TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion: Sample Questions and Answers

Download a complete TOEFL iBT practice test with answer explanations at this link - tstprep.com/op...
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LINKS:
🎦 TOEFL Writing Question #2 NEW GUIDE - • New TOEFL Writing Ques...
TOEFL iBT Sample Questions - www.ets.org/to...
New TOEFL Writing questions PDF - www.ets.org/pd...
New TOEFL Writing Rubrics - www.ets.org/pd...
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EVALUATIONS:
📣 Speaking Evaluations for the TOEFL - tstprep.com/st...
✍️ Writing Evaluations for the TOEFL - tstprep.com/st...
TRIAL LESSON:
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COURSES:
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CLASSES:
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👩‍🏫 1-1 lessons for the TOEFL (all sections) - tstprep.com/st...
Register to take the TOEFL iBT here - v2.ereg.ets.or...
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My name is Josh MacPherson, Head Instructor at TST Prep, where our mission is simple: to help students like you get the TOEFL score you need as quickly and easily as possible.
Need more TOEFL Writing practice? Check out these videos:
TOEFL Writing Top 10 Tips - • Top 10 TOEFL Writing Tips
The TOEFL Writing Section Explained in 5 Minutes - • The TOEFL Writing Sect...
Register to take the TOEFL iBT here - v2.ereg.ets.or...
The TOEFL iBT is an academic English test that measures four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. While ETS TOEFL offers a suite of TOEFL Test options like TOEFL Junior, TOEFL Essentials, and TOEFL Paper Edition, this video will primarily focus on the most popular version of the test, the TOEFL iBT.
You can reach out to us with any question, any time at [e-mail]
TST Prep:
Free TOEFL test: tstprep.com/
Facebook: / tstprep

[@carlosescudero3161]

I got my score 110! Thank your for all you help. Guys this is the best channel for toefl prep

[@TSTPrep]

Congratulations and thank you for your kind words. It means A LOT. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you say the same thing at this link - sotellus.com/r/tst-prep/? It will help people on Google learn about my site, TST Prep. Thanks again!

[@meri8649]

Hiii did you bought some of his courses?😊

[@rabbia4340]

Hey Josh, I wanted to thank you for such informative content. I mainly studied for toefl ibt through your videos, I scored 103/120 although it’s a good score but as I’m a foreign pharmacist I’m required to have 24 or above in writing and I got 23😅 So, now I’m preparing again. Thanks to your videos I’m confident that this time I’ll do even better.

[@TSTPrep]

Thanks for commenting and good luck on your next test! If you feel like you need additional help, you may try our essay evaluations or writing classes - tstprep.com/store/toefl/.

[@rohankalyankar6855]

Hi Josh, I prepared from your videos, I would say speaking and writing templates are superb. It helped me to get S: 22, W: 20. I haven't thought I would ever get this much. Thank you for your guidance. In the listening section, I got 12, I don't know why. The only difference I observed between your material and the TOEFL test is that the actual listening passages were much longer than your listening practice test on youtube and pdf. I never got less than 20 in those. In the actual test, because of the longer passages I felt challenging to remember all the things. Could you please include longer passages in your practice videos? This will be helpful for others as well. BTW I got 21 in the reading. Again, thanks for your tips.

[@TSTPrep]

Thank you for your feedback. We'll keep it in mind.

[@elenaafanaseva2270]

Hi Josh! I want to thank you for your help. I've just received my scores for the test, and they are more than enough to apply for a master's degree. I didn't have much time to prepare, only three days, but with your videos and advice, I made it. I think this is the most useful KZbin channel for TOEFL preparation.

[@TSTPrep]

Congratulations and thank you for your kind words. It means A LOT. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you say the same thing at this link - sotellus.com/r/tst-prep/? It will help people on Google learn about my site, TST Prep. Thanks again!

[@kadirimariamdamilola9905]

Hello josh, please can you make more videos on writing for an academic discussion

[@Fernara44]

My TOEFL is tomorrow, wish me luck

[@TSTPrep]

I hope it went well.

[@henrylouis5963]

Hey Josh, I want to thank you a lot because of your videos I achieved 107 points. I really learned a lot and have my best and you motivated me even more!!! I wanted more than 105 and got it 🥳 Lots of love and keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@TSTPrep]

Congratulations and thank you for your kind words. It means A LOT. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you say the same thing at this link - sotellus.com/r/tst-prep/? It will help people on Google learn about my site, TST Prep. Thanks again!

[@shashank.bg1]

Hi Josh, It will be very helpful if you create more content for the new TOEFL IBT test. The videos that you have uploaded are very useful. However, I need more videos for the updated version to practice. Thank you so much.

[@TSTPrep]

Sure, more videos to come soon! You can also find new and updated materials on the official site, www.ets.org/toefl/ibt-enhancements/prep.html

[@BasharZaqepeh]

the last question. The topic of art has generated much discussion in recent years. My personal belief is that different forms of art portray human feelings and beliefs. For instance, in ancient civilizations, the sculptures that depicted the gods they worshipped were massive because they wanted to represent their greatness through size and height. I totally agree with Susan's point that music serves as a means for people to express their feelings about social and political issues, and I would like to emphasize that it is in our nature not only to keep perspectives and thoughts as abstract ideas in our minds but also to show them through artistic representations. Art extends beyond mere entertainment; it is a powerful tool for portraying various aspects of our lives and society.

[@constanzadelafuente8645]

Hi! This is my answer: The way I see it, working remotely has its advantages and disadvantages. However, I would prefer to work in the same place as my colleagues. Though Ally has a good point when she mentions having the flexibility of organising her schedule, I believe that working at home implies losing work-life balance. Therefore, you can end working much more than you were expected to. Moreover, I would not choose to work remotely since I believe that to get to know people you need to meet them face to face. If you do not have daily contact, it will be really difficult to get involved in the group. Thus, you will ending feeling uncomfortable in the company you are working at. I had a question regarding the style in which I have to write. Is it formal? Can I use contractions? Thanks!

[@kadirimariamdamilola9905]

Hello josh, please make more videos on academic discussion

[@mw1076]

Hello sir, In this new task, we are basically the third student involved in conversation and talking about the perspective we have and how it applies or contradicts the other two fellows' opinions. Right???

[@TSTPrep]

That is not quite correct. You do not have to mention the opinions of both students. All you have to do is essentially further the discussion in some way. This means you would be fine just taking one point from one student and building on it. Most of your writing should be used to make new points that build or disagree with something one of the other students said. Otherwise, you run the risk of your answer sounding too much like an integrated response.

[@ddonatella]

JOSH, i wanted to thank u for everything, I started studying with ur videos 10 days before my test and my grade is more than enough!!! ilysm thankuthankuthanku💗💗💗💗

[@TSTPrep]

Great news and happy to hear you have earned the score you needed!

[@ddonatella]

all thanks to youuuu!!!

[@meri8649]

@@ddonatella Hii do you bought some of his programs :)?

[@ebraataman]

I have tried to the system, it is very good, but there is a need for some improvements. For example, the system should demonstrate our grammatical mistakes as well as grading.

[@TSTPrep]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@pedrocasadei2866]

Hey Josh, just wanted to thank for all the advices. Got the score I needed on my first attempt. It was great!

[@TSTPrep]

That's amazing! Congratulations and thanks for letting me know.

[@hasanatbusari8812]

Hi josh,please do more videos on this academic discussion and give more examples 😊 I will be glad if u can do this 😅😊

[@TSTPrep]

Thank you for your suggestion and I will consider it going forward.

[@ninotokhadze8093]

According to the new format, writing part 1 must include 280 words or more, and at the exam it is written that word limit is 150-220, as it was before. People get confused and stressed, why don't they change this update as well?

[@TSTPrep]

Just to clarify, for the new Writing task, Writing for an Academic Discussion, there's no maximum length for your response, but a good response is usually at least 100 words. However, we find that students who write more words score higher. Hope this helps!

[@saleempharmacist8584]

excellent work done great information thanks for updating and your valuable time and energy

[@TSTPrep]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. It means a lot!

[@alfredoherrera7812]

Hi Josh! I have a questions. Could I invent arguments? I mean, like inventing an academic study that support my statement. Lets say my statement is that the best strategy to tackle climate change is by replacing car with electric ones, which is supported by a report from Harvard that is not real

[@TSTPrep]

Well, you can lie sometimes, the ETS will not check if the information is accurate unless you say something totally ridiculous and off-place. However, it's better to keep it vague, for example, "according to the research" instead of "report from Harvard". I hope this makes sense.

[@angelamawuenadeku7802]

Hi Josh, You are doing a great job, I'm stuck between the videos😢 I have only three weeks to prepare for the toefl test. Any help please!

[@TSTPrep]

Thank you for commenting. If you need some guidance, you might find the TOEFL Emergency Course helpful. Great overview, especially for students in a hurry - tstprep.com/toefl-store/toefl-emergency-course/. This course has been designed for students who don’t have time to learn every single detail about the TOEFL, but just need to know essential information, TOEFL tips, tricks, and strategies in the least amount of time. If you need to talk to a teacher, you could also try a trial lesson, and they can give you some pointers - tstprep.com/store/toefl-trial-lesson/.

[@patriciaramos4478]

Hello!! I'm looking forward for more of your videos! I would like to have more practice videos (4 skills)!! please!! :D :D :D :D

[@TSTPrep]

Thank you for your support. Indeed, more videos to come soon.

[@shabnammehraban4743]

Thank you for your updates. It's very useful😍 Should we always write an example about our personal experiences? can't we just write our opinion with some reasons?

[@TSTPrep]

Great question! In general, it is a good idea to include personal examples. If you don’t want them to be personal, they should at least be specific. Avoid general statements as they will score lower.

[@ObsessedxTisdale]

Hi! I have a question about the use of contractions in this new task. Do you know if the use of contractions or complete grammar structures is an aspect that affects the score? Or if it's convenient to use contractions in this new format?

[@TSTPrep]

There is nowhere written in the rules that contractions are not allowed, but in academia, students are usually taught not to write them, so do the same for the test.

[@ObsessedxTisdale]

@@TSTPrep Thank you!!

[@kadirimariamdamilola9905]

Hey, josh .. ehmm can i get templates for the speaking section an please make new videos on the speaking section as well

[@romimq3274]

Hi Josh I have a question about this task. When the professor asks us an open-ended question, do I have to mention both of the students or can I just put my opinion?

[@TSTPrep]

Technically, you don't have to mention either speaker as long as whatever you say adds to the topic in a meaningful way. You can choose to mention one or both speakers, but be careful not to spend too much time repeating what they say.

[@afghangirl2758]

My exam is on 5th September what should I do in these days 🥹

[@g1g1.]

can you explain what "unscored questions" is?

[@TSTPrep]

Some students get either an extended Reading or extended Listening section. There is one extra passage/part that is used for ETS’ internal purposes, and it's unscored. When you get an extended Reading, only 3x of the 4x passages will be graded. However, starting July 26, 2023, test-takers won't have any unscored questions.

[@almakudabayeva3264]

Hi Josh, thank you for your tips, videos, templates, and all the other things you do for us. Do you think the July version will be easier? I didn't pass the reading section, so I have to take the test again. Thanks

[@TSTPrep]

It is supposed to be the same level of difficulty, but personally speaking, I think it is easier for the simple fact that it is shorter while the content remains mostly the same.

[@user-HollowEnglish]

The sample answers don't look very well,especially the one about reading experience.The author first agrees that literary methods are necessary,however a large portion is about how he was distressed by a difficult book.

[@TSTPrep]

Hi there and thank you for your feedback. If you don't like the examples, don't use them. However, I will explain the rationale behind the format. The first few sentences acknowledge the counterpoint. This is common practice when disagreeing with someone's opinion. After stating your opinion, you must have reasons and/or examples to help support your opinion. In this case, the person provided an example of when they had a difficult book to read. If you need more guidance on how the response should be structured, you can check out this video here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h32Xo2pui7akZ68

[@bremelol985]

Hi Josh! I was just wondering: what tense should we use for the Academic discussion? Simple present? Thanks! That really helped me out a lot!

[@TSTPrep]

Good question. well, I'm going to say the simple present because you will be talking about your opinion and that is usually in the simple present. If you use examples or anecdotes you will probably have to use the simple past or present perfect in that case. I hope that helps!

[@bremelol985]

@@TSTPrep Thanks! That really helped me out a lot!

[@FarbotBurunetNia]

Thank you for the update.

[@leoferreiraaraujo]

hey, I need to study for toelf but I don´t really know how to do that

[@TSTPrep]

Hi there and thank you for commenting. If you are new to the TOEFL, check out this guide - drive.google.com/file/d/1Vu11UrdNaREl8kWabn78LTF3YBfoN0JL/view. You can also find useful resources on our site, tstprep.com/

[@karlinayesenmolinamejia9140]

Hi Josh! Thank you for this helpful and updated video. Will the score for each section be the same? Do you know that?

[@TSTPrep]

The score scales will remain the same.

[@marinabassim9074]

How can I improve my vocabulary please in speaking and writing?! I have trouble using words and choosing words in these sections

[@TSTPrep]

If you want to build your vocabulary in general, I would suggest investing time in a site like LingQ where you can do some extensive practice that is not connected to the TOEFL, that way you can build your skills and vocabulary with content that is a little bit easier before moving ahead with the TOEFL. As for the speaking and writing sections, the best way to improve is to speak/write and get feedback from a teacher and continue this process while your language skills gradually improve. You can check out our website for teachers and evaluation services if you are interested - www.tstprep.com

[@Rhitaboyb567]

I have a TOEFL test on July 26,2023 . Am i concerned about the new toefl test ?

[@TSTPrep]

You will take the new (enhanced) version of the test.

[@monizemiranda2189]

I've recently started studying to take the TOEFL test and I still don't know much about the questions themselves and how to solve them. For the writing part, is it on paper or do people type?

[@TSTPrep]

If you take the TOEFL iBT test, you will type your essays on the computer. Check our this Quick Guide for more information about the TOEFL - drive.google.com/file/d/1Vu11UrdNaREl8kWabn78LTF3YBfoN0JL/view?usp=sharing

[@genesis5692]

Do you get these exact examples on the test? Or will it be something else?

[@TSTPrep]

The questions might look similar, but they are never the same.

[@himanisaraswat4891]

Hi Josh, I have a question to ask, as I am preparing for the academic writing session, I usually go beyond 200 words. Do you think that can have a negative impact on the score?

[@TSTPrep]

Hi there and good question. There is no maximum length for your response. However, we find that students who write more words score higher. Hope this helps!

[@zainabmobini1457]

Josh, is there any change in other parts too or just the writing section will have the changes ?

[@TSTPrep]

For the most part, besides the Writing section, the content of the TOEFL iBT will remain the same. However, the Reading section will be shorter (just 2 passages, 20 questions, 35 minutes). - kzbin.info2c-vNifKvpo?feature=share

[@zainabmobini1457]

@@TSTPrep So what do u think , will it be easier or harder ?

[@TSTPrep]

@@zainabmobini1457 Well, in theory, it is supposed to be the same level of difficulty, but personally speaking, I think it is easier for the simple fact that it is shorter while the content remains mostly the same.

[@FronTheShadowsValley]

I'm scared. I can't think reasons so quickly 😢

[@TSTPrep]

Here is a document you may find helpful. It is called, How to Think of Reasons and Examples.drive.google.com/file/d/1NpEhd9BLNVKOuOO08LpJ6lA2NSLOZgJO/view?usp=sharing Hope this helps and good luck!

[@NourMohanna]

Can u plz help me grade my essay I can’t afford paid one Some parents forbid young children from owning smart phones (cell phones with Internet access), while others disagree and believe that they are important tools for keeping in touch. Which point of view do you think is better, and why? its critically important nowadays to know how to use smart phones and technologies because they are available in our hands and we can access various things through them. However, it's my firm belief that children should not have smartphones. I believe this way for a number of reasons, and i will develop these ideas in the subsequent paragraphs. First and foremost, kids are wasting time surfing web and playing on their devices. Moreover, the child can find many attractive programs and application on phones which makes them addicted and never want to let it go. Consequently, this can lead to tremendous effects on their acadimic learning. Not only but also, they can ignore their homeworks just in the sake of finishing games. I have to admit that my opinion on this matter has been profoundly influenced by my personal experience. I still remember when my youngest sister who is 5 years old had a math quiz and i wanted to teach her, she kept begging me to let her finish the last level of the game, additionally she ended up playing 5 consecutive levels without paying attention that her quiz should be her first concern. So, if i had not stopped her from playing, she would have never let the phone. Furthermore, devices and phones can have young ages to get to know many people and strangers. Although it's so important to be social, some strangers can be dangerous on kids and they may put them in a hazardous situations. This is due to the fact that kids are usally pure and trust whatever the older ones tell them. Take my cousin as an example, my 7 years old cousin Mellisa was kiddnapped by a man who asked her family to give him money to let her go. It all started when he contacted Mellisa through a game on her phone and he started telling her jokes, and for her he was so sweet and funny, days after he asked her about her school and simply she told him everything that made it too easy for him to reach her out. If she have been forbidden from using phone, she would have not experienced such hard time. To sum up, based on these experiences mentioned above i believe kids should be prohibited from using phones because it will distract them and might expose them to danger.

[@TSTPrep]

You can find the first three topics at this link - www.ets.org/pdfs/toefl/toefl-ibt-writing-practice-sets-enhanced.pdf As for the ones you mentioned, they have been created by TST Prep based on samples from ETS. Sorry for the confusion.

[@biankamariazaldivartejeda9169]

Somebody has a template for the writing exercise, please share me

[@TSTPrep]

Here is a link to our guide with templates. Hope you find it useful. - drive.google.com/file/d/1ZWv72rlPez6Iwt5Xk4GbhsZVDxkraJ9q/view

[@rashasalem7433]

how do i take the course with josh , i used to his way of teaching

[@TSTPrep]

Hi there and thank you for asking! There are private lessons with our expert TOEFL teachers at this link - tstprep.com/store/toefl/toefl-private-lessons. However, Josh isn't teaching right now, just to let you know.

[@سميهالحمدلله]

2:37 12:29

[@stellamoline838]

Thank you

[@sathyagsathya1927]

Hey Josh....took toefl test couple of weeks back. In reading session they gave 40 questions.....I'm confused....I thought reading session must be 30 questions.

[@TSTPrep]

Some students get either an extended Reading or extended Listening section. There is one extra passage/part that is used for ETS’ internal purposes. When you get an extended Reading like this, only 3x of the 4x passages will be graded. Please note that starting July 26, 2023, some changes will apply. The reading section will have only 20 questions, and they will remove unscored questions.

[@derskanal5768]

Hi, i have one and a half months to prepare for TOEFL I am an international student and aiming to get 80. Do you think that i can do it I am literally confused right now I don't know what to do I don't know whether I should take the test or not, time is passing by

[@TSTPrep]

Every student is unique, so it is hard for me to give advice to you in particular, but you may try a trial lesson with one of our tutors for more personalized assessment and guidance - tstprep.com/toefl-store/toefl-trial-lesson/.

[@thespecialone5812]

First of all a big thanks for your help, you are amazing! I wrote the toefl today and I got R29, L30 but I am very very nervous about the speaking as I need at least 21 and I think I did terribly :( So I wanna ask you and the community, if the speaking normally gets rated very very strict, or if the people often get more points than they accepted to get :)

[@TSTPrep]

That’s great news about your reading and listening scores! and I'm sure your speaking was not as bad as you think. Good luck :)

[@kadirimariamdamilola9905]

Hello josh, please can i get template for the TOEFL speaking

[@TSTPrep]

Here is the link again - drive.google.com/file/d/1SJLKY3cXT9KfrhMT0d7zlD86By-VR0EB/view?usp=sharing

[@kadirimariamdamilola9905]

@@TSTPrep thank you so much josh, I'm so sorry for the trouble.

[@kadirimariamdamilola9905]

Can we agree and disagree at the same time

[@TSTPrep]

Technically, Yes you can but the best and easiest approach is to argue one side. Remember you only have 10 minutes and writing a well-balanced essay that argues both sides is much harder. Also, you get no extra points for giving a nuisanced answer. I would suggest arguing only one side.

[@kadirimariamdamilola9905]

@@TSTPrep okay thank you ... But please make more videos explaining more ... Because it's kinda confusing

[@TSTPrep]

@@kadirimariamdamilola9905 Sure, more videos to come soon :)

[@다니엘외국어튜브]

If I wrote 80words without grammar errors, can I have a chance to get 4 out of 5scores?

[@TSTPrep]

Hi and thank you for your question. Unfortunately, TOEFL does not release the exact formula of how they calculate a score so we don't know how many points you would lose for writing less than is asked for. That being said, the question says, "An effective response will contain at least 100 words." Thus I would conclude that 80 words would be considered an ineffective response and likely not score as high. Your best bet is to practice until you can generate at least 100 words.

[@moniquendondo8457]

I Josh, can i have the the coupon number, i try this one but isn't working

[@TSTPrep]

Sure, here is the 10% off coupon code, tstprep-josh You can send an email to [e-mail] if you would like to know more about our courses and possible discounts.

[@moniquendondo8457]

@TSTPrep I bought before yesterday, the emergency course

[@Dineshchhimpa123]

How to check result without I'd password

[@TSTPrep]

I'm sorry but I don't understand the question. What password are you referring to?

[@Dineshchhimpa123]

@@TSTPrep today result show but just cancel my result please help

[@TSTPrep]

@@Dineshchhimpa123 For this kind of issue, it is best to contact ETS directly at [e-mail] or at this link www.ets.org/contact.

[@erikanatarajan6998]

I never past before!!😂

[@SmeXyLeXi_]

I got score 21 on my writing 😢 I don't get it, I used a lot of complex sentences and high rated Grammers, conditionals, passives, modals and ... I also used a bunch of professional words but I can't believe I got this score, I'm sure I deserved 30, I really don't get it..

[@TSTPrep]

Sorry and good luck on your next test. You can have one of our teachers evaluate your essays if you want more specific answers for yourself - tstprep.com/store/toefl/toefl-writing-evaluations/.

[@SmeXyLeXi_]

@@TSTPrep sure I appreciate it, thanks.