The Ethics of Food Waste in Developed Countries - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion task, you will engage with the topic, ‘The Ethics of Food Waste in Developed Countries.’ This task evaluates your ability to analyze and discuss ethical issues related to food waste and its implications for society. You will need to synthesize information and articulate your stance on the ethical responsibilities surrounding food waste.

By practicing this task, you'll enhance your skills in presenting arguments and critically evaluating the ethical dimensions of food waste, which are vital for success in 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 ethics. 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 Ethics of Food Waste in Developed Countries 

To improve your writing skills for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, carefully study the two sample responses we have provided, which demonstrate scores of 3 and 5:

Score 3 Response 

I think the most ethical approach to reducing food waste involves a mix of stricter rules and public education. Like Emily said, supermarkets and restaurants should be required to donate extra food to local food banks and shelters. This way, edible food can reach those who need it instead of being thrown away.However, I also agree with Michael that technology can help. Apps that connect consumers with extra food from restaurants and grocery stores can reduce waste. And, better food storage technology can extend the shelf life of perishable items. Combining regulations, education, and technology can create a more efficient system for handling food waste.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the importance of regulations and public education and the role of technology in reducing food waste, 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 "can reach those who need it" instead of "ensures that edible food reaches those who need it most," and "better food storage technology" instead of "improvements in keeping food fresh." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "can help" and "better food storage technology." 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 Michael makes a compelling argument about the role of technology in reducing food waste, I believe that the most ethical approach involves a combination of stricter regulations and public education. Supermarkets, restaurants, and other food producers should be required to donate surplus food to local food banks and shelters. This ensures that edible food reaches those who need it most, rather than ending up in landfills. For example, France has implemented laws requiring supermarkets to donate unsold food, which has significantly reduced food waste and helped feed the hungry.Public education is also crucial in addressing food waste. By raising awareness about the environmental and social impacts of food waste, consumers can be encouraged to buy only what they need and to use leftovers creatively. Educational campaigns can teach people how to store food properly to extend its shelf life and how to plan meals to minimize waste. While technology can certainly aid in these efforts, it should complement rather than replace regulatory measures and educational initiatives. In essence, a multifaceted approach that includes regulations, education, and technology is the most ethical and effective way to reduce food waste in developed countries.

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 importance of regulations, public education, and technology in reducing food waste. 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 need for stricter regulations and provides a concrete example from France, while the second paragraph emphasizes the role of public education and suggests practical measures. 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 Ethics of Food Waste in Developed Countries’:

1. Understand Ethical Considerations: Get acquainted with the ethical implications of food waste, including issues of responsibility, sustainability, and its impact on hunger.

2. Analyze Different Perspectives: Explore various viewpoints on food waste, focusing on the roles of consumers, businesses, and governments in tackling the issue.

3. Develop a Coherent Structure: Organize your essay by summarizing arguments for reducing food waste and discussing its ethical implications, followed by your own argument supported by evidence from readings and lectures.

4. Use Precise Language: Make sure your language is formal and precise, incorporating relevant terminology related to ethics, sustainability, and food security.

Practicing tasks like this one on “The Ethics of Food Waste in Developed Countries” will sharpen your analytical and writing skills. Mastering how to evaluate and discuss ethical dilemmas is crucial for excelling in the TOEFL Writing section.

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