The Impact of International Sanctions on Global Diplomacy - 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 International Sanctions on Global Diplomacy', 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 International Sanctions on Global Diplomacy"-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 international relations. 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:  In our next class, we will discuss the impact of international sanctions on global diplomacy. Some argue that sanctions are an effective tool for compelling countries to change their behavior, while others believe they can harm diplomatic relations and hurt innocent civilians. What is your opinion on the effectiveness of international sanctions in global diplomacy?

Jessica: I think international sanctions are a good way to force countries to change their actions. For example, sanctions on Iran have pushed its government to talk about nuclear issues. Sanctions can cut a country off economically and politically. This makes it hard for them to keep doing harmful things. But they might hurt civilians a bit. The long-term benefits of supporting global security and stability are worth it.

Henry: I believe international sanctions often harm diplomatic relations and hurt innocent people more than they change government actions. For example, sanctions on North Korea have caused suffering among its people without really changing the government's policies. Sanctions can create anger and hostility, making talks harder. Rather, we should focus on dialogue and engagement to solve international conflicts.

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 International Sanctions on Global Diplomacy

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 international sanctions can be useful, but they often hurt innocent people more than they help. For example, the sanctions on North Korea has caused a lot of suffering for regular people, but the government still doesn't change its policies. This makes people angry and can make it harder to have talks. Instead of just using sanctions, we should try to talk and work together to solve problems. Dialogue and engagement might be a better way to make real changes. (Word Count - 81)

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student expresses a clear opinion, agreeing with Henry that sanctions often harm innocent civilians more than they compel governments to change their behavior. The example of North Korea is relevant and supports the student's argument. However, the response contains grammatical errors, such as "the sanctions on North Korea has caused" instead of "the sanctions on North Korea have caused," which affects the overall readability. Additionally, the misuse of the preposition "for" in "suffering for regular people" should be "suffering among regular people." These errors, while not severely hindering comprehension, do detract from the overall quality of the response. The argument is also somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the depth and critical analysis seen in higher-scoring responses. The suggestion to focus on dialogue and engagement is a good contribution to the discussion, but it could be expanded with more specific reasoning or examples. Overall, the response is clear and relevant but falls short in terms of depth, coherence, and grammatical accuracy, placing it in the mid-level range.

Score 5 Response

While Jessica raises a valid point about the potential effectiveness of sanctions in compelling governments to negotiate, I tend to agree more with Henry's perspective. Sanctions often have unintended consequences that disproportionately affect innocent civilians rather than the targeted regimes. For instance, the sanctions on North Korea have indeed led to significant humanitarian issues without achieving substantial policy changes. This can foster resentment and further entrench the ruling governments stance, making diplomatic resolutions more challenging. Instead, a strategy focused on dialogue and engagement might yield better long-term results. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we can address the root causes of conflicts more effectively and sustainably. (Word count - 107 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear, well-structured argument and effective engagement with the ongoing discussion. The student begins by acknowledging Jessica's viewpoint, which demonstrates an understanding of the different perspectives in the debate. The response then clearly states the student's own opinion, aligning more with Henry's argument that sanctions often harm innocent civilians and strain diplomatic relations. The use of specific examples, such as the sanctions on North Korea, effectively supports the student's argument and illustrates the real-world implications of sanctions. The response also proposes an alternative approach, emphasizing dialogue and engagement, which adds depth to the discussion and shows critical thinking. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic setting, and the response is free from major grammatical errors, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout. Overall, the response is well-developed, logically organized, and contributes meaningfully to the discussion, making it deserving of a high score.

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!

Additional Reads:

• Teamwork - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Is a Vegetarian Diet Healthier for the Environment and Humans - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test
• Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test
• Wearing Masks During Pandemic - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Questions with Answer Key
• The Role of Space Exploration in Advancing Science - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test