Globalization - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers

The TOEFL iBT^®  Writing section evaluates your Writing skills through Integrated Writing Task and an Academic Discussion Task. This test is designed to help you sharpen your writing skills, specifically focusing on the TOEFL Academic Discussion Section. 

In this part of the test, you are presented with a short lecture by a professor on a particular topic. You are then required to participate in the discussion by expressing your viewpoint and supporting it with relevant arguments. By consistently practicing with these tests, you can ace the strategies needed to succeed in this task. Let's begin the test and improve your TOEFL preparation!

Writing Instructions

• You will read a discussion related to an academic topic in class where your classmates have written their opinions on the said topic.
• You have 10 minutes to prepare and write your personal opinion on the academic topic. 
• Try to answer the question based on the discussion. You can also take ideas from the opinions posted by your classmates.
• There is no maximum word limit. However, an effective response should be a minimum of 100 words.
• Your response will be judged on the quality and clarity of your writing with well-supported reasons.

Professor Thomas: 

As the world becomes more interconnected through trade, technology, and communication, we see both positive and negative effects on various aspects of culture. Globalization has greatly enriched our cultural experiences but has also raised concerns about cultural homogenization and the loss of unique cultural identities. How do you think globalization has affected cultural diversity and identity? What are some positive or negative impacts that globalization has had on cultural societies? 

Jennifer (Student):

In my view, a negative impact of globalization on cultural societies is the loss of traditional livelihoods. As global markets favor mass-produced goods, local artisans and craftsmen struggle to compete, causing a sharp decline in unique cultural practices and skills. It is causing the erosion of traditional values and cultural heritage. 

Ryan (Student):

In my opinion, globalization has had a positive impact on cultural societies for the most part. It has increased accessibility to diverse cultural experiences and perspectives. For instance, through globalization, people can easily access and appreciate art, music, literature, and cuisine from different parts of the world. This exposure fosters cultural understanding and appreciation.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Globalization

Mid-level Response 

Globalization has profoundly influenced cultural diversity and identity. While it has enabled the exchange of ideas and values across borders, leading to greater cultural awareness and mutual understanding, it has also brought challenges. One positive impact is the fusion of diverse cultural elements, resulting in vibrant multicultural societies. However, globalization has also led to cultural homogenization, where traditional customs are overshadowed by globalized norms. This can diminish cultural uniqueness and identity. (71 Words)

Rater’s Comment

The response demonstrates a good understanding of the topic and discusses both positive and negative impacts of globalization on cultural diversity and identity. However, the explanation provided is brief and lacks elaboration. The response can be improved by providing relevant examples to further illustrate the points made. Overall, it demonstrates a solid understanding of the impacts of globalization on cultural societies. However, attention to grammar and further development of examples or statistics could strengthen the argument and enhance the overall quality of the essay.

High-Level Response 

Globalization has significantly impacted cultural diversity and identity. On the positive side, it has facilitated cultural exchange, leading to greater cultural awareness and appreciation. For instance, it has caused enrichment of cuisines, where global influences have led to the creation of fusion dishes. However, it has also caused cultural homogenization, where diverse cultural practices are replaced by a more standardized global culture, leading to the loss of unique identities and traditions. Additionally, globalization has contributed to cultural imperialism, where dominant cultures overpower and marginalize smaller or indigenous cultures, leading to the loss of cultural diversity. While globalization promotes cultural understanding, efforts must be made to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage to maintain diversity and identity. (115 words)

Rater’s Comment

The response provides a balanced analysis by discussing both positive and negative impacts of globalization on cultural diversity and identity. Specific examples, such as the enrichment of cuisines and cultural homogenization, are effectively used to support the arguments. The response maintains coherence and organization throughout, with smooth transitions between ideas. Additionally, the conclusion reinforces the importance of preserving cultural heritage to maintain diversity and identity. Overall, this response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic, strong argumentation, and clear writing.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Globalization

When approaching the Academic Discussion Writing Task, it's crucial to adopt strategic methods that enhance your response's quality. 

By keeping these strategies in mind, you can effectively address the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Task on the given topic and showcase your language proficiency and critical thinking skills.

• Ensure that your arguments are coherent and well-supported throughout the essay. Use transitions to connect ideas and create a smooth progression of thought.
• Analyze the complexities of globalization's impact and consider how different cultural groups may experience globalization differently and how it influences cultural interactions and identities.
• Conclude your essay by reiterating your stance on the topic and suggesting areas for further research or propose potential solutions to address the challenges posed by globalization on cultural diversity and identity.
• Furthermore, practice engaging in articles from newspapers or online platforms, expressing your agreement or disagreement and dive deep into concepts, exploring them fully. 
• Improve your proficiency by creating various reasons for your position on a topic, and then provide supporting points and examples for each reason.
• While practicing, identify common grammatical errors and work on fixing them. 

Now that you’ve gone through the sample answers for this TOEFL Writing practice test along with the strategies to make them stand out, don’t forget to leave a comment below with your answer to this question for our TOEFL specialists to review and check out some more of our TOEFL Practice tests.

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