The Role of Open Borders in Economic Growth - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^®exam evaluates candidates on various abilities, placing particular importance on their communication skills. Among the test sections, the Writing Section is particularly significant, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees.

This Writing Integrated practice test on 'The Role of Open Borders in Economic Growth' aims to enhance your writing abilities. It aims to assist you in understanding task instructions, structuring responses effectively, and enhancing your performance in the TOEFL Writing segment. So, let's start your journey towards attaining your desired TOEFL score!
    

Writing Instructions:

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard.
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

The concept of open borders has been a hot topic, but many economists say it helps economic growth. One of the main benefits of open borders is the free movement of workers. When people can move freely across borders, they can find jobs that best match their skills. This leads to higher output and economic efficiency. This movement helps businesses fill labor shortages quickly, driving economic growth.

Another big advantage is the boost to new ideas and starting new businesses. Open borders allow ideas and technologies to flow between countries, creating a more dynamic and competitive business environment. Immigrants often bring different perspectives and skills that can lead to new businesses and industries. This influx of talent and new ideas can boost economic growth and create jobs, helping both the host and home countries.

Also, open borders can lead to bigger consumer markets. When people move to new countries, they bring their buying habits and preferences, expanding the market for goods and services. This increased demand can drive economic growth. It pushes businesses to expand and innovate to meet the needs of a more diverse customer base. And, the money sent back home by immigrants can stimulate economic activity and development in those regions.

But critics argue that open borders can strain public resources. The arrival of immigrants may lead to higher demand for public services like healthcare, education, and housing. This can overburden these systems. There's also the worry that open borders could lead to lower wages. More workers might drive down wages, especially for low-skilled jobs. Also, some fear that open borders could create cultural and social tensions. Rapid population changes might challenge social unity and blending in.

Now play the audio.

Question

Provide a condensed overview of the lecture's arguments, emphasizing their relevance to the assertions made in the reading passage.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on the Role of Volunteerism in Community Development

Curious about what a good TOEFL score looks like? Check it out first, then explore the Integrated Writing sample answers!

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on the Role of Open Borders in Economic Growth

A comprehensive analysis of various responses is provided below, enabling you to identify areas requiring improvement to achieve your target score.

High-Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response deserves a high score because it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. The essay is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific counterargument from the lecture that challenges the reading. For instance, the first paragraph discusses the strain on public resources, directly countering the reading's claim about economic growth through the free movement of workers. The second paragraph addresses the challenges immigrants face in starting new businesses, which challenges the reading's assertion about boosting new ideas and entrepreneurial activity. The final paragraph highlights the potential negative impact on wages and the dependency created by remittances, questioning the reading's claims about expanding consumer markets and stimulating economic activity.

The response is coherent and flows logically from one point to the next, making it easy to follow. The language is clear and concise, with strong control over grammar and vocabulary. There are no significant errors that hinder understanding, and the use of transitions helps to clearly signal the relationship between the reading and the lecture. Overall, this response effectively captures the key points from both sources and presents them in a well-structured and articulate manner.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response merits a mid-level score due to its partial but not comprehensive coverage of the main points from both the reading and the lecture. The essay captures the essence of the lecture's counterarguments but lacks depth and detail in some areas. For example, the first paragraph mentions the strain on public resources but does not elaborate on why this is significant or how it directly challenges the reading's claims about economic growth.

Additionally, there are a few grammatical and punctuation errors that affect the overall clarity and coherence of the response. For instance, the sentence "More immigrants mean higher demand for healthcare, education, and housing, which can overcrowd facilities and stretch resources" could be more clearly phrased. Despite these issues, the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material. With more detail and refinement, it could achieve a higher score.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Role of Open Borders in Economic Growth

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task.

• Read the passage carefully, taking concise notes on key points.
• Listen actively to the lecture, noting its relationship to the reading.
• Begin your response by clearly stating how the lecture relates to the reading.
• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Integrate information from both sources throughout your essay.
• Use clear transitions and attributions for information from each source.

Prepared to enhance your TOEFL writing skills? Our collection of example responses and professional tips is here to support you in your journey. It's time to put your abilities to the test with some hands-on practice!

Additional Reads:

• Chevalier de Seingalt - TOEFL Writing Integrated Test
• Eco-Certified - TOEFL Writing Integrated Test
• Economic Growth and Environment - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Test
• Targeted Advertising - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Test