The Role of Technology in Solving the Global Food Crisis - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion 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 Technology in Solving the Global Food Crisis', 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 Technology in Solving the Global Food Crisis"-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 professor’s 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: As we explore the global food crisis, I want to hear your thoughts on the role of technology in addressing this issue. Agree or disagree: Technology is the key to solving the global food crisis. Provide reasons for your stance.

Charlotte: I agree that technology is crucial in solving the global food crisis. Innovations like smart farming, which uses data to improve farming methods, can greatly increase crop yields. And improvements in biotech, like genetically altered crops, can create plants that are more resistant to pests and extreme weather. These technologies can help ensure a stable food supply, especially in areas most affected by food scarcity.

Henry: Although technology can play a big role, I disagree that it is the key solution. The global food crisis is also deeply rooted in economic and social and political issues. Such as, unequal food distribution and lack of access to resources are major problems that technology alone cannot solve. We need complete policies that address these underlying issues, along with technological improvements, to create a sustainable solution to the food crisis.

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 Technology in Solving the Global Food Crisis

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 technology is important in solving the global food crisis, but it is not the only solution. Charlotte is right that smart farming and biotech can help increase crop yields. However, Henry makes a good point about the economic and social issues. For example, even with advanced technology, some regions still suffer from food scarcity because of poor infrastructure, this means food cannot be distributed equally. Also, political stability is needed to implement these technologies. In conflict zones, even the best farming techniques won't help. So, while technology is important, we also need policies that address economic and social inequalities to solve the food crisis. (Word Count - 106)

Rater’s Comment

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-level response. The student acknowledges both Charlotte's and Henry's points, which shows an understanding of the issue. However, the argument is not as well-developed or supported with specific examples. The response contains a sentence fragment: "For example, even with advanced technology, some regions still suffer from food scarcity because of poor infrastructure, this means food cannot be distributed equally." This sentence should be split into two separate sentences to improve clarity. Additionally, there is a comma splice in the same sentence, which affects the overall readability. The student does make a valid point about the need for political stability and policies addressing economic and social inequalities. However, these points are not elaborated upon, making the argument less persuasive. The response would benefit from more detailed examples and a clearer explanation of how these factors contribute to the global food crisis. The language is generally clear, but the response lacks the formal tone and academic language expected in this context. Phrases like "even the best farming techniques won't help" could be rephrased to sound more formal and precise. Overall, while the response addresses the prompt and presents a somewhat clear argument, it lacks the depth, coherence, and formal tone needed for a higher score. The presence of grammatical errors further detracts from its effectiveness.

Score 5 Response

While technology certainly has a significant role in addressing the global food crisis, I believe it is not the sole solution. Charlotte makes a compelling point about the benefits of smart farming and biotech innovations, which can indeed enhance crop yields and resilience. However, Henry's argument highlights a critical aspect that cannot be overlooked: the socio-economic and political dimensions of the crisis. For instance, even with advanced technology, unequal food distribution remains a significant barrier. Many regions suffer from food scarcity not because of a lack of food but due to poor infrastructure and economic disparities. Policies that ensure equitable distribution and access to resources are essential. Additionally, political stability is crucial for implementing these technologies effectively. In conflict zones, even the most advanced farming techniques cannot guarantee food security. Therefore, while technology is a powerful tool, it must be integrated with comprehensive policies that address economic and social inequalities to create a sustainable solution to the global food crisis. (Word count - 160 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response merits a high score due to its balanced and well-reasoned argument. The student acknowledges the importance of technology, as highlighted by Charlotte, but also brings in Henry's perspective to provide a more nuanced view. The response effectively integrates both viewpoints, demonstrating critical thinking and a deep understanding of the issue. The student supports their stance with specific examples, such as the need for equitable food distribution and political stability, which are crucial for the effective implementation of technological solutions. This adds depth to the argument and shows an awareness of the multifaceted nature of the global food crisis. The language is clear and concise, with a logical flow from one point to the next. The response is well-organized, beginning with an acknowledgment of the benefits of technology, followed by a discussion of the socio-economic and political factors, and concluding with a call for integrated solutions. This structure enhances the overall coherence and persuasiveness of the argument. Moreover, the response is free from major grammatical errors, making it easy to read and understand. The use of academic language and formal tone is appropriate for the context, further contributing to the effectiveness of the response. Overall, this response demonstrates a strong, well-developed argument supported by clear reasoning and relevant examples, making it a highly effective contribution to the academic discussion.

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