The Impact of Nuclear Energy on Sustainable Development - 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 Nuclear Energy on Sustainable Development', 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 environmental science. 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.

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 but 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 specific examples and evidence to support the claims. Additionally, the writer fails to address the counterargument presented by Oliver.

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 tackle the topic on 'The Impact of Nuclear Energy on Sustainable Development' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Identify Key Arguments: Focus on the main ideas presented in both the reading and the lecture regarding how nuclear energy contributes to or detracts from sustainable development.

2. Analyze Different Perspectives: Pay attention to how each source presents the implications of nuclear energy on environmental and economic sustainability.

3. Structure Your Response: Ensure your writing has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, presenting each perspective systematically.

4. Use Clear Language: Aim for clarity and precision in your writing, making sure your ideas are easily understandable. 

5. Practice Time Management: Develop your ability to write a coherent response within the time limits to simulate exam conditions.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Impact of Nuclear Energy on Sustainable Development', you will enhance your capacity to analyze differing viewpoints and express your ideas clearly. This preparation will be invaluable for achieving success in the TOEFL Writing section.

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