The Role of Space Exploration in Advancing Science - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^® exam evaluates candidates on different types of abilities, especially on their communication skills. Among all the test sections, the Writing Section is one of the significant ones, requiring diverse skills from TOEFL examinees.

The practice test on 'The Role of Space Exploration in Advancing Science' aims to enhance your writing abilities, concentrating specifically on the Integrated Writing task of the TOEFL test. 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.

Space exploration has been a major force in advancing scientific knowledge and new technology. One of the biggest contributions of space exploration is the development of new technologies that we use on Earth. For example, satellite technology, first developed for space missions, is now essential for global communication, weather forecasting, and navigation. These advancements have had a huge impact on different industries and our daily lives.

Another important area where space exploration has advanced science is in our understanding of the universe. Missions to planets like Mars and Jupiter have given us useful data about their makeup, atmosphere, and the potential for life beyond Earth. This information helps scientists develop theories about the origins of the solar system and the possibility of alien life. Also, space telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope have allowed astronomers to observe distant galaxies and events, leading to major discoveries about the universe.

Space exploration also plays an important role in advancing medical science. The unique environment of space provides opportunities to study the effects of low gravity on the human body, leading to insights that can improve healthcare on Earth. Research conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) has helped us understand muscle loss, bone density loss, and develop new medical technologies. These findings have significant effects on treating conditions like bone disease and muscle disease.

Also, space exploration encourages working together globally and inspires future generations of scientists and engineers. The cooperative nature of space missions, involving multiple countries and agencies, promotes the sharing of knowledge and resources. This cooperation can lead to more efficient and effective scientific efforts. Also, the excitement and curiosity generated by space exploration inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), ensuring a continuous supply of skilled people for future scientific advancements.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarise on the arguments made in the lecture by emphasizing their relevance to the assertions made in the reading passage. State the opinion.

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on the Role of Space Exploration in Advancing Science

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 Space Exploration in Advancing Science

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 effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the relationship between the two. The essay is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point from the reading and its corresponding counterargument from the lecture. The use of transitions such as "however," "regarding," and "lastly" helps to clearly signal the relationship between the reading and the lecture, making the essay coherent and easy to follow.

The response also successfully paraphrases the information from both sources, avoiding direct copying and demonstrating the writer's ability to convey ideas in their own words. For example, the response rephrases the reading's point about the development of new technologies and the lecture's counterargument about Earth-based research without directly quoting either source.

Additionally, the essay maintains objectivity, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. This is crucial for the TOEFL Integrated Writing task, as the goal is to report on the relationship between the two sources rather than to take a side.

Overall, this response meets all the criteria for a high score, including presenting all key information from both the reading and the lecture, being well-organized and coherent, and demonstrating strong control over grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary with only minor errors that do not affect meaning.

Mid Level Response

Rater's Comment

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks depth and detail in some areas. The essay addresses specific points from the reading and the lecture. However, the transitions between points are not as clear as they could be, making the essay somewhat less coherent.

There are also some grammatical and punctuation errors that affect the overall quality of the response. For example, the sentence "The lecture says that new technologies credited to space exploration could have been developed through research on Earth" could be clearer with better punctuation. Additionally, the sentence "The lecture also mentions that medical advancements from studying low gravity can be done in simulated environments on Earth" could be split into two sentences for better clarity.

The response does a good job of paraphrasing the information from both sources, but it occasionally lacks specificity. For example, the mention of "urgent scientific research on Earth, like climate change and healthcare" could be more specific by mentioning the types of research that might benefit from reallocated funds.

Overall, this response meets the criteria for a mid-level score. It provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it lacks some detail and clarity. The organization is generally good, but the transitions could be clearer. There are also some grammatical and punctuation errors that affect the overall quality of the response.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on the Role of Space Exploration in Advancing Science

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task.

• Read the passage carefully and taking concise notes on key points is ideal.
• 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!

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