Should Euthanasia Be Legalized - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^®exam evaluates the test takers on different abilities,especially on their communication skills. With the practice test on 'Should Euthanasia Be Legalised', 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. Practice diligently to ace the exam by attempting practice tests. 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.

Assisted dying, or the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, should be legalised to uphold the principles of self-governance and kindness. One of the main arguments for legalising assisted dying is respecting individual self-governance. People should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and lives, especially when facing end-stage diseases and unbearable pain. Legalising assisted dying allows individuals to choose a respectable and peaceful end, rather than enduring prolonged suffering.

Another significant reason is the relief of suffering. Many end-stage diseases cause severe pain and a diminished quality of life that cannot be adequately managed by comfort care. Assisted dying provides a compassionate option for those who are suffering beyond relief. For example, patients with advanced stages of cancer or diseases affecting the nervous system like ALS often experience severe pain and loss of bodily functions. Allowing assisted dying can spare them from prolonged extreme pain and humiliation.

Also, legalising assisted dying can provide clear guidelines and rules to ensure it is carried out ethically and safely. In countries where assisted dying is legal, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, strict rules are in place to protect patients and ensure that the decision is voluntary and well-considered. These rules include complete medical evaluations, mental health evaluations, and the requirement of multiple medical opinions. Legalisation can prevent the potential for abuse and ensure that assisted dying is performed with the greatest care and respect.

Finally, the legalisation of assisted dying can relieve the emotional and financial stress on families. Caring for a terminally ill loved one can be emotionally draining and financially taxing. Assisted dying can provide a sense of closure and relief for families, knowing that their loved one is no longer suffering. It also allows families to avoid the financial stress of prolonged medical treatments that may offer no hope of recovery.

Now play the audio.

Question

Provide a brief summary on the lecture's arguments and also highlight their relevance on the claims provided in the reading passage. State your opinion.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised

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 Euthanasia Be Legalised

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 merits 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 essay is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contrast between the reading and the lecture. For instance, the response begins by summarizing the reading's emphasis on the benefits of legalizing assisted dying and then systematically addresses how the lecture counters each point with concerns about potential abuse, moral implications, advancements in comfort care, and the impact on the doctor-patient relationship.

The language used is clear and concise, with appropriate transitions that help maintain coherence and flow. Phrases like "the lecture argues," "this contrasts with the reading's view," and "this counters the reading's argument" effectively signal the relationship between the reading and the lecture. The response also avoids personal opinions, focusing solely on summarizing the content from both sources. Moreover, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect the overall meaning. The essay's length is appropriate, staying within the word limit while covering all necessary points. Overall, this response meets all the criteria for a high score, showcasing a thorough understanding of the task and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response provides a reasonable summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it has some notable weaknesses that prevent it from achieving a higher score. The essay is generally organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contrast between the reading and the lecture. However, the transitions between ideas are less smooth, and the language is more simplistic compared to a higher-level response. There are a few grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the response. For example, the sentence "This is different from the reading's view that legalization respects individual self-governance" could be clearer if rephrased. Additionally, the sentence "This goes against the reading's argument that assisted dying is necessary to relieve suffering" is repetitive and could be more concise.

The response also lacks depth in its analysis. While it mentions the main points from both the reading and the lecture, it does not provide detailed explanations or examples to support these points. For instance, the discussion of the moral and ethical concerns associated with assisted dying is brief and lacks specific details. Overall, this response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material but falls short in terms of coherence, depth, and language control. The essay meets the minimum requirements but does not go beyond to provide a thorough and well-articulated summary of the reading and lecture.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Euthanasia Be Legalised.

• 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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