TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing (Task 2) – Practice Test #006
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.
Health vs. Taste in Beverage Choices
Academic Discussion
Professor: “In our nutrition class, we’ve been discussing the role of flavored syrups in beverages, particularly in coffee shops. These syrups can significantly enhance the taste, but they also come with health implications due to their sugar content. Some argue that these flavors make beverages more appealing to consumers, while others express concern over their contribution to excessive sugar intake and associated health risks. Based on your understanding, do you think flavored syrups are a valuable addition to beverages, or do they pose more health risks than benefits?”
Vahid: “I think flavored syrups are more of a problem than a benefit. While they can make drinks taste better, they add a lot of sugar and calories that people might not even realize they’re consuming. For instance, a simple coffee with vanilla syrup can turn into a sugary drink that defeats the purpose of choosing coffee for its health benefits. I believe we should promote more natural ways to enjoy beverages, like using spices or natural sweeteners instead of these sugary syrups.”
Titan: “I have to disagree with Vahid. Flavored syrups can really enhance the coffee experience, especially for those who might find plain coffee too bitter. For many people, enjoying their favorite flavored latte is a way to treat themselves. Sure, they have sugar, but as long as people are aware of their choices and consume them in moderation, I think syrups can be part of a balanced diet. It’s all about how we market these products—if we inform consumers about moderation, they can enjoy their drinks without compromising their health.”
Your Response
Sample Response #1 (Excellent)
The discussion around flavored syrups in coffee highlights an important intersection between taste, health, and consumer behavior. Vahid raises a valid point regarding the high sugar content in these syrups, which can lead to health issues if consumed excessively. This concern is substantiated by research showing that high sugar intake is linked to various health risks, including obesity and diabetes. However, Titan’s perspective that flavored syrups can enhance the beverage experience cannot be overlooked. When marketed effectively, these products can cater to consumer preferences while still promoting moderation. Balancing enjoyment with health consciousness is crucial, and perhaps the focus should be on educating consumers about responsible consumption rather than vilifying the syrups themselves.
Sample Response #1 - Examiner Comments
This response demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, engaging thoughtfully with both Vahid’s and Titan’s arguments. The writer skillfully integrates health considerations with consumer preferences, presenting a balanced view. The use of relevant terminology and clear structure enhances the overall clarity of the argument. This response stands out for its depth and insight, making it a high-level contribution to the discussion.
Sample Response #2 (Competent)
I see where both Vahid and Titan are coming from. On one hand, flavored syrups can definitely add a nice taste to coffee, which many people enjoy. However, as Vahid pointed out, they do add a lot of sugar, which can be bad for our health. I think it’s important for coffee shops to offer options that are lower in sugar or even use natural flavors instead. That way, people can enjoy their drinks without worrying about their health too much.
Sample Response #2 - Examiner Comments
This mid-level response acknowledges both sides of the argument but lacks the depth and detail found in higher-level responses. While the ideas are clear, the analysis could benefit from more specific examples and a deeper exploration of the implications of using flavored syrups. The writer could also strengthen their argument by discussing potential solutions or alternatives. Overall, the response provides a reasonable perspective but falls short of being fully developed.
TOEFL Writing Task 2 Academic Discussion Practice Tests [With Sample Responses & Examiner Comments]
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