TOEFL Speaking Part 2: Experience with Pets
New TOEFL Speaking Part 2: Interview
The new TOEFL Speaking section consists of two parts: “Listen and Repeat” and “Take an Interview.”
In the second part, you will answer four interview-style questions on a given topic. Each question is short, but the difficulty increases as you move through the section. You have 45 seconds per question, with no preparation time.
Because there is no planning phase, it is important to start speaking immediately and continue until the time ends. Staying silent or stopping too early will damage your score. Also, try to use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures, and use them accurately. Clear grammar and lexical range have a direct impact on your Speaking score.
Keep the Talk Simple and Concrete
My advice is to base your response on facts or personal experience whenever possible. Talking about abstract ideas is always harder than talking about something you can clearly imagine. Concrete topics give you words more easily and help you keep speaking without hesitation.
Remember that you only have 45 seconds and no preparation time. Given this constraint, the TOEFL is not testing your ability to present unique ideas or engage in deep discussion. Instead, it evaluates how clearly and smoothly you can express yourself in English. Staying concrete allows you to focus on language use rather than struggling to shape complex thoughts under time pressure.
Practice Question
Model Answers
Question 1
Interviewer
Do you currently have a pet, or have you had one in the past?
Model response:
Yes, I currently have a pet. I have a dog that I’ve been taking care of for several years. Having a pet has become a natural part of my daily routine. I feed him every morning and take him for walks after work, which helps me maintain a regular schedule. In the past, I didn’t realize how much responsibility was involved, but over time, I’ve learned to manage my time better. Overall, having a pet has made my daily life more structured and emotionally rewarding.
Explanation
This question is essentially a yes–no question. However, answering with only “yes” or “no” will leave a large portion of the 45 seconds unused. To score well, you should continue speaking on a related topic.
If your answer is “yes,” you can talk about a pet you currently own or one you had in the past. Describe what kind of animal it was, how you took care of it, and why the experience was meaningful to you.
If your answer is “no” or “never,” that is also perfectly acceptable as long as you provide reasons and continue speaking. For example, you might explain that you are allergic to animals or had a negative experience in the past. By illustrating concrete details and examples, it’s not difficult to keep speaking for the full 45 seconds.
Question 2
Interviewer
How do you personally feel about having a pet, and why?
Model response:
Personally, I see having a pet mainly as a meaningful responsibility rather than just companionship. While pets certainly provide comfort and emotional support, they also require consistent care, attention, and patience. For example, you need to consider their health, daily routines, and long-term needs. However, I think this responsibility is actually a positive aspect because it encourages people to be more considerate and disciplined. As a result, the relationship feels deeper and more fulfilling than simply having a pet for entertainment.
Explanation
Remember that the content of your response accounts for only a small portion of the score. The TOEFL Speaking section is designed to evaluate English proficiency, not originality of ideas. As long as you address the question and use clear, accurate language with appropriate vocabulary and grammar, you can earn a high score.
That means you are free to express either a positive or a negative opinion. In the model answer, we focus on the benefits of owning a pet. However, you could just as easily discuss drawbacks, such as reduced freedom or added responsibility. For example, owning a pet can make long trips difficult, since you must arrange care in advance.
Both approaches are equally acceptable. What matters most is that your response stays relevant to the question and demonstrates strong language use throughout the 45 seconds.
Question 3
Interviewer
Do you agree that having pets can positively influence children’s development? Why or why not?
Model response:
Yes, I agree that growing up with pets can positively influence children’s development. Pets often teach children empathy because they need to understand nonverbal signals and care for another living being. In addition, having daily responsibilities, such as feeding or cleaning, helps children develop a sense of accountability. These experiences can shape how children interact with others later in life. Even small tasks related to pet care can gradually build emotional awareness and social skills in a natural way.
Question 4
Interviewer
Do you think society places enough value on the role of pets in supporting mental health? Why or why not?
Model response:
I don’t think society fully recognizes the role pets play in supporting mental health. In modern life, many people experience stress, isolation, or anxiety, and pets can provide emotional stability and routine. Simply spending time with a pet can reduce stress and create a sense of comfort. However, pets are often seen as a luxury rather than a source of well-being. I believe greater awareness could encourage more supportive policies, such as pet-friendly housing or community programs.
