Can Video Games Improve Cognitive Function - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

The writing section of the TOEFL iBT® exam measures one's ability to write academically where one is required to assimilate the information provided and organise ideas clearly. As the practice test on 'Can Video Games Improve Cognitive Function' is an Academic Discussion section, you shall be listening to a discussion by a professor after which you will be engaged in a discussion and express your opinion with accompanying justification.

The best method of preparing for this part of the test is to practice using tests designed for the Academic Discussion format. Let's begin your study with our TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam based on 'Can Video Games Improve Cognitive Function'.

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 psychology. 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.

Professor: Today, were going to talk about how video games affect thinking skills. Some researchers say video games can boost skills like problem-solving, attention, and understanding space and shapes. Others think too much gaming can cause problems like addiction and lower grades. Do you think video games can improve thinking skills? Why or why not?

Olivia: I think video games can improve thinking skills. Many games make you solve tough problems. They also make you make quick choices and find your way through tricky settings. These tasks can sharpen problem-solving skills, using your hands and eyes together, and understanding space and shapes. Like, puzzle games like "Portal" push you to think critically and creatively, which can help you in real-life situations.

Oliver: While video games might have some benefits, I believe the downsides are bigger. Too much gaming can lead to addiction, social isolation, and bad grades. Many gamers spend hours in front of screens, which can lead to an inactive lifestyle and health problems. Like, students who play games instead of studying often see their grades drop.

Before delving into sample responses, let us examine the parameters of a strong TOEFL score!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Can Video Games Improve Cognitive Function

Below are the two responses for the Academic Discussion Writing question where one of them showcases a mid-level proficiency while the other exhibits a high level of skills. Through examining the distinctions, you will acquire valuable insights into the components that lead to attaining an exceptional score in the Writing section.

Score 3 Response

I think video games can help with thinking skills, but there are also some problems. Like Olivia said, games like "Portal" can make you think critically and solve problems. This can be good for real-life situations. But, as Oliver mentioned, too much gaming can lead to addiction and bad grades. Students who play games a lot might not study enough, and their grades can go down. Also, spending too much time on games can cause health problems. Sitting for long hours can be bad for your posture and eyes. So, while video games can be good for thinking skills, it's important to not play too much. (Word Count - 106)

Rater’s Comment

This response attempts to address the prompt by acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of video games on thinking skills. The writer agrees with Olivia that games like "Portal" can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which is a valid point. However, the response lacks depth and detailed examples to fully support this argument. The writer also agrees with Oliver about the negative impacts of excessive gaming, such as addiction and lower grades. While these points are relevant, they are not elaborated upon sufficiently. For instance, the statement "Students who play games a lot might not study enough, and their grades can go down" could be strengthened with specific examples or further explanation.

There are a couple of grammatical errors in the response. The phrase "Like Olivia said" should be "As Olivia said" to correctly use the linking word. Additionally, the sentence "Sitting for long hours can be bad for your posture and eyes" could be improved by saying "Sitting for long hours can be bad for your posture and eyes" to correctly use the preposition. Overall, the response is generally comprehensible but lacks the clarity, coherence, and detailed support needed for a higher score. The ideas are relevant but not well-developed, and the grammatical errors detract from the overall quality of the response.

Score 5 Response

While Olivia makes a compelling argument about the cognitive benefits of video games, I believe that the negative impacts outweigh the positives. Oliver's point about addiction and lower grades is particularly concerning. Excessive gaming can indeed lead to addiction, which can disrupt daily routines and responsibilities. For instance, students who spend too much time gaming often neglect their studies, resulting in poor academic performance. Additionally, prolonged screen time can contribute to physical health issues such as eye strain and poor posture.

However, it's important to acknowledge that not all video games are created equal. Educational games designed to enhance problem-solving skills and spatial awareness can be beneficial if used in moderation. Games like "Portal," as Olivia mentioned, do encourage critical thinking and creativity. But the key is balance. Without proper time management, the potential benefits can quickly turn into drawbacks. In conclusion, while video games can improve certain thinking skills, the risks associated with excessive gaming cannot be ignored. It is crucial to find a balanced approach that maximizes the benefits while minimizing the negative impacts. (Word count - 176 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a balanced view on the impact of video games on thinking skills. The writer acknowledges the cognitive benefits mentioned by Olivia, such as problem-solving and spatial awareness, but also highlights the significant drawbacks pointed out by Oliver, including addiction and lower academic performance. The response is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, making it easy to follow the writer's argument. The writer also provides specific examples to support their points, such as the mention of "Portal" as a game that encourages critical thinking and creativity. This adds depth to the discussion and shows an understanding of the topic. The use of phrases like "it's important to acknowledge" and "the key is balance" demonstrates a thoughtful and nuanced perspective.

The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, with no major grammatical errors. The response is concise, staying within the word limit, and each sentence contributes to the overall argument. Overall, this response is well-developed, coherent, and effectively addresses the prompt, making it a strong contribution to the discussion.

Great going! Continue with the same flow and practice more to excel in the section.

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