The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Academic Discussion task, you will explore diverse perspectives from a reading passage and a lecture. The topic for this practice test is 'The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World', focusing on how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and job markets.

This exercise will help you build the critical thinking and synthesis skills required to excel 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 technology and society. 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 Future of Work in an AI-Driven World

We have included two sample responses for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, illustrating the differences between a score 3 and a score 5 response:

Score 3 Response

I think the rise of artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it removes. While it's true that AI will replace some jobs, it will also create new opportunities. For example, AI will need people to supervise and maintain it, which will lead to new roles. Emily mentioned how the internet created jobs that didn't exist before, and I think the same will happen with AI.
However, I also understand Oliver's concern about job losses. Many routine tasks can be automated, which will lead to job displacement. But with proper retraining programs, workers can adapt to new roles created by AI. Overall, I believe the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and development needed for a higher score. The writer presents a clear opinion that AI will create more jobs than it removes and provides some support for this view, such as the need for supervision and maintenance of AI systems. However, the argument is not fully developed, and the response lacks detailed reasoning and examples. The second paragraph attempts to address the concern about job losses but does not add much new information or insight to the discussion. Additionally, there are minor grammatical errors, such as "AI will need people to supervise and maintain it," which could be more clearly stated. Overall, the response addresses the prompt and contributes to the discussion, but it lacks the depth and coherence of a higher-scoring response.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to approach 'The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Understand Both Sides: The reading may emphasize how AI boosts productivity and fosters innovation, while the lecture might address concerns such as job displacement and the evolving nature of required skills.

2. Compare and Contrast: Weigh the optimistic perspective of AI generating new opportunities in various industries against the worries regarding the potential loss of traditional jobs.

3. Use Evidence from Both Sources: Incorporate examples from both the reading and the lecture to illustrate how AI is transforming the workforce, while also highlighting the challenges and uncertainties that accompany this shift.

4. Consider Long-Term Implications: Think about the wider societal and economic effects of AI on the future job market, including the necessity for reskilling and adapting to emerging technologies.

5. Present a Balanced View: Make sure your response clearly integrates viewpoints from both the reading and the lecture, showcasing your ability to synthesize different ideas.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World', you will enhance your skills in analyzing and connecting various perspectives, which is crucial for success in the TOEFL Writing section.

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