Should Schools Incorporate Environmental Education into All Subjects - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The Academic Discussion task of the TOEFL Writing section prepares you for real-world academic interactions. By analyzing a lecture and expressing your views, you demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas. This practice test will help refine your skills and boost your confidence. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Schools Incorporate Environmental Education into All Subjects".

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 explore the role of education in shaping future generations, I want to hear your thoughts on a specific topic. Should schools include environmental education in all subjects? Why or why not?

Emily: I believe that schools should include environmental education in all subjects. By adding environmental topics to different subjects, students can develop a complete understanding of how their actions impact the planet. For example, in science classes, students can learn about natural communities and climate change. In history, they can study the environmental impacts of development. This approach can promote a sense of responsibility. It can also encourage students to adopt long-lasting practices in their daily lives.

Oliver: Although I see the value in environmental education, I think it should be a separate subject rather than combined into all subjects. This way, students can focus on environmental issues in depth without weakening the core content of other subjects. For example, mathematics and literature have their own essential skills and knowledge that should not be overlooked by environmental topics. A dedicated environmental studies class would make sure that students receive a thorough education on the subject. This would be without compromising other areas of learning.

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 Schools Incorporate Environmental Education into All Subjects

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

I believe that integrating environmental education into all subjects is essential for fostering a holistic understanding of environmental issues and their impact on our world. Emily makes a compelling point about how incorporating environmental topics across various subjects can help students see the interconnectedness of their actions and the environment. For instance, in science classes, students can learn about ecosystems and climate change, while in history, they can explore the environmental consequences of industrialization and development. This multidisciplinary approach can instill a sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable practices in students' daily lives.

However, I also understand Oliver's concern about the potential dilution of core content in subjects like mathematics and literature. To address this, schools can adopt a balanced approach where environmental education is integrated thoughtfully without overshadowing the primary objectives of each subject. For example, math problems can include real-world environmental data, and literature classes can analyze texts that explore themes of nature and sustainability. This way, students can still gain essential skills and knowledge in each subject while also developing an awareness of environmental issues.

Moreover, a dedicated environmental studies class can complement this integrated approach by providing a focused and in-depth exploration of environmental topics. In conclusion, integrating environmental education into all subjects, along with a dedicated environmental studies class, can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.

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 integration of environmental education into all subjects. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the argument. The first paragraph discusses the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach, while the second paragraph addresses concerns about diluting core content and proposes a balanced approach. 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 schools should include environmental education in all subjects because it helps students understand how environmental issues connect to their daily lives. By integrating environmental topics into various subjects, students can see how things like climate change or pollution impact different areas, like history or science. However, I also think Oliver has a point that environmental education should not interfere too much with the main focus of other subjects. But if done carefully, schools can teach both subject-specific skills and environmental responsibility without losing focus.

Rater’s Comment

This response addresses the topic and presents a balanced view by acknowledging both Emily's and Oliver's points. The writer explains how environmental education could be integrated across subjects, but also acknowledges concerns about losing focus on core subjects. However, the explanation could be more developed, with clearer examples and stronger reasoning to improve the argument. The grammar and structure are mostly clear, but there are occasional minor issues, like slightly vague expressions ("if done carefully"), that could be clarified for a higher score.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Schools Incorporate Environmental Education into All Subjects

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!

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