TOEFL Writing Task 1 [Integrated Task] – Practice Test #009

This TOEFL Writing Task 1 (Integrated Writing) practice test provides an authentic experience with a real reading passage and a corresponding audio lecture. Follow the instructions carefully to simulate the exam and assess your skills accurately.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Detailed Instructions

Read the passage: You will read an academic passage on a topic, usually about 3 minutes.
Listen to the lecture: After reading, you will hear a lecture on the same topic, presenting a different perspective or additional information. You will not be able to see the reading passage while listening.
Take notes: While reading and listening, take notes on the key points and main ideas. Most of your focus should be on the lecturer since the passage is already available for reference.
Refer back to the reading: You can review the reading passage after the listening portion is complete.
Stay objective: Avoid adding personal thoughts, agreeing or disagreeing with the speaker, or evaluating the quality of their arguments. The key is to remain neutral and accurately report what each source says. Think of yourself as a reporter: your task is to explain what each side claims, how their points relate to each other, and how the lecture challenges the reading.
Organize clearly and have a plan: Use clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Personally, I prefer writing a concise introduction that presents both sides and briefly states their main reasons, followed by three body paragraphs, each focusing on one point and discussing it from both perspectives. If done properly, there’s no real need for a conclusion, especially since this isn’t a personal or opinion-based essay.
Write your response: Summarize the main points from the lecture and explain how they relate to or challenge the points in the reading passage.
Stay within the word limit: Your response should be 150-225 words.
Proofread: Ensure your grammar, spelling, and sentence structure are accurate.
Submit your writing: Use the form below to privately submit your writing for review, or post it publicly in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Feedback (optional): Order detailed written analysis or a video session to review your response using the official TOEFL writing criteria and identify specific areas for improvement.

Reading Passage

Amtrak, an intercity rail service, is currently owned by the United States government, but some critics argue that it should be sold to a private company. These critics offer several reasons to support their viewpoint.

First, they highlight that Amtrak operates at a financial loss on many of its routes. In an effort to serve citizens in all regions, including remote and sparsely populated areas, Amtrak continues to run services that do not attract enough passengers to cover the cost of operation. The financial losses from underused routes are significant, with some routes costing the government several hundred dollars per passenger. In total, these losses amount to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Critics argue that privatizing Amtrak would allow a private company to eliminate these unprofitable routes.

Second, critics claim that government ownership of Amtrak creates an uneven playing field for private transportation companies, like airlines. Since Amtrak receives government funding, it can offer lower ticket prices than it otherwise could. In contrast, airlines do not receive similar financial support from the government to lower their ticket prices. As a result, critics argue that the current situation is unfair to airlines and other private transportation providers, as they must compete with Amtrak for customers.

Third, opponents of government ownership suggest that federal funds would be better spent on other transportation infrastructure. Rail travel accounts for a very small portion of intercity travel in the United States, with Amtrak serving less than 1 percent of all intercity travelers. Most travelers rely on other forms of transportation, such as private cars. Critics argue that instead of subsidizing Amtrak, the government should invest in the nation’s highway system, making it faster and more efficient for those who travel by car.