Impact of Technology on Employment - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task, you will tackle the topic ‘Impact of Technology on Employment.’ This task evaluates your ability to analyze how technological advancements influence the workforce.

Practicing this task will develop your skills in organizing thoughts and presenting a balanced analysis, which are essential for success in the TOEFL Writing section.

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 the impact of technology on employment. 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.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Impact of Technology on Employment

To enhance your understanding of the scoring criteria for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, we have provided two sample responses: one scoring 3 and the other scoring 5:

Score 3 Response 

I think technology is more beneficial to employment opportunities. It is true that some jobs are lost to machines, but technology also creates new jobs. For example, the internet has led to jobs in digital marketing and software development. These new jobs can be very rewarding and offer good salaries.However, I understand Michael's point about job losses. Machines and AI are replacing many traditional jobs, which can be hard for some people. But, I believe that with the right training and education, people can learn new skills and find new jobs in the tech industry.

Rater's Comment:

This response earns a mid-level score due to its attempt to address the prompt and contribute to the discussion, but it lacks depth and coherence. The student expresses a clear preference for the benefits of technology on employment and provides some supporting reasons, such as the creation of new jobs in digital marketing and software development. However, the argument is not well-developed, and the reasoning is somewhat superficial.The response acknowledges Michael's concerns about job losses but does not provide detailed examples or elaborate on this point. Similarly, while the student mentions the importance of training and education, they do not provide specific examples or explanations to support this claim.Additionally, there are a few grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as "These new jobs can be very rewarding and offer good salaries," which could be more clearly stated. The response also lacks a strong conclusion, ending abruptly without summarizing the main points or reinforcing the argument.Overall, while the response addresses the prompt and contributes to the discussion, it falls short in terms of depth, coherence, and language accuracy, resulting in a mid-level score.

Sample 5 Response 

While both Emily and Michael present compelling arguments, I believe that the progress of technology is ultimately more beneficial to employment opportunities. Although it is undeniable that technology can displace certain jobs, it also creates new industries and roles that can lead to economic growth and innovation.For instance, the advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has given rise to new fields such as data science, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. These areas not only offer high-paying jobs but also require a diverse set of skills, fostering a more dynamic and adaptable workforce. Additionally, technology can enhance productivity and efficiency in existing jobs, allowing workers to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.Moreover, technology can democratize access to education and training, enabling individuals to acquire new skills and transition into emerging job markets. Online courses and virtual training programs make it easier for people to upskill or reskill, regardless of their geographical location or financial situation. This can help mitigate the negative impacts of job displacement and ensure that more people can benefit from technological advancements.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its well-structured and comprehensive argument supporting the benefits of technological progress on employment opportunities. The student effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear stance and providing logical reasoning and examples to support their opinion. The response acknowledges the points made by both Emily and Michael, demonstrating an understanding of the ongoing discussion and contributing new insights.The student highlights the creation of new industries and roles, such as data science and cybersecurity, which align with the professor's question about the impact of technology on employment. Additionally, the response discusses the potential for technology to enhance productivity and efficiency in existing jobs, adding depth to the argument.The response also addresses the issue of job displacement by emphasizing the role of technology in democratizing access to education and training. This demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and provides a reasoned rebuttal to Michael's concerns about job losses and skill gaps.The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is well-organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Overall, the response effectively addresses the prompt and contributes valuable insights to the discussion, making it deserving of a high score.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to help you effectively approach the topic of ‘Impact of Technology on Employment’:

1. Understand the Central Argument: Concentrate on how technology, including AI and automation, influences the workforce, highlighting both job creation in tech sectors and job losses in others.

2. Compare Perspectives: The reading may emphasize how technological innovation creates new job opportunities, while the lecture might focus on the negative impacts of automation on employment. Compare and contrast these different viewpoints.

3. Organize Your Response Logically: Start with a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture. Then, analyze how technology is transforming employment, providing examples of job displacement and the necessity for reskilling.

4. Use Appropriate Vocabulary: Incorporate terms like "automation," "workforce," "reskilling," and "artificial intelligence" to clearly and formally express your ideas.

5. Time Management: Keep an eye on the clock. Plan your response, write clearly, and allocate time for revising and refining your work to ensure a polished submission.

Engaging with topics like ‘Impact of Technology on Employment’ will enhance your ability to analyze and discuss relevant academic subjects. Mastering this skill is essential for excelling in the TOEFL Writing section.

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