The Effects of 3D Printing on Manufacturing Industries - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^® exam evaluates candidates on different types of abilities, especially on their communication skills. Among all the test sections, the Writing Section is one of the significant ones, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees.

The practice test on 'The Effects of 3D Printing on Manufacturing Industries' would help you enhance your writing abilities, concentrating specifically on the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL test. It aims to assist you in understanding task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment. So, let's start your journey towards attaining your desired TOEFL score!

Writing Instructions:

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard.
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has greatly impacted the manufacturing industries by offering many benefits. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to produce complex and customized products easily. Traditional manufacturing methods often need expensive molds and tooling, making customization costly and slow. But 3D printing allows for the creation of detailed designs directly from digital files, enabling quick model creation and personalized production at a lower cost.

Another benefit of 3D printing is its potential to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Traditional manufacturing processes often involve methods where material is removed from a larger block to create the final product. This can result in a lot of material waste. 3D printing, on the other hand, builds objects layer by layer, using only the necessary amount of material. This not only minimizes waste but also allows for the use of recycled and materials that break down naturally, contributing to more environmentally friendly production practices.

Also, 3D printing can simplify supply chains and reduce waiting times. By enabling on-demand production, companies can manufacture parts and products as needed, rather than maintaining large inventories. This can lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency. Also, 3D printing can make production local, reducing the need for long-distance shipping and lowering transportation costs and emissions.

However, the widespread adoption of 3D printing in manufacturing is not without challenges. The initial investment in 3D printing technology can be high, and there are limits in terms of the materials that can be used. While 3D printing is suitable for producing models and small batches, it may not yet be viable for large-scale production of certain items. Also, there are concerns about the quality and durability of 3D-printed products compared to those made using traditional methods.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise on the assertions and claims made in the lecture and highlight their relevance to the arguments made in the reading passage.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on the Effects of 3D Printing on Manufacturing Industries

Curious about what a good TOEFL score looks like? Check it out first, then explore the Integrated Writing sample answers!

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on the Effects of 3D Printing on Manufacturing Industries

A comprehensive analysis of various responses is provided below, enabling you to identify areas requiring improvement to achieve your target score.

High-Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and concise summary of both the reading and the lecture. The writer effectively captures the main points from the reading, such as the ease of customization, sustainability, and supply chain simplification offered by 3D printing. The response then systematically addresses how the lecture challenges each of these points, providing specific examples like the limitations in material properties, high energy consumption, and inconsistent quality control.

The essay is well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. The use of transitions like "however" and "in summary" helps to maintain a logical flow, making the essay easy to follow. The language is clear and straightforward, avoiding overly complex words and sentences, which aligns well with the writing style of a college graduate.

Moreover, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect the overall meaning. This level of clarity and coherence, combined with the accurate representation of both the reading and the lecture, justifies the high score.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response earns a mid-level score due to its partial but not comprehensive summary of the reading and the lecture. The writer captures some key points from both sources, such as the ease of customization and the potential for sustainability offered by 3D printing. However, the response lacks depth in explaining how the lecture challenges these points. For instance, the explanation of the limitations in material properties and the high energy consumption of 3D printing are mentioned but not elaborated upon.

The essay is somewhat organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point, but the transitions between ideas are not as smooth as they could be. The use of phrases like "but" and "also" helps to some extent, but the overall flow could be improved. There are noticeable grammatical and punctuation errors, such as "But the lecture says many 3D-printed products lack the strength and durability of those made with traditional methods" and "The lecture disagrees, saying that while 3D printing generates less material waste, it often requires long periods of operation, leading to high energy consumption." These errors do not severely hinder understanding but do affect the overall clarity and coherence of the essay.

Overall, the response provides a limited summary of the reading and the lecture, with some lapses in organization and coherence, justifying the mid-level score.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Effects of 3D Printing on Manufacturing Industries 

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Effects of 3D Printing on Manufacturing Industries .

• Read the passage carefully and taking concise notes on key points is ideal.
• Listen actively to the lecture, noting its relationship to the reading.
• Begin your response by clearly stating how the lecture relates to the reading.
• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Integrate information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions and attributions for information from each source.

Prepared to enhance your TOEFL writing skills? Our collection of example responses and professional tips is here to support you in your journey. It's time to put your abilities to the test with some hands-on practice!

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