The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication and Privacy - TOEFL Academic discussion Writing Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, the writing test assesses a candidate's ability to write academically, where they are required to successfully integrate the knowledge into their work and organize the ideas coherently. The two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing, make up the Writing Section.

In this practice test on 'The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication and Privacy', you will hear a lecture on a certain subject from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity. After that, you'll take part in a conversation where you'll have to voice your opinion and provide solid justification for it

The best method to get ready for this part of the test is to practice on tests specifically made for the Academic Discussion format. Let's start your study with our "The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication and Privacy"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam.

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.

Professor: As we dive into the topic of 5G technology, I want to hear your thoughts on its effects. Do you think the benefits of 5G technology in improving communication outweigh the potential privacy concerns? Why or why not?

Sophie: I believe the benefits of 5G technology in improving communication do outweigh the potential privacy concerns. With faster speeds and lower delays, 5G can change industries like healthcare and transportation. It makes services more efficient and accessible. For example, remote surgeries and real-time traffic management become possible. While privacy is a valid concern, I think strong rules and advanced data protection methods can reduce these risks. This ensures that the advantages of 5G are fully realized.

George: I disagree with Sophie. The potential privacy concerns with 5G technology are too significant to overlook. With the increased number of connected devices, the risk of data breaches and spying grows quickly. For example, smart home devices could be hacked, leading to severe privacy violations. Until we have foolproof security measures in place, the risks to personal privacy are too great to justify the widespread use of 5G technology.

Before delving into sample responses, let us examine the parameters of a strong TOEFL score!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication and Privacy

Below are the two responses for the Academic Discussion Writing question where one of them showcases a mid-level proficiency while the other exhibits a high level of skills. Through examining the distinctions, you will acquire valuable insights into the components that lead to attaining an exceptional score in the Writing section.

Score 3 Response

I think the benefits of 5G technology do outweigh the privacy concerns. 5G can make communication faster and more reliable, which is important for many industries. For example, in healthcare, doctors can perform remote surgeries, and in transportation, traffic can be managed in real-time. These improvements can save lives and make our daily lives easier. However, George is right that privacy is a big issue. With more devices connected, there is a higher risk of data breaches. But I believe that with better security measures, these risks can be reduced. Companies and governments need to work together to protect our data. (Word Count - 101)

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and detail of a higher-scoring response. The student presents a clear stance, agreeing that the benefits of 5G technology outweigh the privacy concerns. Specific examples in healthcare and transportation are provided to support the argument, which adds some depth to the discussion. However, the response is somewhat superficial and does not delve deeply into the complexities of the issue. The student acknowledges George's concerns about privacy but offers a rather simplistic solution, stating that better security measures can reduce risks without elaborating on what those measures might entail. Additionally, there are minor grammatical errors that affect the overall quality of the response. For instance, the misuse of the preposition "in" instead of "on" in "in healthcare" and the incorrect verb usage in "traffic can be managed in real-time" instead of "traffic can be managed in real-time." These errors, while not severely impacting comprehension, do detract from the overall polish of the response. Overall, the response is clear and relevant but lacks the depth, detail, and grammatical accuracy required for a higher score.

Score 5 Response

While both Sophie and George raise valid points, I lean towards supporting the benefits of 5G technology despite the privacy concerns. The transformative potential of 5G in various sectors is immense. For instance, in healthcare, 5G can enable telemedicine and remote surgeries, making healthcare more accessible and efficient. Similarly, in transportation, real-time traffic management can significantly reduce congestion and improve safety. However, George's concerns about privacy are legitimate. The proliferation of connected devices does increase the risk of data breaches. But I believe that with stringent regulations and advanced encryption technologies, these risks can be mitigated. Governments and tech companies must collaborate to develop robust security frameworks that protect user data. Moreover, the economic benefits of 5G cannot be ignored. Faster internet speeds and lower latency can boost productivity and innovation across industries, leading to economic growth. While privacy concerns should not be dismissed, they should be addressed through comprehensive policies and technological advancements rather than hindering the adoption of 5G. (Word count - 161 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively addresses both sides of the debate, acknowledging George's valid concerns about privacy while emphasizing the transformative benefits of 5G technology. The response is well-organized, beginning with an introduction that sets the stage for the discussion, followed by specific examples in healthcare and transportation to support the argument. The student also proposes a balanced solution by advocating for stringent regulations and advanced encryption technologies to mitigate privacy risks. The conclusion ties the argument together by highlighting the economic benefits of 5G, making a compelling case for its adoption. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. Overall, the response demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the ongoing discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task may seem difficult and can cause you to become nervous. But don't feel scared! You can do this task effectively by incorporating a few vital strategies to ace your proficiency in academic writing.

• It is important to have a detailed examination of the question which is necessary to comprehend both the main idea and the setting for that specific question. It is necessary to consider the provided guidelines, such as providing a response that addresses all relevant angles.
• Finding the key arguments is made simpler by dissecting the question into its constituent parts. It's critical to successfully manage each component at the same time while organising the response.
• Before attempting to write the answer, always plan and come up with ideas and use them as examples so that you can showcase a range of perspectives.
• Making an outline ensures that the response is cohesive and the concepts are well-organized.
• Giving evidence or statistics to support assertions and points of view demonstrates your grasp of the subject.
• Avoid using any slang or informal language; instead, stick to professional language and academic terminologies, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.

Finally, it's time for you to shine! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are more than willing to provide valuable feedback which would help you achieve your target score!  Let's improve your writing skills together!

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