Should Countries Have Open Borders for Immigration - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, the writing test assesses a candidate's ability to write academically, where they are required to successfully integrate the knowledge into their work and organize the ideas coherently. The two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing, make up the Writing Section.

In this practice test on 'Should Countries Have Open Borders for Immigration', you will hear a lecture on a certain subject from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity. After that, you'll take part in a conversation where you'll have to voice your opinion and provide solid justification for it

The best method to get ready for this part of the test is to practice on tests specifically made for the Academic Discussion format. Let's start your study with our "Should Countries Have Open Borders for Immigration"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam.

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 immigration and its impact on countries. Heres a question for the message board: Should countries have open borders for immigration? Why or why not?

Charlotte: I think countries should have open borders for immigration. Open borders can lead to a variety of cultures, more money, and new ideas. Immigrants often bring new skills and views that can help the host country. For example, many tech companies in the U.S. have been started by immigrants. Also, open borders can help with labor shortages in various industries, which helps the economy grow.

Charles: But I understand Charlotte's points, I think countries should not have open borders for immigration. Open immigration can strain public services, like healthcare and education, and lead to social problems. For example, sudden arrivals of immigrants can overwhelm local infrastructure and create competition for jobs. This can lead to higher unemployment rates among native citizens. Regulated immigration rules can help ensure that the benefits of immigration are increased while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Before delving into sample responses, let us examine the parameters of a strong TOEFL score!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Should Countries Have Open Borders for Immigration

Below are the two responses for the Academic Discussion Writing question where one of them showcases a mid-level proficiency while the other exhibits a high level of skills. Through examining the distinctions, you will acquire valuable insights into the components that lead to attaining an exceptional score in the Writing section.

Score 3 Response

I think Charles is right that countries should not have open borders for immigration. Open borders can cause problems like too much pressure on public services and job competition. For example, if too many immigrants come at once, hospitals and schools might not be able to handle it. This can make it hard for everyone to get the help they need. Also, open borders can make it harder for local people to find jobs because there will be more people looking for work. But, I also think that immigration is important and can be good for a country. Maybe countries can have some rules to control how many people come in, so they can get the benefits without the problems. This way, immigrants can still bring new ideas and skills, but the country can be ready to support them. (Word Count - 139)

Rater’s Comment

This response addresses the prompt by agreeing with Charles's viewpoint that countries should not have open borders for immigration. The writer provides reasons such as pressure on public services and job competition to support their argument. However, the response lacks depth and detailed examples. For instance, the statement "if too many immigrants come at once, hospitals and schools might not be able to handle it" could be expanded with more specific examples or data. Additionally, there are some grammatical errors, such as redundancy in "too much pressure on public services" and incorrect tense usage in "can cause problems like too much pressure." Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and contributes to the discussion by suggesting a balanced approach to immigration. The language is simple and clear, but the response could benefit from more development and refinement.

Score 5 Response

While Charlotte makes compelling points about the benefits of open borders, I align more with Charles's perspective that countries should not have completely open borders for immigration. One significant concern is the strain on public services. For instance, healthcare systems and educational institutions may become overwhelmed if they are not adequately prepared for a sudden influx of immigrants. This can lead to reduced quality of services for both immigrants and native citizens. Additionally, open borders can create intense competition for jobs, potentially increasing unemployment rates among local populations. 

However, I do believe that a balanced approach to immigration is essential. Regulated immigration policies can help manage the flow of immigrants, ensuring that the host country can provide adequate support and resources. For example, countries can implement programs to integrate immigrants into the workforce and society, which can mitigate some of the social tensions that Charles mentioned. By carefully managing immigration, countries can still benefit from the cultural diversity and economic contributions that immigrants bring, without overwhelming their infrastructure and public services. (Word count - 171 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear and well-reasoned argument against open borders for immigration. The writer acknowledges Charlotte's points about the benefits of open borders but aligns more with Charles's concerns about the potential drawbacks. The response is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The writer provides specific examples, such as the strain on healthcare and educational systems, to support their argument. Additionally, the response suggests a balanced approach to immigration, which adds depth to the discussion. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic setting, and there are no major grammatical errors. Overall, this response demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task may seem difficult and can cause you to become nervous. But don't feel scared! You can do this task effectively by incorporating a few vital strategies to ace your proficiency in academic writing.

• It is important to have a detailed examination of the question which is necessary to comprehend both the main idea and the setting for that specific question. It is necessary to consider the provided guidelines, such as providing a response that addresses all relevant angles.
• Finding the key arguments is made simpler by dissecting the question into its constituent parts. It's critical to successfully manage each component at the same time while organising the response.
• Before attempting to write the answer, always plan and come up with ideas and use them as examples so that you can showcase a range of perspectives.
• Making an outline ensures that the response is cohesive and the concepts are well-organized.
• Giving evidence or statistics to support assertions and points of view demonstrates your grasp of the subject.
• Avoid using any slang or informal language; instead, stick to professional language and academic terminologies, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.

Finally, it's time for you to shine! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are more than willing to provide valuable feedback which would help you achieve your target score!  Let's improve your writing skills together!

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