The Role of Local Agriculture in Combating Global Hunger - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Academic Discussion task, you will analyze various perspectives presented in a reading passage and a lecture. The topic for this practice test is 'The Role of Local Agriculture in Combating Global Hunger', focusing on how local farming can address food scarcity issues worldwide.

This exercise will enhance your ability to synthesize viewpoints, an essential skill 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 global issues. 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 Local Agriculture in Combating Global Hunger 

To enhance your understanding of the scoring criteria for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, we have provided two sample responses: one scoring 3 and the other scoring 5:

Score 3 Response 

I think local agriculture is important in fighting global hunger because it provides fresh food and supports local communities. By helping local farmers, we can increase food production in specific areas and reduce dependence on imported food. Programs like teaching farmers new skills and giving them supplies can make a big difference. It also creates jobs and improves food safety.However, as Oliver said, local agriculture may not be enough by itself. We still need global agriculture techniques like better irrigation or GM crops to produce more food and make sure everyone has access to it. In addition, global trade helps distribute food from places with extra to those that don’t have enough.Overall, I believe local agriculture plays a key role, but we also need international cooperation and advanced farming methods to fully solve global hunger.

Rater's comment:

This response shows a basic understanding of the topic and acknowledges both local and global solutions to global hunger. However, the ideas are not fully developed, and some points are repetitive. There are a few grammatical issues such as missing commas and awkward phrasing ("Programs like teaching farmers new skills and giving them supplies can make a big difference"). The response lacks depth in its analysis, and while it briefly mentions global trade and GM crops, it doesn't explore these ideas in detail. The conclusion restates the same points rather than adding new insight.

Score 5 Response 

Local agriculture plays a pivotal role in addressing global hunger, particularly by empowering communities to produce their own food and reduce reliance on international imports. By equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques and necessary resources, we can enhance food security, reduce food miles, and boost local economies. For instance, community farming initiatives not only increase food availability but also promote self-sufficiency and resilience within the local population.Nevertheless, as Oliver points out, local agriculture alone may not meet the global demand. Large-scale agricultural technologies, such as genetically modified (GM) crops and improved irrigation systems, are crucial in augmenting food production, particularly in regions with harsh climates or limited resources. International trade also plays an essential role by redistributing surplus food to areas suffering from shortages, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources.In conclusion, while local agriculture is fundamental in combating global hunger, it must be integrated with global strategies such as agricultural innovation and international trade to create a sustainable and comprehensive solution.

Rater's comment:

This response offers a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis of the issue, balancing both the strengths and limitations of local agriculture in addressing global hunger. The writer demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the subject, considering multiple factors such as food security, technology, and trade. The language is precise and varied, with clear, structured arguments. Additionally, the response connects the ideas presented by both Emily and Oliver, showing the writer's ability to synthesize information. The conclusion is insightful, reinforcing the need for both local and global solutions.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies to effectively approach 'The Role of Local Agriculture in Combating Global Hunger' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Identify Key Arguments: The reading may highlight the advantages of local agriculture, such as its sustainability and the support it provides to local economies, while the lecture could address challenges like scalability and resource limitations.

2. Compare Perspectives: Weigh the potential benefits of local farming in alleviating hunger against the obstacles, such as inadequate infrastructure or resources in certain areas, as mentioned in the lecture.

3. Use Relevant Examples: Include examples from both the reading and lecture to illustrate how local agriculture can help combat hunger, while also pointing out the challenges that could limit its success.

4. Evaluate Global Impact: Reflect on how local agricultural practices can influence not only individual communities but also global food systems and the broader fight against hunger.

5. Present a Comprehensive View: Ensure you integrate points from both the reading and lecture, demonstrating your ability to assess various aspects of the role local agriculture plays in tackling global hunger.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Role of Local Agriculture in Combating Global Hunger,' you will enhance your skills in analyzing and connecting different viewpoints. Mastering this ability is crucial for excelling in the TOEFL Writing section.

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