The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Urban Infrastructure - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion 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 Electric Vehicles on Urban Infrastructure', 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 Electric Vehicles on Urban Infrastructure"-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 urban planning. 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 electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, cities need to adapt their systems to support them. This includes installing charging stations, updating the electrical grid, and possibly redesigning roads. Do you think the benefits of electric vehicles support the costs and efforts required to update urban systems? Why or why not?

Emily: I believe the benefits of electric vehicles do support the costs and efforts required to update urban systems. EVs produce less pollution, which can greatly improve air quality in cities. This leads to better public health and lower healthcare costs. And, investing in EV facilities can create jobs and boost economic growth. Over time, the first costs will be balanced by these long-term benefits, making it a worthwhile investment.

Harry: Although I see the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, I am not convinced that the costs and efforts to update urban systems are supported. Installing charging stations and upgrading the electrical grid are expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, not everyone can afford an electric vehicle, which means the benefits may not be evenly spread. I think we should focus on improving public transportation and other sustainable options that can benefit more people.

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 Electric Vehicles on Urban Infrastructure

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 electric vehicles (EVs) do support the costs and efforts to update urban systems, but it is not without challenges. EVs help reduce pollution, which is good for the environment and public health. This can lead to lower healthcare costs in the long run. However, installing charging stations and upgrading the electrical grid is expensive and takes time. Not everyone can afford an EV, so the benefits might not reach everyone equally. Instead of focusing only on EVs, cities should also improve public transportation. This can help more people and reduce traffic congestion. In conclusion, while EVs have many benefits, we should balance our investments to include other sustainable options. (Word Count - 114)

Rater’s Comment

This response earns a mid-level score due to its attempt to address the prompt but lacks depth and clarity in its argument. The writer acknowledges the environmental and public health benefits of electric vehicles, which is a positive aspect. However, the response does not provide sufficient detail or examples to fully support these points. For instance, the mention of lower healthcare costs is not elaborated upon, leaving the argument underdeveloped. The response also highlights the challenges of installing charging stations and upgrading the electrical grid, which is a valid concern. However, the writer does not offer any solutions or suggestions to address these challenges, making the argument less compelling. The statement "Not everyone can afford an EV, so the benefits might not reach everyone equally" is a good point, but it is not expanded upon or supported with examples.

The suggestion to improve public transportation is a valuable contribution to the discussion, but it is not integrated well with the rest of the argument. The response ends abruptly with a brief conclusion that does not effectively summarize the main points or provide a strong closing statement. Additionally, there are grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the response. For example, the sentence "Not everyone can afford an EV, so the benefits might not reach everyone equally" could be improved for better readability. Overall, while the response addresses the prompt and presents some relevant points, it lacks the depth, coherence, and detailed support needed for a higher score.

Score 5 Response

While Harry raises valid concerns, I firmly believe that the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) justify the costs and efforts required to update urban systems. Firstly, EVs significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial for combating climate change. This environmental benefit alone can lead to improved public health and reduced healthcare costs, as Emily mentioned. Additionally, the initial investment in infrastructure, such as charging stations and grid updates, can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in construction, maintenance, and technology sectors. Moreover, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance for EV owners can offset the higher initial purchase price, making EVs more accessible over time. Governments can also offer incentives and subsidies to make EVs affordable for a broader population. While improving public transportation is essential, it should not be an either-or situation. Cities can and should invest in both EV infrastructure and public transportation to create a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment. In conclusion, the long-term environmental, economic, and health benefits of EVs far outweigh the initial costs and efforts required to update urban systems. By investing in EV infrastructure now, cities can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. (Word count - 197 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-developed argument that effectively addresses the prompt. The writer begins by acknowledging Harry's concerns, which demonstrates an understanding of the opposing viewpoint. This is followed by a strong argument in favor of electric vehicles, emphasizing their environmental benefits and the potential for improved public health and reduced healthcare costs. The response also highlights the economic advantages, such as job creation and long-term savings for EV owners, which adds depth to the argument. The writer's suggestion that governments can offer incentives to make EVs more affordable shows a practical approach to addressing the issue of accessibility. Additionally, the response wisely points out that investing in EV infrastructure and public transportation should not be mutually exclusive, thereby contributing a nuanced perspective to the discussion.

The response is well-organized, with each paragraph logically flowing into the next. The language is clear and concise, and there are no major grammatical errors that interfere with understanding. Overall, the response effectively supports the writer's opinion with relevant reasons and examples, making it a strong contribution to the academic 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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