The Role of Government in Addressing Wealth Inequality - TOEFL Writing Practice Test (Academic Discussion)

The TOEFL Academic Discussion task tests your ability to evaluate and integrate information from both reading and listening materials. In this practice test, you’ll explore the topic 'The Role of Government in Addressing Wealth Inequality', analyzing the perspectives presented and forming a well-rounded response.

This exercise will help you build the critical thinking and writing skills needed to excel 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 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.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Role of Government in Addressing Wealth Inequality

To develop your writing skills and achieve a higher score on the Academic Discussion Writing Task, carefully analyze the two sample responses and identify the key elements that distinguish a score 3 from a score 5:

Score 3 Response 

I think the government should play a significant role in addressing wealth inequality. Like Emily said, without government help, the gap between the rich and the poor will keep growing. Policies like fair taxes, social welfare programs, and minimum wage laws can help distribute wealth more fairly and provide a safety net for those in need.However, I also understand Michael's point about the risks of too much government involvement. High taxes and too many rules can slow down economic growth. But I believe a balanced approach is possible. The government can create policies that reduce inequality without hurting economic growth. This way, we can have a fairer and more stable society.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the need for government intervention and the potential risks, 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 "keep growing" instead of "continue widening," and "distribute wealth more fairly" instead of "ensure a fair distribution of wealth." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "keep growing" and "those in need." 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 raises valid concerns about the potential drawbacks of government intervention, I strongly believe that the government should play a significant role in addressing wealth inequality. Without government intervention, the gap between the rich and the poor is likely to continue widening, leading to social unrest and economic instability. Policies such as progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and minimum wage laws are essential for ensuring a fair distribution of wealth and providing a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society.For example, countries with strong social safety nets, like Sweden, tend to have lower levels of wealth inequality and higher overall well-being. These policies not only help to reduce poverty but also promote social cohesion and economic stability. While it is true that excessive regulation and high taxes can potentially stifle economic growth, a balanced approach that combines market freedom with targeted government intervention can create a more equitable and prosperous society. In essence, government involvement is crucial for addressing wealth inequality and ensuring that economic growth benefits all members of society.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's concerns by emphasizing the importance of government intervention in reducing wealth inequality and providing concrete examples, such as Sweden, to support their argument. 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 necessity of government policies for fair wealth distribution, while the second paragraph addresses the potential drawbacks of excessive regulation and suggests a balanced approach. 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 Role of Government in Addressing Wealth Inequality in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Understand the Main Arguments: Identify the key points in both the reading and lecture regarding how government intervention impacts wealth inequality.

2. Compare Different Viewpoints: Note where the reading and listening passages align or diverge in their perspectives on the government's role in tackling inequality.

3. Organize Your Thoughts Clearly: Your response should emphasize the central arguments, ensuring a clear comparison of the two sources.

4. Use a Logical Structure: Begin with an introduction that presents the topic, followed by body paragraphs that compare the arguments, and conclude with a brief summary of your findings.

5. Practice Time Management: Complete your response within the allotted time to effectively structure and communicate your ideas.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Role of Government in Addressing Wealth Inequality', you’ll enhance your ability to compare complex ideas and write structured responses. Regular practice will help you master similar topics on exam day.

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