Social Media - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers

The writing section of the TOEFL test evaluates your proficiency in academic writing, requiring you to organize ideas logically and integrate information effectively. It consists of two parts: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion.

In the Academic Discussion task, you will listen to a professor's lecture on a specific topic. Subsequently, you will participate in a discussion by expressing your opinion and supporting it with arguments.

The most effective way to prepare for this aspect of the exam is by practicing with dedicated tests designed for the Academic Discussion format. Let's begin your preparation with our TOEFL Academic Discussion practice test on the topic “Social Media.”

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.

Hold on a second!  Before diving into sample responses, let’s check out what constitutes a good TOEFL score!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on Social Media

We have presented two responses below to the Academic Discussion Writing question - one showcasing a mid-level proficiency and the other exhibiting a high level of skill. Through examining the distinctions, you will acquire valuable insights into the components that lead to attaining an exceptional score in the Writing section.

Score 3 Response

I think social media is a disadvantage on the society. Though platforms like Facebook and Instagram have facilitated global connection, their negative impacts cannot be ignored. One important disadvantage is the increase of mental health issues among young people, who experience increase feelings of lonelyness, depression, and anxiety due to excessive social media use. I also believe individuals facing harassment in online spaces. In light of these concerns, I think it’s clear that the harms of social media are more than its benefits, so greater regulation and awareness is important to tackle its negative impacts on society. (97 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response addresses the question by discussing the negative aspects of social media but lacks depth and coherence. There are grammatical errors as well as spelling errors that disrupt the flow of the response. While the writer presents some relevant points, the analysis is limited, and the argumentation is not fully developed. The length of the response should ideally be more than 100 words. Overall, this is a mid-level answer as it demonstrates an understanding of the topic but lacks sophistication and coherence compared to a high-level response.

Score 5 Response

In my opinion, the advent of social media has undeniably revolutionized communication, fostering unprecedented global connectivity and facilitating interactions across geographical boundaries. However, this technological advancement has also given rise to a myriad of challenges and concerns. The proliferation of misinformation on social media has led to societal polarization and undermined the credibility of traditional sources of information. Moreover, the prevalence of cyberbullying poses significant risks to mental health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as adolescents. Additionally, the phenomenon of social media addiction has emerged as a pressing issue, with individuals experiencing detrimental effects on their well-being due to excessive usage. While the benefits of social media are evident, it is crucial to critically evaluate its detrimental impacts and implement measures to mitigate them. Therefore, while social media offers numerous advantages in terms of connectivity and communication, the harms associated with misinformation, cyberbullying, and addiction cannot be overlooked. It is imperative for society to address these challenges effectively to ensure the responsible and ethical use of social media platforms. (169 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response demonstrates a high level of proficiency in academic writing for the TOEFL Academic Discussion task. The candidate effectively addresses the question by providing a comprehensive analysis of the influence of social media on society, considering both its positive and negative aspects. The arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples and explanations. The language used is sophisticated, with a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, showcasing the candidate's mastery of English. Moreover, the response exhibits coherence and organization, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Overall, this is a high-level answer that effectively meets the criteria for the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion test.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The first impression of the TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task might make you feel anxious. Nevertheless, fear not! With the deliberate application of a few essential strategies, you can tackle this task confidently and showcase your academic writing skills effectively.

• Carefully analyzing the question is crucial to understanding the main topic and the specific question being asked. Instructions provided, such as discussing both sides of an argument, should be noted for consideration in the response.
• Breaking down the question into key components helps identify the main arguments or perspectives presented. Structuring the response to address each aspect effectively is essential.
• Brainstorming ideas and examples before writing allows for the exploration of different angles or perspectives in the response.
• Creating an outline before writing ensures the organisation of thoughts and maintains coherence in the response.
• Supporting arguments with relevant examples, facts, or personal experiences strengthens the argument and demonstrates an understanding of the topic.
• Using formal language and academic vocabulary appropriate for the task is necessary. Avoiding slang or informal expressions and paying attention to grammar and punctuation is important.

Now it's your turn to shine! Craft your response to the practice question and share it in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are ready to provide valuable feedback and launch you towards your target score!  Let's supercharge your writing skills together!

Additional Reads: