The Influence of Corporate Monopolies on Free Markets - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL Writing Integrated Task requires you to combine information from a reading passage and a listening excerpt into a clear and organized response. Our practice test on 'The Influence of Corporate Monopolies on Free Markets' is tailored to help you refine these skills.

This TOEFL Practice Test will guide you through summarizing key points and constructing a well-structured answer. Use this opportunity to practice and improve your writing for a higher 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.

The influence of corporate monopolies on free markets has been a subject of intense debate among economists and policymakers. Supporters of monopolies argue that they can lead to cost savings, which can result in lower prices for consumers. When a single company dominates a market, it can produce goods and services more efficiently due to its larger operations. This efficiency can translate into savings that are passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices.

Another argument in favor of monopolies is their ability to invest in new ideas and development. Large corporations with significant control often have the money to invest heavily in innovation. This can lead to the development of new technologies and products that benefit society as a whole. For example, monopolistic companies in the pharmaceutical industry have the capital to fund expensive and risky drug research, potentially leading to groundbreaking medical advancements.

Also, monopolies can provide stability in markets. In industries where high initial spending is required, such as utilities or telecommunications, monopolies can ensure consistent and reliable service. The presence of a single, dominant player can reduce the uncertainty and rapid changes that might arise from having multiple competitors, each with varying levels of financial stability and service quality.But critics argue that monopolies can stifle competition and innovation. When a single company controls a market, it can set prices without fear of competition, potentially leading to higher costs for consumers. This lack of competition can also result in complacency, where the monopolistic company has little incentive to innovate or improve its products and services. Also, monopolies can create hurdles for new firms, preventing them from entering the market and offering different choices to consumers.

Now play the audio.

Question 

Summarise the key points from the lecture and their impact on the claims presented in the reading passage.

Transcript of the Audio of The Influence of Corporate Monopolies on Free Markets 

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on The Influence of Corporate Monopolies on Free Markets

This analysis presents a detailed look at both mid-level and high-level responses, helping you identify specific areas for improvement to achieve your target score:

Mid Level Response 

The lecture disagrees with the reading about corporate monopolies. The reading says monopolies can lead to cost savings and lower prices, but the lecture says they can set prices to maximize profits, leading to higher costs and fewer choices for consumers.The reading also says monopolies invest heavily in innovation. But the lecture points out that without competition, monopolistic companies have less incentive to innovate. They may become lazy and invest less in new technologies, slowing down overall technological progress.

Lastly, the reading claims that monopolies provide market stability. However, the lecture argues that monopolies can abuse their power. They can engage in unfair practices like predatory pricing and exclusive contracts to maintain their market position. This can prevent new companies from entering the market, stifling innovation and reducing market dynamism. Also, large corporations can become bureaucratic and inefficient over time, leading to higher operational costs and offsetting any potential cost savings.In conclusion, while the reading is positive about monopolies, the lecture raises important concerns. These include the lack of competition, reduced innovation, and potential for abuse of power. These points suggest that monopolies might not be as beneficial as the reading claims.(194 Words)

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a mid-level score due to its partial but not comprehensive coverage of the main points from both the reading and the lecture. The essay captures the essence of the lecture's counterarguments but lacks depth and detail in some areas. The response is generally well-organized and demonstrates a basic understanding of the material. However, it could benefit from more specific examples or explanations to strengthen the argument and address some grammatical errors for improved clarity and coherence.

High-Level Response

The lecture counters the reading’s positive view of corporate monopolies by highlighting several key issues. While the reading suggests that monopolies can lower prices due to cost savings, the lecture argues that a lack of competition allows monopolies to set higher prices and reduce consumer choices. This contradicts the reading’s claim of benefits for consumers.The reading also claims that monopolies drive innovation due to their substantial resources. However, the lecture points out that without competitive pressure, monopolistic companies have less incentive to innovate, potentially leading to stagnation in technological progress.

Furthermore, the reading asserts that monopolies provide market stability. The lecture challenges this by indicating that monopolies might engage in unfair practices, such as predatory pricing, to maintain their dominance. This can hinder market entry for new firms and reduce overall dynamism and responsiveness to consumer needs. Additionally, monopolies can become inefficient over time, negating any purported cost benefits.In summary, the lecture presents significant concerns about the drawbacks of monopolies, questioning their benefits as suggested by the reading. (170 Words)

Rater's Comment:

This response effectively summarizes the main counterarguments presented in the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of how they challenge the reading's claims. It is well-organized and covers all key points concisely. The essay is coherent and follows the word limit appropriately. The language is clear, and the response maintains a strong control over grammar and vocabulary. Overall, this response provides a thorough and accurate analysis, fitting well within the specified word count.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on The Influence of Corporate Monopolies on Free Markets

Here are some effective strategies for tackling the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task on 'The Influence of Corporate Monopolies on Free Markets.' These tips will help you create a clear and organized response that contrasts the reading passage and the lecture:

1. Identify Main Points: Concentrate on the key arguments presented in both the reading and the lecture. Pay attention to how the lecture either supports or contradicts the claims regarding monopolies and their effects on free markets.

2. Highlight Contrasts: Make a clear distinction between the reading’s favorable views on monopolies and the lecture’s criticisms. Illustrate how the lecture challenges or offers alternative viewpoints to the claims made in the reading.

3. Use Structured Organization: Begin with a brief summary of both the reading and the lecture. Then, systematically address each key point from the lecture, explaining how it relates to or contradicts the arguments in the reading.

4. Provide Specific Evidence: Incorporate specific details and examples from the lecture to demonstrate how it either undermines or supports the points made in the reading. This will enhance your response and make it more persuasive.

5. Maintain Objectivity: Focus exclusively on summarizing and comparing the information from the reading and the lecture. Refrain from including personal opinions or external information that is not pertinent to the task.

6. Ensure Coherence and Clarity: Write in a clear and logical manner. Use transition phrases to connect your ideas and ensure that your response is easy to follow. Be sure to proofread for any grammatical or spelling mistakes

Hope this practice test on 'The Influence of Corporate Monopolies on Free Markets' was helpful in refining your TOEFL Integrated Writing skills. Use these strategies to enhance your response and improve your score.

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