Impact of Diet on Academic Performance in Schools - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The TOEFL Writing section evaluates your ability to produce academic-level English essays. It comprises two distinct tasks: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion.

In the Academic Discussion, a professor would give a lecture on a certain topic after which you'll need to evaluate the information and engage in a discussion. Following that, you'll have to express your opinions and present relevant evidence to support the reasons and ideas mentioned.

Practicing on sample tests designed according to the Academic Discussion format is the most effective way to prepare for this section of the exam. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Impact of Diet on Academic Performance in Schools".

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.

Instructions: Your professor is teaching a class on environmental science. Write a post responding to the professor's 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.

Professor: Next week, we will explore the relationship between diet and academic performance in schools. I want to hear your thoughts on this topic before our discussion. Heres the question: How significant do you think the impact of diet is on students' academic performance, and what dietary changes would you recommend to improve it?

Emily: I believe that diet has a big impact on academic performance. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins can improve thinking and focus. For example, healthy fats found in fish are known to support brain health. Schools should provide healthier meal options and educate students about nutrition to help them make better food choices.

Michael: While I agree that diet plays a role, I think its impact might be overstated. Factors like quality of teaching, parental involvement, and study habits are equally important. I do support the idea of schools offering healthier meals. Simple changes like reducing sugar consumption and avoiding junk foods can make a difference, but we shouldn't overlook other critical factors affecting academic performance.

Wait! Let's learn more about the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus before checking out the sample answers to the Academic Discussion Writing task!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Impact of Diet on Academic Performance in Schools

We’ve included two sample responses for the Writing Academic Discussion Task—one illustrating a high-level response and the other a mid-level response. Reviewing these examples will help you understand the scoring criteria for each level and enhance your writing skills as a result.

High-level Response

While Michael raises valid points about the multifaceted nature of academic performance, I strongly believe that diet plays a significant role in students' academic success. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can greatly enhance cognitive function, concentration, and overall mental well-being. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are known to support brain health, while complex carbohydrates from whole grains provide sustained energy levels, helping students stay focused throughout the day.

To improve academic performance, schools should prioritize offering healthier meal options and educating students about the importance of nutrition. Simple dietary changes, such as reducing sugar intake and incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can have a profound impact on students' cognitive abilities and energy levels. Additionally, schools could implement programs that involve parents in promoting healthy eating habits at home, creating a supportive environment for students both in and out of school. In essence, while other factors like quality of teaching and parental involvement are crucial, the impact of a nutritious diet on academic performance should not be underestimated.

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's points by emphasizing the significant impact of diet on cognitive function and academic performance. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Emily's viewpoint on the benefits of a balanced diet, while the second paragraph suggests practical dietary changes and programs to promote healthy eating habits. 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.

Mid-level Response

I think diet has a significant impact on students' academic performance. Like Emily said, a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins can improve focus and thinking. For example, healthy fats in fish support brain health. Schools should offer healthier meal options and educate students about nutrition.

However, I also agree with Michael that other factors like quality of teaching and parental involvement are important. But I believe that making simple dietary changes, like reducing sugar and avoiding junk food, can still make a big difference. Schools should focus on providing nutritious meals to help students perform better academically.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the importance of diet and other factors affecting academic performance, aligning with points made by Emily and Michael. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some grammatical errors, such as "support brain health" instead of "are known to support brain health," and "make a big difference" instead of "have a profound impact." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "make a big difference" and "focus on providing nutritious meals." While the student makes a valid contribution to the discussion, the response could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a more formal tone.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Impact of Diet on Academic Performance in Schools

Now it's time to dive into the expert tips we've shared and put them into practice with TOEFL Writing mock tests. Check out the strategies below for approaching an academic discussion task.

• Carefully read the professor's questions and responses from other students. Identify key arguments presented on both sides of the debate.

• A well-rounded response addresses the opposing viewpoint. While supporting your own position, briefly explain why the drawbacks or opposing side may still be valid but less significant.

• Acknowledge potential drawbacks to your position and strengthen your argument with relevant examples.

• Structure your response clearly with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing both sides and a conclusion that summarizes your argument.

Feeling confident after exploring the sample response and writing strategies? Put your knowledge into practice! All the best!

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