The Impact of Remote Work on Work - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Academic Discussion task, you’ll analyze both a reading passage and a lecture on a significant issue. This task focuses on 'The Impact of Remote Work on Work', a topic that explores how remote work has changed workplace structure and culture.

This practice will help you master the skills required to synthesize contrasting views, crucial 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 modern workplace trends. 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.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Impact of Remote Work on Work

To enhance your understanding of the scoring criteria for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, we have provided two sample responses: one scoring 3 and the other scoring 5:

Score 3 Response 

I think remote work has both good and bad points compared to traditional office work. On the positive side, it gives workers more flexibility and can improve work-life balance. People don't have to spend time commuting, which can be really stressful. They can also create a comfortable work space at home.However, they're are also drawbacks to remote work. Some people might feel isolated and miss the social interaction of an office. It can be harder to collaborate with coworkers when your not in the same physical space. Also, some people might have trouble staying motivated or focused when working from home.I think weather remote work is better depends on the person and the job. Some jobs require face-to-face interaction, while others can be done just as well remotely. Overall, I slightly agree that remote work is more beneficial, but I think it's important to have a balance and options for both remote and office work.

Rater's comment:

This response shows a basic understanding of the topic but contains several grammatical errors and lacks depth. The writer presents both advantages and disadvantages of remote work but doesn't fully explore either. There are notable grammatical mistakes, such as using "they're" instead of "there," "your" instead of "you're," and "weather" instead of "whether." The ideas are somewhat repetitive and not fully developed. The conclusion, while present, is somewhat simplistic and doesn't provide strong support for the writer's position. Overall, this response demonstrates a general grasp of the topic but needs improvement in language use, critical analysis, and providing specific examples to support the arguments.

Score 5 Response 

The debate between remote work and traditional office work is nuanced, with valid arguments on both sides. Remote work offers undeniable benefits such as increased flexibility, elimination of commute time, and potential for improved work-life balance. It allows employees to create personalized work environments that may enhance their productivity and job satisfaction. Additionally, remote work can broaden the talent pool for employers, enabling them to hire from diverse geographical locations.However, remote work is not without challenges. It can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from colleagues, potentially impacting team cohesion and company culture. Spontaneous collaboration and informal knowledge sharing, often facilitated by in-person interactions, may be diminished in a remote setting. Moreover, the blurring of work-life boundaries can sometimes lead to overwork and burnout.Ultimately, the efficacy of remote work versus traditional office work depends on various factors, including the nature of the job, individual preferences, and organizational culture. A hybrid model, offering flexibility while maintaining some in-person interaction, might provide the best of both worlds. While remote work has proven beneficial for many, it's crucial to implement strategies that address its potential drawbacks to maximize its benefits.

Rater's comment:

This response demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the complex issues surrounding remote work. The writer presents a well-balanced argument, effectively exploring both the advantages and disadvantages. The analysis is nuanced, considering not only the immediate impacts but also the broader implications for individuals and organizations. The language used is precise and varied, with complex sentence structures that enhance the flow of ideas. The conclusion offers a thoughtful perspective on finding a balance between remote and traditional work models. Overall, this response shows high-level critical thinking, a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter, and excellent written expression. 

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to approach 'The Impact of Remote Work' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Identify Key Differences: Focus on how the reading may highlight the productivity or flexibility of remote work, while the lecture could point out potential downsides, such as reduced collaboration or team cohesion.

2. Balance Pros and Cons: Think about how remote work can enhance certain aspects of workforce dynamics, like work-life balance, but might also impede others, such as employee engagement or innovation.

3. Address Changing Workplace Norms: Investigate how both the reading and lecture might discuss changes in workplace norms, including communication styles or management approaches in a remote work setting.

4. Use Examples from Both Sources: Include specific examples from both the reading and the lecture to bolster your analysis of the topic.

5. Organize Your Response Effectively: Make sure your writing is well-structured, presenting both sides of the argument and clearly explaining how remote work has impacted workforce dynamics.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Impact of Remote Work on Work', you will improve your ability to evaluate and integrate various perspectives on emerging workforce trends. This preparation will be crucial for succeeding in the TOEFL Writing section.

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