The Impact of Social Media on Human Interaction - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

Wait! Before you check out the sample answers to the Writing Integrated task, let’s learn what a good TOEFL score is!

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on the Impact of Social Media on Human Interaction

Review the two sample responses, one at a mid-level and the other at a high-level. Comparing these examples will give you useful insights to help enhance and polish your writing response.

High-Level Response

The reading passage highlights the benefits of social media, such as improved communication, self-expression, professional networking, and access to information. However, the lecture presents several counterarguments to these points.

Firstly, while the reading claims that social media strengthens relationships, the lecture argues that it can lead to shallow connections. Online interactions often lack the emotional depth of face-to-face communication, making people feel lonely and isolated despite having many online friends.

Secondly, the reading praises social media for providing real-time news and information. In contrast, the lecture points out the spread of misinformation as a significant issue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, false information about the virus and vaccines spread widely, causing confusion and mistrust among the public.

Thirdly, the reading mentions the positive impact of social media on professional networking. However, the lecture highlights the stress and burnout associated with maintaining a professional online presence. The competitive environment on platforms like LinkedIn can be overwhelming and detract from real professional growth.

Lastly, the reading emphasizes the empowerment and self-expression that social media offers. The lecture, however, notes that constant exposure to idealized images can harm mental health. Seeing others' seemingly perfect lives can lower self-esteem and increase anxiety and depression, especially among younger users.

Rater's Comment

This response deserves the highest 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 point from the reading and its corresponding counterargument from the lecture. The language used is clear and concise, with appropriate transitions that help maintain coherence and flow.

Additionally, the response maintains objectivity, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. The grammar and vocabulary are strong. Overall, this response demonstrates a high level of proficiency, making it deserving of the highest score.

Mid-Level Response

The reading passage talks about the benefits of social media, like better communication, self-expresson, professional networking, and access to information. But the lecture point out some negative effects.

First, the reading says social media helps relationships, but the lecture say it can make relationships shallow. People might have many online friends but still feel lonely because online interactions lack emotional depth.

Second, the passage says social media are a good source of news. However, the lecture mentions the spread of misinformation. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, false information about the virus and vaccines spread widely, causing confusion.

Third, the reading passage talks about professional networking benefits. But the lecture says it can be stressful. Keeping profiles updated and maintaining a professional online presence can be overwhelming and lead to burnout.

Lastly, the reading says social media empowers people and helps them express themselves. The lecture, however, says that seeing idealized images of others' lives can harm mental health. It can lower self-esteem and increase anxiety and depression, especially among younger users.

Rater's Comment

This response provides a basic summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks depth and detail, which is why it falls into the mid-level category. There are also some grammatical errors that affect the overall quality of the response. The response does paraphrase the information from the reading and the lecture, but it lacks the nuance and detail that would demonstrate a deeper understanding of the material.

Overall, while the response covers the main points and shows a basic understanding of the material, it lacks the depth, detail, and language control needed for a higher score.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Impact of Social Media on Human Interaction

Here are some useful tips to help you succeed in this task:

• Carefully read the passage to identify key points about how fast fashion impacts the environment.
• Listen to the lecture, noting any points that either support or contradict the passage, especially in terms of environmental consequences.
• Examine the connection between the reading and lecture, paying attention to how they complement or oppose each other.
• Plan your essay with a clear structure: an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both the reading and lecture, and a conclusion.
• Emphasize the similarities and differences in viewpoints, explaining how they overlap or contrast on the issue.

Now that you've explored sample responses and strategies, it's your turn to practice and sharpen your skills!

Also Read:

• The Role of Volunteerism in Community Development - TOEFL Writing Integrated Test
• The Role of Vaccination in Public Health - TOEFL Writing Integrated Test
• The Role of Urbanization in Environmental Degradation - TOEFL Writing Integrated Test
• The Role of Universal Healthcare in Reducing Health Inequality - TOEFL Writing Integrated Test