Eco-Certified - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test Paper with Sample Responses
"Explore the TOEFL Writing integrated practice test with Sample Responses on the topic ‘Eco-Certified’ and improve your writing skills to ace the TOEFL test!"
Key Highlights
The TOEFL test assesses candidates across a range of abilities, with a strong emphasis on their communication skills. The Writing Section stands out as crucial, demanding a variety of skills from TOEFL test-takers.
This Practice test is designed to refine your writing skills, focusing specifically on the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL exam. It will aid in helping you grasp task instructions, organizing responses cohesively, and elevating your performance in the TOEFL Writing component. Let's start this journey together toward achieving 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.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Eco-Certified
An international organization initiated a program to promote environmentally sustainable forestry methods by granting certifications to wood companies adhering to stringent ecological criteria, such as resource conservation and material recycling. These certified companies can market their goods as "eco-certified," attracting customers. Consequently, numerous wood companies globally have embraced eco-friendly approaches to qualify for eco-certification.
The prospect of wood companies in the United States adopting a similar approach seems improbable due to several reasons.
Primarily, American consumers are inundated with advertising to such an extent that they would not appreciate or even notice the eco-certification label. Given the prevalence of labeling numerous products as "new" or "improved," American consumers tend to be skeptical about advertising claims in general and therefore do not place significant trust in them.
Secondly, eco-certified timber is likely to be more costly than non certified timber. This is because obtaining eco certification involves expenses for a wood company to undergo scrutiny by a certification agency, and these additional costs are transferred to consumers. Given that American consumers are often driven by price considerations, they are inclined to opt for less expensive uncertified timber items. Consequently, American timber companies are inclined to maintain lower prices rather than invest in eco certification.
Thirdly, while some argue that it is always prudent for American firms to stay abreast of global advancements, this argument lacks persuasiveness. Pursuing certification would be beneficial for American timber companies only if they primarily sold their products overseas. However, this is not the case—most American timber businesses cater to a large domestic customer base and find satisfaction in their existing merchandise offerings.
Now play the Audio.
Question
Summarize the arguments presented in the lecture, highlighting their contrasting viewpoints with specific points from the reading passage.
Response Time: 20 minutes
Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on ‘Eco-Certified’
Narrator: Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.
Professor: There is substantial evidence to suggest that numerous American wood companies will, in time, pursue eco certification for their timber goods, contrary to popular belief. Primarily, American consumers differentiate between advertising assertions from companies themselves and those from independent certification bodies. Independent consumer agencies hold significant trust among Americans.
Therefore, environmentally conscious Americans are likely to respond very positively to wood products certified for ecological standards by a reputable international organization known for its reliability. Another aspect to consider is that while it's undeniable that American consumers prioritize price, as do most people, studies on consumer decision-making reveal that price alone isn't the sole determinant of consumer choices except in cases where there's a significant price gap between competing products. When the price disparity is minimal — for instance, less than five percent, as seen with certified wood — Americans frequently base their decisions on factors beyond price. Furthermore, Americans are increasingly recognizing the importance of preserving and safeguarding the environment.
Thirdly, it is imperative for American wood companies to monitor global developments in the wood industry, not primarily due to foreign demand but due to international competition. As mentioned earlier, there is a high likelihood of significant interest among American consumers in eco-certified products. Consequently, if American businesses lag in attracting these customers, foreign enterprises will likely enter the American market swiftly, offering eco-certified wood that domestic companies do not provide.
Points to Remember
It's crucial to grasp from the lecture that the professor opposes the ideas expressed in the reading. Specifically, the professor disagrees with the notion that American consumers distrust advertising, are unwilling to pay more for eco certified products, and that American companies can avoid competing in regions where eco certification is valued. Your response should outline the professor's arguments supporting the adoption of eco certification for wood by U.S. companies. A high-scoring response will include the following points made by the professor that cast doubt on the points made in the reading:
|
Point made in the Reading Passage |
Contrasting Point from the Lecture |
|
Due to the skepticism American consumers harbor toward commonly used advertising phrases like 'new' or 'improved,' they are unlikely to take notice of or place trust in the eco certified label. |
American consumers do take notice of product claims when these claims originate from independent consumer agencies. |
|
Given that eco certification increases product costs, it is improbable that Americans would opt for eco certified products and instead would prefer cheaper, uncertified alternatives. |
This statement holds valid solely when there's a substantial price gap between two comparable products. If an eco certified item costs just approximately five percent more, American consumers would be willing to pay this premium to purchase the environmentally superior product. |
|
Because American companies sell their products mainly in the U.S., they do not need to compete in the rest of the world where eco certification is desired by consumers. |
American companies must be ready to compete with foreign companies that will soon be selling eco certified products in the U.S. market. |
Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on ‘Eco-Certified’
High-Level Response
The lecture challenges the notion presented in the reading passage regarding American wood companies' adoption of eco-certification. While the passage argues that American consumers are skeptical about eco-certification labels due to extensive advertising and cost considerations, the lecture provides contrasting viewpoints.
Firstly, the lecture emphasizes that American consumers differentiate between advertising claims and certifications from independent bodies, suggesting that eco-certified products would be well-received. This contradicts the passage's assertion that consumers would not appreciate or trust eco-certification labels. Secondly, the lecture acknowledges the cost difference between eco-certified and uncertified timber but argues that consumers consider factors beyond price when the difference is minimal, such as less than five percent. This challenges the passage's argument that American consumers prioritize price and are unlikely to choose eco-certified products. Lastly, the lecture highlights the importance of American wood companies staying competitive in the global market by embracing eco-certification, contrary to the passage's view that domestic sales satisfaction negates the need for global advancements.
Overall, the lecture presents a more optimistic view of American wood companies adopting eco-certification, focusing on consumer trust in certifications, considerations beyond price, and the need for international competitiveness. (189 words)
Rater’s Comment
The response effectively identifies key areas of disagreement between the two sources, such as consumer trust in certifications, price considerations, and global competitiveness. It demonstrates an understanding of the arguments presented in both the reading and the lecture and provides a clear, organized explanation of their contrasting viewpoints. However, to further improve, the response could delve deeper into specific examples or evidence from the passage and lecture to strengthen its argumentation and analysis. Additionally, enhancing the clarity and precision of language could elevate the overall quality of the response.
Mid-Level Response
The lecture partially challenges the reading passage's arguments about American wood companies' adoption of eco-certification. It acknowledges consumer skepticism but overlooks how deeply ingrained advertising influences consumer behavior. Additionally, while price plays a role in consumer decisions, the lecture simplifies the impact of cost differences on purchasing choices.
The lecture's emphasis on international competition overlooks the unique dynamics of the American market and assumes a swift shift towards eco-certification that may not be realistic given existing consumer trends. Overall, the lecture provides some valid points but fails to address the complexity of consumer preferences and industry dynamics in the United States, resulting in a somewhat optimistic but incomplete view of eco-certification adoption among American wood companies. (116 words)
Rater’s Comment
The response acknowledges both the lecture's arguments and the reading passage's points. However, it lacks depth in analyzing the nuances of consumer behavior and industry dynamics, which are crucial for a high-level response. The comment correctly notes that the response addresses consumer skepticism and cost considerations but doesn't delve deeply into how these factors interact with eco-certification adoption. Additionally, the comment highlights the oversight in discussing advertising influence and the complexity of international competition versus domestic market dynamics. To improve to a high-level response, the analysis needs to explore these aspects more comprehensively and provide specific examples or evidence to support the arguments presented.
We hope you’re feeling more confident about the writing task now! Share your answer with us in the comments below and let our TOEFL Specialists provide you with the guidance necessary to excel on the exam!
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