TOEFL Speaking

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Masayasu AOTANI 2010

2 update
TOEFL iBT Speaking

Task 1 Task 2
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Task 1: To speak about a person, place, object, or event that is familiar to you
Question 1
For this task, you will be asked to speak about a person, place, object, or event that is
familiar to you. You will be given 45 seconds for your response. The topics for this
question will vary, but you will always be asked to base your response on personal
experience or a familiar topic. You might, for example, be asked about a place you like
to visit, an important event in your life, a person who influenced you, or an activity that
you enjoy.
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Think of an invention that changed the way you live. Explain how and why it did
so? Please include specific details in your explanation.
Who was the best friend you ever had? Why was he/she so good? Please include
specific details in your explanation.
What type of a book do you enjoy reading? Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
Which country do you want to visit? What do you want to do there? Please include
If you could change one thing in this world, what would you change? Please
include specific details in your explanation.
If you had an entire month to do whatever you would like to do, what would you
do? Please include specific details in your explanation.
When do you feel comfortable in your daily life? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
What makes you very angry? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
When do you feel life is worth living? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
Describe the person who has had the greatest influence on you. Please include
If you could have any part-time job in the world, what would you choose and why?
Please include specific details in your explanation.
What do you think you can do to help the hungry in developing countries? Please
Describe the best decision you have made in your life. Please include specific
details in your explanation.
What kind of a pet animal do you want to keep? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
Among the people who are alive today, who would you most like to meet? Please
If you were to die in a year, what would you want to do before you die? Please
What place do you want to visit again? Why? Please include specific details in your
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explanation.
Talk about the best restaurant you have ever visited. Please include specific details
in your explanation.
What was the worst lie you have ever been told? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
Who do you ask for advice first when you face a problem? Please include specific
Who do you have the greatest respect for? Why do you think that person is so
good? Please include specific details in your explanation.
What color do you like best? Why do you think you like the color? Please include
If you are to learn another foreign language in addition to English, what language
do you choose? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
Describe your favorite TV program. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
What incident is unforgettable from your childhood? Please include specific details
To what extent are you satisfied with your life now? How would you rate it on a
scale of 1 to 10? Please include specific details in your explanation.
What would you do if you were given a million dollars? Please include specific
Choose one recent incident that made you happy and explain why it did so. Please
What food do you eat often? Explain why you do so. Please include specific details
Consider what you have been doing up to this point in your life. If you died today,
do you think you would go to heaven or hell? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
If your eyes could detect either ultraviolet rays or infrared rays, which would you
like to see? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
If you could invent a machine that can do one task for you, what task would you
like the machine to perform? Please include specific details in your explanation.
When do you feel you are still immature? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
What kind of a parent would you like to be? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
35. If you could live as long as you like, how long would you like to live? Please
36. What do you think exists outside of the universe? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
37. Do you want to be a member of the opposite sex in your next incarnation if there
were such a thing? Please include specific details in your explanation.
38. When do you feel most nostalgic in your life? What makes you feel that way?
39. What was you childhood dream? Do you still have it? Please include specific
40. Based on your experience, when do you have to give priority to speed over quality?
41. If the government pays all the expenses needed to raise a child, how many children
would you like to have? Please include specific details in your explanation.
42. What subject did you like the best in your high school days? Why? Please include
43. What kind of a company would you like to lead as the president? Please include
44. What are the qualities of a good teacher? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
45. What do you consider was the best opportunity you have had to grow as a human
being? Please include specific details in your explanation.
46. What is your favorite pet? Why is it your favorite? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
47. Describe your dressing style. Why do you dress that way? Please include specific
48. How do you learn English? Why is it effective for you? Please include specific
49. Which sport do you like best? What aspect of the sport appeals to you? Please
50. Which subject did you think was most important in high school? Please include
51. Explain your idea of a happy life. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
52. Which dish do you like best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
53. Who helped you the most to get where you are today and in what way(s)? Please
54. Describe one thing you want to achieve before you die. Please include specific
55. What is your goal in life? Please include specific details in your explanation.
56. If you had a wish, what would you wish? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
57. What fruit do you enjoy eating most? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
58. If you could become rich succeeding in any business, what would you choose?
59. What kind of a person do you respect most? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
60. What do you treasure most in life? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
61. Describe the most important thing you have done for others and explain why it was
important. Please include specific details in your explanation.
62. Describe the strangest dream you have had. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
63. What has been your best scholastic achievement so far? Please include specific
64. What time of the year is your favorite? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
65. What do you do to find time for relaxation? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
66. What do you do for relaxation? Please include specific details in your explanation.
67. What hobby do you enjoy most? Please include specific details in your explanation.
68. What was the greatest missed opportunity in your life? Please include specific
69. When do you or did you feel lucky? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
70. How do you personally feel about the relationship between science and religion?
71. Which country do you think is the most beautiful in the world? Please include
72. What would you like to do in your next incarnation if there were such? Please
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Which finger do you think is the most important for you? Please include specific
At what age or by what age do you want to get married? Please include specific
Where would you like to be professionally in 20 years time? Please include specific
If you were an animal, what animal would you like to be? Please include specific
When was the most difficult time in your life so far? How did you survive? What
did you learn from it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
Describe something you have to do even though you do not want to do it. Explain
why you have to do it. Please include specific details in your explanation.
What was the most challenging situation you have ever encountered? Please include
Where would you like to go if you could go to any place you like? This includes the
outer space and imaginary places. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
What are the qualities of a good student? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
What are the qualities of a good citizen? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
What kind of music do you like best? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
What is your ambition? Please include specific details in your explanation.
Who do you consider your positive role model? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
What kind of holiday resort would satisfy you most? Please include specific details
What do you expect in your parents? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
If you can change one thing in your university, what would you change? Please
Describe a person who was exceptionally kind to you. Please include specific
Describe the person you like best. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
91. What is your favorite day of the year? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
92. Describe your unforgettable day. Please include specific details in your explanation.
93. Who do you remember best among the classmates you have had? Please include
94. What movie gave you a lasting impression? Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
95. Where do you go for relaxation? Please include specific details in your explanation.
96. Describe the most unforgettable accident you have ever experienced or seen? Please
97. What fairy tale had the most impact on you? Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
98. Curiosity sometimes overcomes other basic human desires such as appetite or sex
drive. Explain when this happens to you. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
99. What good book have you read? Why do you think it is a good book? Please
100.
What kind of superhuman ability would you like to acquire? How would you
use it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
101.
Describe a dream you want to realize in the next ten years and explain what
you plan to do to make it happen. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
102.
What is the coolest thing you have ever said or heard? Please include specific
103.
What made you choose the major in college? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
104.
What dream was the scariest in life? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
105.
Describe a person you admire and explain why you admire him or her. Please
106.
What are you doing or do you like to start doing to slow down global
warming? Please include specific details in your explanation.
107.
If you had to become a doctor, what specialty would you choose? Please
108.
What food do you find is most delicious? What is the appeal? Please include

109.
Pick a historical figure you respect and explain why. Please include specific
110. Describe what you do that is good or bad for your health. Please include specific
111. In your opinion, what event you know is the best to entertain the general public?
112. What big city do you like best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
113. Who is the most inspiring person to you? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
114. If you can change one physical characteristic of your body, what would it be and
why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
115. Choose a TV personality you admire and explain why you admire that person.
116. What insect do you like best or dislike most? Why? Please include specific details
117. What change would you like the government to make? Please include specific
118. What event did you enjoy most as a child? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
119. What change would you like to make to this world? Please include specific details
120.
Describe your room or your house. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
121.
What is your reason for studying English? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
122.
What do you think you should do to improve your proficiency in English?
123.
Describe your favorite place on campus. Why is it your favorite? Please
124.
How would you like to die? Please include specific details in your explanation.
125.
What animal you know is most like you? Why? Please include specific details
126.
Explain the characteristics of a good neighbor. Please include specific details
127.
If you could know one thing about your future, what would you like to know?
128.
What family or local tradition still lives in you? When do you feel that way?
129.
Are you happy that you are a man/woman? Why? Please include specific
130.
After finishing a difficult job, what reward do you give to yourself? Please
131.
What fruit do you like? Please include specific details in your explanation.
132.
What one word describes you best? It can be either your personality or
appearance. Please include specific details in your explanation.
133.
If you could choose any job you like, what would you like to do? Please
134.
What is the most frequent reason why you dislike someone? Please include
135.
Describe your dream house. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
136.
What training is most effective for you in preparing for the TOEFL test?
137.
Why are you studying English? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
138.
What was the worst injury you have had so far? How did it happen? Please
139.
What excuse do you give to your teacher when you have not done the
homework? Please include specific details in your explanation.
140.
What would you like to do after retirement? Why? Please include specific
141.
If any wish can come true, what would it be? Explain why. Please include
142.
What would you do if you find 1000 yen on the sidewalk? Please include
143.
What personal trait(s) of other people do you like best? Please include specific
144.
Of all the things you have done so far, what do you regret most? Please include
145.
Why do you or do you not perform better when there is an audience? Please

146.
Which part of the world would you like to visit? Why? Please include specific
147.
When do you feel you are not alone? Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
148.
What do you do when you have difficulty studying hard? Please include
149.
Who is your role model? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
150.
What technological innovation do you enjoy most? Please include specific
151.
What place do you enjoy visiting with your friend(s) or what place would you
like to visit with your friend(s)? Please include specific details in your explanation.
152.
If you are asked to recommend a good place to visit by a foreign tourist, what
place would you recommend? Please include specific details in your explanation.
153.
If you became the head of a nation, what would be your top priority? Please
include specific details in your explanation. You may assume it is your country if
you wish.
154.
If you could go back to your grade school days, what would you do? Please
155.
If your personal logo features an animal, what would it be? Please include
156.
Can you or were you able to stay away from alcoholic beverages until you
reach/reached the legal age? Why or why not? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
157.
What festival do you like the best? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
158.
If you could be an animal other than a human being, what would you like to
be? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
159.
If you had to become an animal other than a human being, what animal would
you like to avoid? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
160.
What is the best city you have ever lived in? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
161.
What is happiness for you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
162.
Describe your ideal wife/husband in detail. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
163.
What made you the happiest this past month? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
164.
Among the people you know personally, who do you respect the most? Please
165.
What do you want to do after you retire? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
166.
What do you think was the greatest invention in the history of human beings?
167.
What do you like best about children? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
168.
What works the best for you when you are trying to memorize foreign words?
Why do you think it works well? Please include specific details in your explanation.
169.
What your parent said left a lasting impression on you? Why? Please include
170.
Explain how studying abroad has helped or might help you? Please include
171.
What do you do on your birthday and why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
172.
If you had to lose all your five senses except for one, which would you keep?
173.
What is the goal of your life? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
174.
When do you feel the power of destiny? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
175.
What was the most memorable gift you have ever received? Please describe
the situation in which you received it.
176.
What parts do science and religion play in your life? Please include specific
177.
If you were to start a business, what business would you choose? Why? Please
178.
What factor is the most important for you in terms of the quality of life? Please
179.
Describe yourself as a person focusing on the unique characteristics. Please
180.
Did you like your homeroom teacher in grade school? Please include specific
181.
Describe a bad fight you had with your parents or friends? What was the
cause? Please include specific details in your explanation.
182.
What do friends mean to you? What do they do for you and/or what do you do
for them? Please include specific details in your explanation.
183.
In your experience, what has given you most stress? Please include specific
184.
Are you good at adapting to new situations? Why or why not? Please include
185.
When did you suffer the worst physical pain in your life? How did it happen?
186.
What gives you a strong sense of satisfaction? What is special about it? Please
187.
Who in human history do you find most inspiring? Why? Please include
188.
Describe your hobby in middle school? Why did you like it? Please include
189.
When did you wish you had more money? What did you want to do? Please
190.
What was the proudest moment of your life? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
191.
What occupation do you think is the most difficult? Please include specific
192.
Choose a shop you visit often and explain why you want to go there? What is
special about the place? Please include specific details in your explanation.
193.
What was the most difficult thing you have managed to achieve in your life so
far? Please include specific details in your explanation.
194.
What was the best purchase you have ever made? Please include specific
195.
What characteristic of yours do you want your child to inherit? Please include
196.
Describe something you did to others that you would not want others to do to
you. Please include specific details in your explanation.
197.
What would you do differently if you could repeat your first year in college?
198.
How would you like to be remembered after your death? Please include
199.
What do you remember the best among the things your mother has told you?
200.
What motivates you to study hard? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
201.
Where can you study the best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
202.
Where is a good place to take a walk for you? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
203.
What would you buy to improve the quality of your life? How would it
improve your life? Please include specific details in your explanation.
204.
What natural beauty impresses you most? Why? Please include specific details
205.
What is your best childhood memory? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
206.
Describe the most traumatic experience you have ever had? Please include
207.
Explain what you believe is the best quality you possess. Please include
208.
What are you doing to help protect the environment? Please include specific
209.
If only one wish could come true, what would it be? Please include specific
210.
When did your persistence pay? Describe the experience. Please include
211. What distract(s) you from studying? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
212.
What code of conduct are you guided by? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
213.
Do you like to own an expensive watch? Why or why not? Please include
214.
When do you feel close to your parents? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
215.
What is your favorite dish? Why do you like it? Please include specific details
216.
Who is the most important family member for you? Why? Please include
217.
Which country do you think is doing better than Japan? Why? Please include
218.
Describe the best gift you have ever received. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
219.
What historical event interests you? What is the reason for your interest?
220.
What one service your government provides do you appreciate most? Please
221.
What do you typically do before you go to bed? Why do you do it/them?
222.
Among the people who are alive today, who do you think is the most exciting
person? Please include specific details in your explanation.
223.
What event do you remember the best from your high school days? Please
224.
What is your strength? Please include specific details in your explanation.
225.
When do you feel this world is not such a bad place? Please include specific
226.
Name a tool that you find most useful. Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
227.
What toy did you like as a child? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
228.
Describe the worst teacher you have ever had? Please include specific details
229.
Where do you go when you want to be alone? Whats special about that place?
230.
What is your favorite building? What about that building appeals to you?
231.
What cultural event have you enjoyed most? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
232.
Which country in Europe would you like to visit most? Why? Please include
233.
Describe the toy you liked best as a child? What was the attraction? Please
234.
What sporting event do you enjoy or do you think you would enjoy most?
235.
What type of people do you find difficult to get along with? Please include

236.
If you were to have an opportunity to talk to yourself in your youth, say 18
years old, what would you say to yourself? Briefly explain the specific outlines
with reasons.
237.
When you feel sleepy during the day, what do you do to stay awake? Does it
work? Why or why not? Please include specific details in your explanation.
238.
Describe your hometown and explain what it means to you. Please include
239.
What sport you have not played would you like to learn to play? What is the
attraction? Please include specific details in your explanation.
240.
What was the most encouraging thing that happened in your academic career?
241.
If you were to pick a single tool as the most useful for you, what would it be?
Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
242.
Describe your favorite festival or a community event. Explain why you like it.
243.
What section of a bookstore do you visit often? Why? Please include specific
244.
What kind of a person did you want to grow up to be when you were a child?
245.
Where do you study best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
246.
If you were to buy a gift for your mother, what would it be? Please include
247.
Describe the school trip or a family trip you enjoyed the most? What was
special about it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
248.
How do you feel when you are alone in a restaurant? Please include specific
249.
What architectural object do you find impressive? Explain why it appeals to
250.
What historical event interests you the most? Why? Please include specific
251.
With what kind of a person can you study the best? Describe specific
characteristics of such a person.
252.
What kind of a place would make you feel uncomfortable? Please include
253.
Describe the gift you have liked the best so far? Why did you like it? Please
254.
What song do you sing often? Why do you choose that song? Please include
255.
What proverb or maxim do you find useful? When does it help you? Please
256.
Pick one thing whose shape intrigues you and explain what it is, how it is
shaped, and why you find it interesting.
257.
If you are asked to put together a community event for the elderly, what would
you try? Give specific reasons for your choice.
258.
Who was the kindest person you have ever met? Why did you think that
person was very kind? Please include specific details in your explanation.
259.
If you could be born again in any country you like, which country would you
choose? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
260.
Is there a song that changed your life? If yes, describe the song and explain
why and how it changed your life. If not, just describe a song you like very much
and explain why. Please include specific details in your explanation.
261.
Describe your favorite clothes. Why do you like them? Please include specific
details in your description.
262.
What are you living for? Why is it so important to you? Please include specific
263.
How would you like to change in the next five years? Why? Please include
264.
Describe your favorite message on a T-shirt. Why is it your favorite? Please
265.
What day of the week do you like best? Please include specific reasons in your
answer.
266.
Have you ever kept a diary? Explain why or why not? How do you feel about
keeping a diary? Please include specific details in your explanation.
267.
What is your favorite movie? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
268.
What would you like to eat just before you die, assuming you can still eat
something? Why did you pick it? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
269.
What was the most shocking thing you have seen? Why was it so shocking?
270.
Your ship just sank, and you have arrived at a desert island. What would you
wish you had in addition to drinking water? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
271.
What is the one item you would like to take out if there were a fire at home?
272.
What do you think you would be doing 10 years from now? Please include
273.
What do you normally do, or what do you think you should do to cheer up a
depressed friend of yours? Please include specific details in your explanation.
274.
If you could have a conversation with a historical figure who is already dead,
who would you choose and what would you like to talk about with that person?
Please include specific reasons in your explanation.
275.
If you have to learn to play a musical instrument, what will you choose?
276.
If you were the leader of a poor island nation, what would you do for
economic development? Please include specific details in your explanation.
277.
What kind of people do you find it difficult to talk with? Please include
278.
What is the biggest mistake you have ever made? Please include specific
279.
What was the most difficult problem you have ever solved successfully?
280.
Which season do you like best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
281.
If you could visit the International Space Station, what would you like to do
there? Please include specific details in your explanation.
282.
If you were given a large piece of land, what would you use it for? Please
283.
What subject do you like best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
284.
Of the five senses, which do you think is the most important for human
beings? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
285.
Tell us about the day you will never forget. What happened on that day? Please
286.
What food do you dislike? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
287.
What do you fear most? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
288.
Who in the family are you most like? In what respects? Please include
289.
Describe one place you hate to go to but actually have to do so. Please
290.
What is the tool you use most often? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
291.
What event you have not participated in would you like to participate in?
292.
Explain what you discovered of late. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
293.
Would you like to bleach or dye your hair if it is OK for your school or
company? Please include specific details in your explanation.
294.
If you were a monkey, would you like to spend your life in a zoo or in the
wild? Please include specific details in your explanation.
295.
Why are you or are you not religious? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
296.
If you have to learn to play a musical instrument, what would it be? Please
297.
Do you like yourself? Please include specific details in your explanation.
298.
What is your favorite song? Explain what its lyrics describe? Please include
299.
What is your pet peeve, or what do you complain about often? Please include
300.
How did you change in the last five years? What is the biggest difference?
Would you call it a progress? Please be as specific as possible with sufficient
details.
301.
What do you typically eat in the morning? Why? Please include specific
302.
How do you want to spend a day? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
303.
You found money on the ground. How much does it have to be to pick it up?
304.
What flower do you like best and what color of that flower do you like best?
305.
What job do you not want to have? What is the problem? Please include
306.
Describe one incident that made you very sad. Why did you feel that way?
307.
What book would you recommend to your friend? Explain specifically why
it is a good book. Please include specific details in your explanation.
308.
What good place do you know to be alone? What do you do there? Please
309.
What would you like your children to do when they grow up? Why do you
feel that way? Please include specific details in your explanation.
310.
What is the best toy you have now? Why is it the best? You can interpret the
word toy in very broad terms. Please include specific details in your explanation.
311.What is the most important event on your typical day? The question is about the
routines you go through every day. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
312.
When you try to memorize something as simple as an English word, what
strategy works best for you? Do you say it out loud? Do you write it? What do you
do? Please include specific details in your explanation.
313.
Describe what you consider the best quality you already possess if you were to
become a businessman. Please include specific details in your explanation.
314.
What kind of a person do you think would impress you most? Please include
315.
Do you feel you have the ability to get along with others? Why or why not?
316.
When you arrive in a new city during a trip for pleasure, what would you be
most interested in doing there? Please include specific details in your explanation.
317.
Are you good at recovering from a failure? Why or why not? Please include
318.
What animal do you want to ride on the back of? Please include specific
319.
Describe one thing you hate to happen in the morning. Why do you hate it?
320.
Where do you want to go to write a book? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
321.
Which letter of the alphabet is your favorite? Why do you like it? Please
322.
If you could be reborn, what kind of a person would you like to be within
reason? Please include specific details in your explanation.
323.
Do you take vitamin pills? Why or why not? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
324.
What first name would you like to have if you could change your name?
325.
Explain the most original thing you have done so far? Please include specific
326.
Of the natural disasters, what do you fear most? Why? Please include
327.
What family occasion did you enjoy most as a child? Describe the event with
specific details and the reason(s) why you enjoyed it.
328.
Describe something you have to do though you do not like it. Explain why you
have to do it and why you do not like it. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
329.
What place helps you concentrate well? Why? Please include specific details
330.
What is your favorite software? Why is it your favorite? Please include
331.
What do you enjoy doing alone? Why do you have to be alone then? Please
332.
What was the most exotic dish you have ever tasted? Why was it exotic? How
did you like the taste? Please include specific details in your explanation.
333.
Explain what you do or what you may try to do to recover from a failure.
334.
Describe a personal behavior which you think is very antisocial. Why do you
335.
What kind of a hotel room would make you feel uncomfortable? Why do you
336.
What do you do when you need to be creative? What helps? Please include
337.
What would you do if you oversleep and miss an important meeting? Explain
why you take each of those actions? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
338.
What place helps you to concentrate on your studies? Please include specific
339.
What do you think is the most important event in your life? Why do you think
so? Please include specific details in your explanation.
340.
As a child who did you try to emulate? What inspired you to do so? Please
341.
What place do you visit more than once a week? What do you go there for?
342.
What is the most useful tool in your kitchen? What is it used for? Please
343.
Describe the most dramatic event that happened in your family. Why did you
find it so dramatic? Please include specific details in your explanation.
344.
What kind of a person do you want your family and friends to remember you
as after death? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
345.
Describe an ideal environment to learn English for you in a non-Englishspeaking country? Please include specific details in your explanation.
346.
What object in your house/room/parents house may be dangerous to young
children? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
347.
What event can you put together to promote world peace? Please include
348.
Of all the historical figures, who do you find to be most interesting? Why?
349.
What kind of restaurant is your favorite? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
350.
What vehicle do you like best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
351.
Describe a festival you are familiar with and fond of either via direct
participation or due to the knowledge gained from books and lectures. Why do you
like the festival? Please include specific details in your explanation.
352.
What was the most meaningful gift you have received? What made it so
special? Please include specific details in your explanation.
353.
Describe one dream you cherished as a child. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
354.
What is the most important thing your father taught you? Why? Please include
355.
Who was the teacher who gave you the hardest time? What did he/she do?
356.
What do you consider to be your most shocking discovery in life? Please

357.
What in your daily life is most painful? Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
358.
What you have read so far has given you the biggest impact? Please include
359.
Explain over what you most often fight or quarrel with others? Why? Please
360.
In what respect(s) are you like your contemporaries? Why? Please include
361.
In what respect(s) are you not like your contemporaries? Why not? Please
362.
Describe your ideal environment for a residence. Please include specific
363.
What tool do you enjoy using? Why do you like it? Please include specific
364.
What would you do differently if you could repeat your freshman year? Please
365.
If you were asked to write a term paper for any historical figure of your
choice, who would you pick? Please include specific details in your explanation.
366.
Who is your most important person other than yourself? Why is that person
important to you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
367.
Give one joke you have enjoyed. Why did you like it? Please include specific
368.
If you could pick any city in Japan to vacation for a month, where would you
go? Please include specific details in your explanation.
369.
What natural beauty in Japan do you think we should be proud of? Please
370.
What animal you find in a zoo do you like best? Why? Please include specific
371.
Describe one event you remember from your childhood. Why do you still
remember it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
372.
What do you remember most about your grandfather, father, or grade school
teachers? Please include specific details in your explanation.
373.
As a child where was your favorite place to go to play? Please include specific
374.
Of different objects or machines which make sound, which is your favorite?
Why is the sound to your liking? Please include specific details in your explanation.
375.
Which academic subject did you like best in elementary school? Why? Please
376.
What kind of a person are you? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
377.
Which academic subject did you dislike most in elementary school? Why?
378.
What do you think you will enjoy most if you spend a summer up in the
mountains? Please include specific details in your explanation.
379.
Which tool you have or have seen impresses you most? Why do you find it
impressive? Please include specific details in your explanation.
380.
If you could plant any tree you like at school, what would you pick and for
what reason? Please include specific details in your explanation.
381.
What family outing did you like best as a child? If there was no outing like
that, what would you have liked? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
382.
Describe the kind of person who you would not want to lend money to? Please
383.
What place or what kind of a place would you like to have your house in?
384.
What kind of a song would you write for your parents if you were so capable?
385.
Of the different dishes you have tasted, which did you like very much?
Describe what the food is/was like and explain its appeal. Please include specific
386.
What athletic event are you good at? What helps you in that event? Please
387.
If you were asked to recommend someone to take care of young children, what
criteria would you use to pick the right person? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
388.
What is your definition of a cozy work environment? Please include specific
389.
Is there any object that you enjoy watching? Why is it enjoyable to you?
390.
Is there anything you do regularly other than the basic necessities of life such
as eating and sleeping? Why do you do that? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
391.
Describe a person you feel comfortable to be with. If you actually have a
person like that, describe that person. Else, explain what kind of a person may be
comfortable for you to be with? Please include specific details in your explanation.
392.
In what kind of an environment do you sleep best? Please include specific
393.
What video game or board game do you enjoy playing? Why does it appeal to
you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
394.
Do you have a habit? Describe what it is and explain why it became a habit.
395.
What are you doing now to be a good neighbor? Please include specific details
396.
What kind of a middle school did you attend? Did you like the environment?
397.
Describe a building you know which is different from other more common
structures. What makes it stand out? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
398.
What meeting or what kind of a meeting do you find useless? Why? Please
399.
Describe one behavior that tells you much about what kind of a person you
are. Please include specific details in your explanation.
400.
Of all the classmates you had in grade school, who do you remember best?
What was so special about him/her? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
401.
What place from your childhood do you want to visit again? Why? Please
402.
What would you give to your male teacher upon graduation if he went out of
his way to help you? Please include specific details in your explanation. Please
403.
How would you like your friends to celebrate your birthday? Please include
404.
What do you do differently the night before an important examination? Please
405.
What kind of a person is difficult to speak with for you? Please include
406.
If you could name an island, what name or what kind of a name would you
give to it? Please include specific details in your explanation.

407.
What gift do you think is suitable for a retiring professor? Please include
408.
Name a person, in your professional life or otherwise, who is indispensable to
you and explain why. Please include specific details in your explanation.
409.
Describe a comfortable life for you. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
410.
If you could create a commemoration day to celebrate a human achievement,
what would the day be for? How would you celebrate the day? Please include
411. What did you enjoy doing most in your grade school days? Please include specific
412.
How have your parents or teachers been significant in your life? Please include
413.
What kind of a hideout do you have or want? If you do not want one, why?
414.
What color would you pick for your bicycles frame? Why? Please include
415.
Describe one local event, such as a community get together, a festival, an
excursion, an athletic meet, a cultural event, you still remember and explain why?
416.
What is the easiest academic subject for you? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
417.
What is most difficult for you when dealing with people? Please include
418.
If you had to spend a week in jail and could bring only one thing to pass time,
what would it be and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
419.
What event would you put together to convince young people that smoking is
harmful to their health? Please include specific details in your explanation.
420.
Describe one guiding principle you subscribe to in life. How is it applied in
your daily life? Please include specific details in your explanation.
421.
If you could be reborn in any country you like, where would you like to be
born? Please include specific details in your explanation.
422.
How do you generally deal with the people you do not like? Please include
423.
If you could talk with Napoleon, what topic(s) would you choose? Please

424.
What was your dream when you were a child? What was the reason why it
became your dream? Please include specific details in your explanation.
425.
What movie have you liked best so far? Why? Please include specific details
426.
How do you make up with your friends after you quarrel? What do you find
effective? Please include specific details in your explanation.
427.
What do you do when you want to unwind? Why is it effective for you? Please
428.
What is/are your strength(s) as a person? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
429.
Which season do you like best where you live now and for what reason(s)?
430.
What kind of a general public policy would you adopt if you became president
of the United States? Please include specific details in your explanation.
431.
What dream or what kind of a dream do you often have while sleeping? Why
do you think you have that dream? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
432.
People travel for different reasons including but not limited to business,
sightseeing, and visiting friends and relatives. On what kind of a trip would you like
to go alone? Please include specific details in your explanation.
433.
Is there a place you go to for emotional or sentimental reasons such as to
recover from the mental damage of a bad failure and to remember someone you
knew? Please include specific details in your explanation.
434.
In what kind of a situation do you have difficulty remaining objective? Why
do you tend to become subjective in a situation like that? Please include specific
435.
Describe an imaginary tool you dream of having. How would it help you?
436.
What family occasion do you or do you want to value most? Why do you feel
that way? Please include specific details in your explanation.
437.
If you could make one improvement to the place you live in, what would it be?
438.
If you were to write a story about a hero, what kind of a hero would it be?
439.
You are going to put a realistic drawing of some object on the wall of your
study. What object would you pick and for what reason(s)? Please include specific
440.
Give reasons for not wanting to be a vegetarian. If you are personally in favor
of vegetarianism, describe some of the potential reasons why people may not like it.
441.
What would you do if you had become a fly when you get up in the morning?
Explain how you would deal with the situation. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
442.
What do you want your children to learn in college? Please include specific
443.
How would you define the term my best friend? Please include specific
444.
What do you think are the advantages of having a part-time job for you?
445.
What kind of a place would be conducive to good health for you? Please
446.
What problem do you have with your eating habit? Describe the problem and
explain why it is a problem. If you have no problem, describe your diet and explain
why you think it is flawless. Please include specific details in your explanation.
447.
Other than your family and relatives, who do you feel closest to? Why? Please
448.
What incident do you remember most from your high school days that
happened to someone else? Please include specific details in your explanation.
449.
Suppose you failed to get a good job after graduation. If you needed to justify
the failure with a good excuse, what would it be in your case? Please include
450.
Of the buildings you have seen which stands out as odd? It could be the
shape, the color, the function, the name, or anything else. Please include specific
451.
Where would you like your grave to be located when you die? Please include
452.
A friend of yours just got married. What would be a good gift for them that
signifies your character? Please include specific details in your explanation.
453.
If you were to be the honorary director of a local event, what kind of an event
you would like to be an honorary director of?
454.
Describe a lie you have told as well as the reason for that lie. If you have not
told a lie, explain why you manage to remain so honest. Please include specific
455.
What kind of a person do you want on your team to develop a new customer
base? Please include specific details in your explanation.
456.
If you were to found a school, what kind of a learning place do you want it to
be? Please include specific details in your explanation.
457.
What manmade object impresses you and why? Please include specific details
458.
Where would you take your child to if you want him or her to appreciate the
beauty of nature? Please include specific details in your explanation.
459.
What do you want to eat when you eat out? Why is it your choice? Please
460.
What one thing do you remember about your grandparents? Please include
461.
What place with a body of water do you like best? Why do you like that place?
462.
If you were to buy a car, what would be the color of that car? Please include
463.
Describe the most beautiful sunset you have seen. What was so special about
it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
464.
What weather related problem you have had do you remember well? Where
did it happen and what was it like? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
465.
Who among the dead do you remember often and why? Please include specific
466.
Describe one personal habit of yours and explain why it became your habit?
467.
Describe an object which typical cities have and you enjoy seeing. Please
468.
What age or period was a crucial age or period for you? Please include specific
469.
If you had to live in isolation for a month with one other person of your
choice, who would it be and why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
470.
Where do you not want to go at night alone? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
471.
What do you always carry with you? Why do you always have it? Please
472.
What family outing do you think would have an educational value? Please
473.
Who provides most mental support in your life now? Please include specific
474.
What high place do you like or dislike and why? What is the place like? Please
475.
Give an example of a tiny object that you like and explain why you like it.
476.
What accident you had on a trip do you remember? Why do you remember
that particular accident? Please include specific details in your explanation.
477.
In your view, who are the most important person/people for a nation? Please
478.
Where would you plant a tree to commemorate your fathers life when he
dies? Please include specific details in your explanation.
479.
What one thing would you take from your house if you were being evacuated
due to an approaching wildfire? Please include specific details in your explanation.
480.
What cultural event do you often participate in or want to participate in?
481.
If you could be any historical figure you like, who would you like to be?
482.
Where do you normally sit in a large classroom, near the front, in the back, or
where? Please include specific details in your explanation.
483.
Name one object you want removed from the city you live in. Why should it
be removed? Please include specific details in your explanation.
484.
What sports program on TV is your favorite? What is the appeal? Please
485.
In your view, what a Nobel Peace Prize winner should be like? Please include
486.
Where would you put the nuclear waste if you were the person in charge?
487.
Is there a tool that you think is a triumph of human imagination? Why would
you say that? Please include specific details in your explanation.
488.
What injury from childhood do you remember well and why? Please include
specific details in your explanation. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
489.
What do you eat often for lunch? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
490.
What piece of art do you admire for the artists creativity? Please include
491.
What kind of parents do you have? Is there anything that separates them from
many others? Please include specific details in your explanation.
492.
What is your philosophy of life? How did you learn/arrive at it? Please include
493.
What is/are your weakness(es) as a person? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
494.
What situation gives you difficulty in remaining calm? Why? Please include
495.
You are going to put a realistic drawing of some animal on the wall of your
living room. What animal would you pick and for what reason(s)? Please include
496.
Other than your parents, who do you think you owe what you are now most
to? Why did you choose that person? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
497.
Describe your best friend and explain what he/she means to you. Please
498.
When you are lonely, do you prefer to talk to a family member or one of your
friends? Give specific reasons and examples to support your preference.
499.
What is your happiest memory from high school days? Describe it and give
reasons to explain why it is the happiest memory. Give specific reasons and
examples to support your preference.
500.
Where do you like to go for a quick dinner? Describe this place and explain
why you like it. Give specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
501.
In your opinion, what is the worst man-made disaster of the modern world?
Give specific reasons and examples to support your view.
502.
What do you think is the reason for the often heard expression an
irresponsible youngster? Give specific reasons and examples to support your
opinion.
503.
If you could buy your dream house, what would it be like? Give specific
details and reasons for your preferences.
504.
Describe one thing you cannot give up even though it is bad for the
environment. Please include specific details in your explanation.

505.
What kind of a study desk would you like to have? Please include specific
506.
What would you least like to do tonight? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
507.
Name one thing you can risk your life for and explain why you feel that way.
508.
What kind of retirement would you like your father/mother to spend? Please
509.
What does the expression financial security mean to you? How would you
define it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
510.
How would you like your parents to feel about you? Please include specific
511. Describe what you consider to be a meaningful life. Please include specific details
512.
Among the famous and/or influential figures, who has given you the biggest
inspiration? Why has he/she been so inspirational to you? Please include specific
513.
Where would you visit to remember your grade school days and why? Please
be very specific in your answer. Hence, just saying my grade school is not
acceptable, for example.
514.
What have you made by hand that you still remember? Please include specific
515.
What do you remember most from your past commencements? Please include
516.
What would you do to stay awake during the lecture? Please include specific
517.
What are you doing now to prepare yourself for a future job? Please include
518.
What activities and/or tools have been useful for you to acquire general
knowledge about society? Please include specific details in your explanation.
519.
What opportunities have you had to meet other young people outside of your
school? Please include specific details in your explanation.
520.
What memorization strategy/strategies have you employed successfully to
prepare for examinations? Please include specific details in your explanation.
521.
Describe a difficulty you were able to overcome with someone elses help.
Dont fail to explain how that help enabled you to overcome that difficulty. Please
522.
As a child what new experience did you have at school that would not have
been possible at home? Describe the experience and explain how it helped you
grow. Please include specific details in your explanation.
523.
Describe a school trip that you still remember. What happened on the trip and
why do you still remember it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
524.
Describe a person who you have felt or now feel sorry for. If you cannot think
of a person like that, talk about the kind of people you would feel sorry for. Your
speech should include specific details and reasons for your emotion.
525.
When you have a personal problem, how do you usually try to solve it? Please
526.
Which month of the year do you like best? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
527.
Describe a public figure you like. It could be a politician, someone on TV, an
athlete, and so on. Please include specific details in your description.
528.
How did you develop self-discipline? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
529.
What interesting object at home can you show to a guest? Please include
530.
Think of a place you know where the atmosphere is peaceful and explain why
you feel that way there. Please include specific details in your explanation.
531.
Whose advice are you most likely to seek if you had a personal problem?
Describe this person and explain why it is a good person to go to. Please include
532.
Where is a good place for you to meet new people? Please include specific
533.
You have just completed a very successful project. What would you do to
reward yourself? Please include specific details in your explanation.
534.
Of all your material possessions, what is the most important? Tell what it is,
describe what it is like, and explain why it is so important. Please include specific
535.
What do you do to forget bad incidents? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
536.
What is the most important activity in your life now? Please include specific
537.
Suppose you are asked to advise a junior high school student about getting
along with friends and peers. What would you mention as the most important thing
to keep in mind?
538.
Where do you think is a good place to build a new monument to celebrate
human rights? It could be in your locality or at any other place in the world? Please
539.
Describe one thing you are proud of about your community. You can either
talk about where you live now or your hometown. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
540.
If you could pick one event that you can relive, what would it be and why?
541.
When you travel abroad, what would you like to take with you in addition to
the basic necessities such as clothing, money, and your passport? Please include
542.
Suppose your school has an extra classroom and you are on the committee to
decide a good use of that room. What would you suggest they use the room for?
543.
If you had to keep a dog or another dog, what kind of a dog would you like?
544.
When you meet a new person, what do you typically try to create a friendly
atmosphere? Please include specific details in your explanation.
545.
What would you recommend to a foreign visitor as the most typical food eaten
by Japanese college students? Please include specific details in your explanation.
546.
If you could live with anyone you like, who would you like to live with?
547.
What means of transportation do you find most comfortable? Why? Please
548.
Among the things that many people you know can do but you cannot, what do
you wish you could do? Describe what it is and explain why. Please include specific
549.
Think of one thing you can do to conserve energy. Describe what it is and
explain why you have not been doing it. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
550.
What tourist attraction have you found very interesting? Describe the
attraction and explain why and how it was interesting. Please include specific
551.
For a recreational event in your neighborhood, what is the most important

determining factor in deciding whether to participate? Please include specific
552.
What improvement(s) on the programs offered on TV would be most useful
for you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
553.
When you are interviewed by someone to assess your English speaking
ability, how would you like that person to be during the interview? Please include
554.
Suppose you have something you really need to take to school or work the
following morning. How would you make sure you will not forget it? Please
555.
What natural beauty you have seen on TV has been most impressive? Why?
556.
Describe a cultural or traditional event that surprised you. Why was it
surprising to you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
557.
When you travel abroad, what would you like to take with you in addition to
the basic necessities such as clothing, money, and your passport? Please include
558.
If you could undo and redo one part of your high school life, what would it be
and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
559.
What do you do to cheer up on an overcast day? Please include specific details
560.
What study aid do you recommend to high school students preparing to go to
college? What worked for you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
561.
What do you do or would you try in order to incorporate exercising in your
daily activities? Please include specific details in your explanation.
562.
What is the one thing you enjoy most on a typical day? Please include specific
563.
What would you do to stay focused on your work when fatigue begins to set in
after several hours? Please include specific details in your explanation.
564.
What cultural event(s) are you fond of? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
565.
Describe how you feel when you visit a temple, shrine, or church? Please
566.
What do you do or would you try to do if get drowsy while driving? Please
567.
What kind of attire do you find offensive or inappropriate? Please include

568.
What do you think you should eat more of? Why? Please include specific
569.
Among all the people alive, whose picture would you like to take most? Please
570.
What is your idea of a relaxing evening? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
571.
What aspect(s) of you would you like your sweetheart to appreciate? Please
572.
If you could put a surveillance camera anywhere you like in or around your
house, where would it be? Please include specific details in your explanation.
573.
What kind of a surprise would you prepare for your mothers birthday? Please
574.
Describe a smart animal you have seen before. What did it do? Why do you
think that animal was smart? Please include specific details in your explanation.
575.
Describe a leader you have met or had so far who lacked leadership. Explain
specifically how and why that person was not a good leader.
576.
Talk about the greatest victory you have experienced so far. Please include
577.
What bedtime story do you remember from childhood? Why did it remain in
your memory? Please include specific details in your explanation.
578.
What has been your biggest surprise in life so far? Describe the experience and
explain why it was surprising to you. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
579.
What tool or method do you use to organize your schedule? Please include
580.
What was/were the most encouraging word(s) you have heard so far in life?
581.
Where can you study best? Explain why the place is good for studying for you.
582.
When do you rely on your intuition? Describe the situation in detail and give
specific reasons why your intuition is important then.
583.
Describe what you often do after a big examination. Why do you do that?
584.
When you have to go to an unfamiliar place for an important appointment,
what do you do to be in time? Please include specific details in your explanation.

585.
Describe a place in your hometown where you had fun with your friends as a
child. Please include specific details in your explanation.
586.
In your experience, does your appearance match your personality? That is, do
people correctly guess what kind of a person you are based on your appearance?
Why or why not?
587.
What are you likely to wear when told proper attire is required in an expensive
restaurant? Please be as specific as possible.
588.
Describe one important national holiday in your country. Why is that day
important? Please include specific details in your explanation.
589.
What was the most difficult duty for you to perform satisfactorily? Please
590.
Who in your family or among the relatives possesses a personality entirely
different from yours? Describe the differences with specific examples and details?
Also explain whether and how you get along with that person.
591.
Think of your familys or one of your neighbors yard. What would you
change about it to make it more appealing to you? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
592.
What seasonal signs are you fond of? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
593.
If you were on a committee to erect a statue of your communitys leader, what
material for the statue would you propose? Possible choices are stone, bronze,
wood, plastic, wax, and so on. It could be either indoors or outdoors. Please include
594.
What event would you organize to appeal the importance of international
awareness to college students? Please include specific details in your explanation.
595.
What place would you recommend foreign tourists to visit in your country?
Describe this place and explain why you would recommend it. Please include
596.
What do you pay attention to most on the first day of your new job or at a new
school? Please include specific details in your explanation.
597.
What flower do you like and why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
598.
Who would be a good travel companion for you if you would like to go to
Tokyo for sightseeing? Please include specific details in your explanation.
599.
If you are asked to do show and tell now, what would you show and what
would you tell about it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
600.
What comes to your mind when you see a very expensive car? Please include
601.
Where do you often visit or spend time on weekends? Describe the place and
explain why you go/are there often. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
602.
Where in the world would you like to be when you die? Please include specific
603.
Describe a book you liked very much in childhood? Please include specific
604.
Of all your material possessions, what is the most important? Tell what it is,
describe what it is like, and explain why it is so important. Please include specific
605.
What social problem are you most interested in solving? Why? Please include
606.
What do you do better alone rather than together with others? Please include
607.
Talk about a person whose life impressed you. Describe the person and explain
why you found the persons life impressive. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
608.
At what age would you like to retire? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
609.
If you could pick one place whose picture you would show to the world as the
image of Japan, where would it be? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
610.
What do you and your family or friends enjoy doing together? Why do you all
enjoy it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
611. What place in the world fits your image of untouched nature? Please include
specific, detailed reasons in your explanation.
612.
What ornamental object would you like to see by the main gate of your school,
company, or house? Please include specific details in your explanation.
613.
What do you wear often to school? Why do you choose that style of clothing?
614.
If you are allowed to do only one thing, beyond the basic necessities, that is
bad for the environment, what would it be? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
615.
Who do you find particularly fascinating among the people you see on TV?
616.
What was your favorite activity at school during the lunch break? Please
617.
Of all the criticisms you have received so far, which one do you agree with
most and why? When did you receive it? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
618.
What good place do you know for exercising? Why is the place suitable for
exercising? Please include specific details in your explanation.
619.
What type of food do you eat when you have little time? Explain why it is a
good option when you are in a hurry. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
620.
How would you feel if your parents complained to your school about their
educational policy?
621.
What creature do you find ghastly? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
622.
What method or tool do you rely on when you study for an examination?
623.
How did you celebrate when you graduated from high school? Please include
624.
Who do you envy most among the family and relatives? For what reason(s)?
625.
What new recreational activity would you like to try if you have time for it?
626.
If you had only one TV, where in your residence would you put it? Please
627.
What is the most indispensable piece of stationery for you? Why? Please
628.
How do you typically deal with a situation where you have to juggle around
multiple duties and/or activities? Please include specific details of your strategy in
the explanation.
629.
What would you like to do most on a vacation with your family? Please
630.
What kind of a person would be the best job partner for you? Please include
631.
What custom from your home country do you think is worth preserving?
Describe the custom and explain why you think so. Please include specific details
632.
Where in your country would you build a new national university of high
technology? Support your choice with specific details and examples.
633.
Describe the kind of wall clock you like. What is it like and what appeals to
you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
634.
Describe one important person in your country and explain why he/she is so
important. Please include specific details in your explanation.
635.
What traditional event in your country do you think is still meaningful today
other than its historical significance? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
636.
Who gave you a strong first impression in college? Describe that person and
explain why his/her first impression was so strong. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
637.
What kinds of movies are your favorites? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
638.
If you had a choice, where in your country would you like to be reborn?
Describe the place and explain why. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
639.
If you had a choice, what color would you pick for your car or bicycle? Why?
640.
What would you do differently if you were to study for the college entrance
examination again? Please include specific details in your explanation.
641.
What good part time job have you had or heard of? Describe the job and
explain in specific terms why it is/was a good job.
642.
Of the historical figures you know, whose endeavor would you like to be a part
of if such were possible? Describe the figure and the endeavor as well as your
reason(s) for wanting to be a part of it. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
643.
Talk about an embarrassing experience in your life. Describe the incident and
explain why it was embarrassing to you. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
644.
You have been asked to pick a place where your school will plant a tree to
commemorate your class on graduation day. What place would you suggest? Please
645.
What ornamental object would be suitable to be placed by the main gate of
your university, which you are currently attending or have graduated from? Please
646.
What was the nicest thing that ever happened to you? Please include specific
647.
What resource do you remember that enhanced the efficiency and/or
effectiveness of your performance in something? Describe the resource and explain
how it helped you. Please include specific details in your explanation.
648.
Name one person with a skill you wish you had. Describe that person as well
as the skill and explain why you desire that skill. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
649.
Describe a place whose name you like. Explain why you like the name. Please
650.
Describe one difficult experience you have had. How did you deal with it?
651.
Describe something you like with little or no practical value and explain why
you like it. Please include specific details in your explanation.
652.
What event so far has given you the worst hardship? Why was it the worst?
653.
Describe a person who was very different from you? How was that person so
different? Please include specific details in your explanation.
654.
Describe an experience that encouraged you to study English. Please include
655.
What city/town/district do you know which is highly environment-conscious?
Explain what they do and how you feel about it? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
656.
Of all your possessions, what do you want to have in your coffin when you die
provided it could be anything that can fit in the coffin? Please include specific
657.
If you were to hide somewhere to finish writing your book, where would you
go for the purpose? Please include specific details in your explanation.
658.
If you could teach a class of your choice, what would it be? Why would you
like to teach that class? Please include specific details in your explanation.
659.
What place did you use to go often but do not visit any longer? Why do you
not go there now? Please include specific details in your explanation.
660.
Name one thing you would like to buy if you could buy anything money can
buy. Please include specific details in your explanation.
661.
Preparing for an examination can be both tedious and tiring. What strategies
do you employ to overcome that problem? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
662.
What weekly or annual event is the most important event for you? Please
663.
Describe someone you know that you would like to help if you have time and
money to do so. Why would you like to help that person? Please include specific
664.
Which university impresses you most and for what reason(s)? Please include
665.
What color do you not like for your clothes? Explain why you do not like that
color. Please include specific details in your explanation.
666.
What event do you think is suitable to celebrate the foundation of your
country? Please include specific details in your explanation.
667.
What kind of a person would you like to team up with if you were to work on
a term paper with him/her? Please include specific details in your explanation.
668.
Describe a place you do not wish to visit again? Why? Please include specific
669.
Do you have something that works like a security blanket for you? If yes,
describe that object and explain why it serves that purpose. If not, explain why you
do not have/need such an object. Please include specific details in your explanation.
670.
Do you enjoy going to a concert? Explain why you do or do not enjoy such an
outing. Please include specific details in your explanation.
671.
If you could change one aspect of your personality, what would it be? Please
672.
In what kind of an environment would you like to ride your bicycle for
pleasure? Please include specific details in your explanation.
673.
Describe one thing that you always carry. Why do you do that? Please include
674.
What exercise do you like best? Explain why you like it. Please include
675.
What would be or was the top priority in your thirties? Why? Please include
676.
Among the athletes who are active now, who do you admire most and why?
If you cannot think of such an athlete, explain what kind of an athlete you would
admire. Please include specific details in your explanation.
677.
If you were a local lord fighting against others to expand your territory, where
would you build your castle? Please include specific details in your explanation.
678.
What color would you like for your car? Why? Please include specific details
679.
What event you have experienced so far required most extensive preparation?
Describe the event and explain why it required so much preparation.
680.
Among the wealthy people alive now, who impresses you most and why? If
you do not have such a person, explain what kind of a wealthy person you would
find impressive. Please include specific details in your explanation.
681.
What kind of an environment do you think is ideal for your retirement? Please
682.
What do you think would be a suitable gift for your mother to show your
appreciation? Please include specific details in your explanation.
683.
Your township is trying to put together an event to promote friendship among
the residents. What kind of an event are you most likely to participate in? Please
684.
Describe someone you know or once knew who is/was extremely different
from you. Explain what that person is/was like and how he/she differs/differed from
685.
Where would you like to go to enjoy something new? What do you wish to
experience there? Please include specific details in your explanation.
686.
Describe something that you need only from time to time but is indispensable.
Explain why it is so important. Please include specific details in your explanation.
687.
What event in history was the most significant for your country? How do you
feel about that event? Please include specific details in your explanation.
688.
Describe what someone said that encouraged you greatly, and explain why it
was so encouraging. Please include specific details in your explanation.
689.
What is an ideal location for your office like? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
690.
What would you do to revitalize your community? Please include specific
691.
What would you most likely do if an earthquake came while you at
school/work? Please include specific details in your explanation.
692.
Who is one criminal you remember most? Why? Please include specific details
692.
Of the rooms you know, which room is the best to read books? What is the
room like? Please include specific details in your explanation.

693.
If you can put one ornamental object in your living room, what would it be?
694.
What fun event did you experience as a child? Pick one such event and talk
about it. Please include specific details in your explanation.
695.
Among old people, who has impressed you the most? Why did you find the
person impressive? What was the person like? What did the person do? Please
696.
What kind of a house would you like to live in? What necessities and what
amenities do you require? Please include specific details in your explanation.
697.
What toy or what kind of a toy would you like to purchase? Please include
698.
Is there a ceremony you find unnecessary? If yes, explain why you dont think
it is necessary. If no, explain why you think all ceremonies you know, or
ceremonies in general, are necessary. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
699.
Whose speech have you found impressive in the past? Why? Please include
700.
Based on what you know about American houses, what do you think is one of
the major differences between the cities in your country and those in the United
States? Please include specific details in your explanation.
701.
What tool for cleaning do you find very useful? Describe one such tool and
explain why it is useful. Please include specific details in your explanation.
702.
What event has given you a unique experience? How was it unique? Please
703.
You no longer need to sleep at night. How would you spend the time? Please
704.
If you could change your gender for one day and do not need to worry about
the after-effect of what you have done from tomorrow on, what would you try?
705.
What kind(s) of people tend to be friendly to you? Explain why you think such
is the case. Please include specific details in your explanation.
706.
What one thing are you most proud of about your prefecture? Why do you feel
that way? Some people like to keep cats and dogs as pets. Others go for more
unusual pets such as lizards and tigers. Which type are you? Explain your
preference, making sure you include specific reasons and sufficient detail.
707.
What have you laughed about lately? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
708.
What volunteer work would you like to do to improve security on campus?
709.
If you were an immigrant, how would you like to be treated by your neighbors
and colleagues? Please include specific details in your explanation.
710.
When did you feel your friends did not help you enough? Please include
711. What do you think is a good object to introduce to an international student who
wants to learn about Japanese culture? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
712.
Describe an honorable person you know. How is that person different from
others? Please include specific details in your explanation.
713.
What one aspect of the Constitution of Japan do you like? Please include
714.
What physical activity appeals to you? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
715.
What is your number one reason why you use email? Please include specific
716.
You can buy any goods you like with no spending limit. However, you can
only purchase one thing. What would it be if it has to be something that you can
actually buy? Please include specific details in your explanation.
717.
When a girl you do not like so much asks you to take her out, how would you
say no? Please include specific details in your explanation.
718.
What do you think will be the biggest change you will go through as a person
in the next five years? Please include specific details in your explanation.
719.
What one method worked well for you to improve proficiency in English?
720.
Where would you like to take a walk tonight? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
721.
Of all the pieces of art you have created, what do you remember most and
722.
What mode of transportation would you prefer to travel inside Japan? Why?
723.
What hot beverage do you like? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
724.
What amusement park attraction do you enjoy most? Please include specific
725.
Who is your favorite novelist and which novel do you like best? Please include
726.
What would you want to do most if you could go to the outer space? Please
727.
Which car do you ride in when you take a train? Do you prefer the lead car?
Do you feel more comfortable choosing a car somewhere in the middle? What is
your preference? Please include specific details in your explanation.
728.
If you could change your body size as you like, what size would you pick and
what would you like to do with your new physical dimension? Please include
729.
What made you feel envious the most in your life? Please include specific
730.
If you had to eat the same dish for a week, what would you choose? Please
731.
Describe an occasion when time passes very quickly. Please include specific
732.
When do you observe the evil nature of human beings? Please include specific
733.
Choose one product or a souvenir item your hometown is famous for or

produces a lot of and explain how you feel about it for what reason(s). Please
734.
If you were to establish a charitable organization, what kind of an organization
would it be and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
735.
Describe the most memorable assignment you have had in your classes. How
was it different from others? Please include specific details in your explanation.
736.
What are the reasons why you like or dislike the university you currently
attend/attended? Please include specific details in your explanation.
737.
What are your reasons for cutting classes or not cutting classes? Please discuss
your personal experience making sure you include specific details.
738.
If your husband/wife is unfaithful to you, would you be able to forgive
him/her? Please include specific details in your explanation.
739.
If you could become a marine life, what would you like to become and why?
740.
If you were told to spend 10 dollars or less to buy something that will help you
study better, what would you buy and why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
741.
What strategy do you employ when you cannot sleep at night? Please include
742.
What you have not done would you like to do if the universe is coming to a
violent end tomorrow? Please include specific details in your explanation.
743.
What temple or shrine do you like best? Why does it appeal to you? Please
744.
What do you think is the biggest advantage of being a male/female (your
gender)?
745.
Describe a side dish you order often and explain why you like it. Please
746.
What do you dislike most in daily life? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
747.
Where do you wan to die and why? This is a question about the actual physical
location. Please include specific details in your explanation.
748.
What was the bravest act you have ever performed? What was the act? Why
did it require that much courage? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
749.
What kind of a company would you like to work for? Why is it your choice? If
you are not pursuing such a career, just suppose you had to work for a company.
750.
Describe the biggest misunderstanding you have had in your life. Explain what
it was, how it happened, and how you dealt with it. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
751.
You have just found a very famous person in a crowd. You are a big fan of that
person. What would you do? Please include specific details in your explanation.
752.
What or what kind of a TV program do you think is of educational value?
753.
If you spotted a UFO which has already landed, what would you do first?
754.
If you were a teacher, what kinds of students would you like to teach most?
755.
If you could pick any monument to celebrate your life in lieu of a gravestone,
what would you choose? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
756.
Some say buildings not older than 100 years old are not important enough to
be preserved. How old should a building be for you to be preserved? Please include
757.
What constitutes a personal crisis for you? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
758.
Who do you respect the most? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
759.
Describe a colleague who is easy to work with. What makes it easy to work
with him/her for you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
760.
What subject in high school did you think was the most important? Please
761.
What funny idea have you heard of late? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
762.
What was the most impressive scene you have ever encountered on the street?

763.
What kind of a corporate president do you respect most? Though unnecessary,

it would help if you could name a specific figure and explain what qualities that
person possesses.
764.
If you could be born again, which country would you like to be born in? Please
765.
Describe one scenic beauty that impressed you greatly. What is so special
about that place? Please include specific details in your explanation.
766.
What indoor activity do you like best? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
767.
If you were to be born as an animal, what animal would you like to be? Please
768.
What kind of music do you often listen to? Describe your favorite genre and
when you listen to that music. If you do not listen to music much, explain why you
are that way. In both cases, please include specific details in your explanation.
769.
What is one principle you look for in a political party? Please include specific
770.
You are a middle school teacher. How would you convince your students of
the importance of mathematics? Please include specific details in your explanation.
771.
You have realized that you forgot to do the homework 10 minutes before the
class. The teacher is very strict. What would you do in this tight situation? Please
772.
If you were thrown back into your grade school days, what would you like to
do there most? Please include specific details in your explanation.
773.
What is your favorite vehicle? Describe the vehicle and explain why you like
it. Please include specific details in your explanation.
774.
What was your favorite daily activity in elementary school? Please include
775.
Where is a good place to stroll around on campus or near your home? Please
776.
Think of such things as a sentence in a book, a lesson from a story, your
parents remarks, and gentle words from your friends, and anything along these
lines. What do you still cherish and for what reason(s)? Please include specific
777.
What is your lucky number? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
778.
What fish do you like best? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
779.
If you were to be sent to an uninhabited island with one picture. What picture
would you take with you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
780.
What is the first thing you do after getting up in the morning? Why do you do
that? Please include specific details in your explanation.
781.
What ornamental plant do you like best? Why? Please include specific details
782.
What are you most enthusiastic about right now? Why does it appeal to you?
783.
What kind of a player would you like to have on your soccer team? You do not
have to give technical details. A description of a desirable general attitude would
do. Please include specific details in your explanation.
784.
Do you like your hometown? Why or why not? Please include specific details
785.
Where is the most uncomfortable place for you? If you have a particular place
in mind, describe that place. Else, explain what kind of a place is uncomfortable for
you. Either way, be sure to mention why you feel that way. Please include specific
786.
Do you believe there is life after death? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
787.
Why do you think some say mathematics is a language? Please include

788.
What amusement ride do you like best? Even if you do not know the name in
English, describe what it is like and explain why you like it. Please include specific
789.
When you would like to relax for the weekend, would you like to stay home or
get away from home? Please include specific details in your explanation.
790.
Do you like financial tycoons such as Bill Gates? Please include specific

791.
What unique rural custom have you experienced or heard of? What is it like?
Why is it so unique? Please include specific details in your explanation.
792.
What is the biggest reason why you study? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
793.
If you could change one attribute as a person, what would it be? Please include
794.
Describe an ideal city to live in for you. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
795.
What one thing would you like to achieve before death? Please include
796.
If you could build any facility you like and hire any professional to assist you,
what animal would you like to keep? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
797.
Describe a realistic dream you would like to realize in the next ten years and
describe what you plan to do to achieve it. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
798.
Talk about something great you achieved last year. Why do you think it was
great? Please include specific details in your explanation.
799.
What do you want to continue doing when you become 70 years old? Please
800.
What problem humans face today are you most worried about? Please include
801.
What function(s) other than calling and mailing would you like your mobile
phone to have most? Please include specific details in your explanation.
802.
If you were given a chance to acquire one new skill, what would it be? Please
803.
What vegetable do you like and why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
804.
What impressive news have you heard of late? Please include specific details
805.
Which of the three major desires, for eating, sleeping, and having sex, do you
have the most of? Please include specific details in your explanation.
806.
What kind of a person would you like to marry? Please include specific details
807.
What is your real reason for wanting a job? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
808.
What do you want to be doing at the moment you die? Please include specific
809.
What kind of a storyline do you like for a movie? Please include specific
810.
If you could visit only one country in the world, where would you go for a rich
cultural experience? Please include specific details in your explanation.
811. How do you feel about eating goldfish if cooked properly? Please include specific
812.
What you do in your daily life do you find most rewarding personally? Please
813.
If you could make one change to human history, what would you change?
814.
How would you describe mankind to extra-terrestrials? Please include specific
815.
Explain something you did or tried to do inspired by someone elses way of

life. Please include specific details in your explanation.
816.
Do you think you are disciplined enough to do the right things to protect the
environment? Please include specific details in your explanation.
817.
If you could achieve any historic feat, what would it be? Please include
818.
What place do you associate most with your childhood memories? Please
819.
How do you feel about not voting? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
820.
What was one thing you did that made your parents very angry in your
elementary school days? Please include specific details in your explanation.
821.
What one aspect of Japanese culture are you proud of? Please include specific

822.
Describe a wild dream you had as a child. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
823.
Do you typically go shopping alone or with your friends? Please include

824.
What were you forced to do by your parents when young? Please include
825.
Describe how you typically spend the summer vacation. Please include
826.
What do you read newspapers for? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
827.
Why do you or do you not play video games? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
828.
What one thing would you like to change about your family? Please include
829.
When do you feel happy that you are a citizen of your country? Please include
830.
What do you think is the biggest difference between native speakers of English
and you? Please include specific details in your explanation.
831.
If you were to open a new store, what kind of business are you interested in?
832.
Explain how you liked your school uniforms. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
833.
What fruit do you buy and/or eat often? Why? Please include specific details
834.
If you have a chance to be born again, how many years from now do you want
to come back? Please include specific details in your explanation.
835.
How do you want human beings to disappear form this universe? Please
836.
If there is a strong earthquake when you are at home, what would you do first?
837.
What flower do you wan to plant in your front yard? Please include specific

838.
What utensil do you feel is most useful? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
839.
What device or method do you use to help yourself wake up in time in the
morning? Please include specific details in your explanation.
840.
What is your favorite beverage? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
841.
Describe one of your strategies to do well on an examination. Please include
842.
How do you try to remember peoples names? Please include specific details
843.
What do you pay most attention to in order to make a good first impression?
844.
What are you itching to do that you should not really do? Please include
845.
What do you try to do to remain young and healthy? Please include specific
846.
Who among the family members do you get along with best? Please include
847.
What do you think makes people look refined? Please include specific details
848.
What do you pay attention to in order to avoid traffic accidents? Please include
849.
What is your strategy to make friends with people? Please include specific
850.
What physical characteristic of yours stands out? Please include specific
851.
What housekeeping chore do you dislike most? Please include specific details
852.
What illness are you most afraid of? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
853.
Of the places you visited as a child, which place do you want to visit again?

854.
If you were to donate books to a college library what kind(s) of books would
you donate and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
855.
Among the teachers you have had, who do you think remembers you most and
856.
What are the attractions of countryside for you? Please include specific details
857.
If you were to put one ornamental object on your desk, what would it be?
858.
Which examination do you remember most? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
859.
If you can bring back one dead person with a blood relation, who would it be
860.
If you were given flowers in a vase, where would you put it? Please include
861.
What additional feature would you like your bicycle to have? Please include
862.
If you were asked to plan a half-day excursion of educational value for a grade
school class, where would you take them to? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
863.
What kind of a person in your experience is likely to become the leader in a

grade school class? Please include specific details in your explanation.
864.
Why do you visit a famous temple? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
865.
What object do you know that features both good functionality and artistically
pleasing shape? Please include specific details in your explanation.
866.
Which annual event would you like to avoid? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
867.
If you could take one person where you go after death, assuming such place
exists, who would it be and why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
868.
What place from your childhood is associated with pain? Please include

869.
Of the tools you can purchase for 100 yen or less, what do you think is a
superb invention? Please include specific details in your explanation.
870.
What should be the highlight of a ceremony to commemorate a famous
scientists lifetime achievement? Please include specific details in your explanation.
871.
If you have to ask someone to name your child, who would you ask? Please
872.
Where would you like to hide your treasure if you were a pirate? Please
873.
If you could paint your house/building in any color you like, what color would
it be? Please include specific details in your explanation.
874.
What food associated with a special event do you remember best? Please
875.
Who do you know has integrity as a human being? Why do you say that?
876.
What kind of a professor do you have trouble learning from? Please include
877.
Where do you usually sit at a movie theater? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
878.
In what tool do you find coexisting beauty and functionality? Please include
879.
What event do you consider the most troublesome in your high school days?
880.
What kind of a person do you have difficulty trusting? Please include specific
881.
What place do you associate with the word tranquility? Please include specific
882.
Describe an object you know that performs a unique function. Please include
883.
What event would you like to avoid participating in? Please include specific
884.
Whose autograph do you want most? Describe that person and explain why
you want that persons autograph. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
885.
Where would be a good place for your second house? Please include specific
886.
What object do you know that attracts peoples attention despite no obvious
physical function it performs? Please include specific details in your explanation.
887.
What do you remember first when you think of commencement? Please

888.
What event do you associate fatigue with? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
889.
Do you feel embarrassed when your bad grades become known to your
friends? Please include specific details in your explanation.
890.
When compared to a seasoning, what do you think you would be? Please
891.
What behavior have you been criticized for before? Please include specific
892.
You are planning to purchase a new bicycle. What is the most important
feature your bicycle should have? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
893.
What is the most important condition for you in order to fall asleep quickly?
894.
What toy you enjoyed as a child do you think still appeals to todays children?
895.
In which season are you most productive? Why? Please include specific details
896.
Which book you have read do you want to read again most? Please include
897.
In what sense do you feel you are irreplaceable? Please include specific details
898.
Describe one virtue you possess. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
899.
It is often not until we lose it that we realize how important that thing was.
What was the most regrettable thing you have lost in your life? Please include
900.
What new sports would you like to see included in the Olympics? Please
901.
What do you do in winter to stay warm? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
902.
How do you like your name? Why do you feel that way about your name?
903.
What event in your life brought tears to your eyes before? Why? Please
904.
What object has surprised you by its size? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
905.
What part-time job have you enjoyed or do you think you will enjoy the most?
906.
How would you explain what you study or have studied in college to grade
school children? Please include specific details in your explanation.
907.
What is the most important factor when you pick the clothes for the day?
908.
What one word would you choose to describe the world today? Please include
909.
What scene you encountered on the street made your eyes pop out of your
head of late? Describe its details as vividly as possible.
910.
When do you feel the influence of your countrys general culture on you most
strongly? Please include specific details in your explanation.
911. If you had to change your hairstyle, what style would you try and why? Please
912.
What do you want to be praised for? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
913.
What criterion/criteria do you use to determine whether you should give up
your seat to an elderly person on a train? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
914.
What behavior you know exemplifies the basic good nature of human beings?
915.
Of all the problems caused by global warming, which do you fear most and
916.
What one dish would you like to learn how to cook? Why do you feel that
way? Please include specific details in your explanation.
917.
If you were a bird, what place or scene would you like to fly over to view from
above? Please include specific details in your explanation.
918.
What is the most important feature your house should have? Please include
919.
Some students do their homework right away. Others wait until the deadline
approaches. Which is your style? Explain the specific reasons for your behavior.
920.
What is your weekend routine? What do you do differently on weekends?
921.
Describe a difficult career-related decision you have had to make. Please
922.
If you could exchange bodies with anyone you like for one day, who would it
be and why? What would you do with his/her body? Please include specific details
923.
What one thing do you dislike about being a man/woman? Please include
924.
If you were asked to exchange your most important possession with an extra
year of life, would you comply with the request? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
925.
Who do you respect most in French history? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
926.
Describe one vicious cycle you have experienced yourself. How did you get
out of it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
927.
What kind of a person do you think would make a good Education Minister?
928.
What kind of a happy ending for a movie do you like the best? Please include
929.
In what situation do you behave or have you behaved differently from most
people? Please include specific details in your explanation.
930.
What is your favorite phrase? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
931.
What kind of fortune telling do you find senseless? Please include specific
932.
If you could visit only one country in Asia, where would you go and why?
933.
If you could live where there is no rain but no water shortage, either, would
you choose to live there? Please include specific details in your explanation.
934.
Pick a city whose name you like and explain why you like that name. Please
935.
What animal you have not eaten would you like to try most? Please include
936.
When did you feel time was running most slowly? Please include specific
937.
What insect would you like to inhabit your yard? Please include specific
938.
Take one of your favorite writers and explain why he or she is outstanding.
939.
Describe your mothers cooking or the cooking of anyone else you know well.
Is it good? Why do you or do you not like it? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
940.
If you could relive a part of your life again, from what age would you like to
restart? Please include specific details in your explanation.
941.
Where would you propose to your girlfriend? Why? Please include specific
942.
What special thing have you done for your parents? Please include specific
943.
How long do you have to live to feel your lifespan was long enough as Homo
sapiens? Please include specific details in your explanation.
944.
What do you keep in mind to be polite to a person you respect? Please include
945.
Describe an original idea of yours that you like. Please include specific details
946.
If you could meet yourself from ten years into the future, what would you ask
that person? Please include specific details in your explanation.
947.
If you were to decide an appropriate punishment for turning in an assignment

late by one day, what would it be? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
948.
What is your most valued moment in daily life? Please include specific details
949.
What place do you not want foreign visitors to see in your country? Please
950.
What book or what kind of a book do you recommend to junior high school
students? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
951.
Do you feel nervous about eating raw fish? Why or why not? Please include
952.
Suppose your apartment is in a building that complies with all the current
building codes. If you lose your apartment to an unprecedented huge earthquake, do
you or do you not think the builder and the owner of the building should pay, at
least partly, for your losses? Why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
953.
When you have a long train ride or flight, what is your preferred way to spend
that time? Please include specific details in your explanation.
954.
If someone made your clone, how would you cope with or take advantage of
the situation? Please include specific details in your explanation.
955.
Have you ever experienced a situation where you and someone else were
perfect partners like a lock and the key to open it? If yes, describe how it was so. If
not, explain why you think it has never happened to you? Please include specific
details.
956.
Suppose you already know that you are going to die in 24 hours. What would
you like to do before you go? Please be as specific as possible.
957.
If all the countries in the world were to be united to form one nation, where do
you think is a good place to put the capital? Please argue with specific reasons.
958.
How do you feel about introducing a car of a train only men can ride? There
are cars like that for ladies in Japan, but how about men? Please include specific

959.
You are going to spend a week on a desert island with a person of your choice.
Who would you go there with? Please include specific details in your explanation.
960.
Suppose you can become anyone you like for a day. Who would you like to
become and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
961.
There are different types of houses. Some are traditional and others boast
novel designs. What kind of a house would you like to live in? Please include
962.
Choose one thinker, religious leader, or philosopher you like and describe what
that person is like as well as why you like that person. Please include specific
963.
A famous Chinese scholar said one hits upon a good idea while traveling on
horseback, sleeping, and visiting a bathroom. Where and/or when do you come up
with a good idea? Please include specific details in your explanation.
964.
If you were asked to write a short story for a magazine, what kind of a story
would you write? Please include specific details in your explanation.
965.
Who do you feel closest to in your family and why? Please include specific
966.
Talk about a big success you have experienced in your life so far. How did you
succeed and why was it a success?
967.
Name a person whose attitude you truly admire. Tell what the person is like
and explain why you admire that persons attitude. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
968.
Who was the teacher who had the most positive influence on you? Explain
why he/she was a good teacher for you. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
969.
Which place is associated with good memories for you? Describe what that
place is like and the memories it provided. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
970.
Describe a historical figure in your country who you find interesting. What did
the person do and why is he/she interesting to you? Please include specific details
971.
Who you know is truly detail-oriented? Describe that person with specific
details and examples.
972.
What kind of a TV commercial would you make for a new car? Please include
973.
What do you think you should eat less of? Why? Please include specific details
974.
Describe an honest conduct you witnessed that impressed you. Explain why
you found it to be so good with specific and detailed reasons.
975.
What event or activity is most exciting to you? Please include specific details
976.
What can you enjoy for a long time like hours in a row? Please include
977.
When do you feel you are being useful to others? Please include specific
978.
What job would you like to have? How could you put your talents and skills to
good use on that job? Please include specific details in your explanation.
979.
What do you often have for lunch? Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
980.
How often do you read a newspaper? Why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
981.
What new law would you propose to make your life easier? Please include
982.
What unusual animal do you know? Describe the animal and explain why it is
unusual. Please include specific details in your explanation.
983.
Describe what you would do or you have done in preparation for an

earthquake. Please include specific details in your explanation.
984.
Describe your favorite clothe and explain why it is your favorite. Please
985.
What would you like to do most if you became a prime minister? Please
986.
What routine do you go through before going to bed? Why? Please include
987.
Describe what you consider as the ideal life of a college student? Please
988.
What aspect/feature of a life in your hometown do you find attractive? Please
989.
When you were in high school, what was your priority in choosing a college to
attend? Please include specific details in your explanation.
990.
How do you usually celebrate your sweethearts or wifes birthday? If you do
not have a sweetheart or wife, what do you think is a good way to celebrate? Please
991.
When do you wish you had a supernatural power and why? If you never wish
so, explain why you do not. Please include specific details in your explanation.
992.
When you wake up in the morning, you find yourself in the middle of an
unfamiliar forest, and all your belongings are gone. What would you do first?
993.
If you could change your voice, what qualities would you like to have? Why?
994.
Describe how you feel about dictators. In particular, include at least one good
thing about a dictatorship in your speech. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
995.
What or what kind of literary work do you like? Why? Please include specific
996.
What are or were your goals during the first two years of college? Why did
you set that goal? Please include specific details in your explanation.
997.
If the dishes your girlfriend/boyfriend cooked for you are too salty, how would
you let her/him know that? Please include specific details in your explanation.
998.
Among the people you have seen before, who do you think would make a
good study partner? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
999.
What food would you like to eat with your family on your birthday? Please
1000. Think of someone whose opinion differs from you very often. How do you
usually cope with that person? If you do not have a person like that, explain how
you would deal with a person like that if you had one. Please include specific
1001. Describe a dish that surprised you because of its appearance. Please include
1002. What do you think you should try to achieve in the next three years? Please
1003. What do you think a friend should not do? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1004. What factors would determine how satisfied you would be with your life?
1005. What do/did you like most about being a student? Please include specific
1006. Compared with yourself from 10 years ago, what do you think is the most
notable change? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1007. Describe a dream you have had which you did not want to wake up from. If
you have not had such a dream, describe what kind of a dream you would not want
to wake up from. Please include specific details in your explanation.
1008. Have you experienced an encounter with someone who you immediately knew
would become an important person for you? This includes friendship, romance,
mentorship, and so on. If you have not had such an experience, explain what kind
of a person may give you such a first impression. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1009. If you have the technology necessary to bring any person who once lived on
the Earth back to life, who would you pick and why?
1010. When you are at a party and do not know anyone nearby, how would you start
a conversation with a stranger there? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1011. Of the three necessities of life, clothing, food, and a place to live, which do you
pay most attention to? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1012. When you tried to buy canned coffee from a vending machine, you found 50
cents in the change slot. Would you take the money? Would you leave it there?
What would you do with the money? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1013. What do/did you dislike most about being a student? Please include specific
1014. Compared with much older generations, what characteristic of your generation
stands out most? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1015. If you could erase one thing from your memory, what would it be? Please
1016. If your wish for the entire humanity could come true, what would that wish be?
1017. Your favorite hat was blown by the wind and is now on top of a tree. What
strategy would you employ to get it back? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1018. If you were an inventor, what material would you use to make what? Please
1019. What kind of nonverbal communication strategy, i.e. not speaking, would you
employ if you meet a foreigner in need of help who cannot speak any language you
can understand? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1020. You are healthy, wealthy, and have much time to spare. What would you do
now? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1021. You have found a new organism. But, no one knows how to keep it alive? What
would you try in a situation like that?
1022. What meaningful research can you think of that you would not mind donating
personal fund for? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1023. If you could give one piece of advice to yourself from the past, what advice
would you give yourself at what age? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1024. If you could change your birthdate, what date would you pick and why? If you
would not want to change it, explain your reasons for not wishing so. Please include
1025. Explain what you give most attention to in your daily life. Why? Please include
1026. What question(s) would you ask if you were in charge of interviewing potential
employees for your company? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1027. What is your strength and in what situation does it shine most? Please include
1028. If you could take only one person with you to spend a year in an Antarctic
shelter, who would you take with you and why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1029. You are the owner of a professional soccer team. What kind of a person would
you hire as your teams coach?
1030. What aspect of your hometown do you like best? Please include specific details
1031. What did you do as a child that worried your parents very much? Describe
what you did with specific details.
1032. Are/Were you satisfied with your college life? Why or why not? Please include
1033. Has there been a day when you did not want to go to school? If yes, explain
what happened. If no, explain why you think that has never happened to you. Please
1034. If you only had a week to learn something to entertain a guest, what would you
try? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1035. If you happen to come across a crime scene, what would be the first thing you
do and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1036. Describe your ideal first grade teacher in elementary school. Please include
1037. You are at an important crossroad in your life. What would you trust and resort
to in order to make a decision there.
1038. What facility would you like your local government to build for the welfare of
the residents? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1039. What interdisciplinary endeavor do you feel would be fruitful in the future?
1040. What is your favorite polygon and why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1041. How much money would you or would you like to carry in your wallet and
1042. What investment do you feel most comfortable with and why? Please include
1043. What two-color combination do you like best and why? Please include specific
1044. If you had to get a cosmetic surgery to change one feature/part of your face,
what would it be and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1045. What new in-flight service do you wish you could enjoy? Please include
1046. What fast food do you like and why? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1047. You are going to be confined to a completely empty room for one hour. If you
were allowed to spend that time any way you like, what would you do? Please
1048. After you die, what do you want people to do with your body? Please include
1049. What persistent social problem bothers you? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1050. Of all the stories you have read in textbooks, which one gave you the strongest
impact and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1051. When you buy a mobile phone, what feature is the most important for you?
1052. If you could acquire an ability of any animal, what ability of what animal
would you like to acquire? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1053. What skill does a typical head of a nation possess that you do not possess?
How do you think you can develop that skill yourself? Please include specific
1054. When people around you are using their mobile phones, would you use one
yourself even if you know it is forbidden in the area. Please include specific details
1055. When did you feel life is weird? What happened? Please include specific
1056. In your opinion, what one quality you should possess to succeed in life? Please
1057. What stationery is most indispensable for you? Please include specific details
1058. Describe one inappropriate statement made by a politician that you still
remember? Why do you think it is inappropriate? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1059. When do you feel that the members of the opposite sex are truly different?
1060. One of your cousins has just been admitted into a prestigious university. What
would you like to give that person to congratulate the accomplishment? Please
1061. What would you say if you were allowed only one short sentence right before
you die? Assume that you are given some time to think about it. Please include
1062. What were you most interested in during your high school days and why?
1063. Who do you currently trust most for advice when you come to a crossroad in
life? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1064. Among your possessions, what do you think you do not really need and why?
1065. If you were the first human being on Mars, what message would you deliver to
the world? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1066. If you could change the color of one thing in this world, what would you
change to what color? For example, you could make the sky pink instead of blue if
you so wish. Please include specific details in your explanation.
1067. You can use any room in any building you know for one full day. What room
would you use for what purpose? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1068. If you were 15 centimeters or about 6 inches taller, how would your life
change? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1069. What would you buy if someone gave you $10? Please include specific details
1070. If you could change the human world any way you like and design a world
tailor-made to your liking and specifications, what features would your new world
have? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1071. The Earth is going to be destroyed by a crash with a huge asteroid, and only
two people can escape to the outer space. If you could make the decision, who
would those two people be? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1072. How would you like to be told about your parents death upon returning from a
trip? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1073. What would you like to experience, do you wish you had experienced, or you
are happy you experienced during the college years? Please include specific details
1074. If you were to open a shop, what shop would it be? Please include specific
1075. If you could go to the Moon, what would you like to do there? Please include
1076. What kind of a rain do you like best? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
1077. If you had to grow some facial hair, which part(s) of your face would you grow
it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1078. Pick one traditional performing arts you like or are familiar with and describe
what it is like? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1079. If you were asked to read a story to young children, what story or what kind of
a story would you choose and for what reason? If you give a specific name,
describe what that story is like before explaining the reasons for the choice.
1080. How would you feel if your husband/wife were a very famous entertainer?
1081. How do you feel about having a truly extraordinary and dangerous job such as
being a spy or a sniper? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1082. Have you ever violated a law, any law? If yes, what was your excuse for the
deed? If not, explain why you have never done so. Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1083. Give one tool or machine you would like to have that is out of reach of the
current human technology and can possibly be encountered only in a science
fiction. Please include specific details in your explanation.
1084. Has your purchasing decision ever been affected by the name of the product?
Why or why not? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1085. Can you think of someone who you consider as your rival? If yes, explain how
it is so. If not, explain why you do not have such a person. Please include specific

1086. What occupation do you think is particularly meaningful? Please include
1087. Do you feel comfortable wearing shabby clothes when you are alone in your
room? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1088. What scientific/technological breakthrough are you waiting for and why?
1089. Describe one thing that your country can be proud of or doing well. Please
1090. If you could have a lunch with any dead person including, but not limited to,
historical figures, who would you pick and why? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1091. What do you think happens to you after death? Please include specific details
1092. You have been asked to write a story for children in which a piece of stationery
will be the main figure. What stationery would play that role and what would it do?
1093. If you could become anyone/anything you like for one day, who would it be
1094. Ignoring technological difficulties but still remaining reasonably realistic, what
new feature would you like your watch to have? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
1095. What are you most likely to do on the first date? Please include specific details
1096. What was the worst insect bite you have ever experienced? Please include
1097. You can change one thing about your facial features. What would you change
and how would you change it? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1098. What are you happiest with of all the skills you have acquired so far in your
life? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1099. What foreign language is the most useful or the most useful to learn for you?
1100. If you can enjoy a gap year at the age of forty, when you can spend one year
anywhere and anyway you like while receiving the full salary, where would you go
and what would you do? Please include specific details in your explanation.
1101. What do you wish you had learned as a child? You can choose a skill, an
attitude, or anything else you can think of, but you have to include specific details
1102. What was the biggest problem with the educational system you went through?
1103. What was the most expensive dish/food you have ever tasted? Describe it in
sufficient detail. Why was it expensive? Was the price tag justifiable? Please
1104.
person
place
object
event
To speak about a person, place, object, or event that is familiar to you

Question 1
For this task, you will be asked to speak about a person, place, object, or event that is
familiar to you. You will be given 45 seconds for your response. The topics for this
question will vary, but you will always be asked to base your response on personal
experience or a familiar topic. You might, for example, be asked about a place you like
to visit, an important event in your life, a person who influenced you, or an activity that
you enjoy.
Task 2: Two possible actions, situations, or opinions; To pick the preferable or

more justified, providing reasons and details
1. Do you or do you not believe fortune-telling? Explain your position with specific
reasons.
2.
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Some visitors dont think Kyoto is a beautiful city because its cityscape lacks
harmony compared with many cities in Europe. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement? Explain your position with specific reasons.
Which do you want to be the last thing you see in your life, a sunrise or a sunset?
Which season do you like better, summer or winter? Why? Please include specific
Does competition help you or hurt you? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
You have a female friend who is overweight. She has been on a diet for a while but
does not seem to have lost any weight. If she asks you whether she looks slimmer,
would you tell her the truth? What would you do? Please include specific details in
your explanation.
Should teenagers be allowed to drive? Express your opinion and explain why you
hold that opinion.
Some people make fairly quick decisions relying mainly on intuition while others
deliberate for a long time before they finally make a decision. Which do you prefer
and why?
Do you believe moderation is the best state of things? Explain your position with
specific reasons.
Do you think life-time employment is a good idea? Some think job security is very
important, while others feel it may lead to stagnancy at the workplace. What do you
think about this issue? Why do you think so?
Do you wan to swim in a pool or in the sea? Which do you prefer and why? Explain
your preference with specific reasons.
College A supplies sufficient books and equipments for self-study and expects
students to learn what they want to learn for themselves. College B has an excellent
teaching staff and a strict curriculum which all the students have to follow. Which
system would you prefer and why? Explain your choice with specific reasons.
Which do you think is better, to be as powerful as president of the United States or
to lead a quieter life? Explain your preference and support it with specific reasons
and examples.
Some say playing sports is more fun than watching, while others enjoy watching
more. Explain your preference, giving a specific reason.
Which do you think has more influence on modern society, science or religion?
Give specific reasons to explain your answer.
16. Was Hitler more powerful than Lincoln, or is it the other way around? Explain your
view with specific reasons.
17. Some people believe humans are honest by nature, while others think otherwise.
What is your opinion? Give specific reasons and/or examples to support your view.
18. Some people prefer taking frequent breaks to maintain productivity while others do
better if they worked for hours in one stretch. Which way are you? Why? Explain
19. They say young people should give up their seats to the elderly on the train. But,
some senior citizens do not like this practice. What do you think young people
should do? Give specific reasons and/or examples to support your view.
20. Some enjoy physical activities when they take time off from their studies, while
others prefer using the brain in different ways such as playing games when they are
not studying. What is your preference? Give specific reasons and/or examples to
support your view.
21. Many feel public institutions should be free of tuition, while just as many seem to
feel they should charge as much as private institutions. Where do you stand on this
issue? Give specific reasons and/or examples to support your view.
22. Some feel punctuality is extremely important, while others are very relaxed about
being punctual. How do you feel about punctuality? Give specific reasons and/or
examples to support your view.
23. Some people learn from their successes and try to improve on them further. Others
learn more from their failures. Which type are you? Give specific reasons and/or
examples to describe how you are.
24. Does eating dinner alone bother you? Why or why not? Please include specific
25. Do you want to travel by train or plane? Give specific reasons for your preference.
26. Do you learn better from books or from lectures? Explain your reasons with
specific details and examples.
27. If you could read either a novel or a how-to book, which would you choose?
Explain your reasons with specific details and examples.
28. Which would you prefer, dying in a car crash or dying in a plane crash? Dont fail
to give the reasons for your choice.
29. A child is drowning in a river? Would you try to rescue him/her yourself or would
you run for help? Explain your reasons for the choice.
30. Is it a good idea to make it mandatory to attend college? Support your view with
specific reasons.
31. Do you want the government to care for you after retirement in exchange for a
higher income tax now, or do you prefer a lower tax rate with less governmental
support for the elderly? Why do you have that preference?
32. Which appeals to you more, an expensive car or an expensive watch? Please
include reasons and details in your explanation.
33. Some people take sleeping pills when they can not fall asleep, while others never
touch them. Which type are you? Why? Support or just explain your attitude with
specific reasons.
34. Do you want to live in a big and crowded city or in a quiet village? Support your
preference with specific reasons.
35. Are you more interested in playing indoors or outdoors? What are your reasons?
Please be as specific as possible.
36. Some think money motivates people to work harder. Others feel one should not
work for money. Which school do you belong to? Please support your views with
specific reasons and details.
37. If you want to set aside some money for retirement, would you buy a piece of land
or would you keep it in the bank? Please support your views with specific reasons
and details.
38. If a corporation had two presidents rather than just one, would it be better or worse
than having one president? Support your judgment with specific examples and
details.
39. Weapons could be good for self-protection. Weapons could be bad as one might use
it for assault. Which view is yours? Support your opinion with specific reasons.
40. Some high school students study very hard to get into a prestigious university.
Others feel there is much more to life than getting into a good university and try to
enjoy their high school life. If you could repeat your high school days, which life
style would you pick? Why? Please support your judgment with specific reasons
and details.
41. Are you more interested in spending money or making money? Describe your
reasons in as much detail as possible.
42. Do you prefer having much free time and a modest income or being busy with a
high income? Explain your preference with specific details.
43. Some think youngsters are supposed to be somewhat irresponsible, while others
feel we should not tolerate any irresponsible behavior they exhibit at times. What is
your position on this issue? Please support your judgment with specific reasons and
details.
44. When you oversleep, do you try your best to make up the time and get to school in
time or take it easy and allow yourself to arrive late? Give specific reasons for your
behavior.
45. If you have a choice between running hard to catch an earlier train and taking it
easy and arriving late, what would you normally do? Give specific reasons for your
behavior.
46. Do you want to keep busy and earn a high income or have much free time with a
low income? Describe your reasons with specific details.
47. Do you feel lazy people were born that way or laziness is an acquired trait? Give
specific reasons for your opinion.
48. Some feel laws are just suggestions and freely ignore them especially when many
others do the same. Others feel respecting the law forms the core of modern society
and almost never violate a law. Which type are you? Why?
49. When one of your classmates is bullied, would you try to help him/her or would
you simply ignore the situation? Justify your action with specific reasons.
50. Do you feel humans are superior to the insects? Why or why not? Be sure to
include your specific reasons.
51. When you are cold, would you put on extra clothes right away or would you try to
resist the temptation to some extent? Explain the reasons behind your action.
52. If you are terminally ill with cancer, would you like to know that or would you
rather not know that?
53. When there is s problem with your computer, do you check the manuals first or do
you try to fix it yourself? Why? Explain the specific reasons behind your action.
54. When a train is delayed, do you tend to remain calm and quiet or complain? What
do you do? Why? Explain the specific reasons behind your action.
55. Do you prefer eating dinner alone or with your friends? Justify your choice with
specific reasons.
56. You witnessed an old lady picking a flower from your front yard. Would you be
happy because your flower was liked so much or would you be angry because it is
your property? Explain how you would feel and why?
57. Some think equality is a matter of course, while others feel an equal treatment for
all people is actually unfair. Where do you stand? What makes you feel that way?
58. Do you like a friend who makes you feel happy with a nice smile or a friend who
helps you become better through sharp criticisms? If you could pick one of these
types as a friend, which would you pick? Please include your specific reasons.
59. If you have the entire afternoon free, would you stay at home and rest or would you
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go out? Explain why you are making that choice with specific reasons you have.
What do you think is more important for a success in research, discipline or
knowledge? Justify your answer with reasons and details.
Some people prefer managing a project giving instructions to the members of a
project team. Others enjoy doing everything alone, neither giving nor taking orders.
Which is your style? Explain why you prefer that style with specific details.
Which do you like better, being the smartest man in the world or being the richest
man in the world? You should justify your choice with specific personal reasons.
Some say history is useful since we can learn from it, while others say modern
society is so complicated and changeable that we can hardly learn from the past
when human society was much simpler and much more stable. Which opinion do
you agree with? Give specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Which do you think is more important, feeding the hungry children or caring for the
elderly? Support your view with specific reasons.
If you were a doctor, would you go to a poor neighborhood to provide them with
medical care or would you donate money so that they can hire a doctor? Which do
you think is a more effective way to help the poor? Explain your reasons for
holding that opinion with specific details.
If your spouse told you he/she wants a divorce, would you be more likely to agree
easily or more likely to try to persuade him/her to think again?
Which do you think is more responsible for the ongoing environmental destruction,
greed for money or indifference to and ignorance of the current dire state of the
earth? State your opinion with specific reasons.
In your opinion, does it make sense that soccer players are billionaires? State your
opinion and support it with specific reasons and details.
Suppose you have worked for the same company for three years and the job just
does not appeal to you. Are you more likely to stay on the current job a bit longer or
leave the job right away? Justify your choice with good reasons to do so.
You own a very successful business, but your son/daughter is not interested in
succeeding to your business. Would you try to convince your child to succeed to
your business or would you let him/her do what he/she wants to do? Give a detailed
explanation.
Do you feel many college professors are too old to understand what todays youth
should do, or do you feel their age actually helps them with such understanding?
Describe your position clearly with specific reasons.
Your friend asked for a loan. He has never done such a thing. Would you be more
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likely to give it right away or ask the friend for the reason? Support your answer
with specific reasons.
You have just won a prize and have to choose between an expensive car and an
expensive jewelry. Assuming they are of the same monetary value, which would
you pick? Give specific reasons for your decision.
Many think all humans should be treated equally. Does this mean both hardworking people and lazy people should be treated equally? Express your opinion on
this issue with specific details and examples.
Would you go to a concert or a sporting event for relaxation? Explain your
Your boss always pays for your lunch when you eat together. Are you comfortable
or not comfortable with it? Give specific reasons for your reaction.
In your opinion, are males better off than females in this world, or is it the other
way around? Give specific reasons for holding that opinion.
If someone you neither like nor dislike asks you out on a date, would you go or
would you not? Justify your decision with specific details and examples.
You are out of fund, but your friends are asking you to join them on an outing to a
bar. Even though you have told them you didnt have money, they said they were
willing to treat you. Would you go with them or would you not? Why?
Discipline is more important than kindness. Do you agree or do you not agree to
this statement? Support your opinion with specific details and examples.
After a case of murder, which would you like to have more information about, the
murderer or the victim? Explain specific reasons for your choice.
Which is more important for you, what you eat or when you eat? Explain your
reasons in as much detail as possible.
If you have a time machine, would you go to the past or would you go to the
future? What are the major factors affecting your decision?
You are terminally ill with cancer and cannot live for a long time. Would you go
through a difficult treatment to prolong your life even for months or get no
treatment? Please justify your decision with specific reasons and details.
You have invented a time machine. Would you keep the method a secret and use the
machine for your own benefit or release the method for a fee to become rich?
Explain the specific reasons behind your decision.
Which do you like better, rice or bread? Dont fail to give the reasons for your
choice.
If you could go on a trip to either Europe or Africa, which would you choose?
Explain your reasons with specific details and examples.

88. Some people enjoy having a quiet dinner with a friend or two, while others prefer
eating in a larger group of people. Which type are you? What are the advantages of
your choice? Please include specific details in your speech.
89. Do you perform better when people are watching you? Or, is it better when there is
no one around to see you perform? Please do not fail to explain with specific
examples and details.
90. You are sitting on a bus when an old lady and a boy with a broken leg get on.
Which one would you give up your seat to? Explain your reasons in some detail.
91. Which do you dislike more, a person who uses a cell phone on the train or a person
who litters the street? Explain your specific reasons.
92. Some people believe supernatural phenomena exist. Others think it is just an
interesting fairly tale for adults. Where do you stand on this issue? You should
include specific reasons for your attitude.
93. You found a young man smoking on the train. Would you say something to
admonish him or would you pretend you do not see him? Explain the reason(s)
behind your action.
94. If you become the last man alive on the earth, would you live on or kill yourself
right away? Please explain why you chose that action.
95. Have you ever wanted to be a member of the other sex? When and why? Describe
the reason(s) for your desire then. Please be specific.
96. Some students work hard to make a living while others take out a loan. Which route
would you prefer? Support your decision with specific reasons and details.
97. Some people try to learn what is going on in the world by reading newspapers.
Others prefer watching TV news. Which would you prefer? Give specific reasons
for your choice.
98. If you became a teacher, do you think you would prefer teaching boys or girls?
What makes you think so? Give specific reasons for your choice.
99. Would you like to live in your country or in a foreign country after retirement?
Why? Give specific reasons for your choice.
100.
People say time is money to mean time is as precious as money. But, which is
more precious to you? Give specific reasons for your choice.
101.
In many athletic events in general, and in swimming in particular of late,
records are being broken because of the availability of better wears and equipments.
Do you think this is a progress, or do you think it is ludicrous? What is your
opinion? Give specific reasons.
102.
Some people willingly buy agricultural products from developing countries

simply because they are cheaper. However, there has been a concern about their
safety due to heavy use of agricultural chemicals. Would you buy them or would
you rather not? Explain where you stand on this issue with specific details and
examples.
103.
Some people prefer going to the stadium to watch a soccer game, while others
prefer watching it on TV. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details
to support your choice.
104.
It takes one hour to go to your college from your house. Assuming they cost
the same, would you prefer living alone near the campus or living with your family
and commute to the campus? Explain your preference with specific reasons and
details.
105.
If you are asked by your younger brother whether he should go to the United
States to attend a graduate school or go to graduate school at home, which would
you recommend? Why do you recommend that option? Explain with specific
details.
106.
When you want to read a book, would you prefer buying it or borrowing it
from the library? Explain the reasons in some detail.
107.
Some people think the world would be safer without guns, while others
disagree. Which opinion do you agree with? Give specific reasons for holding that
opinion.
108.
If you could see either a living dinosaur or a Martian, which would you like to
see? Give specific reasons for your choice.
109.
You have just won a prize and can choose between a piece of land along a
beach and another piece near a lake surrounded by mountains. Which land would
you choose? Give specific reasons for your choice.
110. When you are solving a math problem, are you more likely to give up after some
time and look at the answer or spend a long time trying to solve it for yourself?
Explain the reasons for your behavior with specific details and examples.
111. Some people do not mind running a risk, while others prefer taking a safer path.
Which type are you? Support your answer with specific details and examples from
your experiences.
112. Which do you like better, you at the age of 10 or you now? Explain the reasons for
your answer with specific details and examples
113. Which do you think are making greater contributions to the wellbeing of humanity,
doctors or peace activists? Support your answer with specific details and examples.
114. When you find a penny on the ground, would you pick it up or would you not?
Please explain the reason(s) for your action in some detail.
115. When you get lost, which do you prefer, asking someone or trying to find the way
yourself? Why do you prefer that way? Describe your specific reasons.
116. Some people move to a foreign country after retirement, while others move back to
their hometown. Which would you prefer? Please do not fail to include specific
reasons.
117. Some people think we should abolish death penalty, while other people approve of
it. Where do you stand on this issue? Support your answer with specific reasons and
details.
118. Which handicap do you think is easier to live with if it happens to you now, loss of
hearing or a loss of the ability to speak? Support your answer with specific details
and examples.
119. Do you get up early or do you sleep until late? Why do you do so? Explain the
reasons and the benefits of your style.
120.
When you have a conflict with your boss, are you more likely to concede
easily or to try to discuss the issue at length with him/her? Explain the specific
reasons behind your attitude.
121.
Sometimes it is better to change the course altogether and start from scratch.
Are you more likely to do so or do you tend to persist longer? What are the reasons
for and/or the problems with your style? Include specific details.
122.
When one is tired of studying, he/she can either go out to have fun or stay
inside and rest? Which do you think is the better of the two? Explain your choice
123.
When investing money, one can either go for high risk and high return or low
risk and low return? Which do you feel makes more sense? Justify your answer
with specific details and examples.
124.
There are many young people now who do not join the active work force,
preferring to have more free time while working part-time. Do you feel they are
simply enjoying their rights to do so or they are doing a disservice to humanity by
ignoring their duties? Justify your answer with specific details and examples.
125.
There are those who feel a masters degree should be a prerequisite to run for
public office. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Explain your reasons
with specific details.
126.
Some feel everyones tax rate should be the same. Others think rich people
should have higher tax rates. Where do you stand on this issue? How do you justify
your opinion?
127.
You have been given a boxed lunch. Do you eat your favorites first or later?
Why do you eat that way? Please explain why do you think you act that way?
128.
Do you think there is a positive correlation between ones academic
achievements and his/her ability to succeed as a businessman? Why do you think
so? Give specific details and examples to make your points.
129.
You have just won 500 dollars and have been given an opportunity to double
it. If you win in the next stage, you will get 1,000 dollars. If you lose, you get
nothing. The chance of winning in the next stage is 50%. Would you go for it or
would you not? Justify your choice with specific reasons.
130.
When you are sick, are you more likely to ask for help or try to help yourself?
Why do you choose that course of action? Explain the reasons with specific details
and examples.
131.
Do you want to eat slowly to appreciate the food or finish eating quickly to
have time for other activities? Which type are you? Why do you think you are that
type? Give specific reasons and examples in your explanation.
132.
Some people are of the opinion that money is the most powerful incentive that
drives people, while others think the intrinsic value people see in what they are
doing is more motivating? What is your opinion? Dont fail to include specific
133.
Do you require absolute quietude to concentrate, or can you tolerate some
noise? Explain how you are and why you think you are that way?
134.
When you fall on the street, do you want to be helped by a stranger or would
you rather be left alone? Why do you feel that way? Please include specific details
135.
You have an option between being a dictator and being an enormously popular
entertainer. Which would you like to be and why? You should include sufficient and
136.
Some parents feel that they have the right and responsibility to make their
child choose a career which the parents feel is right. Other parents feel it is best to
leave that choice to the child. Where do you stand on this issue? Please include
137.
Humans may be evil by nature. Humans may be noble by nature. Which view
do you think is closer to the truth? Explain the reasons for your belief with specific
138.
You have a choice between going to the beach and going to a lake up in the
mountains. Which would you prefer? Be sure to include specific details in your
explanation.
139.
If you were in a position to choose one person for promotion, would you pick
someone who is well liked by all or someone who is extremely smart? Support your
choice with specific reasons.
140.
Some people play games to enjoy being with others, while other people play to
win. Which group do you belong to? Why? Explain in as much detail as possible
with specific examples.
141.
Do you think some people are more prone to commit crimes than others for
genetic reasons? What is your opinion? How do you feel about this issue? Dont fail
to support your views with specific reasons and examples.
142.
Which do you prefer, being a doctor or being a lawyer? For what reason(s)?
Be as specific and as detailed as possible.
143.
Some think it is best if your hobby is your job, while others feel your hobby is
no longer enjoyable once it becomes a job. Where do you stand on this issue? Give
specific reasons for holding that view.
144.
You have a choice between spending time with your friends and spending time
with your parents. Which would you choose to do and for what reason(s)? Justify
your choice with specific reasons.
145.
Some may feel they want to live on even after they become vegetables. Others
may feel they would rather die if they cannot function like a normal human being at
all. Which is your position? Be sure to include specific details and examples.
146.
Running and swimming are two popular forms of exercise. Which do you
prefer and for what reason(s)? Please be as detailed as you can.
147.
Trains generally take longer to reach the destination than planes. However,
planes generally cost more. Which mode of transportation do you normally prefer?
Are there other reasons than the ones mentioned here? Be as specific as possible.
148.
Some feel todays youngsters are spoiled as human life has become too
convenient. Others think it is great that they now can live much more comfortably
since it allows them to spend their energy on more meaningful activities than
securing a comfortable living. What is your view? Justify it with details and
specific examples.
149.
Which do you think is more valuable, an easily earned victory or a loss despite
your best effort? Please support your opinion with details and specific examples.
You can either talk about a special case or provide a more general argument.
150.
Health and wealth, which is more important to you? Support your views with
specific examples.
151.
Suppose a dog is trapped at the bottom of a deep hole and it costs the
rescuers 10,000 dollars to save its life. Do you feel it should be saved or it is too big
an expense for a dog? Support your decision with a detailed argument.
152.
Some feel owning a gun should be prohibited for the general public, while
others feel we should all be allowed to possess firearms for self-protection. Where
do you stand on this issue? Justify your position with specific details.
153.
Some are of the opinion that endangered species should be protected at all
costs. Others think the expense involved does not justify taking such protective
measures. Which side are you on? What are your reasons for supporting that side?
Please be as specific as possible in your argument.
154.
Which do you prefer, playing a musical instrument or playing tennis? Explain
why it appeals to you more. Make sure to give specific reasons for your choice.
155.
Which makes you feel more proud, getting a good score on a test yourself or
helping someone get a high score on a test? Explain the reasons in sufficient detail.
156.
Would you be more motivated to work harder when you are the best or when
you are the second best? Explain how you feel with specific reasons and details.
157.
There are those who think the idea of a second chance spoils people. Then,
there are those who believe everyone is entitled to a second chance. Where do you
stand on this issue? Dont fail to give specific reasons and details.
158.
Some prefer calling to apologize for mistakes, whereas others think it is better
to write a letter of apology. Which is your choice and why?
159.
Some people believe that reading the textbook before the class is essential to
get the most out of the lecture, while others believe it is more effective to read the
book after the lecture. What do you normally do? Why do you think it works better
for you?
160.
Which do you think is a worse crime, killing someone accidentally or injuring
someone intentionally? Justify your view with specific reasons and examples.
161.
You have a chance to visit either your alma mater or a school you have never
been to. Which would you pick? Why is it your choice? Please include specific
162.
Some think the ultimate goal of science is to make mankind happy. Others feel
the goal should be a genuine pursuit of knowledge and truth. Which do you think is
the goal of science?
163.
On your birthday, do you want people to have a party for you or just leave you
alone? Give a detailed explanation of your preference.
164.
When you learn a friend of yours has just made a big mistake at school or at
work, would you call him/her right away to see how he/she is doing or do you wait
until he/she contacts you? Justify your action with specific reasons and
explanations.
165.
Do you think it is crazy to try to be perfect because no one is perfect, or do
you think it is crazy not to try to be perfect since no one can be perfect despite the
best effort? Explain your position with sufficient and detailed reasons.
166.
Some prefer acting quickly when there is a problem since they believe it is
best to try to fix it right away. Others take time and analyze the situation before they
finally make a move. Which do you think is a better course of action? You should
include your reasons for choosing that option. Please be as specific as possible.
167.
Compare a situation in which you have to choose between money and fame.
Provided you can get either but not both, what would you do? How do you justify
that choice?
168.
Some people feel those who say they do not live for money are simply
dishonest, while others think dishonest people live for money. Which side do you
think is right? Why do you think so? Your answer should be both detailed and
specific.
169.
You are going to a shop in the same town. It will take 30 minutes to get there if
you walk. But, you can also take a bus to get there. It will be a 10-minutes ride.
Provided you have sufficient time, would you walk or would you take a bus. Supply
the specific reasons for your decision.
170.
You have a 50% chance of winning $10 if you bet on team A. Your can win
$20 if you bet on team B. However, the chance of winning is only 25% for team B.
Needless to say, the expectation values are the same at $5 for these two options.
Which team would you bet on? Explain why you picked that team with specific
reasons.
171.
Criminals may have good reasons to commit crimes. Do you think this
statement makes sense, or do you not? Describe the reason(s) behind your view. Be
as specific as possible.
172.
Do you believe in doing a good thing even if you are the only one to do it, or
would you rather wait until someone starts doing it? Why do you act like that? Your
reason(s) should be as specific and detailed as possible.
173.
Would you send your child to a private school or a public school? What are the
justifications for your choice?
174.
Suppose you are very rich. Are you more likely to think the higher tax rate for
you is fair or think paying a larger amount is unfair as it was a result of your effort?
Explain which case you think is more likely to happen. Your reasons have to be
specific.
175.
Do you or do you not support death penalty? What makes you feel that way?
Provide sufficient detail in your explanation.
176.
In the middle of the game, it became clear that your chance of winning was
slim. Would you still try your best to win or try to take it easy to save strength for
your next game? What are your specific reasons for making that decision?
177.
Are you more comfortable if you are surrounded by your friends when you
take an examination, or do you prefer being alone? Why do you have that
preference? Explain in as much detail as possible with specific reasons.
178.
Some people dont pay much attention to grammatical mistakes in their
English as long as they can communicate well. Others are not satisfied unless their
English is grammatically correct. Which position do you take and for what specific
reason(s)?
179.
Are you able to memorize seemingly insignificant facts if that is required to
pass a test, or do you have much difficulty unless you feel they are significant? Try
to explain your mentality to someone who does not know you at all.
180.
It is the hallmark of adulthood that one can do what he/she does not like if it
needs to be done. On what specific ground(s) do you or do you not agree with this
statement?
181.
When a project is not going well, are you more likely to try something else or
try to improve the current operation? What makes you act like that? Give a
sufficiently detailed account.
182.
If you cannot get into the college of your choice, would you consider it a
defeat or would you be satisfied as it was the best you could do? Specific and
detailed reasons are requested.
183.
Frustrating results could help one to achieve more. Frustration could badly
affect the desire to work hard. Which do you think is more likely to happen to
people? Why is it? Be as specific and detailed as possible in 45 seconds.
184.
Are you planning to go to graduate school or are you not? Whether it is just
how you feel or it is a well-informed decision, explain the reasons for your
decision.
185.
In your opinion, is a good health more important than the pleasure of drinking?
Specifically, what makes you hold that opinion?
186.
In order to defend your honor, would you willingly relinquish a material gain,
or is it the other way around? Explain which course of action you are more likely to
take. It is important that your explanation contains specific examples and details.
187.
You have a choice between going out to drink and taking a long bath at home
to recover from a bad mistake you have just made. Which would you pick and for
what reason? Be as specific as possible.
188.
Which do you envy more, someone with an expensive painting and someone
with an expensive car? Assume that their dollar values are the same. Your
explanation must include specific reasons.
189.
If your brother were smart enough to become either a doctor or a theoretical
physicist, which career do you think he should follow? Your reasons should be
specific and detailed.
190.
Your parents want you to succeed to the family business which is very
lucrative. Your boyfriend/girlfriend wants you to go abroad with her to study. If
there is no way to compromise these options, which would you choose to do and for
what reason(s)? Specific reasons are particularly important.
191.
You have just passed an examination which your best friend has failed. Would
you wish to run into him/her today or would you rather not meet that person? What
makes you feel that way? Give specific reasons for feeling that way.
192.
You can donate money to your alma mater to improve their education. But,
you can also donate that money to an organization that feeds the hungry. Which
would you give your money to if you are forced to choose only one of them? Justify
your choice with specific details.
193.
Saving childrens lives is more important than saving the lives of senior
citizens. Do you agree or disagree to this statement? Could you come up with good
and specific reasons to support one of these positions?
194.
You have just won $10,000 in a lottery. If you have to either put the entire
amount in the bank and keep it there until after retirement or spend the whole
$10,000 to purchase a piece of land, what would you do and why? Your reasons
have to be both specific and detailed.
195.
In order to prepare for a natural disaster, would you give priority to regular
drills to learn the escape routes or stocking enough food and supplies? How do you
justify your priority? Be as specific and detailed as possible.
196.
Which do you like better, eating out or cooking at home? Give specific reasons
for your preference.
197.
Some believe in the power of persistence, while others think giving up is a
highly viable option. Which opinion do you subscribe to and for what specific
reasons?
198.
Would you go to a developing country yourself and help the people there or
just donate money to send people there? Give your specific reasons for the action.
199.
Which do you think is more difficult to cope with for you, lack of sleep or lack
of food? Give specific details in your explanation.
200.
There are people who think the government should not interfere too much with
its citizens lives. But, there are others who believe the problems of modern society
are out of control due to too little regulations by the government. Where do you
stand on this issue? What specific reasons and details can you give to support your
opinion?
201.
If you were to volunteer your time, would you like to help the children or the
elderly? Why do you have that preference? Be as specific and detailed as possible.
202.
In the morning of an important test, do you go through your daily routine as
usual or do you do something different such as getting up earlier, eating better food,
and drinking an extra cup of coffee? What specific justifications do you have for
your action?
203.
Due to the recent economic downturn, stock prices have gone down
considerably. There are those who say now is the time to buy, while others are
afraid it could go down much further. What is your position on this? Give reasons
for taking that position. You do not have to offer an expert opinion. Just explain
how you feel about it.
204.
Old people may be more reluctant to try new things. Do you think this is
because they are already comfortable with what they have or do you think it is
because they are more afraid of failures? Be sure to include specific reasons for
your view on this.
205.
Some countries have free medical care in exchange for a heavy tax. In other
countries, medical costs are very high, but their tax rates are not. Which do you
prefer? Why? Your reasons should be specific and detailed enough.
206.
You have been asked to serve on a jury, would you do so willingly or
reluctantly? Explain the specific reasons for feeling that way.
207.
You are on a long flight, say 10 hours. Are you more likely to talk with the
stranger sitting next to you or to remain silent? Why do you take that action? In
your account, please be as specific and detailed as possible.
208.
The idea of the distribution requirement at colleges in the United States is to
expose the students to diverse disciplines. However, in England, college students
only take classes in their fields of specialization. Which philosophy do you
subscribe to and for what specific reason(s)?

209.
Your child has failed to pass the entrance examination for the college of
his/her choice. Would you encourage him/her to spend an extra year to study for the
next years entrance examination or do you want him/her to attend the college that
admitted him/her this year?
210.
Your business is going bankrupt. Are you more likely to think that it was your
fault since you were at the helm or think it was nobodys fault as it was sheer bad
luck?
211. Do you think novels are stranger than facts or facts are stranger than novels? Give
specific reasons for your opinion.
212.
You are going to a distant location by car. Do you feel more nervous about
traffic accidents when you are driving or when someone else is driving?
213.
You have to return a loan today. If you do not have enough money to do so,
would you borrow money from someone else to return the loan or ask for an
extension? Which action makes more sense to you? Be as specific and detailed as
possible.
214.
Your parents want you to study medicine in college, but you want to study
physics. If choosing physics means to pay for your college education yourself,
which career would you pursue? Please support your choice with specific reasons
and details.
215.
Some feel it is acceptable to skip classes from time to time. Others feel
attending classes should be given absolute priority. What is your opinion? Please
support your views with specific reasons and details.
216.
If you are given a choice between reading a how-to book and attending a
workshop to learn how to grow vegetables, which is your preferred course of
action? Why do you think it will work better for you? Mention specific reasons for
your choice.
217.
When you go on a business trip, do you prefer going alone or going with
someone else? Please support your preference with specific reasons and details.
218.
You have to study for an examination. Would you stay at school and study or
go home to study? Why does that choice work better for you? Explain the reasons
for making that choice with specific details.
219.
Do you think the elderly should always take the seat offered to them on a train
by a younger person so as not to embarrass him/her? Where do you stand on this
issue? Please support your views with specific reasons and details.
220.
Which would you rather play, a team sport or an individual sport? Describe the
reasons for your preference in specific terms.

221.
You have to travel to a region, where security is a concern, to make good
profits. Are you more likely to go or stay home and settle for a much smaller profit.
Explain the reasons behind your action. Be as specific and detailed as possible.
222.
Do you feel males are stronger than females or females are stronger than males
mentally? What makes you feel that way? Give specific examples to explain your
view.
223.
Some feel it is fair to share everything equally among all people. Others
believe you should be allowed to keep what you gained yourself? Which is closer to
your opinion? Justify your position with specific reasons and examples.
224.
Some teachers believe originality is the most important quality, while others
believe mimicking is a good way to learn. Who do you think is right? Use specific
reasons and details to support your opinion.
225.
There is a math problem you cannot solve. Are you more likely to ask
someone or try to find some clues in books? Why do you choose to do so? Make
your explanation as specific as possible.
226.
You have a choice between mailing your application documents and applying
online. Which are you more likely to do and why? Please support your action with
227.
Which appeal to you more, novels or poems? Explain why it is your
228.
There are two types of community leaders, those who are not afraid to fight
and those who try to avoid fighting at all costs. Which attitude do you support?
Why? Be as specific and detailed as you can.
229.
What is your view of modern science? Is it evil or is it a blessing? Provide
specific reasons and details for your opinion.
230.
There are those who believe development is more important than preserving
historic structures. On the other hand, there are also those who believe development
that does not respect such structures is meaningless. Which type are you and for
what specific reasons? Be as detailed as possible.
231.
Some claim that fishing is a nature-loving activity. Others claim it is
destroying nature. Which side do you stand by for what reasons? It is important to
be as specific and detailed as possible.
232.
In which are you healthier, a cold weather or a hot weather? Explain why you
think you are that way with specific details.
233.
Which do you think is more difficult, leaving home or seeing off someone who
is leaving home? Base your argument on your experience if you have such. Else,
just guess which one you think is harder. Either way, provide specific reasons for
your view.
234.
In your opinion, which is sweeter, a coming-from-behind win or a very easy
victory? Give specific reasons for your choice.
235.
Some people buy an expensive car to show off. Others do so because of the
smoother and more comfortable ride. Quite honestly, which type do you think you
are? What do you think made you that way? Specific reasons and details are
requested.
236.
You have already been waiting for a train for a long time when someone
started to complain about the delay to the station staff. In this situation, are you
more likely to join in and complain or remain silent and keep waiting? Why do you
do so? Please support your action with specific reasons and details.
237.
Desperation is the best way to become productive. Do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Please support your views with specific reasons and details.
238.
You have just finished a big project successfully and have a choice between
going for a bigger project right away and taking a vacation. Which do you think
you are more likely to do? Give specific and detailed reasons for your choice.
239.
You have enough fund to buy an expensive computer. Would you buy a
machine with a much higher specification than you currently need since you may
need such a machine later, or would you settle for what you need now and save
money? Justify your choice with specific reasons and details.
240.
Some believe history shows how great humans are. Others believe human
history only reveals our problems and weaknesses. Which view do you hold? Please
support it with specific reasons and details.
241.
Some find it easier to follow the trend. Others feel it is disgusting to be the
same as others. Do you normally follow the trend or do you not? Explain why you
are that way with specific reasons.
242.
A foreigner is talking to you at a party, but you do not understand a thing of
what he/she says. However, it is clear that it is nothing important. You can pretend
you understand the person. You can ask the person to repeat it many times. What
would you do? Justify your decision with sufficient details.
243.
It may be a good idea to allow grade school girls to wear a makeup as they are
naturally introduced to it. It may at the same time lead to early delinquency. Where
do you stand on this issue? Describe your view with specific and detailed reasons
and justify your position.
244.
Are you willing to participate in a contest where your appearance is the only
thing that is judged? Give reasons why or why not. Make sure your reasons are both
specific and sufficiently detailed.
245.
You and a good friend of yours are both considered for one position. The
prospective employer is interviewing you together. During that interview, you are
asked to mention each others weaknesses. Would you or would you not be
offended if that friend of yours mentioned your weaknesses one after another?
Please support your statement with specific reasons and details.
246.
Wealth destroys ones work ethic. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement? Include sufficient details in your explanation.
247.
Eating everything on the plate is praised by some and frowned upon by others.
Do you normally eat everything on the plate, or do you not? Explain why you do so
with specific examples and details.
248.
Your father has gone through an operation, and the doctors removed a small
cancer. It is likely that he is now completely cured. Would tell your father about the
cancer or would you not? How do you justify your choice? Be as specific as
possible.
249.
Some people find it acceptable for the parents to send gifts to their childrens
teachers. Others feel it is best avoided. Where do you stand on this issue? Please
support your views with specific reasons and details.
250.
Are you more likely to make decisions for subjective reasons or applying
objective criteria? What are the advantages of your style of decision making?
Please justify your action with specific reasons and details.
251.
Your neighbor put out their garbage for pick-up on a wrong day, and it is not
clear whether it was a sheer mistake. Would you talk to them right away or wait and
see what they will do next time? Please support your action with specific reasons
and details.
252.
In your opinion, do college students have the right to be lazy as long as they
pay the tuition? (Note: I, Masayasu AOTANI, was once confronted by an angry
student who claimed exactly this.) This is not a legal question. Please support your
views with specific reasons and details.
253.
Are moving TV shows more moving if you watch them with your friends?
What is your experience? Explain why you think they are more (or less) moving
when you watch it with your friends. Be as detailed as possible.
254.
You did not get the job you wanted most. But, you have just landed the job
which was your second choice. Would you be happy because it was the second
choice? Would you feel frustrated since it was not your first choice? Explain how
you think you would feel in such a situation. Please include sufficient details.
255.
For some people the first impression is everything. For others the first
impression is just that; it is nothing but the beginning. Which type are you? Why do
you think you are like that? Please explain with specific reasons and details.
256.
Do you want to be paid by the hour or based on the job you can finish? Why is
it your choice? Please include specific reasons and details in your explanation.
257.
Too much comfort is not good for your discipline. Do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Why do you hold that opinion? Please support your views with
258.
Your university is running a survey to determine how satisfied the students are.
If it takes 20 minutes to fill out the form, would you or would you not cooperate?
Why? Be sure to include specific details in your 45-second speech.
259.
If you have to pay \10,000 per year to keep the library open 24 hours a day and
seven days a week, would you pay that amount? Why or why not? Justify your
decision with specific reasons and details.
260.
Some say teaching is the primary responsibility of college professors, while
others think research is more important. What is your view? Please support your
opinion with specific reasons and details.
261.
If your father teaches at the same university, do you or do you not try to avoid
his classes? Your reasons should be as specific as possible.
262.
You have been asked to join the college baseball team. But, you are more
interested in tennis. It appears most of your close friends are playing baseball and
they want you there. Would you choose baseball or tennis in this situation? Provide
specific reasons in your answer.
263.
Many people seem to believe justice is what the majority does. However, just
as many seem to think justice is justice even if you are in the minority. Which
position is yours? Please support your views with specific reasons and details.
264.
Your plane is in trouble. It appears it may go down at any moment. You have a
choice between writing your final note and praying. Which would you do and for
what reason? Be as detailed as possible in the 45 seconds allotted to your speech.
265.
You work for the government and are responsible for deciding how to spend a
large sum of money for research. Would you put more emphasis on humanities or
sciences? What do you base your decision on? Please support it with specific
reasons and details.
266.
Which do you think is more powerful, the pen or the sword? Your opinion
should be adequately supported by specific details and examples.

267.
You can work as a volunteer either to save the environment or to feed the
hungry. Which would you pick for what specific reason(s)?
268.
You are running for an office. If you make big campaign promises, you are
likely to win. If you only promise to do what you know you can do for sure, you
could lose the election. Which strategy would you choose? Please support your
choice with specific reasons and details.
269.
Some people make donations for publicity. Others prefer remaining
anonymous. If you were to make a huge donation, would you go for publicity or
stay anonymous? Why? Explain in concrete terms with sufficient details.
270.
There are good lies and bad lies. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement? It helps if you can give concrete examples in your answer.
271.
Imagine a typical boxed lunch. Some eat their favorite items first, while others
save them till the end. Which type are you? Why? What is your self-analysis?
Please include as much detail as you could.
272.
Your university is closing its doors and you are given a choice between
transferring to an equally prestigious institution and remaining at your current
institution to become the very last graduate. Which of these two choices would be
yours? Why is it your choice? Please support your decision with specific reasons
and details.
273.
If a teacher spends more time with weaker students, is it fair or unfair?
Support your position with specific and detailed arguments.
274.
Almost all youngsters start drinking as soon as they enter college even though
they are still under 20 (Note: This is the minimum drinking age in Japan.). Suppose
everyone around you is drinking in the freshman year, would you join them and
consume alcohol or would you not? What is the basis of your decision? Please
support your choice with specific reasons and details.
275.
Some students feel that it is their duty to report cheating during an exam.
Others dont feel comfortable with turning in their classmates. How do you feel
about this? Discuss what you would do with detailed and specific reasons.
276.
School uniforms enhance solidarity among the students. Do you agree or
disagree with this claim? Your answer should include sufficient details.
277.
Would you get up early every morning and run a few miles to live longer than
average or do nothing and have the average longevity? Which appeals to you more?
Explain why you prefer that life style with specific details.
278.
You are given a chance to debut as a singer out of the blue. Would you grab the
chance or would you rather stay on course with the current career? Why is it?
Explain the reasons with specific details.
279.
Those who are against the concept of a zoo say a caged tiger is not a real tiger
and hence is not worth watching. Those who like the idea of a zoo are enthusiastic
about being bale to see the wild animals without traveling to their natural habitat.
Which view makes more sense to you? A specific and detailed argument is
requested.
280.
A small car is friendly to the environment. A big car is safer when involved in
a traffic accident. Which is your choice? Why? Explain in sufficient detail why you
arrived at that decision.
281.
When they say there is a 50% chance of rain, would you take your umbrella
with you or would you not? Explain why with specific reasons and details.
282.
Do you agree or disagree that politicians cannot remain completely honest as
the people they deal with are not honest? Describe your views in detail with
specific examples.
283.
Do you normally arrive for a meeting with plenty of time to spare or just in
time? Why are you like that? Give specific details about how you are and how it
happens.
284.
Some people work much harder when their boss is watching them. Others can
work hard without a close supervision. Which type are you? Why are you of that
type? Give specific and detailed reasons in your speech.
285.
Do you tend to over-prepare or under-prepare for your presentation? How does
it happen? Describe your preparation with specific examples and sufficient details.
286.
Some believe diligence is an inborn characteristic largely determined by the
genes. Others believe diligence is an acquired trait. What is your opinion? Why do
you believe so? Explain with examples and details. Be as specific as possible.
287.
People are calling you an odd person. Is it derogatory or is it a compliment for
you? Explain why you feel that way in sufficient detail. Specific examples will
help.
288.
You are given two optional locations for your vacation, one is your hometown
and the other is a place you have never been to? Which would you choose and
why? To make your explanation clear and convincing, you should include some
concrete examples.
289.
Which do you admire more, a very versatile person or someone who is second
to none in one specific area? Dont fail to include specific reasons and examples.
290.
Which do you think would work better if you want to get in the habit of
getting up early enough in the morning, having someone come to your house every
morning or implementing a stiff fine for being late? Answer this question in
sufficient detail, making sure concrete reasons are included.
291.
Which situation do you find more embarrassing, to fall asleep during the class
and get scolded by the professor or to slip and fall on a frozen surface? Be sure to
mention concrete reasons in your speech.
292.
In your opinion, which is more impressive, human creation or natural
formation? Explain how you feel by giving specific examples of both and
comparing them.
293.
Which is true courage, to report your good friends wrong doing to the police
or to provide a shelter for him/her knowing you will become an accomplice?
Explain your value system in your answer. Concrete examples will help delineate
how you feel.
294.
As you are approaching a pedestrian crossing, the green light begins to flash.
Would you run across or wait until the next green light? What do you normally do
and what does it tell you about yourself? Please include specific reasons and details
in your statement.
295.
When you get your salary, do you put some in the bank before you start
spending or put what is leftover at the end of the pay period in the bank? What is
your saving habit is like? What do you think it tells you about yourself? Specific
reasons and details are requested.
296.
Some people work just to earn money. Others work since they enjoy making
contributions to society. What is your primary reason for working? Explain how
you feel in sufficient detail.
297.
Some children think the best way to make their parents happy is to lead a
happy life themselves. Others feel they should show to their parents how much they
love them by saying so and sometimes by giving gifts. Which view is yours? Be as
specific and as detailed as possible.
298.
Some workers are good at doing routines perfectly giving stability to their
organizations, while others are good at coming up with new ideas helping the
organization grow. Which type are you? Please be as concrete and detailed as you
can in your explanation.
299.
Some people cannot sleep when their stomachs are full. Others cannot sleep
with an empty stomach. Which type are you? Describe concrete situations where
you have difficulty falling asleep.
300.
Thinking about and marvel at our dreams help us keep going however
unachievable they may seem. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Please
include examples and some details in your answer.
301.
One of your classmates cleans the blackboard before the professor arrives.
Sometimes, the professor shows up while he is still erasing what is on the board and
thanks him for the kind assistance. You do not know exactly why he does it. Are
you more likely to think he is an apple polisher or he is a very kind and helpful
student? Support your argument with specific reasons.
302.
You have just moved to a new school. No one seems to be willing to talk to
you or sit with you at lunch time. Would you wait until someone finally decides to
talk to you or would you try to initiate a conversation with someone who seems
accessible? What would you do in that kind of a situation? Explain what you might
do as well as how you might feel when this happens to you in concrete terms and in
some detail.
303.
The best time in life is when you are young and lacking experience. As you
age, reality weighs in too heavily for you to try anything new and wild. Do you
agree or disagree with this claim? Please support your argument with specific
reasons and details.
304.
Some say we get wiser with age. Others believe old people simply have found
what work well and keep doing them. Where do you think the truth lies? Explain
the reasons for your position in sufficient detail.
305.
Do you think you can work harder when you like what you are doing, or do
you believe you are more diligent when you are convinced your job is meaningful
for society? Describe how you feel and why with specific reasons and examples.
306.
You can decide beforehand whether you would like to donate your organs after
death. Would you do so or would you not? What are your reasons? It is important
that others can clearly understand your reasons.
307.
You can either set up a commemoration day or build a monument to celebrate
the achievements of a Nobel laureate. Which is your choice? Support your choice
with concrete arguments. Examples may help.
308.
Your parents want you to become a doctor and are willing to support you
financially until you graduate. But, you want to become an actor even though they
will not provide any financial support in that case. If you were in this situation,
which career are you more likely to pursue? What are your reasons for that choice?
Be as specific as possible with sufficient details.
309.
In order to experience a foreign country, it is not enough to attend a school
there. One can see what that country is all about only if he/she works there. Do
you think this statement is true or do you not? Explain why you think so with
specific reasons and examples.
310.
You can either subscribe to a newspaper and have it delivered to your home
every day or buy one at the newsstand when you need it. Which would you prefer
and why? Support your choice with specific reasons.
311. If you were to appear on a TV news, would you like to be identified or remain
anonymous? Explain your reasons specifically in as much detail as you can in 45
seconds.
312.
Some believe ones effort is as respectable as a good result. Others feel the
result should weigh more heavily. How do you feel about these opinions? Which
side are you on? Why? Support your views with specific examples.
313.
If you were starving to death, would you steal food or beg for food? What
would you do? Justify your action with a detailed reasoning.
314.
Some people prefer a quiet life while others enjoy much public attention.
Which would you prefer and for what reason(s)? Give specific reasons for your
preference.
315.
In your opinion, should people be allowed to possess a gun to protect
themselves? Some feel it is an intrinsic right of the citizens to protect themselves.
But, some feel it is one of the reasons for the high crime rate? Where do you stand
on this? Share your views with specific details and examples.
316.
Your child is having much difficulty with the schoolwork. Are you more likely
to help the child or tell the child to try for himself/herself? On what grounds would
you take that attitude? Be as specific and detailed as possible.
317.
Do you think countries have the right to intervene if they see human rights
violations happening in other countries? Or, do you think sovereignty should be
respected at all costs? What is your position? Give specific arguments to support
your position.
318.
If you were to lead another life either as a cat or a dog, which would you
choose and for what reason(s)? Explain your choice with specific reasons.
319.
Who do you think are happier, those who are poor but with much free time and
those who are rich but with little free time? Describe the reasons for your choice
320.
You have a choice between a flawlessly stylish room which is a little
inconvenient and a functionally perfect room which looks somewhat bleak. Which
would you like to live in? Support your choice with specific details and examples.
321.
Some believe it is ineffective to try to protect the global environment
individually, while others believe such grass-roots efforts are very effective. Which
opinion do you support and why? Your explanation should be with specific
examples and detailed.
322.
In some countries, children get extra money in addition to their regular
allowances from the parents and relatives at the beginning of the year. Do you think
it is a good custom or do you not? Your explanation should include specific
examples and/or details.
323.
Some believe innocent children have therapeutic effects while others feel they
are too demanding of extra care. Do you agree or disagree with the following
statement? Playing with young children is good for your mental health. Support
your argument with specific details and personal examples.
324.
As a woman, or if you were a woman, which type would you prefer, a typical
and traditional housewife or a career-oriented single woman devoted to her job?
Please explain why you prefer that type with specific reasons. Some examples may
help.
325.
If your child shows an interest in your fathers, i.e. his/her grandfathers, job,
would you encourage him/her to pursue that career? Do you or do you not support
that choice and for what reason(s)? Include specific reasons and details in your
explanation.
326.
You have enough funds to start your own business or invest in someone elses
business. Which would you choose? Why is it your preference? Describe the
reasons behind your choice with sufficient details.
327.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? People are influenced much
more by their emotion than reason in their daily decision making. Please include
specific reasons, examples, and details in your explanation.
328.
When there is a problem, are you more likely to point it out right away in so
many words or to try to bring peoples attention to it in a more roundabout manner?
Why do you have that style? Try to convince people that your style is better than
the other option with specific examples and details.
329.
Do you believe humans are really created equal? Give specific reasons and
details to support your view.
330.
Which would you prefer playing, or do you think you would prefer playing if
you tried both, soccer or baseball? Your speech should include specific and personal
reasons for the preference.
331.
Some believe one should be regarded as an adult once he/she reaches the age
of 18. Others believe eighteen-year-old people are still socially immature to be
treated as adults. What is your opinion? Support it with specific examples.
332.
Do you agree or disagree with the opinion that women should quit the job after
childbirth and concentrate on housework and raising children? Include specific
details in your argument.
333.
Some work for hours in a row and take a long break. Others do better with
shorter and more frequent breaks. Which mode do you prefer? Why do you think
that works better for you? Please explain your preference with specific details
and/or examples.
334.
Suppose you have two things to finish on the same day. You like one of them
and do not like the other. Which would you typically do first? For what reason?
Explain your behavior with specific and detailed reasons.
335.
If you have a choice between taking the elevator and walking up the stairs to
the third floor, which would you choose and for what reason(s)? Support your
decision with specific reasons and sufficient details.
336.
Recent advances of information technology have enabled us to use the Internet
to get a wide variety of information easily. However, getting information from
books is also important for us. Which mode of gathering information do you like
better, on the net or from books? Support your answer with specific details and
examples.
337.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of having a part-time job and
explain whether you think it is a good idea or bad idea to work part-time for college
students. Be sure to include specific details to support your opinion.
338.
In order to be well prepared for a disaster, some people stock food and others
buy a first aid kit. In your opinion, which will be more crucial to have if a disaster
indeed struck? Support your opinion with specific reasons. Examples may
strengthen your point.
339.
Your dog is drowning in a river in the middle of winter. While it is only a few
yards away from the shore, you have no idea how deep the river is there? Would
you try to save the dog yourself or would you run for help? Justify your action with
a specific and detailed explanation.
340.
Very objectively speaking, do you think your father is more important than
other peoples fathers? State your position on this issue and explain why it is an
objective viewpoint. Be sure to include specific details to support your opinion.
341.
You are a soldier and running away from the enemy in the middle of a jungle.
You are with some other soldiers from the same troops. One said it is better to stay
together to defend yourselves. Another said it would be easier for the enemy to spot
you if you stayed together and suggested you flee individually. Which one would
you agree with and for what specific reasons? Justify your choice with sufficient
details.
342.
Which should one eat more for, lunch or dinner? Why? Please include specific
343.
Some people prefer to live in an apartment. Others prefer to live in a house
with a yard. Which place would you prefer to live in? Explain with specific reasons.
344.
Some students go directly to the teacher when they can not solve a problem on
the homework assignment. Others ask their friends first. Which do you prefer? Your
answer should include specific details and examples.
345.
Some believe ones IQ is a good indicator of his/her innate smartness, while
others believe the IQ is nothing but an artifact without much significance. Which
opinion would you support and for what reason(s)? Be as specific and detailed as
you can in your explanation.
346.
You have a choice between writing an essay and writing a poem. Which would
you choose? Explain your choice with specific reasons.
347.
You can invite either a famous singer or a famous scientist to your birthday
party. Which would you prefer? Support your choice with sufficient details.
348.
Some people try to save money as we do not know what will happen in the
future. Others spend as much as they earn to have fun since we do not know what
happens next. Which attitude do you think makes more sense? Support your
opinion with as much specific detail as possible.
349.
There are people who enjoy helping others. But, there are also others who
prefer not to interfere with other peoples business. Which type are you and for
what reason(s)? Please include specific details and reasons in your speech.
350.
If it takes the same time to get to the destination, would you prefer traveling by
car or by train? Explain your reasons with specific details.
351.
Suppose you are on crutches. Would you want others to treat you as usual or
try to provide extra help? Why? Please include specific details and reasons in your
speech.
352.
Some parents believe in strict discipline for their children. Other parents think
children should be loved and spoiled to some extent. Where do you stand on this
issue? Support your view with specific reasons.
353.
You have a choice between seeing a movie on TV and seeing the same movie
at a movie theater. Which would you prefer?
354.
You can either buy a cheap pair of shoes or a more expensive pair that would
last longer. Which are you more likely to buy and why? Support your decision with
specific and detailed reasons.

355.
Some people fear insects. Others do not. Which type are you and for what
reasons? Explain your attitude towards them with detailed reasons.
356.
Some experts say college students need to have time to spend alone and advise
them to have their own rooms. Other experts believe it is better to have a
roommate/roommates to learn how to socialize. Which side are you with? Be
specific in your explanation.
357.
If you compare young workers with older workers, do you believe older ones
are more responsible? Explain why you feel or do not feel this way with specific
reasons.
358.
Some people work or study better under time pressure, while others are more
effective when they have plenty of time. Which type are you and why? Include
specific reasons in sufficient detail in your explanation.
359.
Suppose you do not need a college degree to get a job that pays just as much.
In addition, you can start working early if you do not go to college. If you were in
that situation, would you still go to college or would you not? Justify your choice
360.
Extracurricular activities can help you gain new skills or enjoy doing
something different. They can also help you gain a network of friends. Which
would be your primary reason for engaging in such activities? Be as specific and
detailed as possible.
361.
Some executives have a secretary to help them. Others prefer to do everything
themselves. Which would you prefer if you were a corporate executive? Support
362.
Some people go out at night to have fun. Others stay home and relax. Which
would you prefer? Explain your preference in some detail. Your speech should
include specific reasons.
363.
Some people feel financial security is a necessary ingredient for a good
marriage. But, others think love is the only necessary condition for a good
marriage. Where do you stand on this issue? Explain your view with specific
reasons.
364.
Some people welcome other peoples curiosity about you and your life. Others
prefer being left alone. Which do you prefer and why? Your speech should include
specific and reasonably detailed reasons.
365.
There are people who do not put their job titles on the name cards they give to
friends. There are also those who feel the job title is an important part of ones
personal information which should not be left out. Which practice is yours and
why? Be as specific as possible when you give your reasons.
366.
Suppose you have an assignment due in a week. Are you more likely to finish
it little by little on a daily basis or get it all done over a couple of days? Support
367.
Some people enjoy meeting new people. Some people feel nervous when they
have to meet new people. Which type are you more like? Explain your interpersonal characteristics with specific details.
368.
Some parents believe preschoolers do not need to get any cash, while others
believe it is good to give them some allowances to teach how to spend money
wisely. Which opinion do you hold? Give specific and detailed reasons to support
your point.
369.
Some people marry in their twenties. Others prefer to wait until they are much
older to start a family. Which is your preference? Explain your specific reasons with
sufficient detail.
370.
Which would you like to do less tonight, going to see a movie or listening to
classical music? Explain why you do not like that option with specific reasons.
371.
Which makes you more uncomfortable, someone praising you in front of
others or being in a large crowd of strangers? How is it tied to your personality?
372.
Some people put a BGM or turn the radio on while they work. Others require
quietude to concentrate on the job. Which type are you and why?
373.
Which would you like to improve more, your attitude toward work or your
social life?
374.
Some believe one should be sentenced to death if he/she kills someone else
intentionally. Others believe people have no right to kill a human being no matter
what. Where do you stand on this issue and for what reasons?
375.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important
influences that young adults have are from their peers. Use specific reasons and
details to explain your view.
376.
Some people prefer to keep up with the current affairs on a daily basis by
watching news on TV and reading newspapers. Others are more concerned about
their daily chores and do not mind being out of touch for a short while. Which type
are you and why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your attitude.
377.
In your opinion, is it acceptable or not acceptable for college administrators to
receive higher salaries than the famous professors with excellent research and
teaching skills? Why? Use specific reasons and details to justify your view.
378.
Which academic subject do you think is more useful for the general public,
Arithmetic or Expository Writing? Why? Use specific reasons and details to justify
your choice.
379.
Which would you like to have more money for, traveling as you like or buying
things you like? Why do you prefer that? Use specific reasons and details to justify
your choice.
380.
Generally speaking, do you tend to prefer shared responsibilities or the ones
assumed individually? Use specific reasons and details to justify your preference.
381.
Do you pay more attention to the manufacturers name or to the price tag when
you shop? What is the reason for that?
382.
Which would you more like to have, a few very close friends or many
acquaintances? Why is it your preference?
383.
Some people prefer leaders who are honest. Others prefer leaders with good
people management skills even if they may seem scheming at times. Which type
are you? Use specific reasons and details to justify your choice.
384.
Some people enjoy growing plants indoors, while others feel plants should be
kept outdoors. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and details to justify
your position.
385.
Some people like cartoons better than text-based articles in the newspaper. Are
you or are you not one of those people? Why? Explain your reasons with specific
details.
386.
For some people enjoying the food they like is more important than staying fit.
For others health has absolute priority over indulgence. Which type are you?
387.
Some believe one should remember past failures so that he/she would not
repeat them. Others believe it is best to forget them to start from scratch. Which is
closer to your belief? How? Use specific reasons and details to justify your
position.
388.
Some have dinner together or play golf together to discuss business deals.
Other people meet at the office and discuss them in their daily work environment.
Which do you think works better? Include specific details and examples to support
your view.
389.
Suppose you are already running a very successful business and have a choice
between selling it for a huge profit and expanding it to try to make it even more
profitable. Which course of action are you more likely to take and for what
reason(s)? Your speech should include specific details.
390.
Some believe sufficient unemployment insurance is a very important safety net
for workers. Others believe such insurance money makes jobless people less eager
to look for a job. Which view do you support? Explain your opinion with specific
391.
You can either live on one of the upper floors of a high-rise condominium or
pick a unit on a lower floor. Which would you choose and why?
392.
Suppose you had sometime to spare on weekends. Are you more likely to
spend that time for your hobby or for community service? Explain your reasons for
that choice with specific details.
393.
Your school has an extra classroom and would like to use it either as a study
room or a computer laboratory. Which would you suggest and why? Be sure to
include specific reasons in your speech.
394.
Work or family, which is or would be more important for you? This is
supposing you had a family. Give specific reasons for your priority.
395.
When things are already working well, many people do not change anything
saying, Dont try to fix what is not broken. On the other hand, there are those risk
takers who would still try new things hoping for further improvements. Which
course of action are you more likely to take and for what reason(s)?
396.
Some feel medical malpractices are mostly the doctors fault and they should
be held responsible. Others feel patients should understand the risks involved in any
treatment and accept the fact that people do make mistakes from time to time. In
other words, they feel some patients are too unforgiving. Which opinion is closer to
yours and why?
397.
Which do you think is a better opportunity, an opportunity to see many other
parts of your country or an opportunity to visit one foreign city? Explain your
reasons with specific details.
398.
Do you agree or disagree with the opinion that women are better care takers of
their children than men? Support your view with specific reasons.
399.
Which would make you more uncomfortable, people laughing at you or people
crying in front of you? Why is it the case? Your speech should include specific
reasons for your reaction.
400.
If you buy the textbook, it of course costs you money, but you can keep it even
after the class is over. If you borrow a copy from the library, you have to return it
when it is due. Which would you choose to do about textbooks? What are your
reasons for that decision?
401.
Some people are comfortable with doing a passable job. But, others just have
to do the best job possible on any assignment. Which type are you more like and
why? Explain your attitude with specific reasons and details.

402.
There are those who find visiting a resort most relaxing. There are also those
who feel staying home and doing nothing is most relaxing. Which is your choice
and why?
403.
Some couples prefer sitting side by side at a restaurant, while others like it
better to sit facing each other. Which do you prefer and why? Support your choice
404.
Which would you less like to do tonight, drinking beer or eating ice cream?
Include specific reasons and details in your answer.
405.
Some students do better under a strict teacher. Other students thrive when the
teacher is lenient. Which type are/were you? Why are/were you that way? Give
406.
Some get nervous when they are in a large crowd. Others become restless
when they are alone. Which is more likely to happen to you? Why? Explain with
clearly stated reasons and some details.
407.
Are you more likely to appreciate someone who is reserved or someone who is
aggressive? Use specific reasons to support your attitude.
408.
What would you like more money for, to help the needy or to support a local
museum? Use specific reasons and details to justify your choice.
409.
When you prepare for an examination, do you make a study schedule before
you start or form a study plan as you go? Which do you prefer?
410.
Some have enough discipline to control their spending even when they see
bargain-priced items. Others tend to buy even unnecessary things when they are
offered at a discount. Which is more likely to happen to you? Use specific reasons
and details in your explanation.
411. Some people pick their majors in order to land a good job. Others choose the fields
that interest them most. Which is your criterion? Why? Be sure to include specific
details and examples in your answer.
412.
Some prefer living close to work even if it means they have no yard to speak
of. Other people dont mind commuting from far away if they can enjoy a specious
yard. Which do you prefer?
413.
Generally speaking, which is more likely to appeal to you, outdoor activities or
indoor activities? Give specific reasons for your preference.
414.
If you spend your spare time with the coworkers, you cannot truly relax. Do
you agree or disagree with this statement? Be sure to include specific details in your
speech.
415.
Suppose people are chatting during a lecture and it distracts you. Would you
tell them to be quiet or bring it to the instructors attention? Why is it your preferred
way to resolve it?
416.
Some say male secretaries are as competent as female secretaries. Others feel
female secretaries are better on the average. What is your opinion? Explain why
you feel that way with specific reasons and details.
417.
Some say you should not marry someone just because you are fond of that
person. However, people often say love grows if you marry someone who is good
to you. In other words, they support marrying someone you like even if there may
not be love in the beginning. What is your opinion? Explain your views and
thoughts with specific and detailed reasons.
418.
You have a question about the course you are trying to enroll in. Would you
like to go and ask the instructor or talk to a friend of yours who has already taken
it? What is the reason for that course of action?
419.
Which do you think is a bigger event in ones life, birth or death? Include
specific reasons and details in your explanation.
420.
You have heard someone was saying nasty things about you. Would you
confront the person or just ignore it? Which are you more likely to do? Explain
your likely behavior with detailed reasons.
421.
Some study best when they feel like studying. Others study best when they
have to study for an upcoming examination. Which way are you like on this
account?
422.
Some money was stolen and you know who did it. If it were a small amount
and if you knew the person well, would you turn the person in or talk to the person
yourself? Use specific reasons to support your choice.
423.
Some people go out and celebrate when they finish a big examination. Other
people go home and rest. Which do you do most often? Why is that what you do?
Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
424.
When you have an appointment, are you more likely to arrive well ahead of
time or with little time to spare? What makes you do so?
425.
If you keep a private diary, no one else will see it. On the other hand, if you
start a blog, many people may read what you wrote and even comment on it. Which
do you prefer and for what reason(s)?
426.
Some believe ones appearance tells a lot about his/her personality. Others
think appearance could be very deceiving. Which view is yours and why? Support
your view with specific examples and details.
427.
Your friend has bought a new coat. You know it is very expensive. But, it does
not suit her. If you are asked for an opinion, would you honestly tell her what you
think or try to hide your true opinion? Be specific and detailed in your explanation.
428.
Would you like to spend most of your life holding the same job, or would you
prefer to spend some time on a different job/different jobs?
429.
Life has ups and downs. Which do you remember better, good experiences or
bad experiences? Include specific examples and reasons in your speech.
430.
Some people openly admit it when he/she does not know something. But,
others try to hide it. Which are you more likely to do? Use specific reasons and
431.
Some classes are solely lecture based. The instructor covers the material in
more or less a linear and efficient manner. Other classes provide much opportunity
for class discussions where the learning tends to be more nonlinear and time
consuming. In the end, which format do you think contributes more to the students
deeper understanding of the material? Explain your reasons with sufficient detail.
432.
Some teachers are interested in the students personal affairs. They believe it
helps them to be good teachers. Other teachers are more businesslike. They teach
well and act professionally in the class, but they have no interest in what the
students do in their private time once the class is over. They believe that is the way
it should be. Which do you think is better? Use specific reasons and details in your
explanation.
433.
You can either pick a small seminar-type class led by one professor or a large
class consisting of a series of lectures given by several professors. Which would
you prefer? Give specific reasons in sufficient detail.
434.
Some TV commercials focus on the merits of the product they are trying to
sell, while others emphasize the relative superiority of their products over the
competition. Which strategy would you adopt if you were to produce a TV
commercial and why?
435.
When you see a very expensive car, do you think the owner is trying to show
off or he/she just loves cars very much? Why do you react in that way? Include
specific reasons and details in your explanation.
436.
Some students are very independent and they try to organize their own
learning. Others rely on the teacher to keep them on the right track. Which type are
you and why? Explain in detail with specific reasons and examples.
437.
Which do you respect more, intelligent people or reliable people? Give
specific reasons to support you answer.
438.
Some bosses set very high standards to inspire the workers. Other bosses use
easy goals to encourage the workers. Which strategy makes more sense? Your
reasons have to be both specific and detailed.
439.
Some workers are friendly and helpful to his or her coworkers. But, they are
not necessarily very diligent. Others are very competent and diligent but are neither
friendly nor helpful. Which type of workers do you think make a bigger
contribution to the company?
440.
Some students can concentrate better when they read aloud, while other
students read silently to concentrate on the meaning. Which mode do you prefer?
441.
Some presenters use slides, pictures, music, and videos to appeal to the
audience. Others just stand and talk and look around at the audience to keep them
focused on the presentation. Which is your style or which style would you like to
adopt? Give specific reasons in your explanation.
442.
There are those who get motivation from praises. There are also others whose
source of motivation is self-satisfaction. Which do you think works better generally
speaking? Include specific details in your speech.
443.
Some like attending summer school as the courses follow an intensive format,
covering as much as they would during regular semesters in a much shorter time.
Others dislike the highly concentrated format. Do you or do you not like taking
classes in a summer session? Explain why you are that way with specific details
and examples.
444.
When you share a ride with friends, would you like to sit in the front or in the
back when you are not driving? Justify or explain your choice with specific reasons.
445.
Some people believe parents should get involved in school if possible even for
college students. Others believe it interferes with fostering independent spirits.
Where do you stand on this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support
your view.
446.
Would you prefer to manage a soccer team or be a star player of the team?
What makes you go for that choice?
447.
When you know there is a potential problem, are you more likely to try to fix
it before it actually becomes a problem or wait until you have no other choice but to
fix it? Why are you like that? Please include specific reasons and details in your
speech.
448.
Some feel too long a reign by one person is likely to lead to corruption. Others
feel a long reign is a welcome sign of stability. What is your opinion? Defend it
with specific and detailed reasons.
449.
Generally speaking, do you tend to prefer shared responsibilities or the ones

assumed individually?
450.
Who do you think can persuade the teenagers better to protect themselves
against AIDS, medical professionals or AIDS patients? State your view and supply
your specific reasons for holding that opinion.
451.
Your house is full of garbage, and you have a choice of either spending a few
days to clean it up completely or disposing of them little by little over a long period
of time. Which would you choose to do? Explain your preference with specific
452.
Some believe ones effort is more important than the result. Others put more
emphasis on the end result. Which is more important to you? Use specific reasons
and details to support your view.
453.
If you had to choose between the campus library and the Internet for your
research for a term paper in an Economics class, which option would you go for
and why?
454.
Some teachers actively try to help the students to organize their learning. Other
teachers tend to leave them alone as they believe the students should discover how
to organize their learning on their own. Which do you think is better? Explain your
views with specific and detailed reasons.
455.
When you need new ideas, do you want to think alone or brainstorm with
others? What is your preference? Be sure to include specific details in your speech.
456.
If you had a choice between buying a condominium and renting a private
house with a yard, what would you do? What dictates that decision?
457.
Some feel it is unfair that big corporations are helped out of financial troubles
by the government while smaller ones are not. Others feel it is well justified as their
demise could mean the same for so many in society. What is your opinion? Support
your views with specific details and examples.
458.
What would you do when you have a choice between buying a simple and
cheap TV and a more expensive TV with many extra features? Explain your
preference with specific details.
459.
Some people are good at following detailed instructions meticulously. Others
do better when they are only given rough guidelines and left on their own. Which
group do you belong to and why?
460.
You have a dull pain in your stomach. Are you more likely to wait and see how
it goes with time or take a medicine right away? Why do you act that way? Use
specific and detailed reasons to explain your action.
461.
Some people take time and try to do a complete job. Others are satisfied with
an adequate job preferring to finish it quickly. Which is your preference? Give
specific reasons in sufficient detail.
462.
Some novels are made into movies due to their popularity. When both a book
and a movie are available for the same story, which would you like to enjoy first
and why?
463.
Which would you prefer, a rain coat or an umbrella? Please explain your
preference with specific details and examples.
464.
You are giving snacks to children. Some are your own, and others are your
neighbors. Some parents give them to their children first for fear that they may feel
their parents do not love them much. Others give them to other children first as they
feel it is the proper thing to do. What would you do? Use specific and detailed
reasons to support your choice. Concrete examples may help.
465.
Some immigrants easily adapt themselves to a foreign culture, while others
just have to maintain their own cultures. Which type do you think you are more
like? Support your assessment with specific reasons.
466.
You and your friends have planned on a hike to a nearby hill, but a light rain
has been falling steadily. If your friends insisted on going, would you be more
likely to join them or stay at home? Use specific reasons and details to support your
choice.
467.
There is a big fire in your neighborhood which is still burning fiercely. The
firefighters can save either an old couple or a young child but not both. Which do
you think they should save and why? Support your opinion with specific and
detailed reasons.
468.
When you travel to a place that you have not visited before, would you choose
to go with a companion you know or just by yourself? Please include specific
details in your speech.
469.
Some people enjoy planning a pleasure trip more than remembering about it
with pictures, souvenirs, and so on afterwards. Others are the exact opposites.
Which type are you? Include specific details in your explanation.
470.
Many believe humans are created equal and should be treated equally. Many
believe individual differences make humans decidedly unequal and they should be
treated differently. Where do you stand on this issue? Use specific reasons and
detailed arguments to support your view.
471.
Some students are just as comfortable with distance learning as learning in a
teacher-fronted traditional classroom. Others feel very awkward if the teacher is not
in the same room. How do you feel or do you think you would feel in a distance
learning situation? Why?
472.
Some people readily give up personal freedom for the family. Others give
priority to personal affairs over family matters. Which type are you? Describe your
typical behavior and justify that with specific details.
473.
You could either marry someone less than desirable or had to remain single for
life. Which option would you pick and why? Support your choice with specific and
detailed reasons.
474.
Are you more likely to pursue a career which is interesting to you or a career
which promises hefty paychecks? What would you base your decision on?
475.
Some believe book knowledge, knowledge you gain from books, is not as
good as real life experiences. Others believe book knowledge is better since useful
lessons are presented in an easily digestible compact format often with expert
interpretations. What is your opinion? Justify your view with specific reasons and
details.
476.
When a stranger talks to you on a train, are you more likely to welcome it and
engage in a conversation or try to send a message that you would like to be left
alone? Explain your preference with specific and detailed reasons.
477.
If you were to receive wedding gifts from your friends, would you prefer
money or some other presents that have been bought for you? Why would you have
that preference?
478.
The train you were going to take is extremely crowded. You have a choice
between getting on the train and waiting for another ten minutes to take the next
train. Provided it would take 45 minutes to the destination and you would not be
late for anything even if you lose 10 minutes there, what would you do? Please
support your decision with specific reasons.
479.
Some feel women should be given preferential treatments in math and science
graduate programs since we need more of them in those fields. Others feel such
treatments are unfair to men? Where do you stand on this issue? Justify your view
with specific details and examples.
480.
Some people try to use their heads in a different manner to unwind after they
study hard. These are the people who may enjoy playing chess or some board
games after studying. Other people try to get physical in order to rest the brain.
They may try to walk around in the neighborhood for example. Which type are you
and why?
481.
You have to eat your pet dog to survive in the wild. Are you more likely to go
ahead and kill it right away or hesitate to do so for a long time? Why do you think
you would act that way? Include specific and detailed reasons for your action.
482.
You are in a position to hire someone to join your companys workforce.
Would you hire someone who can start making contributions right away or
someone with a great potential to help your company in a significant way in the
long run? Describe the reasons behind your decision with specific details.
483.
Small colleges tend to boast a close-knit community with a family-like
atmosphere. Large universities tend to offer more variety both academically and
otherwise albeit they may lack in intimacy and personal touch. Which would you
prefer to attend? Use specific reasons and provide sufficient details to support your
choice.
484.
Some feel true adults should be able to make a compromise on their principles
when it seems to lead to a better outcome. Others believe true adults should stick to
their principles believing that the seemingly good outcome is not really a good
outcome if it is the result of a compromise.
485.
Some people carry a watch to keep track of time all day long. Others are more
relaxed about their schedules and do not even carry a watch. Which type are you
more like and why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
486.
If the person you love most needs an organ donor, would you be willing to
donate yours even if it means risking your life? Please support your decision with
specific reasons.
487.
You have come to a restaurant you wanted to visit for weeks only to find that
you will have to wait for an hour to be served. Would you wait or go to a different
restaurant? Please include specific details in your explanation.
488.
Which do you like better, an escalator or elevator? Why? Mention your
specific reasons for the preference.
489.
When you climb a mountain in summer, would you like the sky to be clear so
that you could have a great view or cloudy so that it would be cooler? Justify your
preference with specific reasons and details.
490.
Scientists have discovered that you can live longer by ten years if you cut your
food consumption by 30%. Would you try it yourself or would you rather not?
Justify your choice with specific and detailed reasons.
491.
Suppose you are the only student in your language class. Would you regard the
situation as a great learning opportunity or as too awkward or embarrassing? Why
would you hold that view? Explain with specific details.
492.
Some people believe education should be free for everyone who wants it.
Others believe education should be free only for smart students with good grades.
Where do you stand on this issue? Be as specific and detailed as possible in your
explanation.
493.
Some people feel it is better for the Emperor to always wear kimono for
official functions. Others believe wearing a wide variety of costumes representing
different ethnicity will promote international friendship. Which position would you
support? Please include specific details in your argument.
494.
Today, we have many youngsters who are already established professionals.
There are young golfers, singers, and even politicians. Some believe young talents
should be cultivated as much as possible, while others think too much specialization
at an early age is problematic. Which school do you agree with and why? Give
specific details to support your opinion.
495.
Some people like to keep cats and dogs as pets. Others go for more unusual
pets such as lizards and tigers. Which type are you? Explain your preference,
making sure you include specific reasons and sufficient detail.
496.
Which do you like better, bread or rice? Do not fail to give clear and detailed
reasons for your choice.
497.
Some consider such modern amenities as a mobile phone, the Internet, and a
computer as necessities. However, there also are those who are perfectly happy
without them. Which school do you belong to and why? Your personal and specific
reasons are required.
498.
So-called second foreign language classes should be abolished in favor of
more English classes. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Please include
specific details and concrete examples in your discussion.
499.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The development of
our civilization has freed the human mind. Please include your interpretation of the
statement as well as specific examples and details.
500.
Someone said, leaders are the ones who can make hard decisions for the
welfare of the whole society. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Please
be specific in your explanation.
501.
You have a choice between taking the elevator and escalator. Which would you
choose for what reason(s)? Give as detailed a discussion as possible in the given
time.
502.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students are generally
more attracted to practical subjects such as business administration than purely
academic subjects such as logic. You should support your view by providing precise
and specific arguments.
503.
Some think the Upper House should be abolished in favor of speedy
legislation. Others feel it should be kept as a kind of safety valve. Where do you
stand on this issue? Be as specific and detailed as possible in your discussion.
504.
Given a choice between contact lenses and glasses, which would you choose?
What are you specific reasons for the preference?
505.
Some people think it cannot be helped that racial minorities suffer to some
extent as majority decision is the name of the game in this world. Others feel we
should strive to treat all races equally even if it means making an exception at
times. What is your take on this point? Be as specific and detailed as you can.
506.
Which do you like better, a theater production or an animation film based on a
famous novel? Your reasons should be explained in plain terms, so that those who
are not familiar with either can understand.
507.
Which would you prefer, a nuclear family or a large family? Explain what
specific advantages and disadvantages exist.
508.
Your unborn baby has a serious genetic defect. Are you more likely to have
that baby or go for an abortion? Your decision should be backed by specific
reasons.
509.
Some claim prospective parents have the right to know the sex of the unborn
baby. Others feel it is interfering with the natural course of events and undesirable.
How do you feel about this issue? Discuss your views with specific and detailed
reasons.
510.
If you were an established baseball player in Japan and got an offer to play in
the US, are you more likely to go or stay? Explain in specific detail why you would
make that choice.
511. Do you or do you not think Japanese universities should honor major religious
holidays such as Christmas Day? Support your opinion with specific reasons.
512.
Some think it is better to write New Years cards by hand. Do you agree or
disagree with this and for what specific reasons?
513.
A creature from the outer space has arrived at the earth. They claim they are
stronger and smarter. They are showing no desire to kill humans but are saying they
will rule this planet as superior beings. The earthlings are divided between fighting
them and surrendering to them. What is your choice? State your course of action
with specific reasons behind it.
514.
Which do you like better, a clock or a watch? Give specific reasons for your
preference.
515.
Some college students are keen on following the current trend in fashion,
while others are more interested in making their own fashion statements. Which
type are you and why? Your speech should contain specific and detailed reasons.
516.
Which do you think is more effective in order to improve your listening
comprehension, watching a movie in English or watching the same movie in
English with English subtitles? Explain in specific terms why you think one is more
effective.
517.
Who do you think have a better deal in this world, boys or girls? Specific
reasons to support your choice will be appreciated.
518.
Suppose you became a refugee due to conflicts, starvation, and other equally
serious problems at home. Would your priority be to live happily in a new country
or to return home to help your home country recover from the current demise?
Explain your personal and specific reasons to support your priority.
519.
After graduation from college, your typical options are either working for a
company or going to graduate school. Which option do you think is more desirable
both for you personally and in more general terms. Explain the reasons in specific
detail.
520.
Which would you prefer, riding a bicycle or walking to your destination when
both options are feasible? Your speech should contain clear and specific reasons.
521.
Which mode of transportation would you prefer in the city, a train or a bus?
Describe the advantages and disadvantages specifically to support your preference.
522.
Which do you prefer, Christmas or the New Years Day? Give specific reasons
for your choice.

523.
As you know electronic currency is gaining in popularity. Which do you
prefer, electronic currency or cash? You should explain your specific reasons in
sufficient detail.
524.
You have caught a serious cold, but you have a very important class today.
Would you stay at home and miss the class or attend the class with a mask and
some medicine? Please include specific reasons in your explanation.
525.
Different people feel quite differently about this issue, but do you think
euthanasia should be legalized? Your reasons should be both specific and detailed.
526.
Some feel big trailers should not share the same lane with other smaller
vehicles in order to avoid accidents and congestion. Others feel it is an unfair
discrimination. Where do you stand on this issue? Give a specific and detailed
argument for or against this opinion.
527.
Human beings are both evil and gentle in dealing with others. Which aspect of
human nature do you think stands out more? Your argument should contain a
specific example.
528.
You have a choice between paying someone to clean your yard and doing it
yourself. Which option are you more likely to choose? Specific reasons should be
included in your speech.
529.
Some people prefer living with friends after entering college while others
prefer living alone. What is your preference? Why is it your choice? Please explain
with specific examples.
530.
Many people still use paper dictionaries. However, many have switched to the
electronic ones. Which would you prefer and why? Enumerate your specific
reasons for the choice.
531.
Some bosses reprimand their lazy subordinates right away while others tend to
ignore them for a while. Which attitude do you agree with and why? Your reasonsa
should be specific and sufficiently detailed.
532.
All undergraduate students should learn statistics due to its versatility, being
useful in Humanities and Social Sciences as well as Natural Sciences. Do you
agree or disagree with this statement?
530.
Some believe an outside internship should be a part of ones college education.

Others believe in the benefit of concentrating exclusively on academic work in
isolation from the outside world for four years. Which group would you side with?
Give specific reasons in sufficient detail.
531.
For some people career choices are based on their interests. For others, it is
simply a matter of making a living. Which school do you belong to and why?
Specific examples in you explanation will make it more convincing.
532.
National Pension System is an important safety net for many workers.
However, it is also a heavy burden on the younger generation. Should it or should it
not be abolished? Your argument should be supported by specific and detailed
examples.
533.
Some cite the pressure of competition as the cause of Japans high suicide rate.
Others feel it is the sense of hopelessness about the future as Japan has long been
out of the period of high economic growth. Which do you think may be a larger
factor? Give a specific and detailed argument to support your opinion.
534.
Seventeenth-century English playwright Colley Cibber said, You may as well

be out of this world as out of fashion. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement? Your reasons should be sufficiently detailed and include specific
examples.
535.
When you fall in love with someone, is it easy for you to approach him/her or
do you have difficulty initiating a relation? Why are you that way? Explain your
reasons with specific details.
536.
Electronic entertainment such as video games are sometimes regarded as
having a bad influence on children, while there are many who feel the benefit
actually outweighs the harm. Which opinion do you support? Explain your reasons
with specific examples and details.
537.
Some believe distributing flyers by hand is more effective than putting an
advertisement on TV or in a newspaper. Do you agree or disagree with this
opinion? Be as specific and detailed as possible in your speech.
538.
There are different climates in the world. If you have to pick between a
tropical city and a city up in the north, which would you choose? State your reasons
in specific terms.
539.
Death penalty has been abolished in many countries, but Japan is not one of
them. Do you or do you not think death penalty should be abolished. Please include
specific details and examples in your statement.
540.
There are those who turn on background music during housework. There also
are those who cannot concentrate on their housework with music on. Which type
are you and why do you think you are that type? Include specific examples and
541.
Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in some regions for religious reasons.
When someone without that faith enters the region, he is subject to the same
regulation as the residents there. Some feel it is a violation of the visitors rights.
Others think it is a matter of course. How do you feel about this? Your argument
should include specific details.
542.
Do you agree that we should tolerate any nuisances caused by goodwill? State
your position and explain the reason(s) behind it in a specific and detailed manner.
543.
More and more grade school children are carrying a mobile phone these days.
Do you think it is good for their mental and otherwise growth? Note that security
concerns are not an issue here. Specific details with concrete examples would make
it a good speech.
544.
Some feel wealthy people should spend a part of their wealth for those in need.
Others feel it is none of other peoples business and for the wealthy to decide
according to their own free will. What is your position on this issue? Support your
view with specific details and examples.
545.
There are those who feel the United States should stay out of other countries
domestic conflicts. There are also those who believe the current active involvement
by the Unites States in other countries domestic issues is helping keep the world
order. Share your views with us with specific details and examples.
546.
There is an idea of providing homeless people with live-in internet cafes with
IDs, so that they could use that address during their job search. Do you agree or
disagree with this idea? A specific arguments with details and examples is
requested.
547.
Nuclear power generation is both dangerous and eco-friendly. Which aspect do
you think is more important? Provide a specific argument with details and
examples.
548.
It is fun to say, All men are created equal. However, it may or may not
reflect reality. Do you or do you not think this statement is valid? Describe your
view with specific details.
549.
Some countries believe nuclear weapons are necessary to gain other countries
respect. Other countries try to earn respect by remaining nuclear-free. Which
attitude would you sympathize with? Your argument should be concise with
specific reasons and examples.
550.
Some believe private information should be protected more strictly. Some

believe we are doing too much to protect such information. Where do you stand on
this issue? Which party do you belong to? Describe your views with specific details
and examples.
551.
You can get the latest information by watching TV or reading a newspaper.
Which medium do you prefer? Be as specific and detailed as you can.
552.
When you go on a short trip, you can either use your car or ride a train. Which
mode of transportation would you prefer? Include specific details and examples in
your explanation.
553.
Which do you think is a bigger problem, stagnant economy or falling
birthrate? State your opinion with specific details.
554.
Suppose your parents house is one hour and a half away from school. Would
you commute from home or find a place near the campus? Explain your reasons
555.
Some people are addicted to mobile phones. Others resist getting one. Which
type of people do you think are more problematic? Your argument should be
specific and sufficiently detailed.
556.
Do you think it is necessary to teach English in elementary school in Japan?
Explain why you think or do not think it is necessary with clear reasons. Specific
examples and details will help.
557.
Would you like to be alone or with your friends when you want to spend a
relaxing weekend? Give specific and detailed reasons for your choice.
558.
Some say you only need to form a close relationship with a few good friends.
Others think it is important to have many friends with varying degrees of closeness.
What is your position regarding this matter? Describe your opinion with specific
559.
There are two versions of newspapers, the printed version and the Internet
version. Which would you prefer? Support your preference with specific reasons.
560.
Some believe restrictions on industry for environmental protection should be
the same for all countries. Others believe that developing countries should be given
more relaxed restrictions. State your opinion on this issue with specific details and
examples.
561.
Which do you like to use, a digital watch or an analog watch? Please include
562.
Some claim that plant growth is helped by classic music. Others think it is
voodoo. How do you feel about this scientific problem? Note that there are wellrespected scientists reporting both positive and negative results. Share you feelings
about this. No professional reasoning is required, but include the specific reasons
you personally have.
563.
A friend of yours would like to become a vegetarian and wants your opinion
on that. Would you agree or disagree with the move? Give specific reasons for your
opinion.
564.
For some, securing a comfortable living space is more important. For others,
eating good food is the priority. Which is more important for you? Explain why you
feel that way in sufficient detail.
565.
You have just found $100,000 on the roadside. Would you take it to the police
or keep it? Justify your action with specific and detailed reasons.
566.
Someone is smiling at you. However, you can neither remember the name nor
where you met the person before. Would you, in that situation, say hello to the
person or just pass by that person? Explain the reasons behind your action in
specific terms.
567.
The consumer tax rate on tobacco products is much lower in Japan than in
Europe. Some feel Japan should also introduce a higher tax rate to reduce the
number of smokers. On the other hand, there are also those, including nonsmokers,
who feel that smokers are unfairly targeted. How do you feel about this? Be sure to
include specific reasons for your view on this.
568.
Recently, the tolls for many highways are only 1,000 yen on holidays. If you
were to go on a long trip over the weekend, would you drive despite possible traffic
jams or would you rather take trains even though it would cost much more. Be sure
to explain your specific reasons.
569.
It is said that todays youngsters seldom give away their seats to elderly people
on the train. Do you think it is because they are inconsiderate or they are just shy?
Which do you feel is more likely to be the case? Give specific reasons and details
for your view.
570.
When you choose a plant for your garden, would you choose an ornamental
plant or an edible plant? Your explanation should include specific details.
571.
Which do you like better, casual clothes or formal attire? Please state the
specific reasons for your preference.
572.
Who do you find more attractive, the right-handed majority or the left-handed
minority? Explain how you feel that way with specific reasons.
573.
Some say the difference between the East and the West is greater than that
between developing and developed countries. Others believe it is the opposite. How
do you feel about this? Please mention specific examples and include sufficient
detail in your explanation.
574.
Which would you be more interested in doing, writing lyrics for a song or
composing music? Specific details are requested in your speech.
575.
Some believe financial assistance such as $10,000 per child is the best way to
arrest the declining birthrate. Others believe better childcare is the key. What is
your opinion? Do not fail to be specific and detailed in your reasoning.
576.
Which leads to a better result, cooperation or competition? Explain your
position with specific examples and details.
577.
If you were asked to withdraw from an academic competition in exchange for
$1,000, so that someone else could win, would you accept the offer or reject the
offer provided there is no legal problem. Please include specific details in your
explanation.
578.
Head start programs for very young children abound. There are academic
programs and athletic programs. If you were to choose one such program for your
child, which would you choose. Specific examples and sufficient details should be
included in your explanation.
579.
Do you or do you not wan to believe in reincarnation? What are your reasons?
Be as specific and detailed as possible.
580.
Some say smoking is uniquely harmful to the public. Others believe there are
many other behaviors and habits which are just as harmful. What is your opinion?
Give specific examples in your speech.
581.
Some people are dedicated video game players. Others are more interested in
real world activities. Which type are you and why? Be as specific as possible in
your explanation.
582.
Some think headache is worse than stomachache. Others feel it is the other
way. How do you feel? Specific reasons should be given in your speech.
583.
Some bosses use their subordinates like slaves and help the company make a
large profit. Some bosses are easier on their subordinates but make less profit.
Which type of a boss would you like to work for and why? Include specific reasons
584.
It is said that killing with a gun is easier than doing the same with a knife.
How do you feel about this? Do you agree or disagree with this view? Do you think
there are psychological differences? Please be as specific and detailed as possible in
your explanation.
585.
Which do you prefer, living in a modern city or living in a traditional place?
Your statement should include specific reasons.
586.
Collapse of capitalism is inevitable. Do you agree or disagree with this

assertion? Please make sure that your statement includes specific and detailed
reasons to support your opinion.
587.
Which do you like better as a gift, a handmade necklace/tie you can only enjoy
on casual occasions or a necklace/tie bought at a store that you can wear for any
occasion? Do not fail to include your specific reasons for the preference.
588.
Some people mainly use ballpoint pens to take notes. Others prefer mechanical
pencils. Which school do you belong to and why? Explain your preference with
589.
Which do you think is more important, finding the laws of nature or coming
up with practical applications of them? Your reasons should be specific and
detailed.
590.
Which do you prefer as the head of a nation, a strong leader who is a slavedriver or someone who thrives on compromises? Explain why you have that
591.
Which do you want to become, an employee of a big corporation or the
president of a small company? Make sure to give specific reasons for your choice.
592.
Some believe in the power of individual efforts more than that of cooperation,
others believe concerted efforts are more important. Which is your belief? Give
specific reasons for believing so.
593.
Do you or do you not support whaling? Why? Give specific reasons for your
attitude.
594.
There are many supporters of the jury system. However, there also are many
who do not feel lay persons should be allowed to participate in a judicial process.
What is your opinion? Where do you stand on this issue? Do not fail to be specific
in your discussion.
595.
Are you more likely to talk loudly and do silly things or enjoy a quieter
conversation with your friends at a drinking party? Describe your reasons for being
that way with specific and detailed reasons.
596.
Current Japanese education with the so-called diluted curriculum is blamed by
many for the lower level of academic achievement by Japanese students in this
century. On the other hand, some claim the way we measure students academic
performance is flawed and problematic. In other words, they support the diluted
curriculum and do not think the students academic abilities are suffering. Do you
or do you not support the diluted curriculum? What are you specific reasons?
597.
Which do you enjoy more, attending someone elses birthday party or your
own birthday party? Explain why you feel that way with specific reasons and
details.
598.
Some find the summer vacation to be longer and more enjoyable. Others feel
the weeklong spring recess is more exciting as you try to pack as many fun events
as possible in a short period. Which vacation do you find more appealing? Why?
Make sure that your explanation contains specific reasons for feeling that way.
599.
If one of your parents develops Alzheimers disease, would you look after
him/her at home or send the person to a hospital? Support your choice with specific
reasons.
600.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Progress of science
itself is almost always good. Support your views with specific examples and details.
601.
A huge earthquake has struck your area. Many buildings have collapsed, and
you found a person under piles of rubbles. Are you more likely to try to save the
person yourself right away or go and find more people to help you? Which action
do you feel you would take? Include specific and detailed reasons to support your
feeling.
602.
There are people who study a foreign language since they think it would help
them advance their career. There are others who study a foreign language simply
because they are personally interested in it. Which attitude makes more sense to
you and why? Be sure to include specific details in your explanation.

603.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Society is partially
responsible for your personal successes and failures as human beings are a social
animal. Support your opinion with specific examples and details.
604.
Elderly people with financial problems should be left to their own resources as
it is they who did not save enough money for their retirement when young. Do you
agree or disagree with this assertion? Be specific and detailed in your argument.
605.
Many youngsters today are jobless as they are not willing to settle for a less
than desirable job. Do you or do you not think this statement is true? Support your
view with specific details and examples.
606.
Some feel it is fair that everyone pays the same consumer tax for their
purchases. Some feel the rate should be higher for the rich and for luxury items.
Which side do you stand by in this argument? Do not fail to include specific
reasons in support of your opinion.
607.
Cramming before an examination is commonly observed among college
students. Some say it is meaningless as they forget most of it right after the
examination. Some say it is good as one can learn best under the pressure of
upcoming examination. Which side do you support and why? Include specific
reasons and details in your explanation.
608.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Tobacco should be
added to the list of illegal drugs. Explain in detail and specific terms why you hold
that opinion.
609.
Some eat for health, but others eat for pleasure. Which type are you? Describe
how you personally approach eating with specific details.
610.
Some put economic development ahead of environmental protection since they

view it as an important vehicle to achieve social welfare. Others think
environmental destruction leads to all sorts of other destructions. Which viewpoint
do you hold? Support you position with specific details and examples in your
argument.
611. Some people buy a lottery ticket as they might win. Some people do not buy it as
they almost never win. Which camp do you belong to and for what reason? Support
that choice with your own specific and detailed reasons.
612.
Some insist that old films should not be colored as they were in black and
white originally. Others believe coloring them brings out a new attraction of the
same film. Which opinion do you support? Specific and detailed examples will help
explain your points.
613.
School uniforms are good as they promote a sense of solidarity. School
uniforms are bad as it ignores individuality. Which of these assertions would you
agree with and why? Give a specific and detailed argument to explain your feeling.
614.
If you were to get a child, which would you prefer, a boy or a girl? Explain
615.
When playing tennis against a very popular person, some prefer losing after a
fair play so that they will not be disliked for beating the favorite player, while
others enjoy winning precisely because the opponent is popular. Which way are you
more likely to feel? Give specific reasons for your attitude.
616.
Some believe a dress code is a good thing to have. Others feel it infringes on
basic human rights. What is your opinion? Be as specific and detailed as possible.
617.
Some people try to hide their weaknesses as they are ashamed of them. Others
willingly make their weaknesses public as it motivates them to work on those
weaknesses. Which are you more likely to do? Do not fail to include specific details
and clear reasons for your action.
618.
619.
Do you like meat rare or well-done? Give specific reasons for your preference.
Which do you like better a white Christmas or a warm Christmas in Australia?
Give specific reasons and details for your choice.
620.
If you get lost up in the mountains, are you more likely to wait for the rescue
or try to find the way back on your own? Your explanation should contain specific
details.
621.
If you had a choice between a famous and noisy restaurant and a quiet and
nameless restaurant, which would you pick for what reason(s)? Include specific
details to support your decision.
622.
Some people believe horoscope. For others it is nothing but bogus. Where do
you stand on this issue? Explain your position with specific details and examples.
623.
Some believe sun tan is cool, while others think it is silly as it increases the
risk of skin cancer. What is your attitude towards getting a sun tan? Make sure your
argument contains sufficient amount of specific detail.
624.
Do you deliberate a lot before taking action or take action and let the action
help your thinking? Which type are you? Do not fail to include specific details in
your argument.
625.
Do you pay more attention to your coworkers or to your job? Why are you that
way? Describe your attitude with specific reasons and examples.
626.
Do you tend to drive fast to get the destination quickly risking an accident or
drive slowly and safely though it takes more time? Which are you more likely to
do? Why? Describe your driving habit in specific terms giving sufficient detail.
627.
Some people cheat back when they are cheated in order to show they can
inflict the same damage. Others take pride in maintaining their integrity and just
ignoring the cheater. Which attitude is more likely to be yours? Do not fail to
628.
There are those who eat as much as they want. There also are those who try to
control their appetite. Which type are you? Why? Describe your eating style with
specific details.
629.
Some people play to refresh and work better. Others work to play. Which
school do you belong to? Explain your attitude with specific details.
630.
Do you prefer cash or credit card? Explain your preference with specific
details and examples if possible.
631.
When you go on a trip with your friends, would you yourself or your friends
do the planning for the trip? Why? Specific reasons for your usual behavior should
be explained with specific details and examples.
632.
Some people are more comfortable when they are in the pack and do not stand
out. Others prefer being in the spotlight. Which type are you and why? Be sure to
633.
Some believe academic performance is one of the important indicators of
someones potential as a corporate worker. Others believe there is little correlation
between ones grades in school and his performance as a corporate worker. Which
opinion is closer to yours? Be as specific as possible in your statement.
634.
Some quickly take a remedial action at the sight of a potential problem. Others
tend to wait and see if it indeed evolves into a serious problem. Which of these two
types are you? Explain with specific details and concrete examples if any.
635.
If you try to develop your own system, you will probably make more profit.
However, you may fail altogether in your effort. If you buy a system from a third
party vendor, it is sure to work but the profit potential is smaller. Which path are
you more likely to take? Support your decision with specific details.
636.
Some believe completely organic agriculture is the way to go. Others think it
is better to use controlled amounts of agricultural chemicals. Which opinion is
closer to yours? Be sure to mention specific reasons for your belief.
637.
People are divided on the issue of free medical care for the poor. Do you think
the poor deserves to get free medical care or it is unfair to the paying population?
Share your view with us, making sure your argument is detailed and specific
enough.
638.
Some students keep studying until the last minute. Others try to take it easy
once examination time approaches. Which behavior is more like yours? Include
specific details and examples if any.
639.
When you think it might rain later in the day, are you more likely to take your
umbrella or take a chance without it? Describe your usual behavior with specific
and detailed reason(s) behind it.
640.
Some feel being overweight is irresponsible. Some think being overweight is
irrelevant. How do you feel? Do you feel one is responsible for maintaining proper
weight? Make sure you support your views with specific details.
641.
Do you do many things just for fun or to satisfy your curiosity, or do you
always try to attach some meaning even to your leisure activities? Describe your
tendency and explain why you are that way in sufficient detail.
642.
Some can stand for their health on a train even if there are many seats
available. Others feel uncomfortable doing the same. How would you feel yourself?
Explain your feeling about this with specific reasons.
643.
People say every vote should carry the same weight. However, there are those
who think some voters should be taken more seriously than others. Where do you
stand on this issue? Be as specific and detailed as possible.
644.
Some people stick to their routines which are known to work. Others keep
modifying their routines in the hope of further improvement. Which is your
behavioral pattern? Explain with specific details and examples if any.
645.
When you are very angry, are you literally beside yourself or still assessing the
situation to calculate your next move? Explain how you are with what you think are
the specific reasons for it.
646.
Some believe critical tests such as college entrance examinations should be
given multiple times in order for the schools to be able to consider the average of
those tests as opposed to just the scores from one test. Others think luck is a part of
the name of the game. Where do you stand on this issue? Be sure to include specific
details in your argument to support your viewpoint.
647.
Some people do not mind driving a long distance to get to a good famous
restaurant. Others prefer lesser known places closer to home. What is your
preference? Be as specific and detailed as possible.
648.
Some people welcome the opportunity where their performance determines the
fate of the entire group. Others try to stay away from that kind of responsibility.
What is your preference? Why? Be sure to include specific reasons in your
argument.
649.
Do you or do you not believe you generally get what you deserve in this
world? Be specific and detailed in your argument.
650.
When you try to relax, do you go on a trip or stay home? Explain why you
prefer that mode of relaxation in specific details.
651.
Suppose you are injured in your leg and can only move slowly. Would you like
your friends to slow down for you or leave you behind? You should explain shy you
feel that way with specific reasons behind it.
652.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement. It is better to be late
sometimes than to consume so much energy to be punctual all the time.
653.
Do you or do you not often judge people by their appearance? Explain why
you think you are that way providing specific reasons.
654.
You are at the nearest station within walking distance from home. Suddenly
you became unsure whether you turned off the gas. Would you turn back and
double check or just keep going as it is rare to commit a blunder like that? Support
your choice with specific reasons and details.
655.
Some feel the idea of social safety net is not working properly as many cheat
to get the money. Others think it is working as long as many needy people are being
saved. Which opinion do you agree with and why? Be sure to include specific
details in your argument.
656.
Some people go to see a doctor even for minor injuries to be on the safe side.
Others do not. Which type are you and why? Give specific reasons for your
behavior.
657.
You are 1 hour away from an important presentation, and you have just found
that color coding for your slides is not consistent. Provided it is still a very clear
and understandable presentation, would you try to fix the mistake or just let it go?
Support your decision with specific and detailed reasons.
658.
Many graduate students in sciences and engineering have full financial support
in the United States, while such is not the case either in Europe or Japan. Which
practice do you think makes more sense, supporting them fully or not doing so?
Your reasoning should be specific and detailed.
659.
In the olden days first class passengers were saved first when there was an
accident. This meant paying more improves your chance of surviving an accident.
Do you agree or disagree with this policy? Be specific in your argument. Concrete
details will help.
660.
Since international students have a language problem, they are often given an
extra time during an examination. However, there is no clear, fair, and easy way to
determine how much extra time they should be given. Under the circumstance, do
you or do you not feel extra time for international students is fair. Give a detailed
and specific discussion to support your opinion.
661.
You should keep dreaming however old you are. Do you agree or disagree
with this opinion? Be specific and detailed in your discussion.
662.
Some passengers leave their seats as soon as their plane comes to a full stop.
Others wait patiently until the seatbelt sign goes off. How do you behave upon
arrival? Why? Explain or justify your action with specific reasons.
663.
In some games, you have the option of officially giving up and taking a loss
when the opponents are leading by a large margin towards the end. This does not
mean, however, you have to give up. When your team is trailing by a large margin
late in the game, would you rather give up or continue playing until the bitter end?
Support your judgment with specific reasons.
664.
Some believe it does not make sense to tell young people that hard work will
make their dreams come true since such does not happen in most cases. Others
believe saying such a thing is a good way to motivate young people. Where do you
stand on this issue? Justify your position with specific and detailed reasoning.
665.
You have been offered an opportunity to double your income. However, you
have to be away from your children for 8 months every year. Assuming your
current salary is sufficient to support the family and raise the children, would you or
would you not take advantage of this offer. Your reasons and explanations should be
detailed and specific.

666.
When you find a function you can perform, are you more likely to volunteer to
do it or wait until someone asks you to do it? Justify your attitude with specific and
detailed reasons.
667.
You can buy the same Christmas cake at half the price on the 25th of
December. Would you wait until the 25th or buy it on the 24th? Explain your
decision with specific reasons.
668.
Some think lack of competition is a more serious problem than too much
competition. Others feel the other way. What is your own opinion about
competition in society? Justify your view with specific reasons and details.
669.
You do not like the current government. You can either vote in an election to
protest or do not vote in protest. Which course of action would you rather take?
Explain your preference in specific terms with details and examples if any.
670.
You should always be well prepared. Hence, some people are indeed wellprepared most of the time. However, there are those who are chronically
underprepared. Which type are you? Are you generally well-prepared or
underprepared? Explain how you are and describe the specific reasons behind it.
671.
Some people accept laziness as a basic human nature. Others do not and
advocate fighting laziness. Which school do you belong to? Explain your reasons in
specific terms.
672.
Some students go to graduate school to learn more about truth. Others go out
in the real world and learn about reality firsthand. Which path appeals to you more?
Cite specific reasons and use examples to explain your preference.
673.
You can only get menial jobs due to a free fall of economy. Would you rather
go on welfare than work for the minimum wage? How do you feel about these
options? Make sure you include specific reasons and details in your speech.
674.
Some believe logic and objectivity are important since humans are illogical
and subjective. Others believe subjectivity is important precisely because humans
are illogical and subjective. What is your position? Describe it with specific details
and examples if any.
675.
Do you feel that traffic rules can be freely violated if deemed appropriate at
the time, or do you have much difficulty violating traffic rules in nay way? Be sure
to include specific reasons and details in your statement.
676.
A friend of yours is already in the line and inviting you to join him/her. Do you
feel it is your lucky day or do you not want to cut in the line like that? Describe
your sentiment with specific reasons.
677.
Some professors accept late assignments, but others do not. Do you feel late
assignments should be accepted or should not be accepted? Give your specific
reasons.
678.
Would you or would you not like your grandparents to live in the same house?
Why? Explain your reasons in specific detail.
679.
If you had a choice between visiting the North Pole or South Pole, which
would you choose? Explain the specific reasons for your choice.
680.
You have a choice between exercising mildly for one hour and exercising
vigorously for 15 minutes. Which would you prefer provided you can afford to
spend one hour for exercising if desired. Support your choice with specific and
detailed reasons.
681.
You have noticed the professor misstated something, but you are sure it is not
a serious mistake. Are you more likely to point it out or let it go? Support your
decision with specific reasons and examples if any.
682.
Humans are said to be influenced by both genetic factors and environmental

factors. Which factor do you think has contributed more to your academic
performance? Make sure you support your view with specific details and examples.
683.
You are in a restaurant where the menu is in French and you do not understand
a word of it. Would you ask for help or place an order based on guesswork? Explain
the reason(s) for your behavior in specific terms.
684.
Which do you think enriches our lives more, a novel or a practical guidebook?
Please include specific and detailed reasons in your speech.
685.
Which would you prefer, a spacious apartment with a higher rent or a small
apartment with a lower rent? Justify your choice with specific reasons. You should
include as much detailed information as possible.
686.
Textbooks can only contain short segments of masterpiece novels. Some think
it is not a good idea as one cannot appreciate the real greatness of long novels that
way. Others feel it still serves the purpose by giving a taste of great long novels.
Which opinion is closer to yours? Do not fail to include specific and detailed
reasons for your opinion.
687.
Some believe everyone should study natural science in college as a part of

general education. Others feel natural science should be optional unlike humanities
and social sciences. What is your opinion? Include details and examples in your
explanation.
688.
When you buy an ordinary cold medicine at a drugstore, do you consult the
pharmacist or do you not? Why? Support your decision with specific reasons.
689.
You have found a good business prospect. Though you are sure it is going to
be profitable, you need to go into debt to start the business. Would you or would
you not try it? Make sure your explanation includes specific details.
690.
There are those who can endure some inconvenience in pursuit of fashion.
There are also those who believe good fashion must be comfortable as well. Which
camp do you belong to? State your opinion with specific reasons.
691.
Which is more important to you, weekdays or weekends? Explain your reasons
in specific detail.
692.
You have a choice between visiting a place of historical significance and a
place currently playing a significant role. Which place would you choose? Explain
your preference with specific details.
693.
Some believe teachers should wear formal attire. Others believe the way you
dress has nothing to do with your ability as a scholar. What do you think? Support
your belief with clear and specific reasons.
694.
If a wealthy person, who you do not know personally, picked you randomly to
receive one million dollars, would you or would you not accept it? Support your
decision with specific and detailed reasons.
695.
Would you like to be a leader of a developed country or a developing country?
State your preference with specific and detailed reasons.
696.
Some believe people should be rewarded according to the efforts they make.
Others believe rewards should be for the result and not for the effort. Which do you
think makes more sense? Explain your view with specific details and clear reasons.
697.
Some believe large corporations should receive much governmental support as
they play such significant roles. Others believe their preferential treatment is unfair.
What is your opinion? Be sure to include detailed reasons in your speech.
698.
Are you for or against the idea of holding the Olympic Games in 2020 in
Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Your statement should be specific with detailed reasons.
699.
Do you or do you not think there will be the Third World War? Describe the
reasons fro your belief in sufficient detail.
700.
Some believe politicians should be honest. Others believe honest politicians
cannot be effective. Which view is yours? Make sure you give specific reasons and
701.
Some people say that they would rather die young than give up such joys of
life as drinking, smoking, and eating unhealthy food. Do you agree or disagree with
this philosophy? Do not fail to include specific details in your explanation.
702.
Some feel that college education is so important that it should be provided for
free, while others believe it is only fair if you are asked to pay for the service you
receive. What is your opinion? Specific reasons for holding that view should be
included in your explanation.
703.
Some believe an eye for an eye is a very just punishment. Others believe
forgiveness is more important than retaliation. How do you feel about this? Justify
your opinion with a specific and detailed argument.
704.
We teach at school that three square meals a day is a way to maintain good
health. However, some people are staying healthy with different eating styles. Do
you or do you not agree with officially advocating one eating style such as three
solid meals a day as we do now? State your opinion and explain why you hold that
opinion with specific reasons.
705.
Some live with people who are similar to themselves, while others
intentionally try to live with people who are different. Which choice makes more
sense to you? Explain your views with specific reasons.
706.
Do you want to do everything yourself or relegate much to others such as your

subordinates? Which type are you? Explain the reasons for your preference.
707.
Some people say wealthy countries take advantage of poor countries by
outsourcing their menial jobs, while others say they are helping poor countries by
providing employment opportunities. Which do you think is closer to the truth? Be
sure to include specific and detailed reasons in your speech.
708.
Some believe the Olympics are festivals to promote world peace under such a
slogan as One World, One Dream. Others think it is a stage for the participating
countries to exhibit their might and a war in which people and countries fight for
prestige. Which is your view? Do not fail to include clear reasons and specific
details in your statement.
709.
If a sizable amount of extra cash remained at the end of your pay period, are
you more likely to spend the money to purchase something you always wanted or
include it in the living expense for the following pay period? Make sure you explain
the specific reasons for your attitude.
710.
You have just won enough money in a lottery to live comfortably for life.
Would you quit your job or keep working as before? In your speech, include
specific reasons for your action.
711. Which yard would you prefer, a man-made yard or a yard where plants are growing
naturally? Specific details and examples will be helpful in understanding your
explanation.
712.
When someone dies, do you think we should mourn his/her death or celebrate
his/her life? Specific details and clear reasons should be included in your statement.
713.
Some think economic power is more effective in gaining other countries
respect than military might, but others feel the exact opposite holds true. What is
your opinion? Be sure to mention your specific reasons.
714.
Some blame too much convenience including, but not limited to, barrier-free
environments for the lack of physical strength of todays children. Others believe it
is largely due to the relaxed curriculum for physical education. Which do you think
is a more decisive factor? Explain why you think that way with specific details and
examples if any.
715.
Do you vote for a candidate because that person is a great politician or because
you support the candidates political party? What do you normally do?
716.
Do you agree or disagree with the following view? Those who do not pay
income tax should not be allowed to vote.
717.
You have just missed the last train. Would you try to take a cab to go home or
just kill time around the station until the first train comes next morning? Why is it
your choice?
718.
Some support affirmative action. Others think it is actually a case of reverse

discrimination. Where do you stand on this issue? Be sure to include your specific
reasons.
719.
Some people have trouble keeping track of their expenses and end up spending
too much. Others successfully control their spending. Do you think it is a matter of
different personalities or different financial management strategies? Explain your
opinion with specific reasons.

720.
You have a choice between a life in which you keep lying and a life in which
you keep being lied to. Which would you choose and why?
721.
Some elderly people appreciate young peoples offer of a seat on a train or bus.
Some are offended as they feel they are regarded as weak due simply to their age.
Which type do you think you are likely to become when you age? Why?
722.
Some people argue that near-extinct species should be all captured and kept in
a protected environment. Others think that may only accelerate its extinction. What
is your opinion? Which side do you agree with? Make as specific an argument as
possible.
723.
Some oppose animal experiments because it is cruel to the animals. Others
oppose it since they dont think it is so useful as humans are different. Which
reason is more persuasive to you?
724.
It is said that others will be just as kind to you as you are kind to them. Do you
agree or disagree with this opinion? Support your view with specific reasons.
725.
Which do you find is more demanding, to love or to be loved? State your
specific reasons for feeling that way?
726.
Some believe experienced people make good decisions based on what they
have learned. Others believe experience gets in the way of making a good decision
as it is a source of bias. Which opinion do you agree with?
727.
Which do you like better, cooking or dishwashing? Give detailed reasons for
your choice.
728.
Do you agree or disagree with this assertion? Inheritance tax should be
abolished.
729.
Some people like old universities rich in historical heritage. Others like new
universities with modern facilities. What is your preference? Be sure to mention
your personal and specific reasons.
730.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Genetic engineering

has brought more benefits to human society than risks.
731.
Some people think all creatures should be protected against extinction. Others
feel some species had better disappear from the surface of the earth. What is your
opinion? Support it with specific details and examples.
732.
If you broke a precious piece of china your bosss wife owns in his home,
would your fear some kind of punishment from him or would you not? Give
detailed reasons for your feeling.
733.
Some martial arts masters put their disciples under close supervision and try to
teach everything they know. Other masters simply show their disciples how it is
done and expect them to teach themselves. Which philosophy do you think would
work better?
734.
You have just realized there is a term paper due tomorrow. However, due to
other commitments, you will not be able to spend sufficient time today to make it a
good paper. Would you go ahead and try your best or try to get an extension on the
paper? Support your action with specific reasons.
735.
Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Decentralization of power from
the central government to local governments is a good way to serve the public
better. Support your view with specific reasons and details. Examples may help.
736.
Do you agree or disagree with the following claim? Geniuses are a bit crazy.
Present specific arguments in your speech.
737.
Some people believe there is a common sense of beauty shared by all human
beings. Other people assert beauty is simply a matter of individual tastes. Which
opinion do you think is closer to the truth?
738.
You have a choice between dying at the age of 70 and living eternally with a
constant fever after the age of 70. Which life would you pick? Why? Support your
choice with specific reasons and details.
739.
If a new earth-like planet was found, would you like to live there or continue
to live on the Earth? Support your decision with specific details and examples if
any?
740.
In many countries, cars have to keep to the right. In other countries, cars run
on the left. Some think it is necessary to unify the traffic rules in this globalized
society. Others feel each countrys sovereignty should be respected in this case as
well. What is your opinion?
741.
Most people retire at the age of 60. However, many these days feel they can
still work. Do you agree or disagree to raising the retirement age? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
742.
Some philosophers said silence is better than eloquence. Others emphasized

the importance of discussion and eloquence. Which school of thought do you
belong to? Why? Be sure to include specific details and examples in your speech.
743.
Imagine that one day you hear a rumor that there is a ghost in a certain
restroom. Would you avoid using that restroom or use it as usual, never believing a
word of the rumor? Use specific reasons to support your answer.
744.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Performing arts are a
waste of social resources.
745.
When a nations economy is deteriorating and the salaries of public servants
are falling rapidly, do you or do you not think it is a good idea to allow them to hold
a second job? Please include specific details in your explanation.
746.
Some people think we should abolish nuclear power generation, while others
feel we cannot maintain the current level of power supply without nuclear power
plants. Where do you stand on this issue? Justify your view with specific details and
examples.
747.
Some insects are nocturnal, and others are diurnal. Which behavioral pattern
do you think is more advantageous? Please include specific details in your
explanation.
748.
Compare traditional Japanese hand-fan, sensu, with the other style of Japanese
hand-fan, uchiwa. Which would you prefer to use and why? Your discussion should
be specific enough with examples.
749.
Which do you think is more convenient, a pair of pants or a skirt? Include
specific reasons and examples in your argument.
750.
Consider two windows. One does not have a windowpane, and the other, with
a windowpane, cannot be opened. Which would you prefer and for what reason(s)?
751.
Do you agree or disagree with selling land in Japan to the citizens of other
countries. What merits and demerits does such a practice have? Explain your
position with specific details.
752.
Should young people be encouraged to focus more on volume reading or on
more intensive reading, paying attention to the detail? Which style of reading do
you think will contribute more to their preparation for the life ahead? Include clear
and specific reasons and examples, if any, in your speech.
753.
Some feel that Japan should also have a president rather than a prime minister?
Do you agree or disagree with this view? Please be as specific as possible in your
argument.
754.
When you are mainly interested in enjoying the view out of the window,
would you travel by train or by plane? Support your choice with specific reasons.
755.
Which do you think is more exciting, traveling to the outer space or traveling
around the world? Give your reasons in specific terms. Concrete examples may
help clarify the reason for your preference.
756.
Some think religion is indispensable for humans. Others think it is not an
essential element of human life. Where do you stand on this issue and why? Dont
fail to include specific details in your explanation.
757.
Do you or do you not think extraterrestrial life forms exist? Support your
opinion with as much specific detail as possible.
758.
You have a choice between air-conditioning in summer and heating in winter

but cannot have both. Which would you prefer and for what specific reasons?
759.
There is a bunk bed which can accommodate one person on the upper level
and another right above the floor level like an ordinary bed. Which level would you
prefer, upper or lower? State your specific reasons in support of your choice.
760.
There are notebooks with pre-bound blank pages. You can also purchase a
binder and punched and separate blank sheets specifically designed for the binder.
Which arrangement would you prefer? Mention your specific reasons to explain the
preference.
761.
Suppose your parents live far from where you do. If you had a week off, would
you visit them or travel somewhere else for pleasure. Describe the reasons for doing
so with specific details.
762.
You can visit either Sahara Desert or the South Pole. Which is you preferred
destination? Why do you choose that location? Please be as specific as possible in
your speech.
763.
The mayor of your city is proposing to build a large casino. Do you or do you
not support the idea? Please explain why in sufficient detail.
764.
Which do you prefer, reading or writing? Explain your preference with
specific details.
765.
Compare your levels of comprehension while you are listening to someone or
reading what someone has written. Which mode do you think leads to a better
comprehension of the content? Please include specific details and concrete
examples, if any, in your explanation.
766.
When a five-year old child comes on a train when you are seated, would you
or would you not give up your seat to the child? Please explain your specific
reasons for acting that way.
767.
Some people take risks willingly to achieve their dreams. Others are more
conservative. Which attitude is yours? Support your choice with specific reasons
and examples.
768.
Do you study mathematics better at night or in the morning? Why do you think
that is the case?
769.
Some people prefer fast food for lunch. But, others enjoy a full meal for lunch.
Which would be your style? Why is that your choice?
770.
Some students dont mind juggling part-time jobs and their studies. But, others
find it quite difficult to do so. Which is the case for you? How is it tied to your
personality and/or lifestyle?
771.
Some people prefer trying first and thinking as they go. Others want to think
before they actually start doing anything. Generally speaking, are you the former
type or the latter type? What makes you that way?
772.
Which medium do you prefer using to keep up with the current events,
newspapers or the Internet? Give specific reasons for your choice.
773.
If you had a choice between living near a business district of a big city and in a
tranquil suburban setting, which would you choose? Why is that your preference?
774.
Which would you prefer, going on a vacation trip with your family or with
your close friends? Why are they more desirable?
775.
There are hobbies you can enjoy alone such as photography. There are also
hobbies you can only enjoy with other people such as playing baseball. Which type
of a hobby do you enjoy (more)?
776.
When there is a class discussion, are you more likely to lead the conversation
and do a lot of the talking or listen to others more? Why are you that way?
777.
Are you more likely to enjoy conversations with your friends or make an effort
to meet new people at a party? Explain why you are like that in some detail with
specific reasons.
778.
What is your favorite rain gear? Explain why it is your favorite with sufficient
detail.
779.
You are trying to outsource a part of your companys operation. When you
interviewed their representative, he submitted to you some documents with fresh

coffee stains and apologized profusely, telling you honestly that he had spilled some
coffee on the documents at lunchtime. Would you give the job to this company
because he was honest or stay away from his company as he was careless?
780.
Some people openly admit it when he/she has made a mistake. But, others try
to hide it. Which are you more likely to do? Use specific reasons and details in your
explanation.
781.
When you want to learn something, do you try to take a class or read a book?
Which are you more likely to do? Your explanation should include specific details.
782.
Some believe major operational changes are necessary for a company to

achieve any visible improvements. Others think such changes are too big a burden
for the workers and had better be avoided. Which school do you belong to and
why? Give specific and detailed reasons for your belief.
783.
Which do you like better snowboarding or skiing? Explain your preference
784.
Being a mother is the toughest job in the world. Do you agree or disagree with
this statement? Support your opinion with specific details and examples.
785.
Which do you think people can tolerate more of, hunger or loneliness? Give
specific reasons and details to support your opinion.
786.
Some say professors are more important for a university than students, but
others feel it is the other way. What is your opinion? Explain with specific details.
787.
Some think abundance of delicious food is enriching our lives. Others feel it is
only undermining our health mainly by making us fatter and fatter. Which view do
you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
788.
Which do you think came first, chicken or egg? Please include specific details
789.
Where do you think people are happier, in a rich industrialized country or a
developing country rich in nature and other resources? Your answer should include
specific reasons and concrete examples.
790.
Which do you regard as more important when you vote to choose a Diet
member, personality or party affiliation? Explain your criterion/criteria and justify it
with specific reasons in sufficient detail.
791.
Which would you like for lunch, rice balls or sandwiches? Please explain why
that is your choice with specific details.

792.
Some believe mathematical proofs are perfectly objective while others
disagree with this view. What is your opinion? Please be as specific as possible in
your argument.
793.
You are going abroad and have found a cheap flight. However, that airline had
a serious accident earlier this year. If the ticket costs 70,000 yen compared with the
going bargain rate of 100,000 yen, are you going to buy the cheaper ticket? Please
justify your decision with specific and detailed reasons.
794.
Many things can only be learned from books as one cannot experience
everything first-hand. However, there are many things that can be experienced firsthand. When you are instructed to learn something both from a textbook and firsthand, would you read the book first or experience it first? Why? Include detailed
and specific explanations in your speech.
795.
Do you or do you not think the bicycles should share the same space with the
pedestrians? Give specific reasons for your opinion.
796.
Which do you prefer, texting with your mobile phone or sending email from
your pc? You should support your preference with specific reasons.
797.
You have just witnessed someone throwing garbage into a nearby river, which
is against the local ordinance. Would you approach the person and warn him/her or
would you not? Be sure to mention clear and specific reasons in your speech.
798.
You have a choice between being physically challenged and financially

insecure. Which handicap in life would you choose? Why? Dont fail to include
799.
Would you buy an expensive and sturdy luggage and use it for a long time or
buy a more affordable model more frequently as it breaks or wears out?
800.
Compare a park with many playthings and one with few of them. Which do
you think is of higher educational value? You should support your view with
concrete examples and specific details.
801.
Which do you think is a more serious handicap, being unable to communicate
in English or unable to use a computer? Why do you think so? Include specific
802.
Suppose you want to provide a better medical care to the general public. If you
are/were still a teenager, would you try to become a doctor and get involved in it
directly or become a law maker to improve the system? Include specific details in
your explanation.
803.
In some professional sports, controversial plays are sometimes reviewed using
a video system for a closer examination. Do you or do you not think this makes
watching the games more enjoyable? Your speech should contain specific reasons.
804.
You have caught cold and have a choice between going to the hospital for a
quick but expensive cure and staying home and waiting until it has run its course
naturally. Which action are you more likely to take? Why? Include specific reasons
for your choice.
805.
Are you more likely to buy a comfortable pair of shoes or a fashionable pair
with less comfort?
806.
You are seeing a very long movie and are extremely bored. But, you have only
fifteen minutes of it left. Are you more likely to leave the theater right away or
endure it till the end? Your speech should include clear and specific reasons to
support your action.
807.
Which meal is more important for you, lunch or dinner? Describe the reasons
for your choice with specific details.
808.
You have about fifteen minutes worth of work left, but it is now five oclock
p.m. and time to go home. Would you prefer finishing that work today or going
home right away? Support your choice with specific and detailed reasons.
809.
Some people require absolute quietude when they watch their favorite movies.
Others enjoy watching them with friends and/or family. Which type are you?
Describe the reasons for your preference with specific details.
810.
When a catastrophe such as a meteor strike happens, do you want to be the last
person to die or go earlier with others? Your speech should include specific details
and clear explanations.
811. Would you or would you not mind meeting a colleague from work while you are
spending time with your family? Be sure to include specific details in your
explanation.
812.
You and your coworkers were going to go to a business meeting together. But,
they did not show up in time for the train you were going to take.
813.
If you were to build a human community either on the moon or on Mars,
which would you pick and why? Include specific details in your explanation.
814.
You have fallen in love with someone with a steady partner. Would you still try
to start a relationship with that person? If possible, include your personal
experience in the speech.
815.
You have to stay on a deserted island for three weeks. Would you take food or
a tent as a shelter with you if you had to choose only one of them? Support your
decision with specific and detailed reasons.
816.
You are an anthropologist and visiting a remote African village. The villagers
have offered their delicacies to you, but you are not sure if your body can take
them. Would you force yourself to eat them in order to please the villagers and earn
their cooperation or would you try to avoid taking such a chance? Justify your
action with clear reasons.
817.
Do you believe in thinking about the possible consequences carefully before
you take any action or do you prefer acting first and see what happens as a result of
your action? Your explanation should include as much specific detail as possible.
818.
Suppose someone to whom you owe very much came and asked for a shelter
after committing a crime. Would you help the person or would you not? Justify
your action with specific and detailed reasons.
819.
Some lawyers say you have no choice but to run away once you are suspected
of groping. Do you or do you not think this advice is reasonable? Specific reasons
and sufficient details are requested.
820.
Do you or do you not want to travel to the outer space if you could go for free?
Include specific reasons for your preference in the speech.
821.
Some billionaires lead very luxurious lives, but others live like ordinary
people. Which style appeals to you more and why? Your speech should include
specific details.
822.
Your very cheap watch breaks down right after you have bought it. Are you
more likely to complain to the company or just purchase another one in that kind of
a situation. Explain with specific reasons for your action.
823.
Some feel love affairs for high school students get in the way of their studies.
Others feel they gain much from such experiences. Which opinion do you support
for what specific reasons?
824.
Some say detergents cause environmental destruction and one should refrain
from using them. On the other hand, it is generally a good practice to wash your
dishes thoroughly with detergent to avoid problems such as bacterial infection.
Which side do you support and why? Give specific reasons for your choice.
825.
There are advocates of the idea to make all the textbooks electronic for grade
school children in order to reduce the load on the environment and make it easier
for the children to commute to school with less to carry. Do you agree or disagree
with this idea and why?
826.
Two lives are more important than the life of just one person. If life here is
used as in life or death, do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?
827.
Suppose someone you know has been killed. Would a death penalty for the
criminal bring a closure to you or would it not? Why do you think you would feel
that way?
828.
Suppose your child in grade school is addicted to online games and spends too
much time and money on them, even skipping school from time to time. Would you
forcefully make the child go to school and give up online games or keep talking to
that child patiently? Why?
829.
When you are given a grade that you do not think you deserve, are you happy
or uncomfortable? Why do you feel that way?
830.
831.
History repeats itself. Do you agree or disagree with this idea and why?
Some professors believe in what they call an upward momentum, and they
give better grades to the students whose standings improve on the final examination
over the midterms. Do you agree or disagree with this practice? Include specific
details.
832.
You are at home and relaxing when a large earthquake strikes. Are you more
likely to go beneath a sturdy desk or try to run out of the house? Why is it your
likely action?
833.
Do you agree or disagree with standardizing English, thereby only the British
and American English are officially acceptable. This is with the understanding that
nonnative speakers can only try their best efforts.
834.
Do you or do you not feel comfortable borrowing money from a friend of

yours? Why? Please include specific details in your explanation.
835.
Some say a strong army is necessary to be taken seriously in the international
community. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Justify your opinion with
specific reasons.
836.
College students should read a newspaper every day. Do you agree or
disagree with this statement? Give specific reasons for holding that opinion.
837.
If you had a choice between noodles and fried rice, which would you prefer
and why?
838.
Some prefer boiled broccoli, while others like it uncooked. Which do you like
better and why?
839.
You have a choice between living in a noisy neighborhood in the middle of the
city close to work and in a quiet suburban setting far from work? Which would you
prefer and why?
840.
Do you feel breaking a rule once is not much or fear that breaking it once may
lead to doing so repeatedly? Why?
841.
Would you or would you not mind if your sweetheart is also friendly with
other men/women, assuming it is not a romantic relationship? Why? Please include
842.
Some believe old and experienced people make better political leaders, while
others feel young blood is necessary so that the current and changing situation is
reflected upon politics.
843.
You could make your lifetime dream come true if you sell someone elses
happiness to the devil. Provided you do not know beforehand who that person will
be, would you or would you not deal with the devil? Why?
844.
Some stains, such as a coffee stain, do not disappear even after washing with a
detergent. Would you wear casual clothes with such stains to walk a dog or would
you not? Explain why you behave that way?
845.
Compare two qualitatively different societies. In one society, your efforts
usually count and winners are well rewarded, but losers may have to lead miserable
lives. In the other, most people can live comfortably whether they are making much
positive contributions or not, and not many are left behind. Which society do you
like better and why?
846.
Use of fossil fuels and radioactive materials for power generation is certainly
more cost-effective compared with more environment-friendly means such as windaided and solar power generation. Are you willing to be inconvenienced now to
accommodate future generations or would you rather not as you live only once?
847.
Suppose you were a composer whose life is not going well at the moment.
Would you compose a sad song to reflect your current state of mind or compose a
happy song to express your hope for a better future? Why?
848.
When you are trying to use your creativity to come up with an original idea,
are you more likely to sit down, concentrate, and think hard, or do something else
such as walking around to stimulate your brain? Why?
849.
Suppose you could get a body that does not require any sleep in exchange for
five years of your life, would go for that option or would you not?
850.
You had just found a person standing near the edge of the roof of your office
building. Would you try to talk to the person for fear that he/she might be trying to
kill himself/herself, or would you not? What are your reasons for the action?
851.
If you were a TV director, would you be inclined more to create a program
which educates the public or one that entertains the public. Why?
852.
A famous novelist said, Those who do not even try to improve themselves are
stupid. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Support your view with
specific reasons.
853.
Some believe art museums should exhibit works of art but should not sell them
or related products for profit due to their public nature. Others believe selling works
of art and other products should help the general public appreciate art more. Where
do you stand regarding this issue? Why?
854.
Some figure skaters are known for their artistic performance. Others strength
is mainly their skating technique such as jumping. Which type do you appreciate
more and why?
855.
If you were to choose between British English and American English, what
would be your choice and why?
856.
You have a choice between conducting business aggressively like a mighty
warrior and cleverly like a calm strategist. Which do you like better? Support your
857.
Some people are comfortable taking the responsibility for their conduct
themselves. Some like it better when others, such as their bosses, assume the
responsibility for their actions. Which type are you and why?
858.
You have a choice between an easy low-paying job and a demanding job that
pays well. Which are you more likely to choose and why?
859.
Your work is not finished. But, it is already past the usual bedtime for you.
Would you try to stay up late and finish the job because you will probably sleep
better that way, or would you get up early next morning and finish the rest of the
job? Be as specific as possible in your explanation.
860.
You have a choice between having one big achievement in your life and
achieving many but smaller things. Which would you prefer and why? Include
specific reasons in your explanation.

861.
Some like cutting-edge technology. Others prefer time-tested technology.
Which would you choose and why? Specific details and/or examples will help.
862.
Some advocates making it mandatory for former criminals to wear an anklet
with a GPS device, so that the authority can keep track of them and prevent them
from committing another crime. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion and for
what reason(s)? Your explanation should contain specific details.
863.
Which is more important to you, air conditioning in summer or heating in
winter? Be sure to include the specific reasons for your preference.
864.
You are at a furniture store to buy one specific model of a desk. If they were
sold out of that particular item but had an equally attractive substitute, are you more
likely to purchase that model or still insist on the initial choice even if it might
mean a long wait or going to a different store? Dont fail to include the reasons to
support your decision.
865.
When you wear a pair of pants and a T-shirt, which would you put on first, the
pants or the T-shirt? Explain why you wear them in that order.
866.
On a hot summer day, which would you prefer, ice cream or cold beverage?
867.
Some say technical creativity like the one exhibited by engineers is more
important than operational creativity that often leads to a good business model.
Others feel the emphasis should be on the operational creativity. Which is more
important in your opinion? Support your judgment by specific and detailed reasons.
868.
There is an assertion that students have one common intelligence, the core
intelligence, that contributes to performing well both in sciences and humanities.
Yet, there is also an assertion that different parts of the brain are employed in
sciences and humanities. Which do you think is closer to the truth? Include specific
reasons in your argument.
869.
Suppose you have a superb skill to make it a better world. Would you use it to
make direct contributions to the betterment of human society or try to teach the skill
to others and make more indirect contributions? Your speech should be to the point
870.
Who do you think are more valuable to human society, those who are talented
and can make individual contributions or those who are good at leading a team to a
common goal? Explain your reason(s) with specific details and examples.
871.
When you do not feel well, are you more likely to go to see a doctor right
away or wait and see how your body responds? Please explain why you take that
course of action with specific details.
872.
Some people try to avoid public restrooms at all costs. Others are not as
sensitive. Which type are you and why? Include specific reasons in your speech.
873.
When you notice that some food item is past the expiration date by a few days,
would you consume it or would you not? Explain what you would do in specific
terms.
874.
Some like fruits that are completely ripe. Others prefer eating them a little
before they ripen completely. Which do you prefer? Explain your preference with
specific reasons.
875.
Some think getting together after work occasionally is an integral part of
creating a good chemistry among the workers. Others feel that time is better spent
with the family or for other personal activities. What is your opinion? Please be
specific.
876.
Some refuses to drink alcoholic beverages outright on any occasion. Others
call themselves casual and social drinkers and feel that it is important to drink when
such is deemed necessary for social reasons. Which attitude would you support?
Justify your position with specific reasons and details.
877.
Landmines are a huge threat to the wellbeing of the local people including
children. Which do you think is more effective, to try to help remove those mines or
engage in a campaign to dissuade people from using mines. Be as specific as
possible in your explanation.
878.
Some people say that being nice to others is evidence of unselfishness. Others
claim that such deeds are a process of fulfilling ones own values; that is, it is
simply one kind of selfish behavior. Where do you stand on this issue? Please
include specific details in your speech.
879.
Some people maintain that college students have the right to choose not to
attend some classes as long as they can study by themselves. Other people think
that college students should take every class seriously so that they can train their
will to resist temptations and prepare for their lives in society after graduation.
What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your point of
view.
880.
Do you or do you not think it is justifiable to use a small nuclear weapon when
a country is losing a war against an invading country? Support your views with
specific reasons.
881.
If a country is controlled by a dictator and the general public are suffering
from poverty, is that alone a good enough reason to assassinate the dictator? How
do you feel about the dictators human rights and the peoples rights to lead a happy
life? Specific details and examples will help.
actions
situations
opinions
Two possible actions, situations, or opinions; To pick the preferable or more
justified, providing reasons and details

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TOEFL iBT Speaking

include specific details in your explanation.

specific details in your explanation.

include specific details in your explanation.

specific details in your explanation.

include specific details in your explanation.

give to it? Please include specific details in your explanation.

include specific details in your explanation.

environment. Please include specific details in your explanation.

For a recreational event in your neighborhood, what is the most important

What kind of attire do you find offensive or inappropriate? Please include

what do you do to be in time? Please include specific details in your explanation.

room like? Please include specific details in your explanation.

Choose one product or a souvenir item your hometown is famous for or

Please include specific details in your explanation.

What kind of a corporate president do you respect most? Though unnecessary,

Why do you think some say mathematics is a language? Please include

details in your explanation.

Explain something you did or tried to do inspired by someone elses way of

details in your explanation.

Do you typically go shopping alone or with your friends? Please include

details in your explanation.

Please include specific details in your explanation.

What kind of a person in your experience is likely to become the leader in a

specific details in your explanation.

What do you remember first when you think of commencement? Please

If you were to decide an appropriate punishment for turning in an assignment

details in your explanation.

Describe what you would do or you have done in preparation for an

details in your explanation.

To speak about a person, place, object, or event that is familiar to you

Task 2: Two possible actions, situations, or opinions; To pick the preferable or

Explain your reasons with specific details and examples.

Some people willingly buy agricultural products from developing countries

subscribe to and for what specific reason(s)?

reasons for your preference in specific terms.

should be adequately supported by specific details and examples.

specific and detailed reasons.

why? Explain your attitude with specific reasons and details.

Generally speaking, do you tend to prefer shared responsibilities or the ones

for your choice.

Some believe an outside internship should be a part of ones college education.

Seventeenth-century English playwright Colley Cibber said, You may as well

Some believe private information should be protected more strictly. Some

Collapse of capitalism is inevitable. Do you agree or disagree with this

you and why? Be sure to include specific details in your explanation.

Some put economic development ahead of environmental protection since they

Some believe critical tests such as college entrance examinations should be

detailed and specific.

Humans are said to be influenced by both genetic factors and environmental

Some believe everyone should study natural science in college as a part of

Do you want to do everything yourself or relegate much to others such as your

Some support affirmative action. Others think it is actually a case of reverse

opinion with specific reasons.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Genetic engineering

Some philosophers said silence is better than eloquence. Others emphasized

You have a choice between air-conditioning in summer and heating in winter

interviewed their representative, he submitted to you some documents with fresh

Some believe major operational changes are necessary for a company to

that is your choice with specific details.

You have a choice between being physically challenged and financially

Do you or do you not feel comfortable borrowing money from a friend of