The Influence of Virtual Reality on Human Behavior - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

The TOEFL Academic Discussion task tests your ability to compare and summarize multiple viewpoints in a clear, organized manner. In this practice test, you'll work with the topic 'The Influence of Virtual Reality on Human Behaviour', where you’ll need to integrate ideas from both a reading passage and a lecture.

This will sharpen your skills in analyzing complex ideas and expressing them clearly in writing, an essential requirement for acing the TOEFL Writing section.

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 psychology. 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.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Influence of Virtual Reality on Human Behaviour

Below, we have provided two sample responses for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Influence of Virtual Reality on Human Behaviour, demonstrating both a score 3 and score 5 response. Analyzing these examples can help you understand the criteria for each score level and improve your writing skills accordingly.

Score 3 Response 

I think the most significant way virtual reality influences human behaviour is through social interactions. Like Michael said, VR can create virtual communities where people from different parts of the world can interact as if they were in the same room. This can help build global connections and understanding.However, I also see the risks of reducing face-to-face interactions. Physical presence is important for building deep, meaningful relationships. Over-reliance on VR could lead to social isolation and weaker real-world social skills. To balance this, we should use VR responsibly and still prioritize face-to-face communication. This way, we can enjoy the benefits of VR without losing important social connections.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the benefits of VR for social interactions and the potential risks, aligning with points made by Michael. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some grammatical errors, such as "help build global connections" instead of "foster global connections," and "weaker real-world social skills" instead of "a diminished capacity for real-world social skills." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "help build" and "weaker real-world social skills." While the student makes a valid contribution to the discussion, the response could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a more formal tone.

Score 5 Response 

While both Emily and Michael highlight important aspects of virtual reality's influence, I believe that the most significant way in which VR influences human behaviour is through its impact on social interactions. Virtual reality has the potential to create immersive environments where people from different parts of the world can interact as if they were in the same room. This can foster global connections, enhance cultural understanding, and provide a platform for collaborative work and socialisation. However, this shift towards virtual interactions also poses risks. The reduction in face-to-face interactions can lead to a decline in the development of deep, meaningful relationships. Human beings are inherently social creatures, and physical presence plays a crucial role in building trust, empathy, and emotional connections. Over-reliance on VR for social interactions could result in social isolation and a diminished capacity for real-world social skills. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to strike a balance between virtual and real-world interactions. Encouraging the responsible use of VR, while promoting the importance of face-to-face communication, can help harness the benefits of this technology without compromising our social well-being.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively synthesizes the points made by Emily and Michael, providing a balanced view that acknowledges the benefits of VR for social interactions while emphasizing the potential risks. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Michael's viewpoint on the positive impact of VR on global connections, while the second paragraph addresses the potential drawbacks and suggests a balanced approach. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from grammatical errors. Overall, the student demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to approach The Influence of Virtual Reality on Human Behavior in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Identify Key Points from the Reading and Lecture: Focus on grasping how both sources present arguments regarding the effects of virtual reality. Highlight the main ideas.

2. Compare and Contrast Ideas: Look for areas where the reading and lecture either align or diverge. This is crucial for organizing your response.

3. Use Concise Language: Make sure to summarize the main points clearly, avoiding unnecessary details.

4. Maintain Structure: Adhere to the academic writing format—introduction, body paragraphs that compare the two sources, and a conclusion.

5. Practice Timed Writing: Use a timer to simulate the actual exam and enhance your ability to manage your time effectively during the task.

Mastering the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Influence of Virtual Reality on Human Behaviour' will not only enhance your ability to synthesize information but also improve your overall writing performance. With practice, you'll be well-prepared to tackle complex topics and excel in the exam.

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