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

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, the writing test assesses a candidate's ability to write academically, where they are required to successfully integrate the knowledge into their work and organize the ideas coherently. The two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing, make up the Writing Section.

In this practice test on 'Can Video Games Improve Cognitive Function', you will hear a lecture on a certain subject from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity. After that, you'll take part in a conversation where you'll have to voice your opinion and provide solid justification for it

The best method to get ready for this part of the test is to practice on tests specifically made for the Academic Discussion format. Let's start your study with our "Can Video Games Improve Cognitive Function"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam.

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.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task may seem difficult and can cause you to become nervous. But don't feel scared! You can do this task effectively by incorporating a few vital strategies to ace your proficiency in academic writing.

• It is important to have a detailed examination of the question which is necessary to comprehend both the main idea and the setting for that specific question. It is necessary to consider the provided guidelines, such as providing a response that addresses all relevant angles.
• Finding the key arguments is made simpler by dissecting the question into its constituent parts. It's critical to successfully manage each component at the same time while organising the response.
• Before attempting to write the answer, always plan and come up with ideas and use them as examples so that you can showcase a range of perspectives.
• Making an outline ensures that the response is cohesive and the concepts are well-organized.
• Giving evidence or statistics to support assertions and points of view demonstrates your grasp of the subject.
• Avoid using any slang or informal language; instead, stick to professional language and academic terminologies, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.

Finally, it's time for you to shine! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are more than willing to provide valuable feedback which would help you achieve your target score!  Let's improve your writing skills together!

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