40 topics for TOEFL oral exams

Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
TOPICS FOR ORAL EXAMS ( For reference only )
Topic 1: Describe a classmate or colleague you often meet or met.
I have a lot of friends, but Tam is one of my closest friends. He comes from Kim
Dong District, Hung Yen province. He is the person who can share all kinds of
difficulties and happiness in life. Not only is he helpful ,but also he is intelligent.
He is also good at both teaching English and using computers. I first met him when
we were at Hai Duong teachers' training colleage. Although we are living far from
each other, I often contact with him by e-mail, chatting, or phone calls .Sometimes,
on special occasions I come along his family and so does he. We often talk to each
other about our family, hobbies and work .We are really good friends.
Topic 2: Describe a typical holiday in your country.
In our country, there are quite lots of different holidays every year , but in my
opinion, I think Tet holiday is the most typical holiday for most Vietnamese people.
Though we can live or work far from our family, we still try to get together at Tet.
Tet holidays often occur in late January or early February. It is a good chance for us
to have days off and have time to visit relatives or friends for giving good luck and
best wishes to each other. For some people who are rich, they can go on a trip
somewhere in Viet nam or in foreign countries to enjoy Tet holidays.
Topic 3: Describe your favorite festival or celebration.
I have some celebrations to celebrate and some festivals to enjoy every year.
However, for me ,my wedding celebration is the most important one that I never
forget. I think it's the special celebration for not only me, but also my wife to recall
the time we started our new happy life. Our celebration often happens in March
every year. On this occasion, we often have a small party and offer gifts to each
other. This celebration helps us live more happily and strengthen our love.
Topic 4: Describe an electric item that is important to you.
In our modern life, each item plays important and different roles. However, in my
view, I suppose that my laptop is the most important thing. My laptop isn't too
expensive, but I like it very much. Not only does it help me in my work, but also it
helps me relax a lot. It can store important documents and helps me to prepare for

work effectively. Moreover , I can read newspapers, listen to music, watch movies
or send e-mails and chat with my friends by using it.I think it's really a good friend
of mine.
Topic 5: Describe something you use for your work or studies.
One of the most important things which I often use for my work or studies is my
dictionary. It doesn't cost a lot of money, but it' really helpful .I often use it to look
up new words or phrases whenever I need it. I think it's the most important thing
that English learners must own it.
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Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
Topic 6:Describe a famous food from your hometown or country.
I think the sticky rice cake is one of the most famous foods which most Vietnamese
people clearly know and like .It's called by the name " Banh Chung" by Northern
people. It has a square shape which is covered with green leaves and sticky rice ,
beans, pork, peppers, salt inside .Vietnamese people like this cake because not only
it's tasty, but also it is a special cake that is enjoyed at Tet holidays. I like this
cake ,too.
Topic 7:Describe an item of clothing that you often wear.
For all my clothes I own. I like my red striped shirt most. It' s not only fashionable,
but also it has a special meaning. My wife offered me that shirt on the occasion of
my 35
th
birthday . I often wear it when I attend weddings , parties or whenever I am
in good mood. I really like it.
Topic 8: Describe the transport system in a place you know about.
Nowadays, the transport system in our country is developing quite fast. In my
neighbourhood, there are many popular means of transport such as : motorbikes,
bicycles, taxis, buses , but buses are the most popular means of transport that
people use most. The main good point of this mean of transport is quite cheap and
convenient , but it has bad points, too. Sometimes it doesn't have enough seats to sit

or room to stand .Besides, we have to suffer some troubles from other passengers
or the driver.
Topic 9: Talk about a foreign country you have been to or would like to go on
holiday.
I was lucky to have a good chance to vist Thailand last summer. This country is in
the South East Asia and it's not very far from our country . It only took me four
hours to get there. I was really attracted by beautiful views and churches there.
However, the most interesting thing that made a great impression on me is Thailand
food .I must say that I like Thailand food very much , it's really tasty. Furthermore,
I also attended some cultural activities there. I think it's a memorable journey and I
hope I'll go there again oneday.
Topic 10: Describe a shopping street in your hometown.
My hometown is on the way of fast development. It has some busy shopping streets
with many kinds of different goods. Near my house, there is a shopping clothes
street which attracts a lot of people, especially young people. They come here not
only for shopping clothes, but also for relaxing . I suppose that different clothes
shops make our street more colorful and lively step by step.
Topic 11: Describe an activity in an English lesson that you enjoy.
I mostly enjoy activities in an English lesson, I like the Warm up activity best.
Because this activity contains some funny games which make me excited and
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Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
relaxed before I start my hard and long lesson . In this activity, I can revise some
vocobularies, learn some more new words or get some relaxation I suppose that
we should have this interesting activity before we start a new lesson.
Topic 12: Describe a teacher who has influenced you.
Of all my teachers who taught me from my primary school to university, I admire
Mr Nguyen Viet Ky best. I was lucky to be his student when I attended a part time
university in Hai Duong center of continuing education. He comes from English
faculty of Ha Noi university of languages and international studies. He is not only

a well-qualified teacher who is especially good at teaching English but also has
good influence on most of his students who he has ever taught. I think that he is
also a good example of the people who can overcome hard difficulties in life and be
very successful. In a word, I do admire him very much.
Topic 13: Describe your idea of an ideal house.
I suppose that houses are the most important thing for everybody. For my ideal
house I would like it to be a typical house which has three floors and enough kinds
of rooms for all my family members to live and enjoy. Those rooms would be 4
bedrooms, one living room, one dining-room and one study room which are all
furnished with enough essential furnishture. If I have a house like that, my life will
be more comfortable . I will have more good conditions to take more care of my
family and my work.
Topic 14: Describe an important decision that you made.
For all my decisions that I have ever made , I think that getting married to my lover
is the most important decision in my life. Why is it so important ? To answer this
question, I suppose that this decision has changed my life a lot . I started my new
life with most happy time and have a small family to take care of . I never regret
my decision.
Topic 15: Describe a film that you enjoyed watching.
I have enjoyed lots of kinds of films, but the film with its name " The wave in the
bottom river " written and composed by Le Luu ,made a great impression on me. I
first watched this film about 10 years ago on HaNoi television. This film is about
the life of Nui - the main character of the film. He had a very difficult life after his
mother died and then his father got married again. He was unlucky to have a father
who has no responsibility, no feelings and a cold heart for his own children. This
film ended with a happy ending when Nui has a small happy family. I think this
film not only has a good plot, but also made a unforgetable impression on viewers
thanks to some excellent performances of Xuan Bac who played a role as Nui.
Topic 16: Describe something you bought which you were not happy with.
I often satisfy with the things I bought, but the shirt that I bought last week I don't

like it very much. I bought that shirt in the shop near my house . I was attracted by
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Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
that shirt at the first look because its color was quite nice and it also fitted me.
However, after being washed at the first time , that shirt became faded and now its
color has changed a lot. I am absolutely disappointed with that shirt and I'm
thinking about throwing it away.
Topic 17: Describe a singer or musician that you admire.
Music is one of my favorite hobbies .Of all the singers in Viet Nam, I admire Trong
Tan most. I think that he is the best singer of tradition music in Viet Nam. He
always attracts every audience and makes them satisfied by his clear and warm
voice .Not only is he good at tradition music, but also he can sing songs which are
about love ,hometown , country very well. His songs really make me feel relaxed.
Topic 18: Describe a character from a story/film/TV program.
Of all the famous people in the show-biz, I admire Xuan Bac most. He is not only a
famous actor, an MC, but also he is a famous comedian. I first knew him when I
saw the film " The wave in the bottom river" which he played a role as the main
character. I think that it is one of the most successful film which he has ever acted
in. He is also famous for his sense of humour and that's why he attracts millions of
viewers on TV.
Topic 19: Describe an item of clothing that you like to wear.
For all my clothes I have. I like my red striped shirt most. It' s not only
fashionable, but also it has special meaning. My wife offered me that shirt on the
occasion of my 35
th
birthday . I often wear it when I attend weddings , parties or
whenever I am in good mood. I really like it.
Topic 20: Describe something good about your personality.
To tell something about myself, I suppose that I have some good points. Firstly, I
think that I am hard-working . I can work for a long time without having a rest,

even I can do many kinds of work, include hard work. I not only spend time on my
work ,but also on taking care of my family members . I also never mind doing the
housework.For the second good point, I think that I am helpful, too. Helping other
people is my favourite hobby. I am always ready to give someone a hand if he/ she
needs my help. My two good points help me to have good friends around me and
be successful in my life.
Topic 21: Describe a song that you like.
Music is one of my favourite hobbies. I like both Vietnamese and international
songs. However, I like the song with its name " Love story " most. That song
comes from the famous film which has the same name " Love story ". It's an
English song which tells us about the love of a nice couple in the film. I first heard
that song when I saw the film "Love story " about ten years ago. That song not only
has nice words, but also makes me recall the story of that film. I really like that
song very much.
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Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
Topic 22: Describe a place of natural beauty that you have visited.
Last summer, I was lucky to have a chance to visit Sa Pa with my colleagues .It
took us 10 hours by train and 1 hour by car to get there. I was very surprised at the
cool weather and magnificent views there . Sa Pa is in Lao Cai province and it is
near China .It is very famous for its cool weather in the summer and falling snow in
the winter .Besides, Sa Pa has some local special food which attracts a lot of
tourists every year. In Sa Pa , I visited some famous places such as Bac waterfall ,
Ham Rong moutain with some flower gardens. Sa Pa made a great impression on
me and may be I will never forget this trip.
Topic 23: Describe a country you would like to visit.
I was lucky to have a good chance to vist Thailand last summer. This country is in
the South East Asia and it's not very far from our country . It only took me four
hours to get there by plane. I was really attracted by beautiful views and churches
there. However, the most interesting thing that made a great impression on me is

Thailand food .I must say that I like Thailand food very much , it's really tasty.
Furthermore, I also attended some cultural activities there. I think it's a memorable
journey and I hope I'll go there again one day.
Topic 24: Describe a skill you would like to learn.
A good teacher of English should be good at all four skills : listening, speaking,
reading and writing . However,for me , I suppose that my speaking skill is the
worst .I often find it very difficult to speak English although some ideas come to
my mind. I don't know exactly why my speaking skill is so bad .Perhaps, I don't
practise this skill often enough to speak English well . Besides, my vocabularies are
not rich enough to help me speak English easily. I think that I should spend more
time to improve my speaking skill.
Topic 25: Describe a film that you have recently seen.
I have enjoyed lots of kinds of films, but the film with its name " The wave in the
bottom river " set in Hai Phong city ,made a great impression on me. I have just
watched this film on the Internet. This film is about life of Nui - the main character
of the film. He had a very difficult life after his mother died and then his father got
married again. He was unlucky to have a father who has no responsibility, no
feelings and a cold heart for his own children. This film ended with a happy ending
when Nui has a small happy family. I think this film not only has a good plot, but
also made a unforgetable impression on viewers thanks to some excellent
performances of Xuan Bac who played a role as Nui.
Topic 26: Describe your favourite season or time of the year.
In the North of Viet Nam , there are four seasons every year. However, I like fall
most . In this season, the weather is often cool ,so it is very convenient for outdoor
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Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
activities . I can go fishing , go camping or play some sports such as football,
badminton, volleyball. Besides, I can take part in some festivals in this season.
Topic 27: Describe a close friend.
I have a lot of friends, but Tam is one of my closest friends. He comes from Kim

Dong district, Hung Yen province. He is the person who can share all kinds of
difficulties and happiness in life. Not only is he helpful ,but also he is intelligent.
He is also good at both teaching English and using computers. I first met him when
we were at Hai Duong teachers' training colleage. Although we are living far from
each other, I often contact with him by e-mail, chatting, or phone call .Sometimes,
on special occasions I come along his family and so does he. We often talk to each
other about our family, hobbies and work .We are really good friends.
Topic 28: Describe an event that changed your life.
Everyone has different events that happen in different times and so do I.
However,for me, my first daughter was born is the special event that has changed
my life a lot. Being a father makes me have wonderful feelings and I have changed
my mind and arranged my work suitablely to have time to take care of my family
as well as my daughter. I also have to be more responsible for my family by trying
to earn as much money as possible and giving up some of my bad habits. I always
try to be a good father who can bring happiness and good things for my daughter
and my family as well.
Topic 29: Describe an advertisement that you have seen.
There are a lot of advertisements that appear on television everyday. However, the
advertisement for Vinamilk has made a great impression on me by the way they
advertise . I first saw this advertisement two months ago and it's about milk
products of Vinamilk company. In this advertisement , there are some scenes of
funny cows dancing on the grass. Not only do children like this advertisement, but
also I like it very much.
Topic 30: Describe something useful you use everyday.
In our modern life, each item plays important and different roles. However, in my
view, I suppose that my laptop is the most important thing. My laptop isn't too
expensive, but I like it very much. Not only does it help me in my work, but also it
helps me relax a lot. It can store important documents and helps me to prepare for
work effectively. Moreover , I can read newspapers, listen to music, watch movies
or send e-mails and chat with my friends by using it.I think it's really a good friend

of mine.
Topic 31: Describe a gift or present you have received.
I think that getting a present usually makes us have happy feelings and so do I. Last
month, on the occasion of my 36
th
birthday, I was very surprised to get a special
gift from one of my former friends who hasn't kept in touch with me for a long
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Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
time. I got that gift from the post office and when opened the box, I was very
surprised and happy .They are some music disks that are my favourite ones. My
friend remembered my birthday gave that present to me . It is a meaningful present.
Topic 32: Describe some help that you received.
I can't forget the time when I was at school in the secondary school. That year, my
leg was broken when I rode my bike to school . I felt terrible and disappointed
because I couldn't go to school by myself while my parents were very busy at work.
Fortunately, one of my classmates who lives near my school volunteered to give
me a lift to school everyday. I am very lucky to have a good friend like him who
was never afraid of difficulties to help his friend. After two months later, my leg
was recovered and I could do everything by myself, so I never forget that time and
my good friend.
Topic 33: Describe someone who is famous in your country ( Or describe a
famous person you admire ).
Of all the famous people in the show-biz, I admire Xuan Bac most. He is not only a
famous actor, an MC, but also he is a famous comedian. I first knew him when I
saw the film " The wave in the bottom river" which he played a role as the main
character. I think that it is one of the most successful film which he has ever acted
in. He is also famous for his sense of humour and that's why he attracts millions of
viewers on TV. If I had a chance to meet him oneday, I would invite him to take
some photos with me and I would ask him for his signature.

Topic 34: Describe a city you would like to visit.
There are lots of famous cities all over the world. However, I would like to visit
Paris most. That is a famous capital city of France which is attracted millions of
tourists every year. Paris is famous for not only its beauty, but also its friendliness
of people there. If I were in Paris , I'd visit Eiffle Tower, Sense river and Khai
Hoan Mon square. Paris is also called to be the royal city of light, so nothing is
more interesting for us to go shopping in the evening and enjoy the atmosphere
there. Therefore ,I hope I will visit Paris oneday if I have a chance.
Topic 35: Describe a city/town/village you have visited.
Last summer, I was lucky to have a chance to visit Sa Pa with my colleagues .It
took us 10 hours by train and 1 hour by car to get there. I was very surprised at the
cool weather and magnificent views there . Sa Pa is in Lao Cai province and it is
near China .It is very famous for its cool weather in the summer and falling snow in
the winter .Besides, Sa Pa has some local special food which attracts a lot of
tourists every year. In Sa Pa , I visited some famous places such as Bac waterfall ,
Ham Rong moutain with some flower gardens. Sa Pa made a great impression on
me and perhaps, I will never forget this trip.
Topic 36: Describe something difficult that you did well.
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Topics for oral exams Prepared by Nguyen Viet Thuan- MiHao-Hung Yen
I will never forget the time when I was in hospital .It happened nearly 20 years ago
when I was at high school .I suffered a serious disease before I graduated from
high school and took an entrance exam to colleage. At that time I was very
hopeless and didn't know what would occur .It took me one month to be in
hospital,so I had to revise my lessons by myself on the bed in the hospital. Luckily,
I passed my two important exams. I think it's really hard time in my life.
Topic 37: Describe something you would like to succeed in doing.
One of the fields which I would like to succeed in doing is that I would like to earn
much more money to support my family and make my life more comfortable.
Teaching is a job that doesn't give us enough money to support our minimum

living. Therefore ,I'd like to try chances in business .It will be difficult for me. I
don't know whether I will be successful or not, but I hope this can improve my
present life.
Topic 38: Describe a website that you have used.
One of the favorite websites which I often use is Google.com.vn . I think it is the
most popular website that most people use everyday. This website helps us to
search for websites or information that we need and so do I. I also use this website
to find out information for my work and for my relaxation. I think it's really helpful
for us
Topic 39: Describe something expensive you would like to buy.
One of the most important things which I wish I would buy is a car. I think it is an
important mean of transport in our modern life. It is quite safe and more convenient
than other means of transports. With this car, I can go to work or take my family
everywhere easily and safely. I don't have to care about the bad weather ( sunny or
rainy ), besides it can protect me and my family from dangers of accidents that
happen everyday.
Topic 40: Describe your favorite book.
Reading books is one of my favorite hobbies, but I'm very busy and I'm afraid that I
haven't read a whole book for a long time . To be honest, I have no idea about one
book- the title, the writer ,the content of it . Recently, when I have time for reading,
I often choose short funny stories for reading . Because this doesn't cost me a lot of
time and it also helps me relax a lot. I think reading is one of the best ways to
improve our knowledge.
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