Should Public Transportation Be Free - 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 Public Transportation Be Free', 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 idea of making public transportation free has gained support as a way to tackle various urban problems. One of the main benefits is the potential to reduce traffic congestion. If fares are removed, more people might use public transportation. This would reduce the number of cars on the road. This shift could lead to fewer vehicles on the road, easing traffic jams and cutting down commute times. Tallinn in Estonia made public transport free and saw less traffic.

Another advantage is the positive impact on the environment. With fewer cars on the road, there would be a drop in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Public transportation uses less energy than cars. Using it more could make the air cleaner and improve health. This is especially important in urban areas where air quality is often a major issue. Free public transportation can also support social fairness. Transportation costs can be a big load for low-income individuals and families. By making public transit free, cities can ensure that everyone has access to important services, job opportunities, and schools. This can help bridge the gap between different economic groups and create a more inclusive society.

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 Public Transportation Be Free

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 Transportation Be Free

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, clearly highlighting how the lecture challenges the reading. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. For instance, the first paragraph discusses the financial burden, the second addresses environmental concerns, and the third focuses on social fairness. The language used is clear and concise, with appropriate transitions that enhance the coherence of the essay. Phrases like "This contradicts the reading's claim" and "This challenges the reading's assertion" effectively signal the relationship between the reading and the lecture. Additionally, the response avoids personal opinions and maintains an objective tone, which is crucial for this type of task. Overall, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect meaning.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response is adequate but has some limitations that prevent it from receiving a higher score. While it summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, it lacks depth and detail. For example, the explanation of why free public transportation might not be beneficial for all is brief and could be expanded to provide a clearer understanding. Additionally, the response has some grammatical errors, such as "This goes against the reading's idea that free public transportation would be beneficial for all," which could be more clearly phrased. The organization is generally good, with each paragraph addressing a specific point, but the transitions between ideas are somewhat abrupt. Phrases like "This goes against the reading's idea" and "This challenges the reading's claim" are used effectively to show the relationship between the reading and the lecture, but the overall coherence could be improved. The response also maintains an objective tone and avoids personal opinions, which is appropriate for this task. However, the grammatical errors and lack of detail indicate that the response could be more polished and comprehensive.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Public Transportation Be Free

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on Should Public Transportation Be Free.

• 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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