TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing (Task 2) – Practice Test #008

Professor: “In modern society, debates about censorship are becoming increasingly polarized. Some believe that censoring harmful or misleading information is necessary to protect public safety and maintain social harmony. Others argue that any form of censorship, whether by governments or private entities, is a violation of free speech and personal liberties. In your view, to what extent should censorship be used to limit harmful content, and where should we draw the line between protecting society and preserving individual freedoms?”

Benito: “I believe that censorship is essential in maintaining social order and protecting individuals from harmful content. Without government regulation, people can easily be misled by false information, which could cause chaos or even violence. Censorship allows us to filter out harmful, hateful, or misleading content that could harm society. There are some things that people shouldn’t be allowed to see, hear, or read because they have no value and could be dangerous. The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, even if it means restricting certain freedoms for the greater good.”

Vahid: “I’m totally against censorship of any kind. Once you give governments the power to control what people can and cannot say, there’s no telling where it will end. It’s not just about stopping “harmful” content—it’s about silencing dissent and controlling the narrative. Benito’s argument assumes that the government always knows what’s best for society, which is a dangerous assumption. If we go down that path, eventually, we’ll lose our freedom to think and speak independently. After all, if only the original creators of ideas could use them, nothing would be left, since someone before us has already said or created something. Who gets to decide what’s harmful, anyway? That’s why I think censorship is not only a bad idea but a huge threat to democracy and individual rights.”