Should Governments Limit the Use of Drones - TOEFL Writing Practice Test (Integrated)

The Integrated Writing task in the TOEFL Writing section tests how well you can blend listening, reading, and writing skills to produce a coherent response. This practice test is your gateway to mastering these abilities, equipping you with the tools to confidently tackle this essential part of the exam. Let’s dive in and strengthen your skills!

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.

The increasing use of drones has sparked a debate on whether governments should impose limits on their usage. Supporters of rules argue that there are several important reasons to limit the use of drones.

One major concern is privacy. Drones with cameras can easily invade personal privacy by capturing images and videos without consent. This raises important ethical and legal issues, as people have a right to privacy in their homes and private spaces. Government rules could set clear guidelines on where and how drones can be flown, ensuring that people's privacy is protected.

Safety is another critical issue. Drones can pose important risks to public safety, especially in crowded urban areas. There have been many incidents where drones have collided with buildings, vehicles, and even airplanes, causing damage and endangering lives. By imposing restrictions on drone usage, such as designated flying zones and altitude limits, governments can reduce these risks and enhance public safety.

Also, drones can be used for illegal activities. Criminals can use drones for smuggling illegal goods, conducting surveillance, or even carrying out attacks. Limiting the use of drones can help prevent such harmful activities. Governments can implement licensing and registration requirements for drone operators, making it easier to track and regulate drone usage and hold individuals accountable for any illegal actions.

Environmental concerns also call for regulation. Drones can disturb wildlife, especially in sensitive ecosystems. The noise and presence of drones can disrupt animal behavior, leading to stress and habitat displacement. By restricting drone flights in protected areas and wildlife reserves, governments can help preserve the variety of life and minimize the environmental impact of drone operations.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they oppose specific points made in the reading passage.

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 Governments Limit the Use of Drones

Examine the provided pair of sample answers - one representing a mid-level and the other a high level. By studying these responses closely, you'll discover valuable lessons to enhance and polish your written responses.

High-Level Response

The reading passage argues for government-imposed limits on drone usage. However, the lecture presents counterarguments to these points.

The reading suggests that drones can invade privacy by capturing images and videos without consent, advocating for clear guidelines to protect privacy. The lecture counters this by stating that existing privacy laws and technologies like geofencing can address these concerns without extensive government intervention.

Regarding safety, the reading highlights the risks posed by drones in crowded areas, suggesting restrictions to enhance public safety. The lecture argues that most drone operators are responsible and that incidents are rare. Instead of broad restrictions, the lecture suggests educating users about safe practices and enforcing penalties for reckless behavior.

The reading also raises concerns about drones being used for illegal activities, advocating for licensing and registration to prevent misuse. The lecture counters that many technologies can be misused, yet they are regulated rather than banned. A similar approach can be applied to drones, with licensing and registration helping to track usage without overly restrictive measures.

Finally, the reading discusses the environmental impact of drones, particularly on wildlife, and suggests restricting flights in protected areas. The lecture agrees that environmental concerns are valid but argues for targeted rules and education rather than broad limits. Designating specific no-fly zones and educating operators can minimize environmental impact while allowing continued drone use.

Rater's Comment

This response deserves 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 response is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture.

Additionally, the response maintains an objective tone, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. The use of transitions, such as "The lecture counters this by stating" and "The lecture argues that," effectively highlights the opposing viewpoints, contributing to the overall coherence and flow of the essay. The language used is appropriate for a college-level response, with strong control over grammar and vocabulary, and only minor errors that do not affect the overall meaning. Overall, this response meets all the criteria for a high score, effectively presenting the key information from both the reading and the lecture in a well-organized and coherent manner.

Mid-Level Response

The reading passage argues for government limits on drone usage due to privacy, safety, illegal activities, and environmental concerns. But the lecture has some points against this idea.

The reading says drones can invade privacy by capturing images and videos without consent, suggesting clear guidelines to protect privacy. But the lecture argue that existing privacy laws and technologies like geofenccing can address these concerns without extensive government intervention.

Regarding safety, the reading highlights the risks pose by drones in crowded areas, suggesting restrictions to enhance public safety. The lecture, however, argue that most drone operators are responsible and that incidents are rare. Instead of broad restrictions, the lecture suggests educating users about safe practices and enforcing penalties for reckless behavior.

The reading also raises concerns about drones being used for illegal activities, advocating for licensing and registration to prevent misuse. The lecture counter that many technologies can be misused, yet they are regulated rather than banned. A similar approach can be applied to drones, with licensing and registration helping to track usage without overly restrictive measures.

Rater's Comment

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it has some limitations that prevent it from achieving a higher score. While the response accurately identifies the key arguments from both sources, it lacks depth in its analysis and explanation. Additionally, the response has some grammatical errors. The response also lacks a conclusion, which would help to summarize the overall relationship between the reading and the lecture. Furthermore, the response could benefit from more effective use of transitions to improve coherence and flow. Despite these issues, the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material and provides a clear comparison of the opposing viewpoints. Overall, this response meets the criteria for a mid-level score, but it could be improved with more detailed analysis, better organization, and fewer grammatical errors.

With these strategies and examples in mind, you're ready to practice and refine your writing abilities!

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