TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing (Task 2) – Practice Test #005

This TOEFL Writing Task 2 (Academic Discussion) practice test offers a realistic experience with a genuine prompt featuring a professor’s question and responses from two classmates. Follow the instructions closely to simulate the exam conditions. After writing your response, you can submit it for feedback or choose to order a written assessment or video call session to review your writing in detail.

TOEFL Academic Discussion Task Detailed Instructions

Read the Prompt Carefully: Pay close attention to the professor’s question and understand the topic being discussed. What are the two positions presented on the issue? In some cases, the two sides may disagree on the nature or cause of the problem itself. In other cases, they might agree on the problem but propose different solutions or approaches to address it. This will guide your response and ensure that you stay on topic.
Consider Different Perspectives: Reflect on the responses from the two classmates provided in the prompt. Think about how their viewpoints relate to the professor’s question and how you can add to the discussion.
Express Your Opinion: Clearly state your opinion on the topic. Make sure to support your viewpoint with relevant reasoning, examples, or personal experiences to strengthen your argument.
Make a Unique Contribution: Go beyond summarizing the responses of the classmates. This is the main difference between the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task 1 and the new Academic Discussion task. In the older task, you were expected to remain completely unbiased and objective, simply reporting what you read and heard. In contrast, the new task asks you to participate in the discussion by offering your own opinion. Try to contribute something original to the conversation. You can share a new idea, extend one of the points made, or provide a relevant example. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and engage thoughtfully with the topic.
Organize Your Response: Structure your post with a clear introduction, body paragraph(s), and a conclusion. This will help your ideas flow logically and enhance the readability of your response.
Stay Within the Word Limit: Ensure your response contains at least 100 words. This helps you develop your ideas in enough detail to meet the expectations of the task. While 100 words is the minimum, it is often not sufficient to fully explain your position, provide examples, and respond meaningfully to the other students’ comments. Do not feel limited by the word count. Aim to express your opinion clearly and support it with relevant reasoning or personal experience. Personally, I usually end up writing around 200 words when responding to this task, as that length allows me to build a well-structured and thoughtful response without running out of time.
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. Posting publicly encourages an organic “Academic Discussion,” allowing other site visitors to join in, respond to your ideas, and share their own perspectives.
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.

Job Displacement or New Opportunities

Academic Discussion

Professor: “As we explore the intersection of technology and the workforce, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a significant debate regarding its impact on employment. Some believe that AI will lead to widespread job losses, eliminating roles traditionally performed by humans. Conversely, others argue that AI can enhance productivity and lead to the emergence of new job categories that leverage human creativity and decision-making. Considering these perspectives, do you think AI will predominantly cause job displacement, or will it open up new avenues for employment?”

Yogi: “I believe that AI will largely lead to job displacement in various sectors. Many companies are already replacing human workers with AI systems for tasks like data entry, customer service, and even manufacturing. For example, robots are increasingly being used in factories to perform tasks faster and more efficiently than humans. While some new jobs may be created in tech, the scale of job loss will outweigh these gains. People without tech skills could struggle to find meaningful work, leading to greater economic inequality.”

Olive: “While I understand the concern about job displacement due to AI, I think it is overly pessimistic. AI is not just about replacing jobs; it can also enhance our capabilities. For instance, in healthcare, AI can help doctors analyze data more effectively, leading to better patient outcomes. Although some jobs may be automated, new roles will emerge that require human intuition, empathy, and problem-solving skills. As history shows, technological advancements often lead to new opportunities that we cannot yet envision.”

Your Response

Sample Response #1 (Excellent)

The debate surrounding AI’s impact on the job market is nuanced and complex. Yogi raises valid points about job loss, particularly in sectors where automation is feasible. However, I share Olive’s perspective that AI’s influence may not be entirely negative. While certain roles may vanish, history indicates that technological innovations typically lead to the creation of new jobs that require uniquely human skills. For instance, the rise of AI could generate demand for professionals skilled in AI oversight, ethics, and maintenance. Rather than viewing AI solely as a threat, we should consider how it can be harnessed to augment human labor and create a more efficient, innovative workforce.

Sample Response #1 - Examiner Comments

This response showcases a comprehensive understanding of the topic and effectively synthesizes the viewpoints presented by Yogi and Olive. The writer articulates a balanced perspective, demonstrating critical thinking by acknowledging the validity of both sides while adding original insights. The use of specific examples enhances the argument, making it more relatable and grounded. The vocabulary is sophisticated, and the organization is logical, resulting in a cohesive and impactful response. Overall, this is an exemplary answer that enriches the discussion.

Sample Response #2 (Competent)

I think that while AI will replace some jobs, it won’t be as bad as Yogi suggests. Yes, certain jobs will be lost, especially those that are simple and repetitive. However, new jobs will come up that involve working with AI, like programming or maintaining these systems. Olive is right in saying that AI can help us do our jobs better. For example, it can analyze large amounts of data quickly, which can lead to better decisions. So, I believe AI will change the job market, but not all jobs will disappear.

Sample Response #2 - Examiner Comments

This mid-level response addresses the prompt but lacks the depth and nuance present in higher-level answers. The writer recognizes both sides of the debate, yet the analysis remains somewhat superficial and does not fully engage with the complexity of the issue. While examples are mentioned, they could be more detailed and specific to strengthen the argument. The vocabulary and structure are adequate, but the overall coherence could be improved with better transitions and connections between ideas.

TOEFL Writing Task 2 Academic Discussion Practice Tests [With Sample Responses & Examiner Comments]

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One Response

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October 8, 2025 at 3:59 pm

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