The Role of the Gig Economy in Shaping the Future Workforce - TOEFL Writing Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT^® exam assesses individuals in four sections in academic setting. One of the sections, the Writing Test, has two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing. It is important to practice workin on enhancing your organisation skills as well as coherently integrating the knowledge in the answer. With the practice test on 'The Role of the Gig Economy in Shaping the Future Workforce', you can practice and get yourself familiarised with the structure as the test structure mimics the actual exam format.

In this segment, you will hear a lecture from a professor in the Academic Discussion after which you'll have to voice your opinion and provide justification on the information. Remember that the best method to get ready is to practice test papers and understand the structure.

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 economics. 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: As we explore the changing field of the labor force, I want to discuss the role of freelance work. Freelance work, with short-term contracts and freelance jobs, is becoming more common. What do you think are the most significant impacts of freelance work on the future labor force?

Charlotte: I think freelance work offers adaptability and freedom, which many workers value today. People can pick projects they like and set their own schedules. This can lead to more work happiness and a better work-life balance. But it also means less employment stability and fewer benefits like health insurance and pension schemes. This can be a big disadvantage for many people.

Harry: Although Charlotte makes good points, I think freelance work mainly benefits companies by cutting employment expenses. Companies can hire freelancers for particular projects without engaging in long-term employment. This saves money on salaries and benefits. It can lead to a more energetic and flexible labor force. But it may also cause a lack of consistency and career growth opportunities for workers. This could be harmful in the long run.

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 the Gig Economy in Shaping the Future Workforce

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

Freelance work has both good and bad impacts on the labor force. On the positive side, it gives workers more freedom and flexibility. They can choose projects they like and work when they want. This can make people happier with their jobs and help them balance work and life better. But there are also downsides. Freelancers often don’t get benefits like health insurance or pensions, which can be a big problem. Harry is right that companies save money by hiring freelancers. They don’t have to pay for long-term salaries or benefits. But this can also mean that freelancers have less job security and fewer chances to grow in their careers. This can be bad for workers in the long run.

(Word Count - 120)

Rater’s Comment

This response addresses the prompt by discussing both the positive and negative impacts of freelance work on the labor force. The writer acknowledges the points made by Charlotte and Harry, adding their own perspective to the discussion. However, the response lacks depth and detailed reasoning, making it less compelling than a higher-level response. The writer mentions the flexibility and freedom that freelance work offers, as well as the lack of benefits and job security. While these points are valid, they are not elaborated upon with specific examples or detailed reasoning. This makes the argument less convincing and less developed. There are also some grammatical errors in the response. For example, the phrase "help them balance work and life better" could be more clearly stated as "help them achieve a better work-life balance."  Additionally, the sentence "Freelancers often don't get benefits like health insurance or pensions, which can be a big problem" could be more concise by removing the redundancy "Freelancers often lack benefits like health insurance or pensions, which can be a significant problem." Overall, this response meets the criteria for a mid-level score. It addresses the prompt and provides a clear argument, but it lacks the depth, detailed reasoning, and grammatical accuracy needed for a higher score.

Score 5 Response

While Charlotte and Harry have highlighted key aspects, I believe the most significant impact is the shift in how we perceive job security and career development. Freelance work offers unparalleled flexibility and autonomy, allowing individuals to tailor their careers to their personal lives. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a better work-life balance, as Charlotte mentioned. However, the downside is the lack of traditional job security and benefits, which can be a significant drawback for many.

Harry’s point about companies benefiting from reduced employment expenses is valid, but it also means that freelancers often face inconsistent income and limited career growth opportunities. This inconsistency can make long-term financial planning challenging. Additionally, the lack of employer-provided benefits like health insurance and retirement plans can place a significant burden on freelancers. In the long run, the rise of freelance work could lead to a more dynamic and adaptable labor force, but it also necessitates a reevaluation of how we provide social safety nets and career development opportunities. Governments and organizations may need to develop new policies to support this growing segment of the workforce, ensuring that freelancers have access to essential benefits and career advancement resources.

(Word count - 208 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by providing a clear and well-reasoned argument about the impact of freelance work on the future labor force. The writer acknowledges the points made by Charlotte and Harry, adding depth to the discussion by focusing on the shift in job security and career development. The response is well- organized, with a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion. The writer supports their opinion with specific reasons and examples, such as the increased job satisfaction and work-life balance offered by freelance work, as well as the challenges of inconsistent income and lack of benefits. This demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion. The language used is appropriate for an academic setting, and the response is free from major grammatical errors. The writer's tone is formal yet engaging, making the argument both clear and compelling. Overall, this response meets the criteria for a high score, as it provides a strong, well-developed argument with clear, logical reasoning and effective use of examples.

Great job! Now you can access a few more practice test papers and continue with the preparation! Let's improve your writing skills together!

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