Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^®exam, the test takers are evaluated on various abilities, particularly on their communication skills. With the practice test on 'Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years', candidates can level up their preparation as the Writing Section is one of the significant ones.

This Writing Integrated practice test aims to enhance your writing abilities. It aims to assist you in understanding task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment. So, let's start your journey towards attaining your desired TOEFL score!

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 proposal to extend high school education from four to five years has sparked significant debate among educators, parents, and decision-makers. Supporters argue that an additional year would provide several major benefits to students and the education system as a whole. One big advantage of extending high school to five years is the chance for deeper learning. With an extra year, students would have more time to explore subjects thoroughly and develop a stronger understanding of the material. This could lead to better academic performance and a more well-rounded education. For example, students could engage in more thorough science projects, advanced math courses, or in-depth literature studies. This would enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Another benefit is the potential for improved college and career readiness. The extra year could be used to offer specific courses and job-related training that align with students' future goals. This would allow students to gain practical skills and experience in fields such as technology, healthcare, or the arts, making them more competitive in the job market. Also, the extra time could be used for college preparation, including SAT/ACT prep courses, college application workshops, and dual-enrollment programs with local colleges, increasing students' chances of success in higher education.

Also, extending high school to five years could help reduce student stress and burnout. The current four-year high school curriculum is often packed with demanding coursework, after-school activities, and standardized testing. This leaves little time for rest and personal development. An extra year would allow for a more balanced schedule, giving students the opportunity to manage their workload more effectively and maintain their mental and emotional well-being. This could lead to a more positive and productive high school experience.

Now play the audio.

Question

Provide a brief summary on the lecture's arguments and also highlight their relevance on the claims provided in the reading passage. State your opinion.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years

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 High School Education Be Extended to Five Years

A comprehensive analysis of various responses is provided below, enabling you to identify areas requiring improvement to achieve your target score.

High-Level Response

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 essay is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point from the reading and its corresponding counterpoint from the lecture. For example, the response accurately captures the lecture's argument about the financial burden of extending high school, which challenges the reading's claim of deeper learning. Additionally, the response clearly explains the lecture's concerns about student motivation and the potential for increased dropout rates, which contradict the reading's assertion of improved college and career readiness. The discussion of extended pressure and economic implications is also well-handled, highlighting the lecture's emphasis on the complexity of extending high school. The language used is clear and concise, with strong control over grammar and vocabulary, making the essay easy to read and understand. Overall, this response effectively presents the relationship between the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a high level of comprehension and writing ability.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks depth and detail in some areas. The essay is generally organized, but it could benefit from more specific examples and explanations. For instance, the response mentions the financial burden of extending high school but does not elaborate on how this contradicts the reading's claim of deeper learning. Similarly, the discussion of student motivation and potential dropout rates is brief and could be expanded to better explain the lecture's points. The response also touches on the potential for extended pressure but does not fully explore how this impacts students' overall demands. Additionally, there are a few grammatical errors, such as "suggesting that some students may become uninterested or lose motivation" and "delaying students' entry into adulthood and the workforce," which could be improved for clarity. Overall, while the response captures the main points, it lacks the depth and detail needed for a higher score.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years.

• Read the passage carefully, taking concise notes on key points.
• Listen actively to the lecture, noting its relationship to the reading.
• Begin your response by clearly stating how the lecture relates to the reading.
• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Integrate information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions and attributions for information from each source.

Prepared to enhance your TOEFL writing skills? Our collection of example responses and professional tips is here to support you in your journey. It's time to put your abilities to the test with some hands-on practice!

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