The Impact of Automation on the Future of Manual Labor - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

The TOEFL Academic Discussion task evaluates your ability to synthesize information from both reading and listening materials. In this practice test, you’ll engage with the topic The Impact of Automation on the Future of Manual Labour, analyzing contrasting viewpoints and formulating a well-structured response.

This exercise will improve your skills in articulating and organizing your ideas, which is essential 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 the future of work. 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 Impact of Automation on the Future of Manual Labour

To gain a better understanding of the scoring criteria for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, examine the two sample responses provided and note the specific characteristics that contribute to a higher score:

Score 3 Response

I believe that automation will have a negative impact on the future of manual labor. While it may lead to increased efficiency and productivity, it will also result in significant job losses. Many jobs that have traditionally been performed by human workers will be replaced by machines, leading to unemployment and economic instability.For example, in the manufacturing industry, robots and other automated systems can now perform tasks that were once done by human workers. This has led to significant job losses in many factories and manufacturing plants around the world. Similarly, in the transportation industry, self-driving cars and trucks are becoming increasingly common, which could lead to job losses for truck drivers and taxi drivers.Although new jobs may be created in the field of technology, these jobs will not be enough to offset the job losses in other industries. Many of the new jobs that are being created require specialized skills and training, which may be difficult for displaced workers to acquire.Therefore, I believe that automation will have a negative impact on the future of manual labor. While it may lead to increased efficiency and productivity, it will also result in significant job losses and economic instability.

Rater's Comment:

This response provides a clear opinion and offers some supporting evidence, but it lacks depth and analysis. The writer focuses primarily on the negative impacts of automation, ignoring the potential benefits. The response could be improved by providing more specific examples and evidence to support the claims. Additionally, the writer fails to address the counterargument presented by Oliver, which could strengthen the overall argument.

Score 5 Response

The impact of automation on the future of manual labor is a complex issue with both positive and negative consequences. While it is true that automation will lead to job losses in certain sectors, it will also create new opportunities in others. For example, the rise of automation will likely lead to increased demand for skilled workers in fields such as data science, robotics, and artificial intelligence.Moreover, automation can improve workplace safety and efficiency by taking over tasks that are dangerous or repetitive. This can free up human workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity. However, it is important to ensure that the transition to automation is managed carefully to minimize disruptions and to provide support for displaced workers.In conclusion, while automation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of manual labor, the overall effect is likely to be positive. By carefully managing the transition and investing in education and training, we can ensure that the benefits of automation are maximized while the negative consequences are minimized.

Rater's Comment:

This response demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic and provides a well-balanced argument. The writer effectively addresses both the positive and negative impacts of automation, supporting their claims with specific examples and evidence. The response also acknowledges the potential challenges associated with automation and offers solutions for mitigating them. This is a strong example of a high-scoring response.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to approach 'The Impact of Automation on the Future of Manual Labor' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Identify Key Arguments: Concentrate on the main points made in both the reading and the lecture about how automation influences manual labor.

2. Analyze Different Perspectives: Notice how each source discusses the effects of automation on workers and the job market.

3. Structure Your Response: Make sure your writing includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, presenting each viewpoint in an organized manner.

4. Use Clear Language: Strive for clarity and precision in your writing, ensuring that your ideas are easily understood.

5. Practice Time Management: Work on your ability to write a coherent response within the time constraints to mimic exam conditions.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Impact of Automation on the Future of Manual Labor', you will improve your ability to analyze various viewpoints and articulate your ideas effectively. This preparation will be crucial for succeeding in the TOEFL Writing section.

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