TOEFL Speaking - Section 2

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TOEFL Speaking test - section 2

In the second TOEFL speaking section, you are presented with a topic that gives you a choice. You have 15 seconds to read the topic and prepare (you may take notes), and then you need to speak for 45 seconds about the topic. Read the following topic and then speak about it for 45 seconds.

Some people prefer a high-paying job with a lot of stress but also a lot of recognition; other people prefer jobs which are stable and low-risk with good benefits. Which type of job is more interesting to you, and why?

Click below for two possible answers:

A high-paying job means more money to spend. A person can spend money on education, travel, and experiences that make him or her more valuable in his or her job. Stress is not always bad, some stress makes us work harder and better and improve ourselves. Having more money also means access to the best doctors, nice clothes, higher class entertainment. This can lead to a longer and more fulfilling life. High pay also means access to good schools for a person's children, with travel opportunities that a parent without money cannot offer.

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A stable job which does not pay a lot offers peace of mind. Many government jobs are for life, so the person does not have to worry about losing his or her job and being unemployed. The lower stress of these jobs means that people can put their energy into hobbies, cultural activities or activism. While there may not be the stress of competition, a person who chooses to improve his or her position can always go back to school or do a training program. Stress has been shown to cause cancer, insomnia, digestion problems, so a stable job with low stress can be seen has a healthy lifestyle choice.