Should Higher Education Focus More on Skills Training than Academics - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task focuses on your ability to evaluate lectures and express your ideas convincingly. You must structure your responses with logical reasoning and evidence. This practice test will help you refine these essential skills. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Higher Education Focus More on Skills Training than Academics".

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: As we look into the topic of higher education, I want to hear your thoughts on whether universities should focus more on skills training rather than traditional academic subjects. Skills training can prepare students for specific jobs and industries, while academic subjects can provide a broader understanding of the world and critical thinking skills. What do you think is the best approach for higher education institutions?

Emily: I believe that higher education should place more focus on skills training. In todays job market, employers are looking for candidates who can start working with practical skills. For example, coding courses and job training programs often lead to immediate job opportunities. While academic knowledge is valuable, it doesnt always directly lead to job readiness. By focusing on skills training, universities can better prepare students for the workforce and reduce the gap between education and employment.

Oliver: While Emily makes a good point, I think that higher education should keep a strong focus on academic subjects. A well-rounded education builds critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of various fields. These qualities are essential for new ideas and problem-solving in any job. For example, studying philosophy or literature can improve ones ability to think critically and communicate effectively, skills that are valuable in any profession. Balancing both skills training and academic subjects can give students a complete education that prepares them for a wide range of challenges.

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 Higher Education Focus More on Skills Training than Academics

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 skills training is undeniably important for preparing students for specific jobs, I believe that universities should maintain a strong focus on traditional academic subjects as well. Oliver makes a compelling point about the value of a well-rounded education in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of various fields. These qualities are essential for innovation and problem-solving, which are crucial in any profession. For instance, studying subjects like philosophy or literature can enhance one's ability to think critically and communicate effectively, skills that are universally valuable.

Moreover, a balanced approach that includes both skills training and academic subjects can provide students with a more comprehensive education. While skills training can equip students with the practical abilities needed for immediate job readiness, academic subjects can offer a broader perspective and the intellectual tools necessary for long-term career growth and adaptability. In a rapidly changing job market, the ability to think critically and adapt to new challenges is just as important as having specific technical skills. Therefore, I believe that higher education institutions should strive to balance both aspects to prepare students for a wide range of challenges and opportunities.

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-developed argument. The writer effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a balanced view on the importance of both skills training and traditional academic subjects in higher education. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the argument. The first paragraph discusses the value of a well-rounded education in fostering critical thinking and creativity, while the second paragraph highlights the benefits of a balanced approach that includes both skills training and academic subjects. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. Overall, the writer provides a compelling and coherent argument that contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Mid-level Response

I think universities should focus on both skills training and academic subjects. While skills training is important for job readiness, academic subjects are also valuable. Emily mentioned that skills training can lead to immediate job opportunities, which is true. But Oliver is right that academic subjects build critical thinking and creativity.

A balanced approach can give students a complete education. For example, coding courses can prepare students for tech jobs, while studying literature can improve communication skills. Both are important for different reasons. By combining skills training with academic subjects, universities can prepare students for a wide range of challenges in their careers.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and development needed for a higher score. The writer presents a clear opinion that universities should focus on both skills training and academic subjects and provides some support for this view, such as the benefits of job readiness and critical thinking. However, the argument is not fully developed, and the response lacks detailed reasoning and examples. The second paragraph attempts to address the benefits of a balanced approach but does not add much new information or insight to the discussion. Additionally, there are minor grammatical errors, such as "Both are important for different reasons," which could be more clearly stated. Overall, the response addresses the prompt and contributes to the discussion, but it lacks the depth and coherence of a higher-scoring response.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Higher Education Focus More on Skills Training than Academics

It's time to examine the tips our experts have developed and put them to work as we practice with TOEFL Writing mock tests. Check the following strategies for taking 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.

• Note the advantages and the disadvantages. This will help you address the prompt fully.

• Decide whether you agree more with the benefits or the drawbacks. Make sure your stance is clear from the beginning and supported throughout your response.

• 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.

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

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