Is Technological Surveillance Necessary for National Security - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^®exam, the test takers are evaluated on various abilities, particularly on their communication skills. With the practice test on 'Is Technological Surveillance Necessary for National Security', candidates can level up their preparation as the Writing Section is one of the significant ones.

This Writing Integrated practice test aims to enhance your writing abilities. It aims to assist you in understanding task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment. So, let's start your journey towards attaining your desired TOEFL score!

Writing Instructions:

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard.
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• 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.

Technological monitoring has become an essential tool for ensuring national security in the modern world. One of the primary benefits of these technologies is their ability to prevent terrorist attacks. By keeping an eye on communications and online activities, security agencies can identify and stop potential threats before they happen. This proactive stance is crucial in a time when terrorist organizations are increasingly using advanced methods to plan and carry out attacks.

Another advantage of technological monitoring is its role in stopping and solving crimes. Surveillance cameras, face recognition software, and data analysis can help law enforcement agencies track criminal activities and catch offenders more efficiently. These technologies provide valuable evidence that can be used in court, leading to higher conviction rates and a safer society. Also, the mere presence of surveillance systems can act as a deterrent, reducing the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Technological monitoring also enhances border security. Advanced systems can detect illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking, which are often hard to control through traditional means. By using drones, sensors, and biometric ID, border security agencies can better manage and secure national borders, ensuring that only authorized individuals and goods enter the country. Also, these technologies contribute to public safety during large events and emergencies. For instance, during natural disasters or public gatherings, real-time monitoring can help coordinate emergency responses and ensure the safety of attendees. Surveillance systems can quickly identify potential dangers and enable authorities to take swift action, minimizing harm and maintaining order.

Now play the audio.

Question

Provide a brief summary on the lecture's arguments and also highlight their relevance on the claims provided in the reading passage. State your opinion.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on Is Technological Surveillance Necessary for National Security

Curious about what a good TOEFL score looks like? Check it out first, then explore the Integrated Writing sample answers!

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on Is Technological Surveillance Necessary for National Security

A comprehensive analysis of various responses is provided below, enabling you to identify areas requiring improvement to achieve your target score.

High-Level Response

Rater's Comment

The response effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. It accurately presents the benefits of technological monitoring as outlined in the reading, such as preventing terrorist attacks, solving crimes, enhancing border security, and ensuring public safety. The response then contrasts these points with the concerns raised in the lecture, such as the invasion of privacy, potential for abuse, questionable effectiveness, and substantial financial cost. The response is well-organized and coherent, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point of comparison between the reading and the lecture. The use of transitions like "however," "additionally," and "lastly" helps to clearly signal the relationship between the two sources. The language is clear and concise, with strong control over grammar and vocabulary, making the response easy to read and understand.

Overall, the response successfully presents all key information from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a strong ability to synthesize and summarize complex material. The minor errors present do not affect the overall meaning or clarity of the response, making it a high-level response.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

The response provides a basic summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks depth and detail. It correctly identifies the benefits of technological monitoring mentioned in the reading, such as preventing terrorist attacks and solving crimes. However, the explanation of these points is somewhat superficial and lacks specific examples or details. The response also somehow addresses the concerns raised in the lecture, such as the invasion of privacy, potential for abuse, and questionable effectiveness. However, it does not fully explore these issues or provide specific examples from the lecture. For instance, the response mentions that the vast amount of data collected can overwhelm security agencies but does not elaborate on how this affects their ability to identify real threats.

There are some grammatical errors in the response, such as "The lecture also mentions the potential for abuse, noting that without proper oversight, these tools could be used for political purposes or to target specific groups unfairly." The phrase "noting that without proper oversight" could be more clearly connected to the rest of the sentence. Additionally, the sentence "The lecture also says that the financial cost of these systems is substantial, suggesting that resources could be better allocated to other critical areas" could be rephrased for clarity. Overall, the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material but lacks the depth, detail, and coherence needed for a higher score. The grammatical errors and lack of specific examples also detract from the overall quality of the response.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Is Technological Surveillance Necessary for National Security

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on Is Technological Surveillance Necessary for National Security.

• Read the passage carefully, taking concise notes on key points.
• Listen actively to the lecture, noting its relationship to the reading.
• Begin your response by clearly stating how the lecture relates to the reading.
• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Integrate information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions and attributions for information from each source.

Prepared to enhance your TOEFL writing skills? Our collection of example responses and professional tips is here to support you in your journey. It's time to put your abilities to the test with some hands-on practice!

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