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The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test

Akanksha Tripathi

7 min read

Updated On September 29, 2024

"Boost your TOEFL Writing skills with our practice test on 'The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles.' Includes sample responses and detailed feedback."

Key Highlights

Writing Instructions
The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles
Question
Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles
Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles
Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles

Prepare for the TOEFL Integrated Writing task with our practice test on ‘The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles.’ This practice test helps you master summarising and integrating information from a reading passage and a lecture. You’ll have 20 minutes to read the passage, listen to the lecture, and write your response. Practice structuring your answers clearly and efficiently to enhance your TOEFL iBT® performance. Improve your skills and boost your confidence for the TOEFL exam!

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.

Reading Time : 3 Minutes

The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles

The arrival of self-driving cars promises to change transportation, offering many benefits. One big advantage is the possible increase in road safety. Human error is a leading cause of traffic accidents. Self-driving cars, fitted with advanced sensors and programs, can significantly reduce these errors. By eliminating things that take attention away and tiredness, self-driving cars can keep consistent attention on the road. This decreases the likelihood of accidents.
Another benefit is the potential for improved traffic efficiency. Self-driving cars can talk to each other and with traffic management systems to improve routes and reduce traffic jams. This can lead to smoother traffic flow and shorter travel times. For instance, self-driving cars can adjust their speed to avoid traffic jams and work together with other vehicles to keep safe distances, reducing the stop-and-go patterns that contribute to traffic delays. Also, self-driving cars can provide greater ability to move around for people who are unable to drive, such as the elderly and disabled. These individuals often face big problems in getting around, which can limit their freedom and quality of life. Self-driving cars can offer a reliable and convenient mode of transport, enabling them to join in more social and economic activities.

Also, the environmental impact of self-driving cars could be positive. Many self-driving cars are designed to be electric, which can reduce pollution compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The efficiency of self-driving cars in managing traffic and optimizing routes can lead to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. This contributes to a cleaner environment.

Now play the audio.

Question

Provide a condensed overview of the lecture's arguments, emphasizing their relevance to the assertions made in the reading passage.

Response Time: 20 Minutes

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles

Professor: While self-driving cars offer several potential benefits, there are also significant drawbacks that need to be considered. One big concern is the trustworthiness of the technology. Self-driving technology is not perfect and can fail or be hacked. There have been cases where self-driving cars failed to recognize things in the way or made incorrect decisions, leading to accidents. This raises questions about the safety and reliability of relying entirely on self-driving technology.

Another issue is the potential impact on employment. The widespread use of self-driving cars could lead to job losses in sectors such as trucking, taxi services, and delivery. Many people rely on driving jobs for their means of living, and the shift to self-driving cars could result in significant economic problems and job loss.

Also, the cost of developing and maintaining self-driving car technology is high. The sensors, software, and support systems required for self-driving cars are expensive. This could make these vehicles unaffordable for many consumers. This could lead to a situation where only a wealthy few can benefit from the technology, worsening social gaps.
Additionally, the environmental benefits of self-driving cars are not guaranteed. While electric self-driving cars can reduce emissions, the production and throwing away of batteries have their own environmental costs. Also, if self-driving cars lead to an increase in the total number of vehicles on the road, any potential environmental gains could be offset by higher overall energy consumption and resource use.

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles

Below, you'll find a detailed review of different responses, covering both mid-level and high-level examples. This review helps you pinpoint areas for improvement to reach your desired score:

Mid-Level Response

The reading passage discusses several advantages of self-driving cars, such as improved road safety, better traffic efficiency, more mobility for people who cannot drive, and potential environmental benefits. It claims that these cars can reduce accidents caused by human error, enhance traffic flow, provide transportation for those who need it, and cut pollution with electric models.

However, the lecture highlights some drawbacks of self-driving cars. The professor argues that the technology isn’t reliable and can sometimes fail or be hacked, which could lead to accidents. This raises doubts about the overall safety of these vehicles. The professor also mentions that self-driving cars might cause job losses in sectors like trucking and taxi services, which could have serious economic effects. Moreover, the high costs of developing and maintaining this technology could make self-driving cars too expensive for many people. Lastly, the lecture questions the environmental benefits, noting that while electric self-driving cars may reduce emissions, the production and disposal of batteries could have negative environmental impacts.(165 Words)

Rater's Comment:

This response provides a good overview of both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks detail and depth. While it summarizes the key points, it does not fully explore how the lecture's counterarguments specifically address or contradict the reading's claims. The explanation of drawbacks is somewhat general and could benefit from more specific examples. There are also minor grammatical issues that slightly hinder clarity. Overall, the response captures the main ideas but could be improved with more detailed analysis and clearer explanations.

High-Level Response

The reading passage outlines several benefits of self-driving cars, such as enhanced road safety, improved traffic efficiency, increased mobility for the elderly and disabled, and positive environmental effects. It argues that these vehicles can minimize human error, optimize traffic flow by communicating with other cars, provide reliable transportation for those who cannot drive, and lower pollution through their electric models.

Conversely, the lecture presents significant concerns about self-driving cars. The professor points out that the technology can be unreliable and prone to failures or hacks, which compromises safety and raises questions about its overall dependability. Additionally, the lecture highlights potential job losses in driving-related industries, which could have severe economic repercussions for those dependent on these jobs. The high costs associated with developing and maintaining self-driving technology could also limit access, making it affordable only for wealthier individuals and exacerbating social inequalities. Finally, the lecture challenges the environmental benefits claimed by the reading, noting that while electric self-driving cars might reduce emissions, the environmental impact of battery production and disposal could negate some of these benefits. Moreover, an increase in vehicle numbers could lead to greater overall energy consumption. (189 Words)

Rater's Comment:

This response effectively summarizes and integrates the main points from both the reading and the lecture. It clearly outlines the benefits discussed in the reading and provides a thorough analysis of the counterarguments presented in the lecture. The response is well-organized and detailed, addressing each point with relevant examples. It maintains a neutral tone and avoids personal opinions, focusing on the material's content and its interrelations. The response is also grammatically accurate and well-structured, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task and the ability to present information coherently and comprehensively.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles

Here are some strategies for approaching the Integrated Writing Task on 'The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles':

1. Read the Passage Carefully: Pay attention to the main points and advantages of autonomous vehicles outlined in the passage.

2. Take Notes on the Lecture: Jot down key criticisms and concerns regarding autonomous vehicles that are emphasized in the lecture.

3. Compare and Contrast: Determine how the lecture contradicts or challenges the points made in the reading about autonomous vehicles.

4. Use Clear Structure: Begin with a summary of the reading, then address each counterpoint from the lecture in individual paragraphs.

5. Avoid Personal Opinions: Focus on summarizing and comparing the information from both the reading and the lecture, without inserting your own views on autonomous vehicles.

6. Be Concise and Precise: Ensure your response stays within the word limit, using clear and straightforward language.

7. Proofread for Errors: Review your work for any grammatical or spelling mistakes before submitting your response.

We hope this practice test on 'The Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles' has been helpful for you. Use these strategies to refine your skills and boost your confidence for the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task.

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