The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT®exam evaluates candidates on various abilities, placing particular importance on their communication skills. Among the test sections, the Writing Section is particularly significant, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees.

With this practice test on 'The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarisation', it aims to enhance your writing abilities, concentrating specifically on the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL test. It aims to assist you in understanding task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment. So, let's start your journey towards attaining your desired TOEFL score!

Writing Instructions

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard. 
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

Social media has become a powerful force in shaping political conversation, and its impact on political division is a topic of significant concern. One of the main ways social media contributes to division is through the creation of echo chambers. Algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Twitter prioritize content that aligns with users' existing beliefs, reinforcing their views and isolating them from opposing perspectives. This can lead to a more divided and fragmented group of voters.

Another factor is the spread of misinformation and fake news. Social media allows for the rapid spread of information, but not all of it is accurate. False or misleading information can spread quickly, influencing public opinion and deepening political divides. Studies have shown that misinformation is more likely to be shared within like-minded groups, further deepening polarized views. Social media also increases extreme voices. The nature of these platforms often rewards sensational and provocative content, which can gain more visibility and engagement than moderate or detailed viewpoints. This can skew public perception, making extreme positions seem more common and acceptable, thereby increasing division.

Also, social media can contribute to the loss of trust in traditional media and institutions. As people increasingly rely on social media for news and information, they may become more skeptical of mainstream media and official sources. This distrust can lead to a reliance on partisan or biased sources, which can further polarize public opinion and weaken democratic processes.

Now play the Audio.

Question

Summarise on the lecture's main ideas and describe the various claims made in the reading passage by highlighting it.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on ‘The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarisation’

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on ‘The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarisation’

This section provides a thorough evaluation of various responses, including both High-level and Mid-level answers. Through a detailed review of these responses, you can identify areas that need improvement to attain your target score in the TOEFL.

High-Level Response 

Rater’s Comment 

This response deserves a high score as it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. The essay is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. For instance, the response clearly contrasts the reading's claim about social media being a primary driver of political division with the lecture's argument on historical factors. Similarly, it juxtaposes the reading's view on echo chambers with the lecture's points on positive dialogue.

The response also maintains objectivity, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. The use of transitions such as "The lecture argues," "Regarding dialogue and understanding," and "Lastly, the lecture addresses" helps to clearly signal the relationship between the two sources, enhancing the coherence and flow of the essay. Moreover, the language used is appropriate for a college-level response, with strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. The essay is concise, staying within the word limit while effectively conveying all necessary information. Overall, the response demonstrates a high level of proficiency in summarizing and synthesizing information from multiple sources, which is a key requirement for this task.

Mid-Level Response 

Rater’s Comment 

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks some depth and detail, which is why it falls into the mid-level category. The essay is generally well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. However, it omits some important details and examples that would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the material. For instance, the response mentions the lecture's point about the high initial investment and ongoing costs of digital services but does not elaborate on the specific expenses like regular updates and maintenance. Similarly, while it notes the lecture's concern about the traditional role of libraries, it does not fully explain how shifting to digital services might weaken the sense of community.

The response also contains a few grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as "Many people, especially in low-income areas, might not have reliable internet or the devices needed to use digital services." A more polished sentence would be, "Many people, particularly in low-income areas, may lack reliable internet access or the necessary devices to utilize digital services." Overall, while the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material and is generally coherent, it lacks the depth, detail, and language control required for a higher score.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Impact of Social Media on Political Polarisation

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Impact of Social Media on Political Polarisation :

• Read the passage carefully, taking concise notes on key points.
• Listen actively to the lecture, and evaluate its relationship to the reading.
• Begin your response by clearly stating how the lecture relates to the reading.
• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Incorporate the given information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions for information from each source to make a point.

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