Pluto - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test Paper with Sample Responses

The TOEFL iBT® exam evaluates candidates on various abilities, placing particular importance on their communication skills. Among the test sections, the Writing Section is particularly significant, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees.

This practice test aims to enhance your writing abilities, concentrating specifically on the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL test. 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 r 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.

Pluto

Pluto was voted out of existence as a planet in our solar system on August 24, 2006, during the International Astronomical Union Conference. When Pluto was first found in 1930, researchers were looking for anything that was affecting Uranus's orbit. Despite initial estimates of its size being comparable to Earth's, Pluto turned out to be even smaller than both our moon and the moons of many other planets. Thousands of planetary objects, including Eris, which is marginally larger than Pluto, are now recognised to be comparable to Pluto. 

Pluto's designation as a dwarf planet was made in observance of the fact that science is the pursuit of new knowledge. Although Pluto enthusiasts were saddened by the news, most people have come to terms with it, and the children of tomorrow will grow up knowing little more than the names of the eight planets. After the IUC's ruling, astronomer Mike Brown—who made the discovery of Eris—remarked that "science is self-correcting." 

In conclusion, different novel discoveries and new information compel us to reconsider the perception of the universe. While a few individuals might consider the altered classification of Pluto distressing, it acts as an indication of the significance of disclosure and adaptability to the field of science.

Now play the Audio.

Question

Provide a brief summary of the lecturer's main objectives, making sure to highlight how they relate to the particular concepts of Pluto as a planet covered in the reading text.

Points to Remember

To answer the question effectively, start by reiterating the lecturer's objectives and respond to the question. Give a brief overview of the professor's discussion of Pluto's reclassification from planet to dwarf planet, highlighting the consequences for Pluto's place in the solar system. It is vital to include relevant justification and examples from the lecture without including any outside sources.

In the beginning, start discussing about the decision on "the Great Pluto War" as well as the issues with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) conference voting process, which includes the low voter turnout and the lack of remote voting options. Provide and clarify with pertinent evidence to back up the concepts put forth. Notably, bring emphasis to the professor's assertion that another outcome might have emerged from electronic voting. Mention the controversy and initiatives meant to reverse the decision, such as Pluto Planet Day, as well as the response from the general public and scientific community. Lastly, correlate these discussions to the psychological attachment people feel towards Pluto and the historical context of its naming. As with all tasks, ensure coherence, effective grammar and vocabulary utilization, and comprehensive development in your response.

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on ‘Pluto’

This section provides a thorough evaluation of various responses, including both High-level and Mid-level answers. Through a detailed review of these responses, you can identify areas that need improvement to attain your target score in the TOEFL.

High-Level Response 

The lecture mainly focuses on elucidating the reclassification of Pluto from being a planet to recognised as a dwarf planet and the argument that led to this decision. In the lecture, a thorough explanation was provided on "the Great Pluto War," as a result of which a critical decision was made at the International Astronomical Union (IAU) assembly. For instance, only less than 10% of eligible astronomers cast their votes, due to low turnout, technical issues, and the lack of remote voting options. 

Additionally, it has also highlighted how technological limitations impacted the decision-making process by mentioning the possibility that Pluto and other celestial objects would have remained planets if electronic voting had been possible. Moreover, it also addressed the substantial criticism from the public and scientific community. The ruling disappointed a lot of astronomers, which prompted campaigns to reverse the resolution and events like Pluto Planet Day. As seen by the historical background in which the 1930 naming of Pluto resulted from a young student's suggestion, this response demonstrates the strong emotional and cultural affinity to Pluto. 

Lastly, the wider consequences of scientific categorization as well as the potential emotional impact where the lecturer illustrates the relationship between scientific standards and public opinion. As a result, it ties the procedural and technical components of the reclassification to Pluto's historical and psychological significance.

Rater’s Comment 

The response provides a concise and comprehensive synopsis of the primary points mentioned in the lecturer's objectives. The response also covers the necessary explanation accurately and demonstrates an extensive understanding by establishing the right linkages. Moreover, the example and the date used completely justifies the reasons mentioned and provides coherence and clarity to the answer. The answer is well-organised and precise, and the ideas are strengthened by the integration of appropriate instances and evidence from the transcript. Overall, this response is well-structured and covers the issues which has been articulated in varied sentence structures.

Mid-Level Response 

The lecturer discussed about the reasons for Pluto's downgrading to a dwarf planet and the dispute. The professor brought up the "Great Pluto War," a major dispute among astronomers over whether Pluto currently qualifies as a planet. Only a small portion of astronomers voted on the matter at an International Astronomical Union (IAU) conference, and many of them had already left before the vote was taken. Not everyone was able to vote remotely, which led to certain issues. The professor also said that the result might have been different if the voting had been done electronically. The speaker discussed how many astronomers and general public were offended by Pluto's recent classification. Pluto Planet Day was established on March 13th, and some even initiated petitions to reinstate Pluto as a planet. This was partially due to the unique bond that people—particularly kids—felt with Pluto. Finally, the professor mentioned how significant Pluto is to a great number of people by pointing out that it was named in 1930 by a young student.

Rater’s Comment 

The goals are briefly summarized in the response, however depth and clarity are missing. The reclassification of Pluto, the voting problems, and the public outcry are also explained, but a clear connection could have been made by elaborating the reasons presented with example. The response could have been improved by providing more information about how these problems relate to emotional attachment and scientific classification. The response also demonstrates a greater comprehension of the lecture material, the explanation might also be more organized and thorough.

Are you ready to achieve TOEFL success? We've included sample responses and expert tactics to help you reach your target score. Now, it's your turn to engage in practice tests!

Additional Reads:

• TOEFL iBT Integrated: Gain the Ability to Comprehend Information and Express Thoughts in Writing
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