Animal Testing in Scientific Research - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task, you will tackle the topic ‘Animal Testing in Scientific Research.’ This task challenges you to analyze a controversial issue and present a balanced argument based on multiple perspectives.

By practicing this task, you’ll improve your ability to discuss complex ethical topics, which is essential for succeeding in the TOEFL Writing section.

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.

Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on ethics in scientific research. Write a post responding to the professors question. In your response, you should

1. express and support your personal opinion

2. make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You have ten minutes to write.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Animal Testing in Scientific Research

To improve your writing skills for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, carefully study the two sample responses we have provided, which demonstrate scores of 3 and 5:

Score 3 Response 

I think animal testing should be limited as much as possible. Like Emily said, it has helped in making important medical discoveries. But, with new technology, we have other ways to do research without hurting animals. For example, computer models and cell cultures can give us good results.However, I also agree with David that animals should not suffer. They have the right to live without pain. We should use alternative methods whenever we can. By doing this, we can still make progress in science while being kind to animals.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the benefits of animal testing and the potential advantages of alternative methods, aligning with points made by Emily and David. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some grammatical errors, such as "good results" instead of "accurate results," and "being kind to animals" instead of "upholding ethical standards." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "hurting animals" and "being kind to animals." While the student makes a valid contribution to the discussion, the response could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a more formal tone.

Score 5 Response 

While Emily makes a valid point about the historical importance of animal testing in medical research, I find myself agreeing more with David's perspective. With advancements in technology, there are now numerous alternative methods available that can provide accurate and reliable results without causing harm to animals. Techniques such as computer modeling, cell cultures, and organ-on-a-chip technology have shown great promise in replicating human biological processes.Moreover, the ethical considerations cannot be ignored. Animals have the right to live without suffering, and it is our moral responsibility to protect them from unnecessary pain. By investing in and prioritizing alternative methods, we can continue to make scientific progress while upholding ethical standards. In essence, while animal testing has contributed to medical advancements in the past, the availability of modern alternatives makes it increasingly difficult to justify its continued use.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively engages with both Emily's and David's points, providing a balanced view that acknowledges the historical importance of animal testing while emphasizing the availability and promise of alternative methods. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with David's concerns about technological advancements and ethical considerations, while the second paragraph suggests a shift in focus towards alternative methods. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from grammatical errors. Overall, the student demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to effectively approach the topic of ‘Animal Testing in Scientific Research’:

1. Understand Both Sides of the Debate: The reading may highlight the advantages of animal testing in medical advancements, while the lecture could raise ethical questions and propose alternatives. Make sure to analyze both perspectives in depth.

2. Summarize and Compare: Begin by summarizing the main points from both the reading and the lecture. Emphasize the scientific progress that animal testing has facilitated, while also addressing the ethical issues that have been brought up.

3. Construct a Clear Argument: Structure your essay by first summarizing the different viewpoints, then develop your analysis by comparing both sides and incorporating your own perspective where it fits.

4. Use Precise Language: When discussing scientific research and ethics, employ appropriate terminology such as “medical breakthroughs,” “alternative methods,” “ethical considerations,” and “research protocols.”

5. Time Management: Allocate your time wisely between reading, planning, writing, and reviewing your response to ensure that your work is clear and coherent.

Practicing topics like ‘Animal Testing in Scientific Research’ will improve your ability to analyze ethical debates and present well-structured arguments. Developing these skills is essential for success in the TOEFL Writing section.

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