The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT®exam evaluates candidates on various abilities, placing particular importance on their communication skills. Among the test sections, the Writing Section is particularly significant, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees. This practice test on the topic 'The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity' aims to enhance your writing abilities, concentrating specifically on the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL test. It aims to assist you in understanding task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment. So, let's start your journey towards attaining your desired TOEFL score!

Writing Instructions

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard. 
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

Globalization has had a deep impact on cultural identity, often leading to worries about cultures becoming too similar. One big issue is the loss of local cultures. As global brands and media take over, traditional customs, languages, and practices can be pushed aside. For example, the widespread popularity of Western fast food chains and entertainment can reduce the presence of local cuisines and cultural expressions, leading to a loss of cultural diversity. Another concern is the influence of global media on cultural identity. The wide reach of international media can shape perceptions and values, often promoting a similar global culture. This can result in younger generations adopting foreign lifestyles and values at the expense of their own cultural heritage. The dominance of Western media, in particular, can lead to the pushing aside of non-Western cultures and the loss of cultural uniqueness.

Globalization can lead to economic pressures that threaten cultural identity. Local craft workers and traditional industries may struggle to compete with mass-produced goods from global markets. This economic disadvantage can force communities to abandon traditional crafts and practices, further eroding cultural identity. The shift towards a global economy can prioritize efficiency and profit over cultural preservation, leading to the loss of unique cultural traditions.

Also, the spread of a global consumer culture can impact cultural identity. The focus on buying and materialism can overshadow traditional values and ways of life. As people adopt global consumer habits, there can be a shift away from community-oriented practices and values, leading to a more self-centered and less culturally distinct society. This change can weaken the bonds that hold communities together and diminish the richness of cultural diversity.

Now play the Audio.

Question

Summarise on the lecture's main ideas and describe the various manners on the relevance mentioned in some of the reading passage's claims.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on ‘The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity’

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on ‘The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity’

This section provides a thorough evaluation of various responses, including both High-level and Mid-level answers. Through a detailed review of these responses, you can identify areas that need improvement to attain your target score in the TOEFL.

High-Level Response

Rater’s Comment 

This response deserves a high score because it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific counterargument presented in the lecture. For instance, the first body paragraph discusses the opportunities for cultural exchange and growth, directly countering the reading's claim that globalization leads to the loss of local cultures. The second body paragraph addresses the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, which opposes the reading's assertion that globalization creates economic pressures on traditional industries. The third body paragraph discusses the empowerment of individuals to showcase their cultural identity, providing a clear example of how globalization can strengthen cultural identity, as mentioned in the lecture. The fourth body paragraph highlights the creation of new, mixed cultural forms, challenging the reading's claim that globalization promotes a global consumer culture.

The response also maintains a neutral and objective tone, avoiding personal opinions and focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture. The use of transitions, such as "however," "additionally," and "lastly," helps to clearly signal the relationship between the reading and the lecture, making the response easy to follow. Moreover, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect meaning. Overall, this response effectively presents all key information from both the reading and the lecture, making it a well-rounded and coherent essay.

Mid-Level Response 

Rater’s Comment 

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks some depth and detail, which is why it falls into the mid-level category. The response is generally well-organized, but it omits some important information and examples that would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the material. For instance, while the response mentions the opportunities for cultural exchange and growth, it does not fully explain how increased access to diverse cultures fosters greater understanding and tolerance, as highlighted in the lecture. Similarly, the discussion on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage is brief and does not provide specific examples of how the global market creates economic opportunities for local craft workers.

Additionally, the response contains some grammatical errors that affect the overall clarity and coherence. For example, the sentence "The global market provides a platform for traditional crafts and cultural products to reach a wider audience" could be clearer with better punctuation. Another example is the sentence "This can strengthen cultural identity and foster a sense of pride and belonging," which could be improved for clarity. Overall, while the response captures the main points from both the reading and the lecture, it lacks the depth, detail, and grammatical accuracy needed for a higher score.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity:

• Read the passage carefully, taking concise notes on key points.
• Listen actively to the lecture, and evaluate its relationship to the reading.
• Begin your response by clearly stating how the lecture relates to the reading.
• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Incorporate the given information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions for information from each source to make a point.

Additional Reads:

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