Should Governments Invest More in Public Health or Infrastructure - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task emphasises your ability to engage with academic content. Listening to lectures and responding with clear, supported ideas is key to excelling. This practice test will help you sharpen your analytical and writing abilities. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Governments Invest More in Public Health or Infrastructure".

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.

Instructions: Your professor is teaching a class on environmental science. Write a post responding to the professor's 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.

Professor: In our next class, we will explore the debate on whether governments should invest more in public health or infrastructure. Both are crucial for a nation's development, but resources are often limited. Public health programs can improve the overall well-being of citizens, while infrastructure projects can boost economic growth and connections. What do you think is the more important area for government investment, and why?

Emily: I believe that governments should focus on investing in public health. A healthy population is the foundation of a productive society. When people are healthy, they can work, study, and better contribute to the economy. Like, during the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with strong public health systems were better able to manage the crisis and recover more quickly. Investing in public health can also reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Michael: Although I understand Emily's point, I think that investing in infrastructure should be the priority. Infrastructure projects, such as building roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, can create jobs and boost economic growth. Better infrastructure can also improve the quality of life by reducing travel time and making it easier for people to access essential services. Like, better transportation networks can connect rural areas to urban centers, providing more opportunities for education and employment.

Wait! Let's learn more about the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus before checking out the sample answers to the Academic Discussion Writing task!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Governments Invest More in Public Health or Infrastructure

We’ve included two sample responses for the Writing Academic Discussion Task—one illustrating a high-level response and the other a mid-level response. Reviewing these examples will help you understand the scoring criteria for each level and enhance your writing skills as a result.

High-level Response

While Michael raises valid points about the importance of infrastructure for economic growth and connectivity, I believe that investing in public health should be the priority for governments. A healthy population is the foundation of a productive and prosperous society. When people are healthy, they can work, study, and contribute more effectively to the economy. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with robust public health systems were better equipped to manage the crisis and recover more quickly. Investing in public health can also reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Moreover, public health investment has a direct impact on the quality of life for citizens. Access to healthcare, vaccination programs, and health education can significantly improve overall well-being and life expectancy. While infrastructure projects are essential for economic development, they are most effective when supported by a healthy workforce. By prioritizing public health, governments can ensure that their citizens are well-equipped to take advantage of the opportunities created by improved infrastructure. In essence, a balanced approach that prioritizes public health while also investing in infrastructure can create a more resilient and thriving society.

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's points by emphasizing the foundational role of public health in supporting a productive society and providing concrete examples. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Emily's viewpoint on the importance of public health for managing crises and reducing long-term healthcare costs, while the second paragraph highlights the direct impact of public health on quality of life and suggests a balanced approach. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from grammatical errors. Overall, the student demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Mid-level Response

I think governments should focus on investing in public health. Like Emily said, a healthy population is the foundation of a productive society. When people are healthy, they can work, study, and contribute to the economy. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with strong public health systems managed the crisis better and recovered more quickly.

However, I also understand Michael's point about the importance of infrastructure. Building roads, bridges, and public transportation systems can create jobs and boost economic growth. But I believe that public health should be the priority because it directly impacts people's well-being. A healthy population can better take advantage of improved infrastructure. Overall, investing in public health can lead to a more resilient and thriving society.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the importance of public health and the role of infrastructure, aligning with points made by Emily and Michael. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some grammatical errors, such as "managed the crisis better" instead of "were better equipped to manage the crisis," and "directly impacts people's well-being" instead of "has a direct impact on the quality of life for citizens." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "managed the crisis better" and "directly impacts people's well-being." While the student makes a valid contribution to the discussion, the response could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a more formal tone.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Governments Invest More in Public Health or Infrastructure

Now it's time to dive into the expert tips we've shared and put them into practice with TOEFL Writing mock tests. Check out the strategies below for approaching an academic discussion task.

• Carefully read the professor's question and responses from other students. Identify key arguments presented on both sides of the debate.

• A well-rounded response addresses the opposing viewpoint. While supporting your own position, briefly explain why the drawbacks or opposing side may still be valid but less significant.

• Acknowledge potential drawbacks to your position and strengthen your argument with relevant examples.

• Structure your response clearly with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing both sides and a conclusion that summarizes your argument.

Feeling confident after exploring the sample response and writing strategies? Put your knowledge into practice! All the best!

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