The Role of Governments in Regulating Big Tech - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Academic Discussion task, you’ll need to synthesize information from reading and listening sources. This practice task focuses on 'The Role of Governments in Regulating Big Tech', a pressing issue that brings together economic, social, and legal concerns.

This exercise will help you develop the essential skill of merging contrasting viewpoints, a key component for excelling 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 public policy. 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 Governments in Regulating Big Tech

We have included two sample responses for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, illustrating the differences between a score 3 and a score 5 response:

Score 3 Response 

I think governments should impose stricter rules on big tech companies. Like Emily said, these companies have a lot of control over our personal data and can influence public opinion. Without proper rules, there is a risk of privacy violations and monopoly practices. The Cambridge Analytica scandal showed how personal data can be misused.However, I also understand Michael's point about innovation. Too many rules could slow down technological progress. But I think we need a balance. Governments should create rules that protect consumers and ensure fair competition without stopping innovation. This way, we can have both safety and progress.

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 stricter rules and the importance of innovation, 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 "a lot of control over our personal data" instead of "enormous power over our personal data," and "create rules that protect consumers and ensure fair competition" instead of "implement regulations that encourage ethical practices while still allowing room for technological advancement." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "a lot of control" and "have both safety and progress." 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 stifling of innovation, I strongly believe that governments should impose stricter rules on big tech companies. These companies wield enormous power over our personal data, public opinion, and market competition. Without adequate regulation, there is a significant risk of monopolistic practices and privacy violations. The Cambridge Analytica scandal is a prime example of how personal data can be misused, highlighting the need for stricter oversight.Moreover, the lack of regulation can lead to unfair market practices, where smaller companies struggle to compete against tech giants. Stricter rules would ensure transparency, protect consumer rights, and promote fair competition. While it's important to foster innovation, this should not come at the expense of consumer protection and market fairness. Governments can strike a balance by implementing regulations that encourage ethical practices while still allowing room for technological advancement. In essence, stricter rules are necessary to ensure that the power of big tech companies is kept in check, safeguarding both consumers and the market.

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 risks of monopolistic practices and privacy violations, using the Cambridge Analytica scandal as a concrete example. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Emily's concerns about data misuse and market competition, while the second paragraph suggests a balanced approach to regulation. 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 strategies to approach 'The Role of Governments in Regulating Big Tech' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Identify Core Issues: Understand the main points from both the reading and the lecture, focusing on how government regulation could impact Big Tech companies.

2. Analyze Conflicting Views: Compare the reading and lecture for different perspectives on government intervention—whether it promotes fairness or hinders innovation.

3. Present a Balanced Argument: Structure your response to address both sides of the debate, demonstrating how regulation can have both positive and negative consequences.

4. Use Specific Examples: When possible, integrate examples from the reading and lecture to support your analysis and arguments on the role of governments in tech regulation.

5. Stay Focused: Keep your writing concise, ensuring that you focus on key points without getting sidetracked by minor details.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Role of Governments in Regulating Big Tech', you’ll enhance your ability to analyze complex issues and present well-rounded arguments. This preparation will significantly improve your TOEFL Writing performance.

Also Read:

• AI - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers
• Taxation Debate - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers
• Grading Students - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Answers
• Targeted Advertising - TOEFL iBT® Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Responses