Should the Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture Be Banned - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

Your academic writing skills are put to the test in the TOEFL Writing section, which consists of two key tasks: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion.

In the Academic Discussion, you’ll evaluate information from a lecture and engage in dialogue by expressing your perspective. Supporting your thoughts with well-reasoned evidence is crucial.

Preparing with practice tests tailored to the Academic Discussion format can significantly improve your performance. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should the Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture Be Banned".

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 use of antibiotics in agriculture and its consequences for public health. Antibiotics are often used in livestock to promote growth and prevent disease, but this practice has raised concerns about antibiotic resistance. Should the use of antibiotics in agriculture be banned? Why or why not?

Emily: I believe that the use of antibiotics in agriculture should be banned. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock adds to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These bacteria can then be transferred to humans through the food chain. This makes it harder to treat infections and poses an important public health risk. Instead, we should focus on improving animal care practices and developing other methods to keep livestock healthy.

Michael: Although I understand the concerns about antibiotic resistance, I think a complete ban on antibiotics in agriculture could have negative consequences. Farmers rely on antibiotics to keep their livestock healthy and productive. Without them, there could be more animal disease outbreaks. This could lead to higher food prices and possible food shortages. A more balanced approach would be to regulate and limit the use of antibiotics rather than banning them completely.

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 Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture Be Banned

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 concerns about the potential consequences of a complete ban, I strongly believe that the use of antibiotics in agriculture should be banned to address the critical issue of antibiotic resistance. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock contributes significantly to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be transferred to humans through the food chain. This makes it increasingly difficult to treat infections and poses a severe public health risk. For instance, antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates.

Instead of relying on antibiotics, we should focus on improving animal care practices and developing alternative methods to keep livestock healthy. For example, better hygiene, vaccination programs, and improved nutrition can reduce the need for antibiotics. Additionally, research into alternative treatments, such as probiotics and herbal remedies, can provide effective ways to prevent disease in livestock without contributing to antibiotic resistance. While a complete ban may pose challenges, the long-term benefits for public health far outweigh the potential drawbacks. By taking proactive measures now, we can help ensure that antibiotics remain effective for treating human infections in the future.

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's concerns by emphasizing the public health risks associated with antibiotic resistance 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 dangers of antibiotic resistance, while the second paragraph suggests alternative methods for maintaining livestock health. 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 use of antibiotics in agriculture should be banned. Like Emily said, the overuse of antibiotics in livestock contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These bacteria can be transferred to humans through the food chain, making it harder to treat infections and posing a significant public health risk.

However, I also understand Michael's concerns about the potential consequences of a complete ban. A more balanced approach would be to regulate and limit the use of antibiotics rather than banning them completely. This way, we can reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance while still ensuring animal health and productivity.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the risks of antibiotic resistance and the concerns about a complete ban, 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 "making it harder to treat infections" and "posing a significant public health risk." 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 Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture Be Banned

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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