1. Checked TOEFL Academic Discussion Response

Checked Version

I am more inclined to agree with Maya [k5: syntax — add a comma before a non-defining relative clause] , who rejected the idea of serving insect based food [k5: spelling/form — compound adjective needs a hyphen] insect-based food in schools and university canteens.

One important reason is that canteens are not a place for food experiments [k3: slightly unnatural / too broad] experiments with unfamiliar food.

Food provided to students and children must be well learned [k3: wrong word choice] well-tested and healthy.

Otherwise [k5: syntax — add a comma after the introductory adverb] , unknown dishes can cause food poisoning or allergies.

When we are talking about children [k5: syntax — add a comma after the introductory clause] , the issue is so sensitive so [k4: incorrect linking structure] so sensitive that dishes should be comfort and healthy [k3: wrong word form + k3: unnatural phrasing] familiar, safe, and nutritious.

When children are involved, the issue is especially sensitive, so school meals should be familiar, safe, and nutritious.

Daniel is right that preferences can change over time [k5: syntax — add a comma before “but”] , but children never could be a trial respondents [k4: incorrect modal order + k4: article/plural problem + k3: unnatural phrasing] should never be treated as test subjects.

Daniel is right that eating habits can change over time, but children should never be treated as test subjects for unfamiliar food products.

Therefore [k5: syntax — add a comma after the introductory adverb] , I strongly oppose new products [k3: too vague — the issue is insect-based food, not all new products] introducing insect-based products in school and university canteens.

Corrected Version

I am more inclined to agree with Maya, who rejected the idea of serving insect-based food in schools and university canteens. One important reason is that canteens are not a place for experiments with unfamiliar food. Meals provided to students must be well-tested, safe, and nutritious. Otherwise, unfamiliar dishes may cause allergic reactions or other health problems. When children are involved, the issue is especially sensitive, so school meals should be familiar and carefully checked. Daniel is right that eating habits can change over time, but children should never be treated as test subjects for unfamiliar food products. Therefore, I strongly oppose introducing insect-based products in school and university canteens.

Alternative Higher-Scoring Version

I am more inclined to agree with Maya that insect-based food should not be introduced into school and university canteens as a regular option. Canteens are responsible for feeding children and students safely, so they should not become testing grounds for unfamiliar products. Insect-based dishes may be nutritious, but they can still cause anxiety, disgust, or allergic reactions among students who are not used to them. Daniel is right that food preferences can change over time, and I would not object to optional educational tastings for older students. However, making such food part of everyday meals would be too risky and culturally uncomfortable. Therefore, schools should focus on familiar, healthy food rather than experimental products.

Estimated TOEFL-style Score: 3.5 / 6

Classroom score: 24 / 40

Criterion Diagnostic level Feedback
Task achievement Mid You state your opinion clearly and refer to both Maya and Daniel. Your position is easy to understand: you oppose insect-based food in school and university canteens. However, your answer would score higher if you added one specific example, such as allergies, parental consent, optional tastings, or cultural resistance.
Development and logic Mid Your argument is relevant, but some ideas are repeated logically: “canteens are not a place for food experiments,” “unknown dishes,” and “children should not be trial respondents” all express almost the same concern. You should develop one of these points more deeply instead of restating it several times.
Lexical-grammar resource Low-mid to mid Your meaning is clear, but several phrases need correction: “insect based food,” “well learned,” “so sensitive so,” “comfort and healthy,” and “a trial respondents.” Use more natural phrases such as “well-tested food,” “safe and nutritious meals,” and “test subjects.”

2. Checked TOEFL Email

Checked Version

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the dinner that I had at your restaurant [k5: syntax — add commas around the restaurant name] , Green Fork Bistro [k5: syntax — add a comma after the restaurant name] , at 10th of July [k3: unnatural date phrase] on July 10 at 6 pm.

I am writing to express my concern about the dinner I had at your restaurant, Green Fork Bistro, on July 10 at 6 p.m.

Having eaten nothing but the seafood plate that day, I had experienced [k4: wrong tense] experienced food poisoning after that I needed to seek medical advice [k5: syntax — unclear clause connection + k3: unnatural phrasing] and later had to seek medical advice.

Since I had eaten nothing except the seafood plate that day, I believe it may have caused the food poisoning for which I later had to seek medical advice.

Unfortunately, the next day I should be on a conference call [k4: wrong modal / tense] was supposed to be on a conference call, but due to disease [k3: wrong word choice] illness I stayed at home.

Unfortunately, the next day I was supposed to take part in an important conference call, but because of the illness I had to stay at home.

Given these circumstances [k5: syntax — add a comma after the introductory phrase] , I wonder whether you could arrange a refund and compensates [k4: wrong verb form after “could”] compensate me for the lost of profits [k3: unnatural phrase + k4: wrong noun form] loss of income.

Given these circumstances, I would like to ask whether you could arrange a refund and consider compensation for the income I lost because I was unable to work.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Kate

Corrected Version

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the dinner I had at your restaurant, Green Fork Bistro, on July 10 at 6 p.m.

Since I had eaten nothing except the seafood plate that day, I believe it may have caused the food poisoning for which I later had to seek medical advice. Unfortunately, the next day I was supposed to take part in an important conference call, but because of the illness I had to stay at home.

Given these circumstances, I would like to ask whether you could arrange a refund and consider compensation for the income I lost because I was unable to work.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Kate

Alternative Higher-Scoring Version

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the dinner I had at Green Fork Bistro on July 10 at 6 p.m. I ordered the seafood plate, and it was the only meal I ate that day.

Later that evening, I began to feel unwell and developed symptoms of food poisoning. As a result, I had to seek medical advice and stay at home the following day instead of attending an important conference call. This caused both inconvenience and a loss of income.

Given these circumstances, I would like to request a refund for the meal. I would also appreciate it if you could review the situation and consider compensation for the income I lost.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Kate

Estimated TOEFL-style Score: 4.0 / 6

Classroom score: 27 / 40

Criterion Diagnostic level Feedback
Task achievement Mid-high You explain the complaint clearly: you ate at the restaurant, became ill, sought medical advice, missed work, and ask for a refund and compensation. To score higher, you should describe the symptoms briefly and make the request slightly more precise.
Language accuracy Mid Your email is understandable, but several phrases need correction: “at 10th of July,” “had experienced,” “after that I needed,” “should be on a conference call,” “due to disease,” “compensates,” and “lost of profits.”
Tone, clarity, and organisation Mid-high The tone is polite and formal. The organisation is logical, but the sentence about food poisoning is too compressed. It would sound clearer if you separated the meal, the symptoms, and the consequences into different sentences.

NEW TOEFL Oral Answers — Marking and Score

Overall Score: 27 / 30

You give clear, well-organised and relevant answers. Your vocabulary is generally strong, and you use several natural phrases such as good value for money, lively atmosphere, proper sanitary standards, and financial pressure. The main problems are minor: a few word choices sound slightly unnatural, and some ideas could be developed a little more fully.

Criterion Score Comment
k1 — Logic / coherence 7.5 / 8 Your answers are logical and well connected. The ideas progress clearly from general points to examples.
k2 — Grammar 7 / 8 Your grammar is accurate overall. There are only minor article / phrasing issues, mostly in Answer 3.
k3 — Lexis / collocations 7 / 8 Your vocabulary is good, but a few phrases sound slightly unnatural or too broad: ethnic places, make local life authentic.
k4 — Development / task response 5.5 / 6 You answer the questions fully. To score even higher, add one more specific example in Answer 1 or Answer 3.
k5 — Possible phonetics / mispronunciation guess Not included in 30-point score No serious k5 problem is clear from the transcript. I only marked one possible pronunciation-related point.

August 23, 2026 Marked Answers

Answer 1:
Where I live, people usually prefer casual cafes, family restaurants and ethnic places [k3], because they are convenient and suitable for different occasions. Some people go there for a quick lunch, while others meet family or friends there. In my opinion, people mainly choose a place based on food quality, location and price. But what really makes a place stand out is attentive service and a pleasant atmosphere. If a restaurant offers good value for money, people are more likely to come back.
Explanation

[k3] Ethnic places is understandable, but it sounds a bit vague. A more natural phrase would be ethnic restaurants, ethnic cafes, or restaurants serving international cuisine.

This is a strong answer overall. It is logical, balanced, and uses natural expressions such as stand out and good value for money.

Improved version:
Where I live, people usually prefer casual cafes, family restaurants and ethnic restaurants because they are convenient and suitable for different occasions. Some people go there for a quick lunch, while others meet family or friends there. In my opinion, people mainly choose a place based on food quality, location and price. But what really makes a restaurant stand out is attentive service and a pleasant atmosphere. If it offers good value for money, people are more likely to come back.
Answer 2:
One of the main attractions of street food markets is the chance to try local specialties and discover new flavors. They usually have a lively atmosphere, so the experience is not only about food, but also about culture. Another advantage is that people support small vendors instead of large chains. However, there are some disadvantages as well. The main one is hygiene. If food stalls do not follow proper sanitary standards, there may be a risk of food poisoning. So I enjoy street food, but I try to be careful [k4].
Explanation

[k4] I try to be careful is correct, but a little general. It would be stronger to specify what kind of care you mean: I try to choose stalls that look clean and have many customers.

This is a very good answer. It has a clear structure: attraction → cultural value → support for small businesses → hygiene risk → personal conclusion.

Improved version:
One of the main attractions of street food markets is the chance to try local specialties and discover new flavors. They usually have a lively atmosphere, so the experience is not only about food, but also about culture. Another advantage is that people support small vendors instead of large chains. However, there are some disadvantages as well, especially hygiene. If food stalls do not follow proper sanitary standards, there may be a risk of food poisoning. So I enjoy street food, but I try to choose stalls that look clean and have a good reputation.
Answer 3:
Although both groups contribute to the local economy, I would give slightly more support to independent market vendors. The reason is that many of them are family businesses and they usually have less access to funding than established restaurants. They also help preserve culinary traditions and make local life authentic [k3]. What small vendors often struggle with is financial pressure and heavy administrative burden [k2]. If local authorities reduce some of these barriers, these businesses could grow more easily and create jobs for local people.
Explanation

[k3] Make local life authentic is understandable but slightly unnatural. Better: give local life a more authentic character or add authenticity to local life.

[k2] In standard grammar, this should be a heavy administrative burden or heavy administrative burdens. This is a minor grammar issue, not a serious communication problem.

The answer is strong because it compares two groups, gives a clear preference, explains the reason, and suggests a practical solution.

Improved version:
Although both groups contribute to the local economy, I would give slightly more support to independent market vendors. The reason is that many of them are family businesses, and they usually have less access to funding than established restaurants. They also help preserve culinary traditions and add authenticity to local life. What small vendors often struggle with is financial pressure and a heavy administrative burden. If local authorities reduced some of these barriers, these businesses could grow more easily and create jobs for local people.

Final Feedback

You speak clearly and answer the questions directly. Your strongest points are organisation, relevance and topic vocabulary. You also use several high-quality phrases, especially good value for money, lively atmosphere, proper sanitary standards, food poisoning, preserve culinary traditions, and administrative burden.

To improve further, you should make a few phrases more natural and specific. Instead of ethnic places, say ethnic restaurants. Instead of make local life authentic, say add authenticity to local life. Also, when you say something general like I try to be careful, add a concrete detail to show exactly what you mean.

Estimated score: 27 / 30