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Should Countries Abolish Nuclear Weapons for Global Peace - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

Should Countries Abolish Nuclear Weapons for Global Peace - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Practice Test

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"Sharpen your TOEFL Writing abilities with a practice test on ‘Should Countries Abolish Nuclear Weapons for Global Peace.’ Practice critical thinking and clear responses."

In the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task, you will explore the topic, Should Countries Abolish Nuclear Weapons for Global Peace.’ This task tests your ability to examine a significant global issue, using information from both reading and listening sources to form a cohesive argument.

Practicing this task will strengthen your ability to critically analyze controversial topics and express your ideas logically 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 international relations. 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.

Professor: Today were going to discuss the topic of nuclear disarmament. Some argue that eliminating nuclear weapons is essential for global peace, while others believe that nuclear prevention is necessary to maintain international stability. What do you think? Should countries eliminate nuclear weapons for global peace?

Emily: I believe that countries should eliminate nuclear weapons. The existence of these weapons poses a constant threat to humanity. Even a small-scale nuclear conflict could have disastrous consequences for the environment and human life. By getting rid of nuclear weapons, we can reduce the risk of accidental launches. This will promote a more peaceful international community. Additionally, resources currently spent on maintaining nuclear stockpiles could be redirected towards addressing global issues like poverty and climate change.

Oliver: Though I understand Emily's concerns, I think that nuclear prevention plays a crucial role in maintaining international stability. The presence of nuclear weapons can prevent large-scale wars because countries are aware of the devastating consequences of a nuclear conflict. History has shown that the threat of shared destruction can act as a powerful prevention against aggression. Until we have a reliable and enforceable global disarmament system, eliminating nuclear weapons might lead to increased instability and conflict.

Response Time : 10 Minutes

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Should Countries Abolish Nuclear Weapons for Global Peace

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 that while eliminating nuclear weapons is a good goal, we need to be careful about how we do it. Oliver mentioned that nuclear weapons can prevent large-scale wars because of the threat of mutual destruction. This has helped keep international stability for many years.However, we should still work towards reducing the number of nuclear weapons. Creating a global disarmament system with strict verification and cooperation between countries is important. This way, we can move towards a world without nuclear weapons while keeping stability. In the meantime, reducing nuclear stockpiles and preventing their spread can help make the world safer.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and development needed for a higher score. The writer presents a clear opinion that while eliminating nuclear weapons is a good goal, it should be done carefully to maintain stability. The response provides some support for this view, such as the role of nuclear deterrence in preventing large-scale wars. However, the argument is not fully developed, and the response lacks detailed reasoning and examples. The second paragraph attempts to address the importance of a global disarmament system but does not add much new information or insight to the discussion. Additionally, there are minor grammatical errors, such as "we need to be careful about how we do it," which could be more clearly stated. Overall, the response addresses the prompt and contributes to the discussion, but it lacks the depth and coherence of a higher-scoring response.

Score 5 Response 

While the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons for global peace is noble, I believe that nuclear deterrence is currently necessary to maintain international stability. Oliver makes a compelling point about the role of nuclear weapons in preventing large-scale wars. The concept of mutually assured destruction has historically acted as a powerful deterrent against aggression, as countries are aware of the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear conflict. This deterrence has contributed to a relatively stable international order since the end of World War II.However, this does not mean that we should abandon the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. Instead, we should focus on creating a reliable and enforceable global disarmament framework. This would involve rigorous verification mechanisms, international cooperation, and trust-building measures to ensure that all countries comply with disarmament agreements. In the meantime, efforts should be made to reduce the number of nuclear weapons and prevent their proliferation. By taking a gradual and balanced approach, we can work towards a world without nuclear weapons while maintaining international stability and security.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-developed argument. The writer effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a balanced view on the necessity of nuclear deterrence while advocating for gradual disarmament. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the argument. The first paragraph discusses the role of nuclear deterrence in maintaining international stability, while the second paragraph emphasizes the importance of pursuing a reliable global disarmament framework. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. Overall, the writer provides a compelling and coherent argument that contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to effectively address the topic ‘Should Countries Abolish Nuclear Weapons for Global Peace’:

1. Understand Key Concepts: Focus on essential ideas such as national security, deterrence, global peace initiatives, and disarmament. Analyze the effects of nuclear weapons on both peace and conflict.

2. Compare Arguments: Utilize the reading and lecture to pinpoint differing viewpoints. One perspective may highlight peace and security through nuclear deterrence, while the other advocates for global disarmament as a path to peace.

3. Present a Well-Structured Response: Start by summarizing the passages, then analyze the arguments thoughtfully, and finally share your viewpoint. Make sure to incorporate both sources into your analysis.

4. Use Specific Vocabulary: Employ relevant terms like "nuclear deterrence," "global stability," and "arms control agreements" to create a refined academic response.

5. Stay Organized and On Time: Monitor your time by quickly outlining your response before writing. This will help you address all key points without feeling rushed.

Practicing tasks like ‘Should Countries Abolish Nuclear Weapons for Global Peace’ will enhance your ability to articulate complex issues clearly. Mastering these discussion skills is crucial for success in the TOEFL Writing section.

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