Should Workplaces Implement Four-day Workweek - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

In the TOEFL Writing section, your ability to write high-quality academic essays is tested through two tasks: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion.

In the Academic Discussion task, you’ll hear a lecture, analyze its key points, and participate in a dialogue by presenting your thoughts. Supporting your ideas with strong reasoning and evidence is a crucial aspect.

The most effective preparation involves using practice tests that mimic the structure and requirements of the Academic Discussion task. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "Should Workplaces Implement Four-day Workweek".

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 are going to discuss the idea of a four-day workweek. Some argue that it can improve employee well-being and output, while others believe it could harm business operations and customer happiness. Agree or disagree: Should workplaces start a four-day workweek?

Emily: I agree that workplaces should start a four-day workweek. Studies have shown that employees who work fewer days are often more efficient and less stressed. For example, a company in New Zealand saw a 20% increase in output after switching to a four-day workweek. And, employees had a better work-life balance, which led to higher job happiness and lower employee change rates.

Oliver: Though I understand the possible benefits, I disagree with starting a four-day workweek. Many businesses, especially those in customer service, need to be available five days a week or more to meet client needs. Reducing the workweek could lead to decreased customer happiness and possible income loss. In addition, not all industries can adapt to this model without significant interruptions.

Learn what a good TOEFL score is before you check out the sample answer to the Academic Discussion Writing task!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Workplaces Implement Four-day Workweek

Below, we have provided two sample responses for the Writing Academic Discussion Task, demonstrating both a high-level and mid-level response. Analyzing these examples can help you understand the criteria for each score level and improve your writing skills accordingly.

High-level Response

While the idea of a four-day workweek is appealing for its potential to improve employee well-being and productivity, I believe it may not be suitable for all industries. Oliver raises a valid point about the challenges faced by businesses that require constant customer interaction, such as those in the service sector. Reducing the workweek could lead to decreased customer satisfaction and potential revenue loss, which could ultimately harm the business.

However, for industries where a four-day workweek is feasible, the benefits can be substantial. Emily's example of the New Zealand company that saw a 20% increase in productivity after implementing a four-day workweek is compelling. Employees reported better work-life balance, reduced stress, and higher job satisfaction, which can lead to lower turnover rates and a more motivated workforce. To strike a balance, companies could consider flexible work arrangements, such as staggered shifts or remote work options, to maintain customer service levels while still offering employees the benefits of a shorter workweek. This approach can help businesses adapt to the changing needs of the modern workforce without compromising operational efficiency or customer satisfaction.

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 of the feasibility of a four-day workweek. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the argument. The first paragraph acknowledges the challenges faced by customer service-oriented businesses, while the second paragraph discusses the potential benefits for industries where a four-day workweek is feasible. The writer also proposes flexible work arrangements as a solution to balance employee well-being and business needs. 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 a four-day workweek could be beneficial for many workplaces, but it might not work for all industries. Emily mentioned that employees who work fewer days are often more efficient and less stressed, leading to higher productivity. For example, a company in New Zealand saw a 20% increase in output after switching to a four-day workweek.

However, Oliver is right that some businesses, especially in customer service, need to be available more than four days a week. Reducing the workweek could lead to unhappy customers and lost revenue. To make it work, companies could try flexible schedules or remote work options to keep customer service levels high.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and development needed for a higher score. The writer presents a clear opinion that a four-day workweek could be beneficial for many workplaces but acknowledges that it might not work for all industries. The response provides some support for this view, such as the benefits of increased productivity and job satisfaction. However, the argument is not fully developed, and the response lacks detailed reasoning and examples. The second paragraph attempts to address the challenges faced by customer service-oriented businesses but does not add much new information or insight to the discussion. Additionally, there are minor grammatical errors, which could be more clearly stated. Overall, the response addresses the prompt and contributes to the discussion, but it lacks the depth and coherence of a higher-scoring response.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on - Should Workplaces Implement Four-day Workweek

Let's explore the strategies devised by our experts and diligently apply them during practice sessions with TOEFL Writing sample tests!

• Begin your preparation by seeking out opinion articles in newspapers or online platforms and actively engage with them, expressing agreement or disagreement. Dive deeply into those concepts, maximizing your exploration.
• To enhance proficiency, generate varied rationales for your stance on a topic and provide ample supportive points and examples for each rationale. 
• During practice, identify recurring grammatical errors and work on improving them. 
• Develop the skills to rectify your errors and allocate time at the end of your writing sessions to review and incorporate these corrections.

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

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