Should the Gig Economy Be Subject to Stricter Labour Laws - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The TOEFL Writing section assesses your ability to create well-structured academic essays. It is divided into two tasks: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion. For the Academic Discussion, you’ll listen to a lecture, interpret its content, and present your opinions, ensuring they are supported by logical evidence.

Practicing on sample tests designed for the Academic Discussion task is one of the most efficient ways to prepare for this section. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should the Gig Economy Be Subject to Stricter Labour Laws".

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 gig economy and its impact on workers. The gig economy includes jobs like ride-sharing, food delivery, and freelance work, which offer freedom but often lack standard worker rights. Here's a question for the message board: Should the gig economy be subject to tougher labor laws to protect workers rights? Why or why not?

Emily: Yes, I believe the gig economy should be subject to tougher labor laws. Many gig workers lack basic protections such as health insurance, paid leave, and job security. For example, a ride-share driver might work long hours without any benefits. This is unfair. Tougher labor laws would ensure that these workers receive the same protections as traditional employees. This would improve their overall quality of life.

Michael: While I understand Emily's concerns, I think that putting tougher labor laws on the gig economy could reduce its freedom, which is one of its main attractions. Many people choose gig work because it allows them to set their own schedules and work as much or as little as they want. For example, a freelance graphic designer might prefer the freedom to take on projects at their own pace. Tougher rules could limit these opportunities and make gig work less appealing.

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 the Gig Economy Be Subject to Stricter Labour Laws

We’ve included two sample responses for the Writing Academic Discussion Task—one demonstrating 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 Michael raises valid points about the flexibility and freedom that the gig economy offers, I strongly believe that it should be subject to tougher labor laws to protect workers' rights. Many gig workers lack basic protections such as health insurance, paid leave, and job security, which are essential for their well-being. For instance, a ride-share driver might work long hours without any benefits, leaving them vulnerable to financial instability and health issues. This is inherently unfair and unsustainable in the long run.

Tougher labor laws would ensure that gig workers receive the same protections as traditional employees, thereby improving their overall quality of life. These laws could include provisions for minimum wage, health benefits, and paid leave, which would provide a safety net for gig workers. While it is important to preserve the flexibility that attracts many to gig work, this can be achieved through well-designed regulations that balance worker protections with the need for flexibility. For example, laws could mandate benefits for gig workers who work a certain number of hours per week, ensuring that those who rely on gig work as their primary source of income are adequately protected. In essence, tougher labor laws are necessary to create a fair and equitable gig economy that supports the well-being of all workers.

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's points by emphasizing the need for basic protections for gig workers and providing concrete examples. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Emily's viewpoint on the lack of protections for gig workers, while the second paragraph suggests a balanced approach that preserves flexibility while ensuring worker rights. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from grammatical errors. Overall, the student demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Mid-level Response

I think the gig economy should be subject to tougher labor laws to protect workers' rights. Like Emily said, many gig workers lack basic protections such as health insurance, paid leave, and job security.

However, I also understand Michael's point about the importance of flexibility in gig work. Many people choose gig work because it allows them to set their own schedules. To balance this, we could implement laws that provide basic protections while still allowing for flexibility. This way, we can protect workers' rights without taking away the freedom that makes gig work appealing.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the need for worker protections and the importance of flexibility in gig work, aligning with points made by Emily and Michael. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some grammatical errors. Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "provide basic protections" and "taking away the freedom." While the student makes a valid contribution to the discussion, the response could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a more formal tone.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should the Gig Economy Be Subject to Stricter Labour Laws

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.

• Start your preparation by reading opinion articles from newspapers or online platforms, and actively respond to them by expressing your agreement or disagreement.
• To improve your skills, create multiple reasons to support your stance on a topic, backing them up with detailed points and examples.
• While practicing, identify common grammatical mistakes and focus on correcting them.
• Strengthen your ability to fix errors, and reserve time at the end of your writing sessions to review and apply these corrections.

Feeling confident after exploring the sample response and writing strategies? Put your knowledge into practice! All the best!

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