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Get high‑scoring sample answers for the new TOEFL 2026 Speaking Task 2 on a dining‑hall policy. Includes band‑specific models, scoring rubrics, vocab tips, and common pitfalls.
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Get high‑scoring sample answers for the new TOEFL 2026 Speaking Task 2 on a dining‑hall policy. Includes band‑specific models, scoring rubrics, vocab tips, and common pitfalls.
> You have heard that the university’s dining hall will ban single‑use plastic forks, knives, and spoons starting next semester. Summarize the announcement and give your opinion on whether this change is beneficial for the campus community. Include at least two reasons for your view and mention a possible drawback.
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| Score | Sample Answer (≈45 s) | |-------|----------------------| | 6.0 | (Low‑intermediate) The university is planning to stop using disposable plastic cutlery in the dining hall. I think the change is good because it will reduce waste and it will save money in the long run. However, some students might find it inconvenient if they have to bring their own utensils. Overall, I support the policy. | 7.0 | (Intermediate‑high) The university announced that, beginning next semester, all single‑use plastic forks, knives, and spoons will be removed from the dining hall. I believe this is a positive step for two main reasons. First, it cuts down on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, which helps the environment. Second, it encourages students to adopt reusable containers, potentially lowering the campus’s overall food‑service costs. A possible drawback is that students who forget their own utensils may have to purchase reusable ones at a higher price. Still, I think the long‑term benefits outweigh the inconvenience. | 8.0 | (High) The university’s latest announcement states that, as of the upcoming semester, the dining hall will eliminate all single‑use plastic cutlery. I strongly endorse this policy for two reasons. One, it dramatically reduces non‑biodegradable waste, aligning the campus with sustainability goals and improving its public image. Two, it promotes a culture of reuse, which can lead to cost savings for both the university and students over time. Critics may argue that the transition could be disruptive for students who rely on disposable utensils, especially during late‑night study sessions. Nonetheless, the environmental and economic advantages make the policy a worthwhile initiative. | 9.0 | (Advanced) According to the university’s recent circular, the dining hall will discontinue all single‑use plastic forks, knives, and spoons starting next semester. I wholeheartedly support this measure for three compelling reasons. Firstly, it slashes the volume of plastic waste that would otherwise pollute landfills and waterways, thereby advancing the institution’s carbon‑neutral commitments. Secondly, it cultivates sustainable consumption habits among students, potentially reducing long‑term procurement costs for the university. Third, it enhances the campus’s reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship, which can attract eco‑conscious applicants. The primary concern is the short‑term inconvenience for students who may forget to bring their own utensils, especially during late‑night study breaks. However, a modest investment in a campus‑wide loan‑program for reusable cutlery can mitigate this issue, making the policy both pragmatic and progressive.
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| Band | Task Completion | Delivery | Language Use | Topic Development | |------|----------------|----------|--------------|-------------------| | 6.0 | Summarizes the announcement but offers only one clear reason; minor omission of counterargument. | Pronunciation mostly clear; occasional hesitations. | Frequent grammatical errors; limited lexical range. | Ideas loosely connected; minimal elaboration. | | 7.0 | Covers all required points; provides two reasons and a drawback. | Generally fluent; occasional pauses that do not hinder meaning. | Some errors in complex structures; moderate vocab variety. | Reasoning is logical; examples are brief but relevant. | | 8.0 | Fully addresses prompt; reasons are well‑developed; acknowledges drawback. | Smooth delivery with natural intonation; minor slips. | Accurate use of complex sentences; strong lexical choice. | Cohesive argument; clear linking devices (firstly, secondly, nonetheless). | | 9.0 | Exceeds expectations: three reasons, anticipates solution to drawback. | Near‑native fluency; pacing, stress, and intonation are excellent. | Sophisticated grammar; wide range of academic vocabulary; idiomatic usage. | Highly organized; nuanced analysis; persuasive and nuanced stance. |
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| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |------------|------------|--------------------| | eliminate | to remove completely | eliminate waste | non‑biodegradable | does not decompose naturally | non‑biodegradable material | sustainability | ability to maintain ecological balance | sustainability goals | procurement | process of obtaining goods | procurement costs | carbon‑neutral | net zero carbon emissions | carbon‑neutral commitment | cultivate | to develop or improve | cultivate habits | eco‑conscious | aware of environmental impact | eco‑conscious applicants | slash | to reduce dramatically | slash waste | loan‑program | system for temporary borrowing | campus loan‑program | pragmatic | practical, realistic | pragmatic solution | initiative | a new plan or action | sustainability initiative | align | to bring into agreement | align with goals | reputation | the beliefs that people have about someone | reputation as a leader | drawback | a disadvantage | potential drawback | counterargument | opposing viewpoint | address counterargument | | enhance | to improve | enhance image |
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You have 45 seconds to deliver your response after the 15‑second preparation period.
Yes, but keep them brief and directly relevant to the policy discussion.
At least two solid reasons plus a brief acknowledgment of a possible drawback.
Absolutely; adding a feasible solution can boost your Topic Development score.
Using connectors like “firstly,” “however,” and “nevertheless” demonstrates organization and improves delivery.
No, as long as intelligibility is maintained; focus on clear pronunciation of key academic terms.
ETS now delivers scores within 72 hours of test day.
The 2026 TOEFL uses a 1‑6 CEFR‑aligned scale, with a legacy 0‑120 dual‑score reported during the two‑year transition.
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