The Role of Nationalism in Global Conflicts - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

The TOEFL Academic Discussion task evaluates your ability to synthesize information from both reading and listening materials. In this practice test, you’ll engage with the topic 'The Role of Nationalism in Global Conflicts', analyzing contrasting viewpoints and formulating a well-structured response.

This exercise will improve your skills in articulating and organizing your ideas, which is essential for success 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 international relations. 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 Nationalism in Global Conflicts

By comparing the strengths and weaknesses of the score 3 and score 5 responses for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, you can identify areas for improvement in your own writing:

Score 3 Response 

I think nationalism is more of a negative force in the context of global conflicts. Like Emily said, it often creates an "us versus them" mentality, which can increase tensions between countries. This can make it harder to find peaceful solutions to conflicts. For example, extreme nationalism was a big factor in the outbreak of both World Wars.However, I also see Michael's point about the positive aspects of nationalism. It can unite people and inspire them to work together for the common good. But I believe the negative effects, such as discrimination and xenophobia, outweigh the positives. We need to find a balance that promotes national pride without leading to conflict.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the negative and positive aspects of nationalism, 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 "increase tensions between countries" instead of "exacerbate tensions between countries," and "work together for the common good" instead of "collaborate for the common good." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "a big factor" and "work together." 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 makes a valid point about the potential positive aspects of nationalism, I believe that nationalism is more of a negative force in the context of global conflicts. Nationalism often fosters an "us versus them" mentality, which can exacerbate tensions and make peaceful resolutions more difficult. This divisive mindset can lead to xenophobia, discrimination, and even violence against people from other countries. Historical examples, such as the extreme nationalist sentiments that contributed to the outbreak of both World Wars, illustrate the destructive potential of unchecked nationalism.Moreover, nationalism can hinder international cooperation and diplomacy, which are essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality. While a sense of national pride and unity can be beneficial in certain contexts, it is crucial to balance it with a commitment to global solidarity and mutual respect. By promoting inclusive and cooperative forms of patriotism, we can harness the positive aspects of national identity without falling into the pitfalls of divisive nationalism. In essence, while nationalism can inspire unity within a country, its potential to fuel conflict and division on the global stage makes it a predominantly negative force in international relations.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively counters Michael's points by emphasizing the divisive nature of nationalism and its potential to exacerbate global conflicts. 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 negative impact of nationalism on international relations, while the second paragraph suggests a balanced approach that promotes inclusive patriotism. 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 Nationalism in Global Conflicts' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Identify Key Arguments: Concentrate on the main points made in both the reading and the lecture about how nationalism affects global conflicts.

2. Analyze Different Perspectives: Notice how each source discusses the influence of nationalism on international relations and conflicts.

3. Structure Your Response: Make sure your writing includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, presenting each viewpoint in an organized manner.

4. Use Clear Language: Strive for clarity and precision in your writing, ensuring that your ideas are easily understood.

5. Practice Time Management: Work on your ability to write a coherent response within the time constraints to mimic exam conditions.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Role of Nationalism in Global Conflicts', you will improve your ability to analyze various viewpoints and articulate your ideas effectively. This preparation will be crucial for succeeding in the TOEFL Writing section.

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