TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing (Task 2) – Practice Test #017

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.

Digital Detox Retreats

Academic Discussion

Professor: “In our modern, technology-driven society, many people are constantly connected to their devices. This has led to the rise of digital detox retreats—places where participants are required to disconnect from their phones, social media, and the internet for a set period of time. Supporters say that these retreats help people to reduce stress and reconnect with nature, while critics argue that mandatory digital detoxes are impractical and could cause anxiety rather than relieve it. Should digital detox retreats become a common practice, and is it beneficial to have mandatory periods of disconnection? Why or why not?”

Vahid: “I think digital detox retreats are an excellent idea, and they should be encouraged. Many people are overwhelmed by constant notifications and the pressure to be always available online. A break from technology can help us to reset, reduce anxiety, and focus on the present moment. Furthermore, disconnecting can lead to better mental health as it allows people to connect more deeply with others and with nature. By making digital detox periods more common, we might start to see improvements in overall well-being and social relationships.”

Angel: “While digital detox retreats might sound appealing, I don’t think they are a practical solution for everyone. For many people, including those who work remotely or have family obligations, being forced to disconnect can cause more stress than relief. In today’s world, our devices are not just distractions—they are tools for communication and productivity. Instead of promoting mandatory detox periods, we should focus on teaching people how to manage their screen time effectively and use technology in a healthy, balanced way.”

Your Response

Sample Response #1 (High-Level Response)

I believe digital detox retreats should become common because many people suffer from constant digital overload. Vahid is right to say that “a break from technology can help us to reset” and reduce anxiety. These retreats offer a rare chance to step away from distractions and reconnect with nature and real people. Also, such retreats can improve mental health by encouraging mindfulness and reducing stress caused by being always online. While some worry about anxiety, proper preparation can make the experience positive, supporting Vahid’s point about benefits outweighing the concerns.

Sample Response #1 - Examiner Comments

This response effectively develops Vahid’s view, clearly explaining how digital detoxes reduce stress and promote mindfulness. The argument is coherent, with clear progression from digital overload to the benefits of retreat. The writer uses vocabulary like “digital overload,” “disconnecting,” and “mindfulness” appropriately. Cohesive devices such as “also” and “while” help link ideas smoothly. The response directly addresses the prompt and both sides of the issue, showing a well-rounded understanding. Minor grammar errors do not affect clarity. Overall, this meets the criteria for a high score.

Sample Response #2 (Mid-Level Response)

I think digital detox retreats are a good idea, but not for everyone. Some people have jobs or family members who need to reach them, so it would be stressful to turn off their phones. On the other hand, some people might enjoy a break from technology because it helps them relax. However, I don’t think it’s realistic to expect everyone to want to go on a retreat like this. Maybe it’s better if people just take short breaks from their screens instead of doing a full retreat.

Sample Response #2 - Examiner Comments

The response is mostly relevant but lacks elaboration. It touches on the inconvenience for people with responsibilities and the potential benefits of relaxing without technology, but it doesn’t provide specific examples or details. The language is basic, with simple sentence structures and limited vocabulary. There are minor grammatical issues, such as “it’s better if people just take short breaks,” which could be phrased more effectively. The response demonstrates partial success and would likely score in the 3 range.

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

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