Should Genetic Data Be Considered Personal Property - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

The Writing section is one of many such sections assessed in the TOEFL iBT® exam which is designed to test how well an individual can write academic essays, integrate knowledge, and generate coherent organisation of ideas. The Writing Section comprises of two sections such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing.

This practice test, "Should Genetic Data Be Considered Personal Property," involves the exam format used in Academic Discussion where the students listen to a professor speaking on a particular topic. Then, the candidate has to discuss with a personal opinion about that topic with clear justification.

Let's dive into the practice test on "Should Genetic Data Be Considered Personal Property" which is 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 bioethics. 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 whether genetic data should be considered personal property. Genetic data can reveal a lot about an individuals health, heritage, and even potential future medical conditions. Given its sensitive nature, should individuals have ownership rights over their genetic data? Why or why not?

Lily: I believe genetic data should be considered personal property. This data is deeply personal and can have significant consequences for an individuals privacy and future. If people own their genetic data, they can control who has access to it and how it is used. This would help prevent abuse by companies or researchers and ensure that individuals have a say in decisions that could affect their lives.

Charles: Although I understand the concerns about privacy, I think genetic data should not be considered personal property. Treating it as property could slow down scientific research and medical progress. Researchers need access to large collections of data to find patterns and develop treatments for diseases. If everyone owned their genetic data, it could become too difficult and expensive to get the necessary information for important research. This could ultimately slow down progress in healthcare.

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 Genetic Data Be Considered Personal Property

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 genetic data should be considered personal property. This data is very personal and can affect a person's privacy and future. If people own their genetic data, they can decide who gets to see it and how it is used. This can stop companies or researchers from using the data in ways that people don't agree with. But, I also see Charles's point about research. If everyone owns their genetic data, it might be hard for scientists to get the information they need. Maybe there could be a way for people to share their data for research but still keep control over it. This way, we can protect privacy and help science too. (Word Count - 114)

Rater’s Comment

This response attempts to address the prompt but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-level response. The writer presents a clear opinion that genetic data should be considered personal property and provides a basic rationale for this stance. However, the reasoning is somewhat underdeveloped, and the response does not delve deeply into the implications or potential solutions. The sentence "But, I also see Charles's point about research" introduces a grammatical error with the incorrect use of the linking word "But." Additionally, the phrase "Maybe there could be a way for people to share their data for research but still keep control over it" is vague and lacks specificity.

Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and makes a valid contribution to the discussion. The writer acknowledges the opposing viewpoint and suggests a potential compromise, which shows an attempt to engage with the complexity of the issue. However, the response would benefit from more detailed reasoning and examples to support the argument. Overall, the response is adequate but could be improved with more thorough development and attention to grammatical accuracy.

Score 5 Response

While both Lily and Charles present compelling arguments, I lean towards the idea that genetic data should be considered personal property. The primary reason is the deeply personal nature of this data. As Lily mentioned, genetic information can reveal intimate details about an individual's health and heritage, which makes it crucial for individuals to have control over who accesses and uses this information. This control can prevent potential misuse by companies or researchers who might exploit the data for profit without the individual's consent.

However, I also acknowledge Charles's concern about the potential hindrance to scientific research. To address this, a balanced approach could be implemented. For instance, individuals could have the option to consent to the use of their genetic data for research purposes, with strict regulations ensuring transparency and ethical use. This way, the privacy and autonomy of individuals are respected while still allowing for scientific advancements. In conclusion, considering genetic data as personal property empowers individuals and protects their privacy. At the same time, creating a framework for ethical research use can help mitigate the concerns about slowing down scientific progress. (Word count - 184 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear stance on the issue of genetic data ownership. The writer acknowledges both sides of the argument, which demonstrates a balanced and thoughtful approach. The response is well-organized, beginning with a clear statement of the writer's position, followed by supporting reasons and a proposed solution to address the opposing viewpoint. The use of phrases like "I lean towards" and "I also acknowledge" shows a nuanced understanding of the topic. Additionally, the response is free from major grammatical errors and uses appropriate academic language, making it easy to follow and understand. Overall, the response is coherent, well-reasoned, and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Awesome! Let's check out a few more practice tests to familiarise yourself with the exam format.

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