TOEFL Speaking Task 2 Practice Test #9

You will read a short passage and listen to a conversation on the same topic. You will then be asked a question about them. After you hear the question, you will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to speak.

The question for TOEFL Speaking Task 2 is almost always the same: The woman (or man) expresses her opinion about the proposal described in the letter. Briefly summarize the proposal, then state her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion. This format stays consistent across tests.

Opposition to Additional Outdoor Lighting Plan

I strongly oppose the university’s plan to install an additional outdoor lighting system. While the university claims that it would enhance the campus’s appearance by lighting up the buildings at night, it would come with a hefty price tag of an extra $1,000 per month in electricity costs. I believe this money would be better spent accelerating the completion of the library renovation project. Moreover, there is another crucial reason to reconsider the lighting system. The powerful lights would not only illuminate the buildings but also flood the sky, disturbing our ability to use the astronomy equipment. As our university’s academic mission should take priority, it is vital to remember that astronomy works best when the sky remains dark.

Best regards,
Valerie Nixon, Professor of Astronomy