Should Public Surveillance Be Expanded for Crime Prevention - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The Academic Discussion task in the TOEFL Writing section tests your ability to synthesize information from a lecture and respond critically. Crafting logical, evidence-backed responses is key to success. This practice test will help you sharpen these essential skills for the exam. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Public Surveillance Be Expanded for Crime Prevention".

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 the role of public surveillance in crime prevention. Some argue that increasing public surveillance can significantly reduce crime rates and enhance public safety. Others believe it violates personal privacy and freedoms. What do you think? Should public surveillance be increased for crime prevention? Why or why not?

Emily: I believe that increasing public surveillance is essential for crime prevention. With more cameras in public spaces, law enforcement can watch and respond to criminal activities more quickly. For example, in cities like London, large CCTV networks have helped solve many crimes and discourage potential offenders. While privacy concerns are valid, I think the benefits of increased safety and security are more important. Proper rules can ensure that surveillance is used responsibly and does not violate individual rights.

Oliver: While I understand the potential benefits of public surveillance, I am concerned about the loss of personal privacy and freedoms. Increasing surveillance can lead to a society where individuals feel constantly watched, which can be oppressive. Also, there is a risk of improper use or abuse of surveillance data by officials. Rather than increasing surveillance, we should focus on community-based crime prevention strategies and improving social services to address the root causes of crime. This approach respects individual privacy while still working towards a safer society.

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 Surveillance Be Expanded for Crime Prevention

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 public surveillance can indeed enhance crime prevention and public safety, I believe that increasing it poses significant risks to personal privacy and freedoms. Oliver raises a crucial point about the potential for a surveillance society where individuals feel constantly monitored. This can create an oppressive atmosphere and erode trust between citizens and the state. Moreover, the risk of misuse or abuse of surveillance data by officials is a serious concern. Instances of data breaches or unauthorized access to surveillance footage can lead to violations of individual rights and freedoms.

Instead of relying heavily on public surveillance, we should focus on community-based crime prevention strategies and improving social services. Addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate social support, can lead to more sustainable and long-term solutions. Community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and investment in youth programs can foster a sense of community and collective responsibility for safety. These approaches not only respect individual privacy but also empower communities to take an active role in crime prevention.

In conclusion, while public surveillance has its benefits, it should not be the primary tool for crime prevention.

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 role of public surveillance in crime prevention. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the argument. The first paragraph discusses the risks to personal privacy and the potential for misuse of surveillance data, while the second paragraph highlights the importance of community-based crime prevention strategies and social services. 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 increasing public surveillance can help prevent crime, but it needs to be done carefully. On one hand, having more cameras in public places can help law enforcement track down criminals and stop crimes before they get worse. However, I also understand the concern about privacy. People don’t want to feel like they are being watched all the time. This could make society more controlled and uncomfortable. To find a balance, we could increase surveillance in high-risk areas but also have strict rules to make sure that the data isn’t abused or used in ways that violate privacy.

Rater’s Comment

This response does a good job of addressing both sides of the argument, considering both the potential benefits of increased public surveillance and the concerns about privacy. The examples support the argument, though the reasoning could be more developed. For example, expanding on the “strict rules” mentioned would strengthen the argument. The language is generally clear and understandable, but adding more depth to the examples and explanations would raise the response to a higher level.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Public Surveillance Be Expanded for Crime Prevention

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 question 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!

Also Read:

• Longevity - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion
• University Spending - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion
• AI-Enhanced Learning - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion
• Important Discoveries and Inventions - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion