Altruism - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test Paper with Answer Key

The TOEFL iBT^® exam evaluates a candidate based on various skills, communication being the key focus. The Writing Section is particularly important as it requires the candidate to possess and put multiple skills to use.

This practice test material is tailored to enhance your writing proficiency specifically for the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL exam. It aims to assist you in understanding the task requirements, structuring your responses effectively, and ultimately enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing section. Let's embark on this journey together to reach your desired TOEFL score!

Writing Instructions

• You'll read a passage on an academic topic and listen to a corresponding lecture.
• You may take notes while reading and listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the relationship between the lecture you heard and the reading passage. 
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from both the reading and the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• You may refer to the reading passage again or may use your notes to help you answer the question.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

Altruism refers to a form of behavior where an animal prioritizes the interests of another individual or a collective group over its own. This concept stands in stark contrast to selfishness, as individuals engaging in altruistic actions do not seek personal gain.

Instances of altruism are widespread, observed not only among humans but also among various mammalian species. Human acts of selflessness range from sharing food with strangers to donating organs to both family members and strangers. These actions are considered altruistic because they benefit others while offering little or no reward to the performer.

Interestingly, many animal species demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice food or even their lives to aid fellow group members. For instance, the meerkat, a mammal residing in grassland burrows in Africa, serves as a notable example. Within meerkat groups, an individual assumes the role of a sentinel, standing watch to detect predators while others search for or consume food. If the sentinel meerkat spots a predator like a hawk approaching, it emits an alarm call to prompt the other meerkats to flee and find shelter. Despite its vigilant stance, the sentinel meerkat gains no immediate benefits—it forgoes food while others eat and exposes itself to significant danger. Furthermore, after issuing the alarm, it must retreat alone, potentially increasing its vulnerability to predators, as group animals often collaborate to repel threats. Consequently, this altruistic sentinel behavior contributes to the survival of other members within the meerkat's group.

Now play the Audio below.

Question

Summarize the arguments presented in the lecture, highlighting their contrasting viewpoints with specific points from the reading passage.

Points to Remember

The lecturer questions whether the examples provided align with the definition of altruism, which is behavior that contrasts with selfishness by benefiting another individual or group without expecting any reward in return. A high-level response will encompass the lecturer's arguments that counter the suggestions outlined in the reading material.

Responses scoring 4 and 5 analyze the altruistic and non-altruistic elements of three aspects outlined in the table: human organ donation, the eating behavior of meerkat sentinels, and the ability of meerkat sentinels to escape.

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on Altruism

High-Level Response 

The lecture presents a strong rebuttal to the passage's claims. It asserts that what may appear as acts of altruism are often strategic means of self-benefit. In contrast to the passage's assertion that meerkat sentinels endanger themselves for the group's welfare, the lecturer contends that these sentinels are actually less vulnerable to external threats. The alarms they emit can lead the group to behave recklessly, attracting predators' attention away from the sentinels. This challenges the notion of altruism, as the sentinels seemingly gain advantages such as a full stomach and heightened awareness of danger, improving their chances of survival.

Moreover, the lecturer proposes a different underlying motivation for perceived altruistic acts among humans. Rather than purely selfless intentions, she suggests that people may seek appreciation, which holds significant value for many beyond material gains. This perspective questions the traditional view of altruism and highlights the complexity of human and animal behaviors in terms of self-interest and perceived altruism.

Rater’s Comment 

This response fulfills the requirements for a high-level performance in an integrated task. The author adeptly chooses, presents, and integrates points from both the lecture and the reading, articulating clear and seamless connections between pertinent ideas. All three arguments put forth by the lecturer are incorporated, and the language is precise and impactful. The composition demonstrates effective organization, contributing to its overall quality.

Mid-Level Response

The lecture suggests that upon examining the eating behaviors of meerkats, these animals are not considered altruistic. This is because the sentinel, being the first to spot predators, has the advantage of escaping first. Meanwhile, the other meerkats who are hunting for food are the ones at risk. On the topic of altruistic human actions, donating organs shouldn't be classified as altruism since donors receive appreciation and recognition from society. These points from the lecture may cause readers to question whether meerkats truly exhibit altruistic behavior, especially considering the detailed study of their eating habits that provide arguments against it.

The lecture presents an opposing argument regarding human altruistic actions, suggesting that some individuals may donate organs solely for societal recognition. This contrast between the reading and the lecture encourages readers to reflect further on the concept of altruism.

Rater’s Comment

The response touches on key points from the lecture regarding sentinel meerkats and organ donation. However, it lacks clarity in connecting these points to those in the reading. The danger faced by other meerkats is not explicitly explained. The statement regarding organ donation's logic and the potential for societal appreciation is unclear. Additionally, the response overlooks the argument about meerkat sentinels and food from the lecture.

Do you feel prepared to test your writing skills yet? Write your answer to the practice prompt and post it below. Our TOEFL specialists are available to provide the guidance necessary for you to excel on the exam!

Additional Reads:

• Important Discoveries and Inventions - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test
• Class Assignments - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test
• Teamwork - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test
• Domesticated Mammals - TOEFL Speaking Practice Questions with Answer Key