The Role of Philanthropy in Addressing Global Inequality - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, the writing test assesses a candidate's ability to write academically, where they are required to successfully integrate the knowledge into their work and organize the ideas coherently. The two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing, make up the Writing Section.

In this practice test on 'The Role of Philanthropy in Addressing Global Inequality', you will hear a lecture on a certain subject from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity. After that, you'll take part in a conversation where you'll have to voice your opinion and provide solid justification for it

The best method to get ready for this part of the test is to practice on tests specifically made for the Academic Discussion format. Let's start your study with our "The Role of Philanthropy in Addressing Global Inequality"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam.

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.

Professor: Today, were going to talk about the role of giving money and resources to help others in addressing global unfairness. Charity can provide help to those in need, but some argue that it is not a lasting solution to big issues. What do you think? Can giving money and resources effectively address global unfairness, or are there better ways?

Charlotte: I believe that giving money and resources can play a big role in addressing global unfairness, especially in the short term. These efforts can provide quick help to communities in need, such as funding education, healthcare, and building projects. But, for long-term solutions, we need changes and government policies that address the root causes of unfairness, such as economic gaps and lack of access to resources.

Harry: While I agree that giving money and resources can offer quick help, I think it often fails to address the main issues that cause global unfairness. Relying on the goodwill of wealthy people and organizations is not a lasting solution. We should focus on creating fair economic systems and putting into place policies that support social justice and equal opportunities for all. This way, we can create lasting change and reduce reliance on charitable donations.

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 Philanthropy in Addressing Global Inequality

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 giving money and resources can help, but it is not enough to solve global unfairness. Charlotte is right that it can provide quick help, like funding schools and hospitals. But, like Harry said, it does not fix the main problems. We need to change the systems that cause unfairness. For example, making fair economic policies and giving everyone access to resources. Also, governments should invest in social programs to help people become self-sufficient. Just giving money is not a long-term solution, we need to focus on making big changes. (Word Count - 91)

Rater’s Comment

This response attempts to address the prompt but lacks depth and clarity in its argument. The writer agrees with both Charlotte and Harry, acknowledging the short-term benefits of charity and the need for systemic changes. However, the response is somewhat repetitive and does not provide well-developed reasoning or examples to support the argument. There are also grammatical errors, such as the sentence fragment "But, like Harry said, it does not fix the main problems," and the misuse of the preposition "giving everyone access to resources" instead of "ensuring everyone has access to resources." Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and makes a relevant contribution to the discussion, warranting a mid-level score.

Score 5 Response

While charity can provide immediate relief, I believe it is not a sustainable solution to global unfairness. Charlotte makes a valid point that giving money and resources can fund essential services like education and healthcare. However, as Harry mentioned, relying on the goodwill of wealthy individuals and organizations is not a long-term fix. To create lasting change, we need systemic reforms that address the root causes of inequality. For example, implementing fair economic policies and ensuring equal access to resources can help bridge the economic gap. Additionally, governments should invest in infrastructure and social programs that empower communities to become self-sufficient. By focusing on these long-term strategies, we can reduce the need for charity and create a more equitable world. (Word count - 120 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear and well-reasoned argument. The writer acknowledges the benefits of charity, as mentioned by Charlotte, but also highlights its limitations, aligning with Harry's perspective. The response is well-organized, beginning with an introduction that sets the stage for the argument, followed by a body that provides specific examples and reasoning to support the stance. The conclusion succinctly summarizes the main points, reinforcing the argument for systemic reforms over charitable donations. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, with no major grammatical errors. Overall, the response is coherent, logical, and contributes meaningfully to the ongoing discussion, making it deserving of a high score.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task may seem difficult and can cause you to become nervous. But don't feel scared! You can do this task effectively by incorporating a few vital strategies to ace your proficiency in academic writing.

• It is important to have a detailed examination of the question which is necessary to comprehend both the main idea and the setting for that specific question. It is necessary to consider the provided guidelines, such as providing a response that addresses all relevant angles.
• Finding the key arguments is made simpler by dissecting the question into its constituent parts. It's critical to successfully manage each component at the same time while organising the response.
• Before attempting to write the answer, always plan and come up with ideas and use them as examples so that you can showcase a range of perspectives.
• Making an outline ensures that the response is cohesive and the concepts are well-organized.
• Giving evidence or statistics to support assertions and points of view demonstrates your grasp of the subject.
• Avoid using any slang or informal language; instead, stick to professional language and academic terminologies, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.

Finally, it's time for you to shine! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are more than willing to provide valuable feedback which would help you achieve your target score!  Let's improve your writing skills together!

Additional Reads:

• Teamwork - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Is a Vegetarian Diet Healthier for the Environment and Humans - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test
• Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test
• Wearing Masks During Pandemic - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Questions with Answer Key
• The Role of Space Exploration in Advancing Science - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test