others enjoy competing individually. Which do you prefer, and why?
- 4.Should schools reward only the highest achievers, or should they recognize a wider range of student accomplishments?
Model answer
I think healthy competition among students is beneficial, as long as it is balanced with cooperation. First, it gives students a clear reason to set goals and keep working when a subject feels difficult. In one of my science classes, our teacher held a monthly quiz challenge. I studied more consistently because I wanted to improve my score, but I also learned to review mistakes instead of treating them as failures. That habit helped me long after the contest ended. At the same time, competition can become harmful if students care only about ranking. They may hide useful information from classmates or feel discouraged when someone else performs better. For that reason, teachers should emphasize personal progress and recognize different strengths, not just the top score. Overall, I see competition as a useful motivator rather than the main purpose of learning. When it is fair and respectful, students can challenge themselves while still supporting one another.
Target vocabulary
healthy competition
A fair contest that encourages people to improve without harming others.
motivator
Something that encourages a person to take action or work harder.
set goals
To decide what you want to achieve.
ranking
A position in a list that shows how people compare in performance.
personal progress
Improvement measured against your own earlier performance.
discouraged
Less confident or hopeful about succeeding.
recognize strengths
To notice and value the abilities someone has.