The Impact of International Trade on Local Economies - 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 International Trade on Local Economies', 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 Trade on Local Economies"-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 economics. 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: Next week, we will explore the impact of international trade on local economies. Some argue that international trade benefits local economies by providing access to a wider range of goods and services, while others believe it harms local businesses and jobs. What is your opinion on the impact of international trade on local economies?

Amelia: I think international trade benefits local economies. It lets consumers get different goods and services that might not be available locally. Often, these goods are at lower prices. This increased competition can push local businesses to create new ideas or products and improve their offerings. For instance, local farmers might use new farming methods to compete with imported produce, which benefits consumers with better quality and variety.

Jack: While international trade has its advantages, I believe it can harm local economies by putting small businesses at a disadvantage. Local businesses often can't compete with the lower prices of imported goods. This leads to closures and job losses. For example, a local textile factory might struggle against cheaper imported clothing, resulting in layoffs and economic decline in the community. Protecting local industries is crucial for keeping economic stability and jobs.

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 Trade on Local Economies

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 trade has both good and bad effects on local economies. On one hand, it gives consumers more choices and often at lower prices, like Amelia said. This can be good for people who want to save money. But on the other hand, it can hurt small businesses that can't compete with the low prices of imported goods. Jack's example of a local textile factory is a good one. If they can't sell their products, they might have to close down, and people will lose their jobs. So, while international trade can be beneficial, we need to find ways to help local businesses survive. (Word Count - 106)

Rater’s Comment

This response attempts to address the prompt by acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of international trade. The student agrees with Amelia's point about increased consumer choices and lower prices but also highlights Jack's concern about the impact on small businesses. However, the response lacks depth and detailed reasoning. The example of a local textile factory is relevant but not well-developed. Additionally, there are grammatical errors, such as "it gives consumers more choices and often at lower prices" and "If they can't sell their products, they might have to close down," which affect the overall clarity. The response is generally comprehensible but could benefit from more specific examples and a clearer structure.

Score 5 Response

The impact of international trade on local economies is a multifaceted issue. While Amelia makes a valid point about the benefits of increased variety and competition, I believe the negative effects on local businesses and jobs are more significant. Jack's argument about the disadvantages faced by small businesses is particularly compelling. When local businesses cannot compete with the lower prices of imported goods, it often leads to closures and job losses. This can have a ripple effect on the community, leading to economic decline and reduced local spending. For example, a local bookstore might struggle to compete with cheaper books available online from international sellers, resulting in layoffs and a loss of a community hub. Therefore, while international trade offers some benefits, it is crucial to implement policies that protect local industries to maintain economic stability and job security. (Word count - 139 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear and well-reasoned argument. The student acknowledges the benefits of international trade mentioned by Amelia, such as increased variety and competition, but ultimately sides with Jack's perspective on the negative impact on local businesses and jobs. The response is well-organized, with a logical flow of ideas that build upon each other. The example of a local bookstore struggling against cheaper international options is relevant and helps to illustrate the point. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. Overall, this response demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the 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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