The Impact of Urban Sprawl on Environmental Sustainability - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing 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 Urban Sprawl on Environmental Sustainability', 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 Urban Sprawl on Environmental Sustainability"-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 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.

Professor: Next week, we will explore the topic of urban spread and its effects on long-term environmental health. Urban spread refers to the uncontrolled growth of urban areas into rural land. Before we begin, Id like to hear your thoughts on this: What do you think are the most significant environmental impacts of urban spread?

Lily: I think the most significant impact of urban spread is habitat destruction. As cities grow, natural habitats are destroyed to make way for new buildings. This leads to a loss of variety of life, as plants and animals lose their homes and food sources. Also, urban spread increases pollution levels due to more car usage, which contributes to air and water pollution, further harming the environment.

Daniel: While habitat destruction is a major concern, I believe the most significant impact is the increase in carbon emissions. Urban spread often leads to longer commutes and a dependence on cars. This significantly increases greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes to climate change and poor air quality. Additionally, the spread-out nature of urban spread makes public transportation less workable, keeping the cycle of car dependence and emissions going.

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 Urban Sprawl on Environmental Sustainability

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 urban spread's biggest impact is on local ecosystems. When cities expand, they often destroy forests and wetlands, which are important for biodiversity. This leads to a loss of species and disrupts natural processes. Also, urban spread causes more pollution, it can harm both air and water quality. For example, more cars on the road means more exhaust fumes, which can lead to smog and respiratory problems for people. Additionally, when natural areas are paved over, it can cause flooding because there is less land to absorb rainwater. This can be a big problem for both the environment and people living in those areas. (Word Count - 105)

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student identifies the impact on local ecosystems and pollution as significant issues related to urban spread. However, the argument is not as well-developed as it could be. For instance, the student mentions that urban spread "causes more pollution" but does not elaborate on how this specifically affects air and water quality. Additionally, the response contains grammatical errors, such as the incorrect use of the linking word "it" in "urban spread causes more pollution, it can harm both air and water quality." This should be corrected to "urban spread causes more pollution, which can harm both air and water quality." There is also a comma splice in the sentence "Also, urban spread causes more pollution, it can harm both air and water quality." Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and makes a relevant contribution to the discussion, which is why it receives a mid-level score.

Score 5 Response

Urban spread indeed has several significant environmental impacts, and I agree with both Lily and Daniel's points. However, I believe the most critical impact is the strain on water resources. As urban areas expand, the demand for water increases dramatically. This can lead to the over-extraction of groundwater and the depletion of local water bodies, which are vital for both human consumption and ecological balance. Additionally, urban spread often results in the paving over of natural landscapes, reducing the land's ability to absorb rainwater. This can cause increased runoff, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. Furthermore, the runoff often carries pollutants from urban areas into rivers and lakes, degrading water quality and harming aquatic ecosystems. While habitat destruction and increased carbon emissions are undoubtedly significant, the impact on water resources is a critical issue that affects both the environment and human populations directly. (Word count - 144 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response deserves a high score because it effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear and well-supported argument about the most significant environmental impact of urban spread. The student introduces a new perspective by focusing on the strain on water resources, which adds depth to the discussion. The response is well-organized, beginning with an acknowledgment of the previous points made by Lily and Daniel, and then presenting a detailed argument about water resources. The student provides specific examples, such as the over-extraction of groundwater and increased runoff, to support their argument. The language is clear and concise, with no major grammatical errors. The response is also within the word limit, making it a strong contribution to the academic 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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