Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent for Crime - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test

In the TOEFL Integrated Writing task, you will combine information from a reading passage and a lecture. This task focuses on 'Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent for Crime', a critical topic that delves into the relationship between harsh punishments and crime reduction.

By synthesizing both the reading and the lecture, you’ll practice the skills needed to successfully complete the TOEFL Writing section.

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.

The death penalty has long been debated as a way to prevent crime, with many arguing that it works well. The main idea is that the fear of facing death will stop people from committing terrible crimes. Studies have shown that in places where the death penalty is used, there tends to be fewer violent crimes. This link suggests that the death penalty can act as a strong prevention.Additionally, the death penalty is often seen as a way to deliver justice and give peace of mind to the victims' families. The idea is that the worst crimes deserve the worst punishments, and executing a criminal ensures they can't commit more crimes. This sense of justice can be a powerful prevention, as potential criminals may think twice before committing a crime that could lead to their execution.Furthermore, supporters say the death penalty can save money in the long run. While the initial trials for death penalty cases are costly, housing inmates for life can be even more expensive over time. By executing those convicted of the most serious crimes, the state can potentially reduce the cost on the prison system. This economic argument adds another layer to the prevention effect, showing how seriously society views capital crimes.

Now play the audio.

Question 

Outline the main arguments from the lecture and their connection to the points made in the reading passage.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent for Crime

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent for Crime

Below is a detailed review of different responses, including both mid-level and high-level examples, to help you pinpoint areas for improvement and reach your desired score:

Mid Level Response 

The lecture disagrees with the reading about the effectiveness of the death penalty in preventing crime. The professor says that studies show no big difference in crime rates between places with and without the death penalty. This means other factors like social and economic conditions are more important in stopping crime.The professor also says that the death penalty does not always provide justice and peace of mind to victims' families. The long appeals process can make the families suffer more, delaying their sense of closure. Also, there is a risk of executing innocent people, which shows that the justice system can make mistakes. This goes against the reading's idea that the death penalty ensures justice.
Lastly, the professor argues that the death penalty is not cheaper than life imprisonment. The long legal processes and appeals in death penalty cases can be very expensive, often more than life imprisonment without parole. This challenges the reading's claim that the death penalty can save money in the long run.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but has some limitations that prevent it from receiving a higher score. While it summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, it lacks depth and detail. For example, the explanation of why the death penalty might not prevent crime is brief and could be expanded to provide a clearer understanding. Additionally, the response has some grammatical errors, such as "This means other factors like social and economic conditions are more important in stopping crime," which could be more clearly phrased. The organization is generally good, with each paragraph addressing a specific point, but the transitions between ideas are somewhat abrupt. Phrases like "This goes against the reading's idea" and "This challenges the reading's claim" are used effectively to show the relationship between the reading and the lecture, but the overall coherence could be improved. The response also maintains an objective tone and avoids personal opinions, which is appropriate for this task. However, the grammatical errors and lack of detail indicate that the response could be more polished and comprehensive.

High Level Response 

The lecture challenges the reading's assertion that the death penalty effectively prevents crime. The professor argues that the link between the death penalty and lower crime rates is not clear. Studies show no significant difference in crime rates between areas with and without the death penalty, suggesting that other factors like social and economic conditions play a more significant role in crime prevention. This contradicts the reading's claim that the death penalty acts as a strong deterrent.The professor also questions the idea that the death penalty provides justice and peace of mind to victims' families. The lengthy appeals process in death penalty cases often prolongs the suffering of the families, delaying any sense of closure. Additionally, the risk of executing innocent people cannot be ignored, as there have been numerous cases where individuals on death row were later found to be innocent. This challenges the reading's assertion that the death penalty ensures justice.Lastly, the professor disputes the economic argument for the death penalty. He points out that the costs associated with death penalty cases, including lengthy legal processes and appeals, are often higher than those of life imprisonment without parole. This undermines the reading's claim that the death penalty can save money in the long run.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score because it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, clearly highlighting how the lecture challenges the reading. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. For instance, the first paragraph discusses the effectiveness of the death penalty in preventing crime, the second addresses the concept of justice and peace of mind, and the third focuses on the economic argument. The language used is clear and concise, with appropriate transitions that enhance the coherence of the essay. Phrases like "This contradicts the reading's claim" and "This challenges the reading's assertion" effectively signal the relationship between the reading and the lecture. Additionally, the response avoids personal opinions and maintains an objective tone, which is crucial for this type of task. Overall, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect meaning.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent for Crime

Here are some strategies to approach the topic 'Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent for Crime' in the TOEFL Integrated Writing task:

1. Identify Key Arguments: The reading passage may present evidence supporting the death penalty as a deterrent, including statistics or studies, while the lecture could offer opposing views that challenge its effectiveness.

2. Compare Evidence: Pay close attention to how both the reading and the lecture utilize evidence. Does one side rely on statistical data, while the other emphasizes moral or ethical considerations? Be sure to highlight these distinctions.

3. Focus on Integration: Your objective is to demonstrate how the lecture either supports or contradicts the reading passage. Make sure to connect the ideas from both sources rather than merely summarizing them.

4. Balance Your Response: In your writing, strive for a balanced analysis. Present both the arguments that advocate for the death penalty as a deterrent and those that question its effectiveness, using specific examples from both sources.

5. Present a Logical Conclusion: Wrap up your response by synthesizing the ideas from the reading and the lecture, ensuring you provide a clear analysis of how the lecture addresses the claims made in the reading.

Practicing the TOEFL Integrated Writing task on 'Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent for Crime' will enhance your ability to analyze and synthesize various perspectives, a vital skill for succeeding in the TOEFL Writing section.

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