The Role of Cultural Heritage in Shaping National Identity - 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 Cultural Heritage in Shaping National Identity', 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 Cultural Heritage in Shaping National Identity"-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 cultural studies. 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: Today, were going to talk about the role of traditions and history in shaping national identity. Traditions and history include customs, languages, landmarks, and artifacts passed down through generations. Some say that traditions and history are essential for building a strong national identity, while others think that focusing too much on the past can stop progress and inclusion. Do you agree or disagree that traditions and history play an important role in shaping national identity? Why?

Charlotte: I agree that traditions and history are important for shaping national identity. They give a sense of connection and belonging. They connect people to their history and customs. Such as, festivals and traditional ceremonies can bring communities together, creating unity and pride. And, preserving languages and landmarks helps keep the unique features of a nation. This sets it apart from others. Without traditions and history, a nation might lose its unique identity and sense of purpose.

Oliver: However, while traditions and history have their importance, I disagree that they are essential for shaping national identity. Focusing too much on the past can stop a nation from embracing modern values and inclusion. Such as, some customs may be outdated or discriminatory. Holding on to them can stop social progress. A national identity should be changing and adaptable. It should reflect modern values and the diverse backgrounds of its citizens. Emphasizing traditions and history too much can create divisions rather than unity.

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 Cultural Heritage in Shaping National Identity

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 traditions and history are important for shaping national identity, but we should not focus on them too much. Traditions and history give people a sense of belonging and connection to their past. For example, festivals and traditional ceremonies can bring people together and create unity. However, some traditions may be outdated and not fit with modern values. Holding on to these can stop social progress. A national identity should be flexible and include modern values and diverse backgrounds. Emphasizing traditions and history too much can create divisions and stop progress. (Word Count - 92)

Rater’s Comment

This response attempts to address the prompt by acknowledging the importance of traditions and history in shaping national identity while also highlighting the potential drawbacks of focusing too much on the past. The writer provides a clear argument but lacks depth and specific examples to fully support their points. For instance, the mention of festivals and traditional ceremonies is a good start, but the response would benefit from more detailed examples or explanations. Additionally, there are some grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the response. The phrase "Holding on to these can stop social progress" is redundant, as "Holding on to these" and "stop social progress" convey the same idea. The incorrect linking word "and" in "create divisions and stop progress" should be "but" to better convey the contrast between unity and division. Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and contributes to the discussion. However, it lacks the coherence and depth needed for a higher score.

Score 5 Response

While I understand Oliver's point about the potential drawbacks of focusing too much on the past, I believe that traditions and history play a crucial role in shaping national identity. Traditions and history provide a sense of continuity and belonging that is essential for a cohesive society. For instance, national holidays and historical landmarks serve as reminders of shared experiences and values, fostering a sense of unity and pride among citizens. Charlotte mentioned festivals and traditional ceremonies, which are excellent examples of how customs can bring communities together. However, I also think it's important to adapt and reinterpret these traditions to align with modern values. This way, we can preserve our unique cultural heritage while also promoting inclusivity and progress. By striking a balance between honoring the past and embracing the future, we can create a national identity that is both rich in history and forward-looking. (Word count - 146 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear and well-reasoned argument that traditions and history are essential for shaping national identity. The writer acknowledges Oliver's concerns about the potential for outdated customs to hinder progress but counters this by emphasizing the importance of continuity and belonging that traditions and history provide. The response is well-organized, with a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion. Specific examples, such as national holidays and historical landmarks, are used to support the argument, making it more compelling. Additionally, the writer suggests a balanced approach to preserving cultural heritage while promoting inclusivity, which adds depth to the discussion. The language is clear and concise, with no major grammatical errors, making the response easy to understand. Overall, this response demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the academic discussion.

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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