The Role of Art and Music in Education - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

The TOEFL Academic Discussion task tests your ability to synthesize information from both reading and listening sources. In this practice task, you’ll explore the topic 'The Role of Art and Music in Education', examining differing viewpoints and crafting a structured, well-supported response.

This exercise will help you sharpen your ability to integrate ideas, a crucial skill for achieving a high score in 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 education. 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 Role of Art and Music in Education

To improve your writing skills for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, carefully study the two sample responses we have provided, which demonstrate scores of 3 and 5:

Score 3 Response 

I think art and music should be given equal importance as core subjects in schools. Like Emily said, these subjects help students develop creativity and emotional expression. For example, playing an instrument can improve focus and discipline, and doing visual arts can enhance problem-solving skills.However, I also understand Michael's point about the importance of core subjects like math and science for future careers. But I believe that a well-rounded education should include art and music. These subjects can provide a balance to the tough demands of core subjects and help students become more well-rounded individuals. Schools should find a way to include both.

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 art and music and the importance of core subjects, aligning with points made by Emily and Michael. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some grammatical errors, such as "help students develop creativity and emotional expression" instead of "foster creativity and emotional expression," and "provide a balance to the tough demands of core subjects" instead of "offer a necessary balance to the rigorous demands of core subjects." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "help students become more well-rounded individuals." 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 Michael makes a valid point about the importance of core subjects like math and science for future careers, I strongly believe that art and music should be given equal importance in the educational curriculum. Art and music are not just extracurricular activities; they play a crucial role in the holistic development of students. These subjects foster creativity, emotional expression, and critical thinking, skills that are essential in any field, including STEM.Moreover, art and music provide a necessary balance to the rigorous demands of core subjects. They offer students an outlet for stress and a way to explore their interests and talents. For instance, learning to play an instrument can enhance concentration and discipline, while engaging in visual arts can improve problem-solving skills. By integrating art and music into the curriculum, we can cultivate well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally and creatively developed. In essence, a balanced education that includes art and music prepares students for a more fulfilling and versatile future.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's point by emphasizing the holistic benefits of art and music, such as fostering creativity, emotional expression, and critical thinking. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Emily's viewpoint on the importance of art and music for overall development, while the second paragraph highlights the balance these subjects provide to the demands of core subjects. 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 topic of 'The Role of Art and Music in Education' for the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Understand Core Themes: Identify the main arguments presented in both the reading and lecture regarding how art and music contribute to or enhance the educational experience.

2. Analyze the Perspectives: Examine how each source discusses the benefits or potential drawbacks of integrating art and music into education.

3. Organize Your Response Clearly: Make sure your response includes a strong introduction, body, and conclusion, addressing both sides of the argument.

4. Use Precise Language: Aim to present your ideas clearly, ensuring that your writing is easy to understand.

5. Practice Under Time Constraints: Work within the time limits to practice writing a comprehensive response quickly, simulating the exam environment.

Practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on The Role of Art and Music in Education will enhance your ability to analyze different viewpoints and articulate your thoughts coherently. This preparation will increase your chances of success in the TOEFL Writing section.

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