Should Bilingual Education Be Mandatory in Schools - 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 'Should Bilingual Education Be Mandatory in Schools', 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.

The debate over whether bilingual education should be mandatory in schools has gotten a lot of attention. Supporters argue that mandatory bilingual education offers numerous benefits for students and society. One of the main advantages of bilingual education is the mental benefits it provides. Research has shown that learning a second language can improve skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking. Bilingual individuals often show greater mental flexibility and creativity. These mental benefits can lead to better academic performance and better preparation for the complexities of the modern world.

Another significant benefit is the cultural awareness and sensitivity that bilingual education fosters. Learning a second language exposes students to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This exposure can promote empathy, tolerance, and a broader understanding of the world. In an increasingly globalized society, understanding different cultures is a valuable skill that can enhance personal and professional relationships. Bilingual education can help students become more open-minded and culturally aware individuals.

Bilingual education also offers practical advantages in the job market. In many industries, proficiency in more than one language is a highly sought-after skill. Employers value bilingual employees for their ability to communicate with diverse clients and colleagues. Bilingual individuals often have access to a wider range of job opportunities and can command higher salaries. By making bilingual education mandatory, schools can equip students with the language skills needed to succeed in a competitive global economy.

Also, bilingual education can support the academic success of students from diverse language backgrounds. For students who speak a language other than the main language at home, bilingual education can provide a more welcoming and supportive learning environment. These students can maintain and develop their native language skills while acquiring proficiency in the main language. This dual-language approach can enhance their overall academic achievement and self-esteem.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise on the lecture's arguments and also highlight the claims provided in the reading passage while analysing their relevance.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on Should Bilingual Education Be Mandatory in Schools

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 Should Bilingual Education Be Mandatory in Schools

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

This response deserves a high score because it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. For example, the first paragraph discusses the practical challenges and expenses of implementing bilingual education, while the second addresses the unequal benefits for students. The response accurately paraphrases the information from both sources, avoiding direct copying and demonstrating the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, the response maintains an objective tone, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. The use of transitions, such as "The lecture counters this by arguing" and "The lecture, however, argues," effectively highlights the opposing viewpoints, contributing to the overall coherence and flow of the essay. The language used is appropriate for a college-level response, with strong control over grammar and vocabulary, and only minor errors that do not affect the overall meaning. Overall, this response meets all the criteria for a high score, effectively presenting the key information from both the reading and the lecture in a well-organized and coherent manner.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it has some limitations that prevent it from achieving a higher score. While the response accurately identifies the key arguments from both sources, it lacks depth in its analysis and explanation. For example, the response mentions that the lecture argues against the practical challenges and expenses of implementing bilingual education, but it does not elaborate on how these challenges can strain limited educational budgets. Additionally, the response has some grammatical errors, such as "The reading says bilingual education provides mental benefits, improving skills like problem-solving and critical thinking," which could be more clearly stated as "The reading suggests that bilingual education provides mental benefits, improving skills like problem-solving and critical thinking." The response also lacks a conclusion, which would help to summarize the overall relationship between the reading and the lecture. Furthermore, the response could benefit from more effective use of transitions to improve coherence and flow. Despite these issues, the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material and provides a clear comparison of the opposing viewpoints. Overall, this response meets the criteria for a mid-level score, but it could be improved with more detailed analysis, better organization, and fewer grammatical errors.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Bilingual Education Be Mandatory in Schools

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Bilingual Education Be Mandatory in Schools.

• 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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