Should Public Transit Systems Be Expanded - TOEFL Writing Practice Test (Integrated)

The Integrated Writing task in the TOEFL exam is a unique opportunity to showcase your ability to connect ideas from multiple sources. Success in this section requires careful listening, reading comprehension, and effective writing skills. This practice test is designed to enhance your confidence and proficiency in handling this challenging task. Let’s get started on building a strong foundation for your TOEFL success!

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.

Expanding public transit systems is often seen as a solution to various urban problems. One of the main benefits of expanding public transit is reducing traffic jams. As cities grow, more private vehicles on the road lead to traffic jams and longer commute times. An efficient public transit system can ease this problem by providing a reliable alternative to driving, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road.

Another big advantage is the environmental impact. Public transit systems, like buses and trains, produce fewer pollutants per passenger compared to private vehicles. By encouraging more people to use public transportation, cities can reduce their overall pollution and improve air quality. This is especially important in the fight against climate change and in reducing health issues related to air pollution.

Public transit expansion also promotes social fairness. Many low-income individuals rely on public transportation to access jobs, education, and essential services. Expanding transit options can improve transportation for these individuals, providing them with greater opportunities and helping to bridge the gap between different economic groups. Also, a well-connected transit system can make cities more accessible and welcoming for people with disabilities.

Economic growth is another strong reason for expanding public transit. Improved transit systems can attract businesses and boost local progress. Areas with good public transportation are often more appealing for both businesses and residents, leading to increased property values and economic growth. Also, building and maintaining transit systems create jobs, contributing to economic growth.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they oppose specific points made in the reading passage.

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 Public Transit Systems Be Expanded

Examine the provided pair of sample answers - one representing a mid-level and the other a high level. By studying these responses closely, you'll discover valuable lessons to enhance and polish your written responses.

High-Level Response

The reading passage highlights the benefits of expanding public transit systems. However, the lecture presents several counterarguments that challenge these points.

The lecture argues that the high cost of developing and maintaining public transit systems is a significant issue. Building new transit lines and maintaining existing ones require substantial spending, which can pressure public budgets and lead to higher taxes or cuts in other essential services. This contradicts the reading's claim that public transit expansion is economically beneficial.

Regarding efficiency and convenience, the lecture points out that public transit systems are not always aligned with the needs of all commuters, particularly those in suburban or rural areas. This counters the reading's assertion that public transit provides a reliable alternative to driving.

The lecture also highlights the potential for low usage. In some cities, expanded transit systems have not achieved the expected passenger numbers, leading to wasted resources and financial losses. This opposes the reading's view that public transit expansion effectively reduces traffic jams.

Lastly, the lecture addresses the environmental impact, noting that the benefits of public transit can be offset by other factors. Additionally, the construction of new transit systems can have environmental impacts, such as ecological harm and increased pollution during the building phase. This challenges the reading's claim that public transit expansion significantly improves air quality.

Rater's Comment

This response deserves a high score as 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 of contention between the reading and the lecture.

The response also maintains objectivity, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. The use of transitions such as "The lecture argues," "Regarding efficiency and convenience," and "Lastly, the lecture addresses" helps to clearly signal the relationship between the two sources, enhancing the coherence and flow of the essay.

Moreover, the language used is appropriate for a college-level response, with strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. The essay is concise, staying within the word limit while effectively conveying all necessary information. Overall, the response demonstrates a high level of proficiency in summarizing and synthesizing information from multiple sources, which is a key requirement for this task.

Mid-Level Response

The reading passage highlights the benefits of expanding public transit systems. However, the lecture presents several counterarguments that challenge these points.

The lecture argues that the high cost of developing and maintaining public transit systems are a significant issue. Building new transit lines and maintaining existing ones require substantial spending, which can pressure public budgets and lead to higher taxes or cuts in other esential services. This contradicts the reading's claim that public transit expansion is economically beneficial.

Regarding effisiency and convenience, the lecture points out that public transit systems are not always aligned with the needs of all commuters, particularly those in suburban or rural areas. Long wait times and inconvenient transfers can make public transit less attractive compared to private vehicles. This counters the reading's assertion that public transit provides a reliable alternative to driving.

The lecture also highlight the potential for low usage. In some cities, expanded transit systems have not achieved the expected passenger numbers, leading to wasted resources and financial losses. Cultural preferences for car ownership and the availability of affordable parking can discourage people from using public transportation, even when it is available. This oppose the reading's view that public transit expansion effectively reduces traffic jams.

Rater's Comment

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks some depth and detail, which is why it falls into the mid-level category. The essay is generally well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. However, it omits some important details and examples that would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the material.

The response also contains a few grammatical errors and awkward phrasings. Overall, while the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material and is generally coherent, it lacks the depth, detail, and language control required for a higher score.

With these strategies and examples in mind, you're ready to practice and refine your writing abilities!

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