The Influence of Video Games on Violence in Society - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^®exam usually evaluate a candidate based on their various abilities. Candidates's communication skills would be the most significant ones. Among the test sections, the Writing Section is particularly significant which the TOEFL examinees can practice with test papers like, 'The Influence of Video Games on Violence in Society'.

This practice test 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.

The influence of video games on violence in society has been a hot topic for many years. Critics argue that violent video games lead to aggressive behavior and make players less sensitive to violence. One main concern is that these games often reward players for violent actions, making it seem like violence is an acceptable way to solve problems. This can lead to more aggression in real-life situations, especially among young people who are easily influenced. Another worry is how engaging video games are. Unlike TV or movies, video games require active participation, which can make the violent content more powerful. Players are not just watching violent acts; they are performing them, which can blur the line between virtual and real-world behavior. Studies have shown that repeated exposure to violent video games can lead to more aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Also, the social isolation that comes with excessive gaming can make things worse. Many gamers spend long hours playing alone, which can lead to a lack of social skills and more feelings of loneliness and frustration. This isolation can make people more likely to act aggressively, as they may not have the social support and coping skills needed to deal with stress and anger in a healthy way. There is also evidence that violent video games can have a strong impact on people who are already prone to aggressive behavior. For these individuals, exposure to violent content can act as a trigger, leading to real-world violence. This is especially concerning given how popular and widely available violent video games are.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise on the claims made in the lecture and also provide a deatiled argument highighting the relevance stated in the reading section.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on the Role of Environmental Laws in Preserving Biodiversity

Curious about what a good TOEFL score looks like? Check it out first, then explore the Integrated Writing sample answers!

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on the Influence of Video Games on Violence in Society

A comprehensive analysis of various responses is provided below, enabling you to identify areas requiring improvement to achieve your target score.

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 the direct link between violent video games and aggression with the lecture's argument that other factors play a more significant role. Similarly, it juxtaposes the reading's concerns about social isolation with the lecture's points on the positive benefits of gaming.

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 points out," "Regarding the engagement," and "Lastly, the lecture notes" 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 Influence of Video Games on Violence in Society

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Influence of Video Games on Violence in Society.

• Read the passage carefully, taking concise notes on key points.
• Listen actively to the lecture, noting 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.
• Integrate information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions and attributions for information from each source.

Prepared to enhance your TOEFL writing skills? Our collection of example responses and professional tips is here to support you in your journey. It's time to put your abilities to the test with some hands-on practice!

Additional Reads:

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