The Benefits and Risks of Online Learning - TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion

The TOEFL Writing section is designed to evaluate your academic essay-writing skills. It consists of two parts: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion.

In the Academic Discussion task, a professor will give a lecture on a topic, and you’ll be asked to analyze the information and engage in the discussion. You’ll then present your opinion, supported by relevant examples and evidence.

Using sample tests that match the Academic Discussion format is a highly effective way to prepare. Let's begin your practice with our TOEFL Academic Discussion sample test on "The Benefits and Risks of Online Learning".

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: As we dive into the topic of online learning, I want to hear your thoughts on its benefits and risks. Online learning has become more popular, especially in recent years, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. What do you think are the most important benefits and risks associated with online learning?

Emily: I believe that one of the most important benefits of online learning is its flexibility. Students can access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace. This is especially helpful for those who have other commitments like work or family. Also, online learning can provide access to a wider range of courses and resources that might not be available locally. But a big risk is the lack of face-to-face interaction. This can lead to feelings of isolation and make it harder for students to stay motivated.

Michael: Although I agree with Emily that flexibility is a key benefit, I think another important advantage is the potential for personalized learning. Online platforms often use customized learning tools. These tools can tailor the educational experience to individual students' needs. They can also match different learning styles. But one of the biggest risks is the gap in technology access. Not all students have reliable internet access or the necessary technology to participate in online learning. This can make educational inequalities worse.

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 the Benefits and Risks of Online Learning

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 Emily and Michael both highlight significant benefits and risks of online learning, I believe the most important benefit is the accessibility it provides. Online learning can reach students in remote or underserved areas who might not have access to quality education otherwise. This democratization of education can help bridge gaps in educational opportunities and promote lifelong learning.

However, one of the most pressing risks is the potential for decreased academic integrity. The online environment can make it easier for students to engage in dishonest practices, such as plagiarism or cheating on exams. This undermines the value of the education they receive and can have long-term consequences for their professional lives. To mitigate this risk, institutions need to implement robust measures to ensure academic honesty, such as proctored exams and plagiarism detection software. In conclusion, while online learning offers remarkable benefits in terms of accessibility and flexibility, it is crucial to address the challenges to maintain the quality and integrity of education.

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively builds on the points made by Emily and Michael, introducing the concept of accessibility as a key benefit of online learning. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph emphasizes the democratization of education, while the second paragraph addresses the issue of academic integrity and suggests practical solutions. 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 online learning has many benefits, like flexibility and access to more courses. As Emily said, students can study at their own pace, which is great for those with busy schedules.

However, there are also risks. One big risk is the lack of face-to-face interaction, which can make students feel isolated. Another risk, as Michael mentioned, is the technology gap. Not all students have the same access to the internet or devices, which can make it hard for some to participate fully in online learning. We need to find ways to address these issues to make online learning more effective for everyone.

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the benefits and risks of online learning, 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 "great for those with busy schedules" and "find ways to address these issues." 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 the Benefits and Risks of Online Learning

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!

Also Read:

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• Tech-Enhanced Learning - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion