The Use of Surveillance Technology in Public Spaces - TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL Academic Discussion task, you will analyze both reading and listening sources to formulate a well-rounded response. This task centers on 'The Use of Surveillance Technology in Public Spaces', a controversial issue impacting privacy and security.

This practice will help you build the skills needed to synthesize complex arguments and viewpoints, essential for excelling in the TOEFL Writing section.

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 technology and society. 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.

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Use of Surveillance Technology in Public Spaces

We have included two sample responses for the Academic Discussion Writing Task, illustrating the differences between a score 3 and a score 5 response:

Score 3 Response 

I think monitoring systems in public spaces have both good and bad sides. Like Emily said, they can improve public safety by preventing crimes and helping police solve them. This is really important for keeping our communities safe.But, I also agree with Michael that there are big privacy concerns. People might feel uncomfortable knowing they are always being watched. This can stop them from speaking freely or joining public events. To make monitoring systems more acceptable, we need clear rules about how the data is used and who can access it. This way, we can get the safety benefits without losing our privacy.

Rater's Comment:

This response is adequate but lacks the depth and clarity of a higher-scoring response. The student addresses both the benefits and risks of monitoring systems in public spaces, aligning with points made by Emily and Michael. However, the argument is not as well-developed or nuanced. The response contains some errors, such as "both good and bad sides" instead of "both positive and negative aspects," and "really important for keeping our communities safe" instead of "crucial for maintaining community safety." Additionally, the language is somewhat informal for an academic discussion, with phrases like "really important" and "clear rules about how the data is used." While the student makes a valid contribution to the discussion, the response could benefit from more detailed reasoning and a more formal tone.

Score 5 Response 

While Emily makes a strong case for the benefits of monitoring systems in public spaces, I find myself agreeing more with Michael's perspective. The potential risks to privacy and the possibility of creating a surveillance state are significant concerns that cannot be overlooked. The constant feeling of being watched can indeed discourage free speech and public gatherings, which are fundamental to a democratic society.However, I do acknowledge the safety benefits that Emily mentioned. To strike a balance, I believe that the use of monitoring systems should be accompanied by strict regulations and transparency. Clear guidelines on how the data is collected, stored, and used can help mitigate the risks of abuse and misuse. Additionally, there should be oversight mechanisms to ensure that these systems are not infringing on individual rights. In essence, while monitoring systems can enhance public safety, it is crucial to implement them in a way that respects privacy and civil liberties.

Rater's Comment:

This response merits a high score due to its clear and well-structured argument. The student effectively engages with both Emily's and Michael's points, providing a balanced view that acknowledges the benefits of monitoring systems while emphasizing the importance of privacy and civil liberties. The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the discussion. The first paragraph aligns with Michael's concerns about privacy and surveillance, while the second paragraph suggests practical solutions for mitigating these risks. The language is formal and appropriate for an academic discussion, and the response is free from grammatical errors. Overall, the student demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task

Here are some strategies for tackling 'The Use of Surveillance Technology in Public Spaces' in the TOEFL Academic Discussion task:

1. Examine Both Perspectives: Pay attention to how the reading and lecture outline the advantages and disadvantages of surveillance technology, such as enhanced security versus privacy issues.

2. Highlight Contradictory Views: The reading may stress the importance of surveillance for public safety, while the lecture could raise ethical questions regarding personal privacy.

3. Discuss the Balance Between Security and Privacy: Focus on how various sources propose finding a balance between public safety and individual rights, and consider the societal implications of extensive surveillance.

4. Use Specific Examples: Cite real-world instances or hypothetical scenarios mentioned in the texts to demonstrate the potential benefits and drawbacks of surveillance technology.

5. Structure Your Response Clearly: Make sure your argument is organized, addressing both sides of the issue coherently and presenting a balanced perspective.

By practicing the TOEFL Academic Discussion task on 'The Use of Surveillance Technology in Public Spaces', you’ll improve your ability to critically evaluate and integrate differing viewpoints. This practice will greatly enhance your TOEFL Writing performance, aiding you in achieving a higher score.

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