TOEFL Writing Task 1 [Integrated Task] – Practice Test #011

Because of climate change, more and more land that was once used to grow crops or provide food for animals is turning into dry, unusable desert land. There are many proposals about how to stop this process, known as desertification. One common proposal involves growing trees, as they can help protect the soil and provide other benefits that combat desertification. Some scientists have suggested using a box-shaped device to grow trees in areas at risk of desertification. This device collects water from atmospheric vapor and helps the young tree grow. However, other scientists argue that this device will not be effective in combating desertification for several reasons.

First, at a cost of 25 U.S. dollars per device, the process of growing trees becomes too expensive. Countries facing desertification cannot afford to purchase millions of devices to grow enough trees to make a difference.

Second, the success of these plans relies on local people to install and maintain the devices. Many people in areas affected by desertification are already struggling to survive, working long hours just to feed their families. Convincing them to care for trees that do not offer immediate benefits, such as food, would be difficult.

Third, the device’s water collection is limited. It provides just enough water to keep a small tree alive, but once the tree outgrows the device, it must survive harsh environmental conditions on its own. In some areas, rain may not fall for six months, leaving the larger trees vulnerable after they can no longer rely on the device.