Should Governments Regulate Content on Streaming Platforms - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task evaluates your ability to participate in academic discourse. By analyzing a lecture and presenting reasoned arguments, you demonstrate critical thinking and writing proficiency. This practice test will guide you in mastering these skills. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Governments Regulate Content on Streaming Platforms".

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: Today we're going to discuss whether governments should control content on streaming platforms. Streaming services have become a major source of entertainment and information. But they also host a wide range of content. Some of it may be inappropriate or harmful. Should governments step in to control what can be shown on these platforms, or should they remain unregulated to preserve freedom of expression? What do you think?

Emily: I believe that governments should control content on streaming platforms to some extent. There is a lot of harmful and inappropriate content that can negatively influence viewers, especially younger audiences. By setting rules and limits, governments can help ensure that the content is safe and appropriate for all age groups. For example, they could enforce age ratings and content warnings to protect vulnerable viewers.

Michael: While I understand Emily's concerns, I think that controlling content on streaming platforms could lead to blocking and limit freedom of expression. People should have the right to choose what they want to watch without government involvement. Instead of control, streaming platforms could put in place better parental controls and content filters. This way, users can customize their viewing experience according to their preferences and values.

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 Regulate Content on Streaming Platforms

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 the potential for censorship and the importance of freedom of expression, I believe that governments should have some level of control over content on streaming platforms. The vast array of content available on these platforms includes material that can be harmful or inappropriate, particularly for younger audiences. By setting guidelines and regulations, governments can help ensure that content is safe and appropriate for all age groups.

For example, governments could enforce age ratings and content warnings to protect vulnerable viewers. This would not only help parents make informed decisions about what their children watch but also promote a safer viewing environment. Additionally, governments could require streaming platforms to implement robust parental controls and content filters, allowing users to customize their viewing experience according to their preferences and values. While it is essential to preserve freedom of expression, a balanced approach that includes some level of regulation can help protect viewers from harmful content without overly restricting creative freedom. In essence, a combination of government oversight and platform-based controls can create a safer and more responsible streaming environment.

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 need for some level of government control to protect vulnerable viewers while suggesting practical measures to balance regulation and freedom of expression. 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 protecting younger audiences, while the second paragraph suggests a balanced approach that includes both government oversight and platform-based controls. 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 have some control over content on streaming platforms. Like Emily said, there is a lot of harmful and inappropriate content that can negatively influence viewers, especially younger audiences. By setting rules and limits, governments can help ensure that the content is safe and appropriate for all age groups.

However, I also understand Michael's concerns about freedom of expression. Instead of strict control, governments could enforce age ratings and content warnings to protect vulnerable viewers. Streaming platforms could also implement better parental controls and content filters. This way, users can customize their viewing experience according to their preferences and values. A balanced approach can help protect viewers without overly restricting content.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the need for government control and the importance of freedom of expression, 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 "negatively influence viewers" instead of "negatively impact viewers," and "help ensure that the content is safe and appropriate" instead of "help ensure that content is safe and appropriate." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "negatively influence viewers" and "help ensure that the content is safe and appropriate." 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 Regulate Content on Streaming Platforms

Now it’s time to explore the expert tips we've provided and apply them as you practice with TOEFL Writing mock tests. Review the following strategies for tackling 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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