Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Academic Discussion task, you’ll explore the topic ‘Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels.’ This task tests your ability to synthesize information from different sources and present a balanced discussion on a global issue.By practicing this task, you’ll strengthen your analytical and writing skills, key to excelling 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 environmental science. 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 Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels 

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 renewable energy is the way to go. Fossil fuels are causing too much harm to the environment and they are running out. Renewable energy like solar and wind is better for the planet and can last forever. Emily is right that investing in renewable energy can create jobs and reduce our need for imported fuels.However, I understand Michael's point about the cost and reliability of fossil fuels. It is true that switching to renewable energy needs a lot of money and new technology. But, we should start making the change now to protect our environment and ensure a sustainable future.

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 renewable energy and provides some supporting reasons, such as environmental benefits and job creation. However, the argument is not well-developed, and the reasoning is somewhat superficial.The response acknowledges both Emily's and Michael's points, which shows an understanding of the discussion. However, the student does not provide enough detailed examples or explanations to fully support their stance. For instance, the mention of job creation and reducing the need for imported fuels is not elaborated upon, leaving the argument underdeveloped.Additionally, there are a few grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as "Fossil fuels are causing too much harm to the environment and they are running out," 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.

Score 5 Response 

While both Emily and Michael present valid points, I firmly believe that transitioning to renewable energy is the best path forward. Fossil fuels, although reliable and currently more cost-effective, have significant environmental drawbacks, including greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. These issues contribute to climate change, which poses a severe threat to our planet's future.Investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind can mitigate these environmental impacts. As Emily mentioned, renewable energy is sustainable and can create job opportunities, fostering economic growth. Additionally, advancements in technology are making renewable energy more affordable and efficient. For instance, the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the past decade, making it a viable option for many households and businesses.Moreover, relying on fossil fuels perpetuates our dependence on finite resources, which are depleting rapidly. Transitioning to renewable energy can enhance energy security and reduce geopolitical tensions related to fossil fuel supply. While the initial investment in renewable infrastructure may be high, the long-term benefits, including reduced environmental damage and sustainable energy supply, far outweigh the costs.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument supporting renewable energy. The student effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a strong stance and providing logical reasoning and examples to back up 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 environmental benefits of renewable energy, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, which aligns with the professor's question about the green benefits of renewable sources. Additionally, the response discusses the economic advantages, such as job creation and decreasing costs of renewable technologies, which adds depth to the argument.The response is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the points are articulated clearly and concisely. The student also addresses potential counterarguments, such as the initial investment costs, and provides a reasoned rebuttal, further strengthening their position.Overall, the response demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and effectively contributes to the academic discussion, making it deserving of a high score.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some effective strategies to approach the topic of ‘Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels’:

1. Understand the Core Arguments: Pinpoint the main points related to environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability found in both the reading and listening materials.

2. Compare Different Viewpoints: One source may highlight the long-term advantages of renewable energy, while another could stress the current dependence on and affordability of fossil fuels. Make sure to emphasize these differences.

3. Structure Your Response: Begin by summarizing the key points from both sources, then provide your analysis by weighing the pros and cons of each energy type, concluding with your own perspective.

4. Use Specific Vocabulary: Incorporate relevant terms like "carbon emissions," "renewable resources," "non-renewable energy," and "sustainability" to improve the clarity and precision of your response.

5. Time Management: Organize your time effectively to ensure you can discuss both sides of the issue comprehensively without feeling rushed. A well-structured outline will help keep your thoughts organized.

Practicing topics like ‘Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels’ will enhance your ability to analyze global issues and present coherent arguments. These skills are crucial for success in the TOEFL Writing section, enabling you to approach a variety of topics with confidence.

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