The Effects of Single-Parent Households on Children's Development - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task, you will explore the topic, ‘The Effects of Single-Parent Households on Children's Development.’ This task evaluates your ability to discuss academic topics coherently, combining ideas from both reading and lecture passages.

Practicing this task will improve your ability to connect diverse viewpoints, helping you craft well-structured responses for the TOEFL Writing section.

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.

Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professors 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. You have ten minutes to write.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Effects of Single-Parent Households on Children's Development 

Analyze the two sample responses for the Academic Discussion Writing Task to identify the key characteristics that distinguish a score 3 from a score 5 response:

Score 3 Response 

I think children in single-parent households do face more challenges compared to those in two-parent households. Like Emily said, single parents often have to juggle many responsibilities, which can lead to less time and resources for their children. This can affect their academic performance and emotional well-being.However, I also agree with Michael that the quality of parenting is very important. Many single parents are dedicated and create a nurturing environment for their children. With the right support systems, like community programs and extended family help, children in single-parent households can thrive just as well as those in two-parent households. Its important to provide support to these families to help them succeed.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the challenges faced by children in single-parent households and the importance of quality parenting, aligning with points made by Emily and Michael. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some grammatical errors, such as "do face more challenges" instead of "may face more challenges," and "very important" instead of "crucial." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "very important" and "help them succeed." While the student makes a valid contribution to the discussion, the response could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a more formal tone.

Score 5 Response 

While both Emily and Michael raise important points, I believe that children in single-parent households do face more challenges compared to those raised in two-parent households. Single parents often have to juggle multiple responsibilities, which can lead to less time and resources for their children. This can impact various aspects of a child's development, including academic performance, emotional well-being, and social skills.However, it is crucial to recognize that these challenges can be mitigated with the right support systems. Strong community support, extended family involvement, and access to quality education and healthcare can significantly bridge the gap. For instance, after-school programs and community centers can provide additional resources and support for children in single-parent households. Additionally, the quality of parenting and emotional stability provided by the single parent are critical factors in a child's development. Many single parents are highly dedicated and create nurturing environments that foster independence and resilience in their children. In essence, while single-parent households may present more challenges, the availability of robust support systems and quality parenting can help children thrive.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively synthesizes the points made by Emily and Michael, providing a balanced view that acknowledges the challenges faced by children in single-parent households while emphasizing the importance of support systems and quality parenting. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Emily's viewpoint on the challenges and the need for support systems, while the second paragraph incorporates Michael's emphasis on quality parenting and emotional stability. 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.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to effectively approach the topic, ‘The Effects of Single-Parent Households on Children's Development’:

1. Identify Key Themes: Concentrate on significant aspects, such as emotional growth, educational achievements, and social influences on children raised in single-parent households.

2. Compare Perspectives: Pay attention to how the reading and lecture may present differing or complementary viewpoints. Emphasize how each source discusses the impact on children's development.

3. Craft a Balanced Argument: Offer a comprehensive analysis by summarizing both sides of the discussion, weaving in key points from the texts along with your insights.

4. Use Precise Vocabulary: Incorporate relevant terminology like "family dynamics," "emotional stability," or "child development" to articulate your points clearly and academically.

5. Time Management: Organize your response by setting aside time for brainstorming, drafting, and reviewing. This will help you produce a polished and coherent response within the given timeframe.

By engaging with topics like ‘The Effects of Single-Parent Households on Children's Development,’ you'll enhance your ability to evaluate complex social issues and construct persuasive arguments. Developing these skills is crucial for success in the TOEFL Writing section.

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