Important Discoveries and Inventions - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers

The Writing section of the TOEFL iBT^®  (Test of English as a Foreign Language) assesses your ability to write in English at an academic level. It consists of two tasks: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion.

In the academic discussion task of the TOEFL Writing section, test-takers are presented with a short lecture by a professor on a specific topic. They are then required to express their opinion on the topic and support their stance by being a part of the discussion. Your answer will be marked on a scale of 0-5 based on the quality of your writing. Regularly practicing TOEFL Writing practice tests is the most effective method to acquaint yourself with the format of this task and to incorporate the strategies. 

So, let's begin the TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing practice test to identify the areas where you need improvement and strive for the desired TOEFL score!

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 Brian:

When individuals are asked about significant discoveries or innovations within the past two centuries, they often cite the likes of computers or cell phones as obvious choices. However, a number of other discoveries or inventions have profoundly shaped our contemporary lifestyles. Considering scientific discoveries or technological inventions from the last two centuries, excluding computers and cell phones, which one would you deem significant? And why?

Jacob: In essence, we've become so accustomed to science and technology that we often overlook the myriad items we utilize daily. Personally, I would opt for space satellites. This innovation emerged in the past century and has become integral to numerous facets of life. Just give a thought about its role in navigation, telecommunications, and even military operations.

Anna: I'm considering advancements in medicine, such as the revelations regarding healthy nutrition. Specifically, I'm contemplating the identification of essential vitamins necessary for maintaining good health. While I'm uncertain about the precise timing of these discoveries, I recognize their paramount significance. Our overall health has markedly improved compared to two centuries ago.

Learn what a good TOEFL score is before you check out the sample answer to the Integrated Writing task!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Important Discoveries and Inventions

Score 3 Response

Vaccines are a significant discovery from the past two centuries. The pioneering work of scientists like Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur led to the creation of vaccines against diseases. They help prevent diseases and improve public health. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens. This helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases and saves lives. Overall, vaccines have had a positive impact on society by preventing illness and promoting overall well-being.

Rater’s Comment

This response addresses the question but lacks depth and development. The explanation provided is brief and lacks elaboration on how vaccines have impacted society beyond a general statement. Additionally, there are some minor grammatical issues and the language use could be more varied and precise. While the response demonstrates some understanding of the topic, it lacks sufficient detail and complexity to merit a higher score.

Score 5 Response

To me, the invention of the airplane by Brazilian inventor Santos Dumont stands out as a significant achievement from the past two centuries. It enabled the connection of distant places, regardless of the thousands of miles that separate them. Individuals can traverse the globe within a day or less upon boarding an airplane, which is truly remarkable. Additionally, this advancement has greatly enhanced global trade efficiency, allowing access to fresh lobsters from northeastern Brazil even in places like Dubai. I find this aspect particularly fascinating. Since ancient Greece, humans have harbored a desire to soar through the skies like birds, a dream realized by Mr. Dumont. As a Brazilian myself, I take particular pride in his accomplishments. Thus, this is my perspective, reflecting my admiration for this remarkable individual and his groundbreaking invention.

Rater’s Comment

This response is relevant, clearly expressed, and well-explained. It ticks all the boxes for a score of 5. Santos was a pivotal figure in early aviation history, pioneering the first commercially feasible airplane.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Important Discoveries and Inventions

We understand that tackling writing tasks for the TOEFL can be very difficult, particularly when aiming for a score of 5. However, there's a secret to making it more manageable - planning effective strategies. 

So, let's delve into the strategies planned by our experts and apply them diligently as you engage in practice sessions with TOEFL Writing sample tests!

• Seek out opinion articles in newspapers or online platforms. Engage with these articles, articulating your concurrence or dissent.
• Delve deeply into concepts, maximizing your exploration. 
• Enhance your proficiency by generating diverse rationales behind your stance on a subject, and subsequently furnish copious supportive points and instances for each rationale.
• During practice sessions, identify recurring grammatical errors and try to improve them.
• Acquire the skills to rectify recurring errors, and allocate time at the conclusion of your writing sessions to review and incorporate these corrections. 

After reviewing the sample response and the accompanying strategies for excelling in this TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing practice test, it's time to prepare for your practice session! 

Come join us today! Share your answers in the comments section below, and let our team of TOEFL experts provide feedback to help you improve. Let's get started on improving your skills!

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