The Role of Entrepreneurship in Driving Innovation - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing 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 Entrepreneurship in Driving Innovation', 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 Entrepreneurship in Driving Innovation"-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 entrepreneurship. 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: In our upcoming class, we will talk about how entrepreneurship drives new ideas. I want to hear your thoughts on this topic before we dive into it. Heres a question for the message board: How important do you think entrepreneurship is in creating new ideas, and why?

Lily: I think entrepreneurship is very important for creating new ideas. Entrepreneurs often take risks and think outside the box, leading to creative ideas and products. For example, companies like Apple and Tesla have changed their industries with new thinking. Without the entrepreneurial spirit, much of this progress might not have happened. Entrepreneurs also create competitive markets, pushing companies to outdo each other with new ideas.

James: However, I think entrepreneurship is not the only thing driving new ideas. Big companies with lots of resources can also be very creative. For example, Google and Microsoft keep investing in research to make new technologies. And, government-funded research places and universities play a big role in innovation. They often do the basic research that entrepreneurs later use. So, while entrepreneurship is important, it works best with other drivers of innovation.

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 Entrepreneurship in Driving Innovation

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

Entrepreneurship is important for creating new ideas, but it is not the only factor. Entrepreneurs often take risks and think outside the box, which can lead to innovative products. For example, Apple and Tesla have changed their industries with new thinking. However, big companies like Google and Microsoft also invest in research to make new technologies. Government-funded research and universities also play a big role in innovation. They often do the basic research that entrepreneurs later use. So, while entrepreneurship is important, it works best with other drivers of innovation. (Word Count - 90)

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and development of a higher-scoring response. The student begins by stating that entrepreneurship is important for creating new ideas, echoing Lily's viewpoint. The examples of Apple and Tesla are relevant and support the argument. However, the response then shifts to James's perspective without fully integrating the two viewpoints. The mention of Google, Microsoft, and government-funded research institutions is appropriate but lacks detailed explanation or examples. Additionally, there are minor grammatical errors, such as redundancy in "new technologies" and incorrect verb tense in "play a big role." These errors do not significantly impede understanding but do detract from the overall quality of the response. The response is coherent and addresses the prompt, but it could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a stronger connection between the different points discussed. Overall, it is a satisfactory contribution to the discussion but lacks the depth and polish of a higher-scoring response.

Score 5 Response

While entrepreneurship is undeniably crucial in fostering new ideas, it is not the sole driver of innovation. Entrepreneurs often bring fresh perspectives and are willing to take risks that larger, more established companies might avoid. This risk-taking can lead to groundbreaking products and services, as seen with companies like Apple and Tesla. However, I agree with James that large corporations and government-funded research institutions also play significant roles in innovation. For instance, Google's and Microsoft's continuous investment in research and development has led to numerous technological advancements. Additionally, universities often conduct fundamental research that serves as the foundation for entrepreneurial ventures. Therefore, while entrepreneurship is vital, it thrives best in an ecosystem that includes contributions from various sectors. (Word count - 118 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its clear, well-structured argument and effective use of examples. The student begins by acknowledging the importance of entrepreneurship in driving new ideas, aligning with Lily's viewpoint. The mention of Apple and Tesla as examples of entrepreneurial innovation adds credibility to the argument. The response then transitions smoothly to incorporate James's perspective, highlighting the role of large corporations and government-funded research in fostering innovation. The examples of Google and Microsoft, along with the mention of universities, effectively illustrate this point. The response is coherent, logically structured, and free from major grammatical errors, making it easy to follow and understand. The student successfully balances the discussion by recognizing the contributions of both entrepreneurs and other entities, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the topic. Overall, the response is well-developed, insightful, 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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