Should Governments Provide Subsidies for Organic Farming - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The Academic Discussion task in the TOEFL Writing section tests your ability to understand and respond to academic lectures. You’ll practice forming clear, evidence-backed arguments. This test will help you perfect your skills and prepare for success. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Governments Provide Subsidies for Organic Farming".

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: Next week, we will be discussing the role of government in promoting sustainable agriculture. One of the key questions we will explore is: Should governments provide subsidies for organic farming? I would like to hear your thoughts on this issue before our class discussion. Do you think government subsidies for organic farming are a good idea? Why or why not?

Emily: I believe that governments should provide subsidies for organic farming. Organic farming practices are better for the environment because they reduce the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Also, organic farming can improve soil health and plant variety. By providing subsidies, governments can make organic products more affordable for consumers and encourage more farmers to adopt sustainable practices. This could lead to a healthier population and a more sustainable food system.

Michael: While I understand the benefits of organic farming, I think government subsidies should be used more carefully. Helping organic farming could lead to market problems and unfair competition. But, governments should focus on providing education and resources to help farmers move to organic practices voluntarily. This way, the market can naturally adjust to consumer demand for organic products without heavy government control. And, subsidies could be better spent on research and development to improve organic farming techniques and make them more efficient.

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 Provide Subsidies for Organic Farming

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 concerns about market distortions and unfair competition, I strongly believe that government subsidies for organic farming are a good idea. Organic farming practices are environmentally sustainable as they reduce the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which can contaminate soil and water sources. Additionally, organic farming promotes biodiversity and improves soil health, leading to more resilient agricultural systems.

By providing subsidies, governments can make organic products more affordable for consumers and incentivize more farmers to adopt sustainable practices. This can lead to a healthier population and a more sustainable food system. For example, subsidies can help offset the higher costs associated with organic farming, making it a viable option for more farmers. Moreover, government support can accelerate the transition to organic farming, which is crucial for addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and soil degradation. While it is important to ensure that subsidies do not create market imbalances, a well-designed subsidy program can promote sustainable agriculture without causing significant disruptions. In essence, government subsidies for organic farming can play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's concerns by emphasizing the environmental and health benefits of organic farming and the role of subsidies in promoting sustainable practices. 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 environmental benefits of organic farming, while the second paragraph addresses the practical benefits of subsidies and suggests ways to mitigate potential market distortions. 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 government subsidies for organic farming are a good idea. Like Emily said, organic farming is better for the environment because it reduces the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. It also improves soil health and promotes biodiversity. By providing subsidies, governments can make organic products more affordable and encourage more farmers to adopt sustainable practices.

However, I also understand Michael's concerns about market problems and unfair competition. To address this, governments could provide education and resources to help farmers transition to organic practices voluntarily. This way, the market can adjust naturally to consumer demand for organic products. Overall, subsidies can help promote sustainable agriculture, but they should be carefully managed.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the benefits of organic farming and the potential concerns about market distortions, 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 "better for the environment" instead of "environmentally sustainable," and "promotes biodiversity" instead of "promotes biodiversity and improves soil health." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "better for the environment" and "carefully managed." 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 Provide Subsidies for Organic Farming

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 questions 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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