TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing (Task 2) – Practice Test #007

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.

Cultural Ownership

Academic Discussion

Professor: “In our class on cultural studies, we are exploring the idea of cultural appropriation and its effects in modern society. Some argue that borrowing cultural elements—such as clothing styles, music, or food—without a deep understanding of their origins can be disrespectful and harmful. Conversely, others believe that cultural exchange is a natural and beneficial part of human history, leading to creativity and innovation. Considering these perspectives, how do you feel about cultural appropriation? Is it a legitimate concern, or does it restrict cultural expression and appreciation?”

Karen: “I think cultural appropriation is an important issue that should not be overlooked. When people from one culture adopt elements from another without understanding their significance, it can diminish the meaning behind those elements. For instance, wearing traditional garments as mere fashion statements can come across as disrespectful. It’s vital to recognize the history and context behind cultural practices to ensure that we honor their true significance.”

Vahid: “I completely disagree with Karen. If we insist that only the original creators of something can use it, we’re putting unnecessary limits on ourselves. Cultures have always borrowed from one another—this is how we evolve as a society. If we follow that line of thinking, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy anything, since everything has been created and used by someone before us. It’s not about taking away from others; it’s about sharing and experiencing the richness that different cultures offer.”

Your Response

Sample Response #1 (Excellent)

The discussion around cultural appropriation often oversimplifies the complexities of cultural interaction. While Karen makes valid points about the need for respect, claiming ownership over cultural elements can be counterproductive. Cultures have flourished by exchanging ideas and practices, leading to rich and varied experiences. For instance, foods from different cultures have blended over time, creating new culinary traditions that everyone can enjoy. Rather than imposing strict boundaries, we should celebrate the shared experiences that enrich our understanding of the world.

Sample Response #1 - Examiner Comments

This response effectively addresses both sides of the cultural appropriation debate, offering a thoughtful perspective. The writer acknowledges Karen’s concerns while highlighting the positive aspects of cultural exchange. The use of relevant examples adds depth to the argument, and the vocabulary is varied and accessible. Overall, this response provides a well-rounded analysis of the topic.

Sample Response #2 (Competent)

I understand Karen’s concerns about being respectful when interacting with other cultures. However, I believe that focusing too much on appropriation can overshadow the positive impact of cultural exchange. Cultures have influenced each other throughout history, which has helped societies grow. People should be free to enjoy foods and styles from different cultures without the fear of being labeled as appropriating someone else’s culture.

Sample Response #2 - Examiner Comments

This mid-level response recognizes the differing viewpoints but could benefit from more specific examples or detailed reasoning to strengthen its impact. While it presents a counterargument to Karen, the ideas are not fully developed. The vocabulary and sentence structure are straightforward, making it clear but lacking the depth of a higher-level response.

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

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