The Role of Universal Healthcare in Reducing Health Inequality - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test

The TOEFL 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 practice test 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.

Universal healthcare is often seen as a key way to reduce health gaps. By making sure that everyone has access to medical services, no matter their financial situation, universal healthcare can greatly reduce the differences in health outcomes between rich and poor. In countries with universal healthcare, like Canada and the UK, health outcomes are more equal compared to countries without such systems.

One of the main benefits of universal healthcare is that it removes the cost issues to getting medical care. In places where healthcare isn't provided for everyone, people with lower incomes often delay or skip necessary treatments because of cost. This can make medical conditions worse and lead to higher long-term healthcare costs. Universal healthcare ensures that everyone gets timely and proper care, preventing minor health issues from becoming serious.

Also, universal healthcare can lead to better public health by promoting preventive healthcare. When people know they can access healthcare services, they are more likely to go for regular check-ups and screenings, which can catch health problems early and reduce chronic diseases. This early action not only improves individual health but also lessens the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Finally, universal healthcare can help create social unity and stability. When everyone has access to healthcare, it fosters a sense of shared health and reduces social stress related to health differences. This can lead to a more harmonious and productive society, where people are healthier and better able to contribute to economic and social development.

Now play the audio.

Question

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

Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on the Role of Universal Healthcare in Reducing Health Inequality

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 Universal Healthcare in Reducing Health Inequality

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 captures 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 a point made in the reading. For example, the response accurately summarizes the lecture's argument about longer wait times and how this contradicts the reading's claim about timely care. The response also highlights the financial challenges, persistent health gaps, and political difficulties, all of which are key points from the lecture that challenge the reading's assertions.

The language used is clear and concise, with appropriate transitions that help to maintain coherence and flow. The response avoids personal opinions and focuses on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture, which is a crucial aspect of the task. Additionally, the response demonstrates strong control over grammar and vocabulary, with only minor errors that do not affect the overall meaning. Overall, this response meets the criteria for a high score, effectively presenting the key information from both the reading and the lecture in a well-organized and coherent manner.

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 some depth and detail. The essay is generally well-organised, with each paragraph addressing a specific counterargument from the lecture. However, some key points from the lecture are not fully developed. For example, the response mentions the financial challenges of universal healthcare but does not elaborate on how high taxes can strain the economy. Similarly, the discussion on the political and practical problems of implementing universal healthcare could be more detailed.

There are also some grammatical and punctuation errors that affect the clarity of the response. For instance, the sentence "High taxes can strain the economy and may not be politically possible in all countries" could be clearer with better punctuation. Additionally, the phrase "This challenges the reading's idea that universal healthcare is financially sustainable" is somewhat vague and could be more specific about how the financial challenges impact sustainability.

Despite these issues, the response does capture the main points from both the reading and the lecture and demonstrates a basic understanding of the material. The language used is generally clear, but there are noticeable errors that affect the overall coherence. Overall, this response meets the criteria for a mid-level score, providing a summary of the key information but lacking in depth and detail, with some grammatical and punctuation errors.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on The Role of Universal Healthcare in Reducing Health Inequality

Here are the strategies for taking the Integrated Writing Task on "the Role of Universal Healthcare in Reducing Health Inequality."

• Explain any contradictions or connections between the reading and lecture.
• Stick to the information provided; avoid introducing outside knowledge.
• Use varied sentence structures and appropriate academic vocabulary.
• Prioritise clarity and accuracy in your writing.
• Manage your time to allow for planning, writing, and reviewing.
• Proofread for grammatical errors and clarity.

It's time to put your TOEFL writing skills to the test. With our sample responses and professional tips as your guide, you're well-equipped to start improving your abilities. Why not begin your practice session now?

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