Should Public Libraries Go Fully Digital - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

In the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task, your goal is to analyze a professor’s lecture, present your thoughts, and support them with relevant evidence. This practice test focuses on helping you structure your responses and improve your academic writing abilities. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Public Libraries Go Fully Digital".

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 move further into the digital age, many public libraries are considering transitioning to fully digital collections. This would mean replacing physical books with digital versions accessible via computers and e-readers. What do you think about this idea? Should public libraries go fully digital, or is there still value in maintaining physical collections?

Emily: I believe that public libraries should not go fully digital. Physical books offer a hands-on experience that digital versions cannot copy. Many people, especially older generations, prefer reading physical books. Also, not everyone has access to digital devices or the internet. Keeping physical collections ensures that libraries are accessible to everyone in the community.

Oliver: While Emily makes valid points, I think transitioning to fully digital libraries is the way forward. Digital collections save space and cut the costs of maintaining physical books. They also provide instant access to many resources, which can be very helpful for research and education. Also, digital libraries can be updated more easily, ensuring that the most current information is always available.

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 Public Libraries Go Fully Digital

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 the idea of transitioning to fully digital libraries offers several advantages, I believe that public libraries should maintain a balance between digital and physical collections. Emily raises an important point about the tactile experience of reading physical books, which many people, especially older generations, prefer. Additionally, not everyone has access to digital devices or reliable internet, making physical books essential for ensuring that libraries remain accessible to all members of the community.

However, Oliver's argument about the benefits of digital collections is also compelling. Digital libraries save space, reduce maintenance costs, and provide instant access to a vast array of resources. This can be particularly beneficial for research and education, as users can quickly find and utilize the most current information. Moreover, digital collections can be updated more easily, ensuring that libraries offer the latest materials.

To strike a balance, public libraries should adopt a hybrid approach that incorporates both digital and physical collections. This way, they can cater to the diverse preferences and needs of their patrons. In conclusion, while digital collections offer numerous benefits, maintaining physical collections is crucial for ensuring accessibility and preserving the unique experience of reading physical books. A hybrid approach that combines both digital and physical resources can provide the best of both worlds, making public libraries more inclusive and versatile.

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 of the transition to fully digital libraries. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the argument. The first paragraph discusses the importance of physical books for accessibility and the reading experience, while the second paragraph highlights the benefits of digital collections. 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 believe public libraries should not go fully digital, although there are clear benefits to having digital collections. Physical books still play a significant role in communities, especially for people who prefer the experience of reading a physical book.

However, I also agree with Oliver's point that digital collections save space and make accessing materials faster. Digital libraries can provide users with more up-to-date information, which is crucial for education and research purposes. But, I think a balance should be maintained between digital and physical collections, allowing libraries to cater to different needs in the community. 

Rater’s Comment

This response provides a balanced view, discussing both the advantages of physical books and the benefits of digital collections. The writer acknowledges both sides of the argument, though the analysis is somewhat limited. While the points are clear, they could be more deeply explored, and some ideas are repeated without further development. The response demonstrates adequate organization and coherence but lacks more advanced transitions or detailed examples to fully support the argument. Overall, this is a solid mid-level response.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Public Libraries Go Fully Digital

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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