The Role of Hydropower in Global Energy Solutions - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test

The Writing Sections are one of the most crucial aspects in the TOEFL iBT^® exam where you need to write academically. In this segment, the prompt challenges you to present a well-reasoned argument, supporting your opinion with specific examples and evidence to justify the same.

With the practice test on 'The Role of Hydropower in Global Energy Solutions', you'll be engaged with a complex topic where you have to use academic language appropriately. By continuously practising, you will acquire the ability to demonstrate your proficiency in both critical thinking and English composition.

Let's start your study with our "The Role of Hydropower in Global Energy Solutions"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam and improve your critical thinking!

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 environmental science. 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: As we explore various renewable energy sources, I want to hear your thoughts on the role of hydropower in global energy solutions. Do you think hydropower is a good and lasting option for meeting the world's energy needs? Why or why not?

Charlotte: I think hydropower is a good and lasting option for global energy solutions. It makes electricity without releasing greenhouse gases, so it's good for the environment. Also, hydropower plants can provide steady and dependable energy. This is unlike solar or wind power, which depend on the weather. For example, countries like Norway and Canada have successfully used hydropower to meet a big part of their energy needs. This shows it works well and lasts.

Harry: Although hydropower has its benefits, I think it has big problems that make it less useful as a global energy solution. Building dams can mess up local ecosystems and move communities. Like, the construction of the Three Gorges Dam in China led to over a million people having to move and caused environmental worries. Also, hydropower depends a lot on water availability. This can be affected by climate change, making it less steady in the long term.

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 Hydropower in Global Energy Solutions

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 hydropower is a good option but not perfect. Charlotte is right that it makes clean energy and is more reliable than solar or wind. But Harry's point about the problems it causes is also important. Building big dams can hurt the environment and force people to move. For example, the Three Gorges Dam in China made many people leave their homes. Also, if there is not enough water because of climate change, hydropower might not work well. So, while hydropower is useful, we should also look at other renewable energy sources to make sure we have enough energy in the future. (Word Count - 103)

Rater’s Comment

This response addresses the prompt by acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of hydropower. The student agrees with Charlotte's point about the environmental benefits and reliability of hydropower but also considers Harry's concerns about ecological disruption and community displacement. The response provides a specific example, the Three Gorges Dam in China, to illustrate the negative impacts of hydropower. However, there are some grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the response. For instance, the sentence "Building big dams can hurt the environment and force people to move" should be "Building big dams hurts the environment and forces people to move" to maintain subject-verb agreement. Additionally, the sentence "if there is not enough water because of climate change, hydropower might not work well" should be "if there was not enough water because of climate change, hydropower might not work well" to correct the tense usage. Despite these errors, the response is generally comprehensible and makes a valid contribution to the discussion. The argument is clear but not as well-developed or detailed as a higher-level response, making it deserving of a mid-level score.

Score 5 Response

While hydropower is indeed a significant renewable energy source, I believe its long-term viability as a global solution is limited. Charlotte makes a valid point about its environmental benefits and reliability compared to solar or wind power. However, Harry's concerns about ecological disruption and community displacement are crucial. The construction of large dams often leads to the destruction of local habitats and the displacement of people, as seen with the Three Gorges Dam in China. Additionally, climate change poses a significant threat to water availability, which could undermine the stability of hydropower. For instance, prolonged droughts can drastically reduce water levels, making hydropower less reliable. Therefore, while hydropower can be part of the energy mix, it should not be the sole focus. We need to invest in a diverse range of renewable energy sources to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future. (Word count - 142 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a balanced view on the role of hydropower in global energy solutions. The student acknowledges the benefits of hydropower, such as its environmental advantages and reliability, as mentioned by Charlotte. However, the response also highlights significant drawbacks, including ecological disruption and community displacement, aligning with Harry's concerns. The student provides specific examples, such as the Three Gorges Dam in China, to illustrate the negative impacts of hydropower. Additionally, the response considers the potential effects of climate change on water availability, further questioning the long-term reliability of hydropower. The argument is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, and the language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion. Overall, the response is coherent, well-reasoned, and effectively contributes to the ongoing discussion, making it deserving of a high score.

Good work! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! We've created these test papers which resembles the overall exam format so that you'll have the tools you need to approach the TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion with confidence.

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