Climate Change and Global Policies - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

While preparing for the TOEFL iBT^® exam, one of the main sections which is the Writing Test examines your ability to write academically. In this segment, candidates have to use the knowledge and organize your ideas coherently. Remember that understanding and putting forward your perception is one of the crucial aspects in this section.

In this practice test on 'Climate Change and Global Policies', you will hear a lecture from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity which you need to comprehend. After the audio is completed, you are required to voice your opinion and provide justification for the same. With diligent practice, you will be able to comprehend information and also provide viewpoint while acing the exam.

So, why wait? Let's start with our "Climate Change and Global Policies"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam which is especially curated to get you started with your preparation.

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 climate change and global policies. 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: Climate change is an important global issue that requires joint international efforts. Some argue that strict global policies are necessary to reduce its effects, while others believe that individual countries should have the freedom to address climate change in their own ways. What do you think is the most effective approach to combat climate change: strict global policies or allowing individual countries to create their own strategies?

Grace: I think strict global policies are crucial to successfully fight climate change. It's a global problem that doesn't care about borders, and working together can make sure all countries do their part. Such as, international agreements like the Paris Agreement set common goals and standards. This pushes everyone to act together and stops any country from ruining the efforts. 

Thomas: Although global policies matter, I believe countries should have the freedom to create their own plans. Each country has its own unique situations and resources. A one- size-fits-all plan might not work. For example, developing countries might need to focus on economic growth along with protecting the environment. Adapting strategies to fit national needs can lead to more practical and lasting solutions.

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

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Climate Change and Global Policies

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 a mix of global policies and national strategies is best for fighting climate change. Global policies can set important goals and make sure everyone is working towards the same thing. But, countries should also have the freedom to create their own plans based on their specific needs. For example, some countries might need to focus more on economic growth while others can invest in green technology. This way, we can have a more balanced approach. Grace is right about the need for global cooperation, but Thomas also makes a good point about the unique situations of different countries. Combining both ideas could lead to better results. (Word Count - 120)

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and development of a higher-scoring response. The writer attempts to address the prompt by suggesting a combination of global policies and national strategies, which is a reasonable approach. However, the response is somewhat general and does not provide detailed examples or reasoning to support the argument. There are also grammatical issues, such as the sentence 'fragment'. But, countries should also have the freedom to create their own plans based on their specific needs. Additionally, the incorrect use of the linking word. But, at the beginning of a sentence detracts from the overall coherence. Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and makes a valid contribution to the discussion. With more specific examples and improved grammar, this response could be more effective.

Score 5 Response

While both perspectives have merit, I believe a hybrid approach combining strict global policies with national flexibility is the most effective way to combat climate change. Global policies, like the Paris Agreement, set essential benchmarks and ensure that all countries are held accountable. However, allowing individual countries to tailor their strategies to their unique circumstances can enhance the effectiveness of these policies. For instance, developed nations might focus on reducing emissions through technological advancements, while developing countries could prioritize sustainable development practices. This dual approach ensures that global goals are met while respecting national contexts and capabilities. Grace's point about the necessity of global cooperation is valid, but Thomas also raises a crucial issue regarding the diverse needs of different countries. By integrating both approaches, we can create a more comprehensive and adaptable strategy to address climate change effectively. (Word count - 155 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response deserves a high score because it effectively addresses the prompt by proposing a balanced solution that incorporates both global policies and national flexibility. The writer acknowledges the importance of global cooperation, as highlighted by Grace, and also considers the unique needs of individual countries, as mentioned by Thomas. The response is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The writer provides specific examples, such as the Paris Agreement and the differing needs of developed and developing countries, to support their argument. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. Overall, the response demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

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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