Taxation Debate - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers

The Writing segment of the TOEFL assesses your writing abilities through two tasks: the Integrated Writing Task and the Academic Discussion Task. This examination is tailored to aid in refining your writing prowess, with specific emphasis placed on the TOEFL Academic Discussion segment.

During this segment of the assessment, you will listen to a brief lecture delivered by a professor on a designated topic. Subsequently, you will be tasked with engaging in a discussion by articulating your perspective and substantiating it with pertinent arguments. 

Through consistent practice with these exercises, you can master the techniques necessary to excel in this task. Let's begin practicing with the Practice test on ‘Taxation Debate’ and elevate your TOEFL preparation!

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. 

Professor: Today's topic of discussion is whether the government should impose taxes on unhealthy products, such as sugary beverages and junk food. On one side of the argument, proponents suggest that taxing these items could deter people from consuming them, consequently reducing health issues. Conversely, opponents argue that such taxes disproportionately affect lower-income families, who often rely on these products as affordable food sources. If you had to take a stance, would you advocate for or against taxing unhealthy products? What reasoning would you offer to support your position?

Harrison: I endorse the notion of imposing taxes on unhealthy products. These items contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, contributing to severe health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As you mentioned, implementing taxes on these products can dissuade individuals from consuming them, thereby addressing some of the associated health concerns. Furthermore, the revenue generated from these taxes can be allocated towards funding advertising campaigns aimed at promoting healthier eating habits.

Ariana: I hold the opinion that implementing taxes on unhealthy products unfairly impacts families with limited financial resources. Affluent individuals are unlikely to be deterred by these taxes, and their consumption habits are unlikely to change significantly. Moreover, when prices rise, individuals often opt for lower-quality, cheaper alternatives, which could exacerbate health issues. If people resort to purchasing low-quality food due to increased prices, they may face even greater health risks. Therefore, I believe there are more effective solutions to address this issue than implementing taxes.

Sample Responses for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on ‘Taxation Debate’

Below, we've presented exemplar responses at different proficiency levels (High and Mid-level). Through examining these contrasts, you'll gain valuable insights into the fundamental aspects essential for achieving a superior performance in the TOEFL examination.

Rater’s Comment

This response acknowledges both perspectives presented by Harrison and Ariana and demonstrates an understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue of taxing unhealthy products. However, there are some grammatical errors and instances of stuttering that slightly disrupt the flow of the argument. Additionally, while the response articulates the importance of holistic health habits and the role of exercise in mitigating health risks, it could benefit from further development and elaboration on these points. Overall, this is a mid-level response that effectively communicates the main ideas but could be strengthened with clearer language and more thorough analysis.

Rater’s Comment

This response offers a sophisticated analysis of the discussion regarding taxing unhealthy products. The writer effectively synthesizes the viewpoints of both Harrison and Ariana before articulating a well-supported stance aligned with Ariana's perspective. The argument is cogently presented, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of health and the importance of considering factors beyond dietary choices. The writer demonstrates nuanced understanding by highlighting the role of physical activity in mitigating health risks and advocating for holistic approaches to health education. Overall, the response exhibits clarity of thought, logical reasoning, and adept language use, making it a high-level TOEFL answer.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task on ‘Taxation Debate’

In tackling the Academic Discussion Writing Task, it's essential to employ strategic approaches to elevate the quality of your response. By adhering to these methodologies, you can adeptly tackle the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Task on the provided topic, demonstrating both your linguistic proficiency and capacity for critical analysis.

• Clearly understand the question, which asks for your personal opinion on whether the government should impose taxes on unhealthy products, considering arguments from both sides presented by your classmates.
• Identify the main arguments presented by Harrison and Ariana. Harrison supports taxing unhealthy products to address health concerns and promote healthier eating habits, while Ariana opposes it, arguing that it unfairly impacts lower-income families and could lead to unintended consequences. Decide on your stance based on the discussion. Do you agree more with Harrison or Ariana, or do you have a different perspective?
• Support your stance with clear reasons and examples. If you agree with Harrison, explain why taxing unhealthy products is necessary to address health issues and improve public health outcomes. If you agree with Ariana, elaborate on the potential negative impacts of such taxes on lower-income families and propose alternative solutions.
• Acknowledge the opposing viewpoint and briefly address it to show that you've considered multiple perspectives. Organize your response with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Ensure coherence and logical flow between your ideas.
• Use formal and academic language appropriate for an academic discussion. Avoid slang or colloquial expressions. Clear and error-free writing enhances clarity and readability.

Remember to share your own response in the comments below. Our TOEFL specialists eagerly await your input for review. Additionally, explore more of our TOEFL Practice tests to further sharpen your skills.