The Role of Automation in Reducing Global Poverty - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, the writing test assesses a candidate's ability to write academically, where they are required to successfully integrate the knowledge into their work and organize the ideas coherently. The two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing, make up the Writing Section.

In this practice test on 'The Role of Automation in Reducing Global Poverty', you will hear a lecture on a certain subject from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity. After that, you'll take part in a conversation where you'll have to voice your opinion and provide solid justification for it

The best method to get ready for this part of the test is to practice on tests specifically made for the Academic Discussion format. Let's start your study with our "The Role of Automation in Reducing Global Poverty"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam.

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 economics. 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.

Professor: Automation is rapidly changing industries worldwide, and many argue that it has the potential to reduce global poverty by increasing output and creating new job opportunities. But others believe that automation could make poverty worse by replacing workers and increasing the income gap. Agree or disagree: Automation will play an important role in reducing global poverty.

Lily: I agree that automation can play an important role in reducing global poverty. By increasing output, automation can lower the costs of goods and services, making them more available to low-income populations. And, automation can create new job opportunities in tech and maintenance sectors, which can help lift people out of poverty. For example, countries like China have seen important economic growth and poverty reduction due to automation in manufacturing.

Oliver: I disagree with the idea that automation will reduce global poverty. While it may increase output, it often leads to job loss, especially for low-skilled workers who are already at risk. This can increase the income gap and make poverty worse. For example, in many developing countries, automation in agriculture has led to job losses without providing other employment opportunities, leaving many people worse off.

Before delving into sample responses, let us examine the parameters of a strong TOEFL score!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Role of Automation in Reducing Global Poverty

Below are the two responses for the Academic Discussion Writing question where one of them showcases a mid-level proficiency while the other exhibits a high level of skills. Through examining the distinctions, you will acquire valuable insights into the components that lead to attaining an exceptional score in the Writing section.

Score 3 Response

I think automation can help reduce global poverty, but it also has risks. Like Lily said, automation can make goods cheaper and create new jobs in tech sectors. But, as Oliver mentioned, it can also lead to job losses for low-skilled workers. This is a big problem because many people in developing countries rely on these jobs. To make automation work for everyone, we need to invest in education and training programs. This way, people can learn new skills and find new jobs. Without this, the income gap might get bigger, and poverty could get worse. (Word Count - 96)

Rater’s Comment

This response attempts to address the prompt by acknowledging both the potential benefits and risks of automation in reducing global poverty. The writer agrees with points made by both Lily and Oliver, thereby showing an understanding of the complexity of the issue. However, the response lacks depth and specific examples to fully support the argument. The suggestion to invest in education and training programs is a good point, but it is not elaborated upon. Additionally, there are some grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the response. For example, the sentence "This is a big problem because many people in developing countries rely on these jobs" could be more concise. The phrase "Without this, the income gap might get bigger, and poverty could get worse" is redundant and could be simplified. Overall, while the response is generally comprehensible and addresses the prompt, it lacks the depth and coherence needed for a higher score.

Score 5 Response

While automation has the potential to reduce global poverty, I believe its impact will largely depend on how it is implemented and managed. Lily makes a valid point that automation can lower the costs of goods and services, making them more accessible to low-income populations. However, Oliver's concern about job loss, especially for low-skilled workers, is equally important. To mitigate this, governments and companies should invest in retraining programs to help displaced workers transition into new roles created by automation. For instance, countries like Germany have successfully implemented vocational training programs that prepare workers for high-tech jobs. Additionally, policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable distribution of the benefits of automation are crucial. Without such measures, the income gap could widen, exacerbating poverty rather than alleviating it. Therefore, while automation has the potential to reduce global poverty, its success will depend on comprehensive strategies that address both economic and social dimensions. (Word count - 151 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a balanced view on the role of automation in reducing global poverty. The writer acknowledges both the potential benefits and drawbacks of automation, thereby contributing a nuanced perspective to the discussion. The response is well-organized, beginning with a clear statement of the writer's stance and followed by specific examples and reasoning to support their argument. For instance, the mention of Germany's vocational training programs adds depth to the discussion and provides a concrete example of how automation can be managed to benefit low-skilled workers. The writer also emphasizes the importance of policies that promote inclusive growth, which ties back to the initial concern about the income gap. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic setting, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. Overall, the response is coherent, well-reasoned, and effectively contributes to the ongoing discussion, making it deserving of a high score.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task may seem difficult and can cause you to become nervous. But don't feel scared! You can do this task effectively by incorporating a few vital strategies to ace your proficiency in academic writing.

• It is important to have a detailed examination of the question which is necessary to comprehend both the main idea and the setting for that specific question. It is necessary to consider the provided guidelines, such as providing a response that addresses all relevant angles.
• Finding the key arguments is made simpler by dissecting the question into its constituent parts. It's critical to successfully manage each component at the same time while organising the response.
• Before attempting to write the answer, always plan and come up with ideas and use them as examples so that you can showcase a range of perspectives.
• Making an outline ensures that the response is cohesive and the concepts are well-organized.
• Giving evidence or statistics to support assertions and points of view demonstrates your grasp of the subject.
• Avoid using any slang or informal language; instead, stick to professional language and academic terminologies, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.

Finally, it's time for you to shine! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are more than willing to provide valuable feedback which would help you achieve your target score!  Let's improve your writing skills together!

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