The Impact of Urbanization on Wildlife Conservation - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion 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 Urbanisation on Wildlife Conservation', 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 Urbanisation on Wildlife Conservation"-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: Cities are growing quickly around the world, leading to big changes in land use and breaking up habitats. This raises an important question: How can city growth and wildlife protection coexist? What strategies do you think are most effective in balancing city development with the need to protect wildlife?

Ruby: I believe that creating green corridors and urban parks is essential for balancing city growth with wildlife protection. These green spaces provide homes for various species and allow them to move safely between different areas. For example, cities like Singapore have successfully integrated green spaces into their city planning. This has helped preserve local wildlife variety. Also, involving local communities in conservation efforts can raise awareness and support for wildlife protection.

Henry: While green spaces are important, I think stricter rules on land use and development are crucial for wildlife protection. Governments should enforce laws that limit cutting down forests and destroying habitats. For example, zoning laws can designate certain areas as protected wildlife reserves. This prevents city spread from taking over these habitats. And, promoting green building practices, such as green roofs and eco-friendly materials, can reduce the environmental impact of city growth.

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 Urbanisation on Wildlife Conservation

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 agree with Ruby and Henry that green spaces and strict rules are important, but I think we also need to focus on educating the public. Many people don't realize how their actions affect wildlife, they might litter or destroy habitats without knowing. By raising awareness through campaigns and school programs, we can teach people to be more mindful. Also, cities could offer incentives for businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices. This way, everyone can contribute to protecting wildlife while the city grows. (Word Count - 82)

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and development of a higher-scoring response. The writer agrees with Ruby and Henry and introduces the idea of public education and incentives for businesses, which are relevant points. However, the response is somewhat vague and lacks specific examples or detailed reasoning. For instance, the writer mentions raising awareness through campaigns and school programs but does not provide any concrete examples or explain how these initiatives would be implemented. Additionally, the response contains a comma splice ("Many people don't realize how their actions affect wildlife, they might litter or destroy habitats without knowing"), which affects the overall coherence. There is also a sentence fragment ("This way, everyone can contribute to protecting wildlife while the city grows"). Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and makes a valid contribution to the discussion, warranting a mid-level score.

Score 5 Response

Balancing city growth with wildlife protection is indeed a challenging task, but I believe a multifaceted approach is necessary. While Ruby and Henry have highlighted important strategies, I think integrating technology into urban planning can also play a significant role. For instance, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help city planners identify critical wildlife habitats and design urban areas that minimize disruption. Additionally, implementing wildlife corridors that use overpasses and underpasses can facilitate safe animal movement across urban landscapes. This has been successfully done in places like Banff National Park in Canada. Moreover, public education campaigns can foster a culture of conservation among city dwellers, encouraging them to support and participate in wildlife protection initiatives. By combining green spaces, strict regulations, and technological innovations, we can create cities that are both vibrant and ecologically sustainable. (Word count - 135 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear, well-developed argument and effective use of examples. The writer introduces a new perspective by suggesting the integration of technology, specifically Geographic Information Systems (GIS), into urban planning. This adds depth to the discussion and complements the points made by Ruby and Henry. The mention of wildlife corridors, with a specific example from Banff National Park, provides a concrete illustration of how such strategies can be implemented successfully. The response is well-organized, beginning with an acknowledgment of previous points and smoothly transitioning into the writer's own suggestions. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. Overall, the writer effectively balances city development with wildlife protection through a multifaceted approach, making a valuable contribution to the 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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