The Effects of Single-Used Plastic - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT®exam evaluates candidates on various abilities, placing particular importance on their communication skills. Among the test sections, the Writing Section is particularly significant, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees.

With this practice test on 'The Effects of Single Used Plastic', it aims to 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.

The effects of single-use plastics on the environment are extremely harmful, requiring urgent action to lessen their impact. One of the biggest issues is the pollution of oceans and waterways. Single-use plastics, like bottles, bags, and straws, often end up in the ocean, where they harm marine life. For example, sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them, which can cause blockages and death. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a huge pile of plastic waste, shows the scale of this problem. Another major concern is how long single-use plastics last in the environment. Unlike organic materials, plastics do not break down naturally; instead, they break into smaller pieces called microplastics. These microplastics can stay in the environment for hundreds of years, entering the food chain and posing risks to both wildlife and human health. Studies have found microplastics in many marine organisms, from plankton to fish, which are then eaten by humans, potentially causing health issues.

Also, the production and disposal of single-use plastics add significantly to harmful gas emissions. The process of making plastics relies heavily on fossil fuels, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. When plastics are burned as a waste management strategy, they release toxic gases and further contribute to air pollution and climate change. A report by the Center for International Environmental Law says the lifecycle of plastics could account for 13% of the global carbon budget by 2050.

Finally, single-use plastics have economic impacts. The cost of cleaning up plastic pollution is high, burdening local governments and taxpayers. For example, coastal communities spend millions of dollars each year on beach cleanups and waste management. Also, the tourism industry suffers as polluted beaches and waterways drive away visitors, leading to lost income and economic opportunities.

Now play the Audio.

Question

Provide a summary on the lecture's main ideas and describe the various claims made in the reading passage by highlighting it.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on ‘The Effects of Single-Used Plastic'

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on ‘The Effects of Single-Used Plastic’

This section provides a thorough evaluation of various responses, including both High-level and Mid-level answers. Through a detailed review of these responses, you can identify areas that need improvement to attain your target score in the TOEFL.

High-Level Response 

Rater’s Comment 

This response merits a high score because it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. The essay is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contrast between the reading and the lecture. For instance, the response begins by summarizing the reading's emphasis on the harmful effects of single-use plastics and then systematically addresses how the lecture counters each point with arguments about practicality, economic impact, environmental costs of alternatives, and broader waste management strategies. The language used is clear and concise, with appropriate transitions that help maintain coherence and flow. Phrases like "the lecture argues," "this contrasts with the reading's focus," and "this counters the reading's argument" effectively signal the relationship between the reading and the lecture. The response also avoids personal opinions, focusing solely on summarizing the content from both sources.

Moreover, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect the overall meaning. The essay's length is appropriate, staying within the word limit while covering all necessary points. Overall, this response meets all the criteria for a high score, showcasing a thorough understanding of the task and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Mid-Level Response 

Rater’s Comment 

This response provides a reasonable summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it has some notable weaknesses that prevent it from achieving a higher score. The essay is generally organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contrast between the reading and the lecture. However, the transitions between ideas are less smooth, and the language is more simplistic compared to a higher-level response. There are a few grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the response. For example, the sentence "This is different from the reading's focus on the environmental harm caused by these plastics" could be clearer if rephrased. Additionally, the sentence "This goes against the reading's argument that single-use plastics are uniquely harmful" is repetitive and could be more concise.

The response also lacks depth in its analysis. While it mentions the main points from both the reading and the lecture, it does not provide detailed explanations or examples to support these points. For instance, the discussion of the economic impact of banning single-use plastics is brief and lacks specific details. Overall, this response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material but falls short in terms of coherence, depth, and language control. The essay meets the minimum requirements but does not go beyond to provide a thorough and well-articulated summary of the reading and lecture.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Effects of Single-Used Plastic

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Effects of Single-Used Plastic :

• Read the passage carefully, taking concise notes on key points.
• Listen actively to the lecture, and evaluate 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.
• Incorporate the given information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions for information from each source to make a point.

Additional Reads:

• TOEFL iBT Integrated: Gain the Ability to Comprehend Information and Express Thoughts in Writing
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• The Role of Urbanization in Environmental Degradation - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test