Voting System - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test with Sample Answers

The TOEFL exam assesses a candidate's academic communication skills, with the writing section being particularly significant. The first writing task, known as the Integrated Writing Task, requires candidates to showcase their ability to combine information from various sources.

During the Integrated Writing task, you'll need to carefully read a brief passage and then listen to a corresponding lecture using the provided headphones. After the lecture, the passage will reappear on your screen along with instructions for the writing task. In a time frame of 20 minutes, you must construct a response that effectively blends insights from both sources.

So, we present you a test paper on the topic "Voting System" to help you identify areas for improvement and work towards achieving your desired TOEFL score!

Writing Instructions

• You'll read a passage on an academic topic and listen to a corresponding lecture.
• You may take notes while reading and listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the relationship between the lecture you heard and the reading passage. 
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from both the reading and the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• You may refer to the reading passage again or may use your notes to help you answer the question.
• 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.

Critics argue that the current voting systems utilized in the United States are inefficient and prone to inaccuracies, which can have significant repercussions, particularly in closely contested elections. They advocate for the adoption of more efficient and reliable computerized voting systems to replace traditional methods.

In traditional voting systems, a common source of error stems from voters inadvertently selecting the wrong candidate on the ballot, often due to difficulties in locating their preferred candidate among numerous names. This issue is addressed by computerized voting machines, which employ user-friendly touch-screen technology. Voters simply touch the candidate's name on the screen to cast their vote, with options available to enlarge the text for improved visibility, particularly beneficial for those with visual impairments.

Furthermore, traditional voting systems heavily rely on manual vote counting by officials, a process prone to errors given the sheer volume of ballots involved. Human error during manual counting can necessitate time-consuming and costly recounts. Conversely, computerized voting systems eliminate the potential for human error as all vote tallying is swiftly and accurately performed by computers.

Despite the advantages of computerized voting technology, some express concerns regarding the widespread implementation of complex voting systems nationwide. However, proponents argue that society routinely relies on intricate computer technology for banking transactions and secure data communication without hesitation, highlighting the potential for similar trust in advanced voting systems.

Now play the audio.

Question

Summarize the lecturer's arguments, highlighting how they challenge specific assertions in the reading passage.

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 Voting System

The following section presents a comprehensive analysis of a range of responses, incorporating both mid-level and high-level proficiency. By critically examining these responses, you will be able to understand areas that require improvement in order to achieve your desired score in TOEFL.

Mid-level Response

The lecture presented a counterargument to the article's assertions, suggesting that computerized voting systems may not offer a superior solution.

Firstly, the lecture highlighted potential challenges for voters who are not frequent computer users or who harbor a fear of technology. Additionally, individuals who cannot afford computers may face barrier to using computerized voting systems effectively. 

Secondly, the lecture pointed out computers are susceptible to errors since they are programmed by humans. Unlike human counting errors, which typically result in minimal discrepancy, errors in the programming code of computerized systems can lead to significant inaccuracies in the vote count. Moreover, in the event of a computer crash or other disasters, there are a risk of losing all voting information, making recounting impossible.

Lastly, the lecture compared the evolution of daily banking and sensitive information systems with voting system. It noted that while daily technology systems have improved over time through frequent use and iterative refinement, the voting system's infrequent utilization provides limited opportunities to identify and address potential issues. As a result, there may be insufficient testing and debugging of the voting system due to its rare usage, raising concerns about its reliability and security. (197 words)

Rater’s Comments

The response effectively addresses the key points from the lecture and challenges the main argument presented in the reading passage advocating for computerized voting systems. It acknowledges that some individuals may struggle with the user-friendliness of computers, although it could have better connected this point to the argument in the passage about the prevention of vote distortion. Despite this minor omission, the response adeptly highlights the potential for programming errors in computerized systems, which can lead to more significant issues compared to miscounts in traditional voting methods.

Furthermore, the response provides a clear explanation of how the frequent use of systems like banking has contributed to their reliability, contrasting this with the less frequent use of computerized voting systems. While occasional language errors result in minor lapses in clarity and a minor omission in covering the first lecture point, these do not significantly detract from the overall coherence of the response.

Considering that the language errors are generally minor and do not significantly impact the clarity of the content, and most of the important information from the lecture is effectively conveyed, the response merits a score higher than 3. It meets the criteria for a score of 4.

High-level Response

In my opinion, the lecture presented several reasons why the computerized voting system cannot effectively replace the traditional voting system. These reasons can be summarized as follows:

Firstly, not everyone is proficient in using computers. Some individuals lack access to computers, others are not accustomed to using them, and some may even feel intimidated by this technology. If voters are unfamiliar with computer usage, it raises concerns about their ability to navigate the voting process effectively through computerized systems. This directly challenges the assertion made in the reading passage that computerized voting is simpler by merely touching the screen.

Secondly, computers are susceptible to errors, similar to humans. Since computers are programmed by humans, errors are inevitable within the computer system. Issues arising from computerized voting systems may be more severe compared to those resulting from human error. A higher volume of votes could be miscounted or removed from the system, leading to challenges in recounting the votes. This contradicts the reading passage's claim that only human errors occur during vote counting.

Thirdly, the reliability of computerized voting systems is questionable due to their lack of stability. While people trust computers for conducting banking transactions, it's because computerized banking systems are utilized daily and regularly, thus achieving stability over time. However, voting occurs less frequently than banking transactions, and as a result, the reliability of computerized voting systems has not been thoroughly proven. (233 words)

Rater’s Comments

This response demonstrates a well-structured organization, effectively addressing the key points from all three aspects discussed in the lecture while illustrating their relevance to the assertions made in the reading passage regarding the benefits of computerized voting compared to traditional methods.

It counters the claim that computerized voting is inherently more user-friendly and diminishes voting distortion by highlighting that many individuals find computers unfamiliar, potentially leading to voter disenfranchisement. This challenges the notion that computerized voting simplifies the process for all voters.

It contests the argument that computerized voting reduces miscounts by emphasizing the susceptibility of computer systems to programming errors, which can result in significant miscounts or even the loss of voting records. This undermines the assumption that computerized systems inherently lead to more accurate vote tabulation.

Lastly, it refutes the comparison between computerized voting and computerized banking by highlighting the key distinction that the reliability of banking systems has been attained through continuous use and refinement, a process that differs significantly from the infrequent nature of voting events. This underscores the need for further validation of the reliability of computerized voting systems.

Overall, this response effectively addresses the core points raised in the lecture and demonstrates a clear understanding of their implications on the arguments presented in the reading passage, warranting a score of 5.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Voting System

Success in the Integrated Writing Task section hinges on the implementation of effective strategies. The following tips aim to equip you with the requisite tools to approach this task with confidence.

• The initial step necessitates a thorough reading of the passage to grasp the specific demands of the question. This entails identifying the key points and requirements outlined in the passage.
• Close attention should be paid to the lecture presented in the audio clip.  Take concise notes on the speaker's key arguments, examples, and evidence, particularly those used to refute or support the assertions made in the reading passage.
• Following the lecture, revisit the reading passage. Analyze the claims made about the Voting System and note any evidence or examples provided in support of these claims.
• Identify areas of agreement and disagreement between the reading passage and the lecture. Look for discrepancies, contradictions, or additional information in the lecture that challenges the assertions made in the reading passage.
• A well-structured response requires a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction should paraphrase the prompt and outline your main points.  The body paragraphs will present your analysis of the reading passage and the lecture, citing specific examples and evidence.
• Incorporate specific examples from both the reading passage and the lecture to support your analysis.  Employ direct quotes from the audio clip and reading passage to strengthen your argument and demonstrate comprehension.
• Ensure that your response flows smoothly and logically. Utilize cohesive devices such as transition words, pronouns, and parallel structure to connect ideas and maintain coherence.

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