TOEFL Writing Task 1 [Integrated Task] – Practice Test #045

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

Genetic modification, a process used to alter an organism’s genes and thereby change its characteristics, is now being applied to improve trees. Through genetic modification, it is possible to create trees that produce more fruit, grow faster, or withstand adverse environmental conditions. Planting genetically modified trees on a large scale promises several benefits.

First, genetically modified trees are designed to be more resilient than natural trees, meaning they are more likely to survive under adverse conditions. For instance, in Hawaii, a pest-resistant species of papaya tree has been developed in response to repeated outbreaks of ringspot virus, which had severely damaged the native papaya population. The introduction of genetically modified papayas has largely resolved the ringspot issue.

Moreover, genetically modified trees offer several economic advantages for those who cultivate them. These trees tend to grow more quickly, produce higher yields of fruit, wood, or other products, and are more resilient. As a result, farmers can achieve faster and greater returns on their investments while reducing costs, such as the need for pesticides.

Finally, genetically modified trees can help prevent the overexploitation of wild trees. Due to increasing demand for firewood and timber, forests are being cut down faster than they can naturally regenerate. By planting genetically modified trees, which are specifically designed to grow quickly and provide high yields under specific conditions, the demand for wood could be met while protecting endangered native tree species, many of which are unique or rare.