TOEFL TPO -1 Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Do you agree that excessive consumption-buying more than we truly need-has become a serious problem? Why
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2 user-submitted samples available
Start Free PracticeTask Overview
Professor
Dr.Gupta We've been discussing the idea that human well-being is not necessarily improved by ever-increasing production and consumption of goods and services. Some people argue that humans already consume too many goods, from clothing to electronics to sea food; they believe that excessive consumption has created serious problems for humanity and even the planet.
Student A
I absolutely agree. We buy far more than we need, and that can't continue indefinitely. For years people have used shopping as a form of recreation. The products bought on a whim are filling up land fill sand the energy expended producing the goods has created a global warming crisis. We should start gradually reducing consumption.
Student B
I disagree with the idea that over consumption is a dramatic problem. I agree there is some over consumption, but it happens mostly with wealthy people. I think in general almost everyone else already buys only what they need. ln fact, many people around the world are not even able to obtain everything they need.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
User Sample
From my perspective, I don't agree with the opinion that over consumption has become a very serious problem. In fact, in numerous countries, individuals do not have sufficient income to support their excessive consumption of goods and services. For example, in some African nations, the average monthly income is less than $100, which barely covering basic necessities, such as buying food and paying rent. While concerns have raised about buying a lot more than we need will contribute to global warming crisis, this issue will only occur in a few economically developed regions and is unlikely to inflict significant damage on the Earth’s environment as a whole.
Evaluation Result
1. 子项得分
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Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 4.0
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Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 3.5
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Language Use and Grammar: 4.0
2. 预估分数
- 25
3. 任务完成度
这篇文章在回答问题方面做得不错,但是可以在论证和细节方面进行改进。首先,文章需要提供更多具体的例子来支持观点。其次,可以讨论一下消费过度对环境和社会的其他影响,以使论证更加全面。
改进建议示例:
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"While concerns have raised about buying a lot more than we need will contribute to global warming crisis, this issue will only occur in a few economically developed regions and is unlikely to inflict significant damage on the Earth’s environment as a whole." 可以改为 "Although excessive consumption contributes to the global warming crisis, this issue primarily affects economically developed regions, while many other areas of the world still struggle with poverty and lack of resources."
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可以添加一个关于过度消费对资源分配不均的影响的讨论,例如:"Excessive consumption in wealthy countries can lead to an unequal distribution of resources, making it even more difficult for people in impoverished areas to meet their basic needs."
4. 文章结构与组织
文章的结构基本清晰,但可以在段落划分和过渡方面进行改进。首先,在引入观点时,应该使用一个独立的段落来介绍主题。其次,在讨论不同方面的观点时,应该使用清晰的过渡词来连接各个段落。
改进建议示例:
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在文章开头添加一个引言段落,例如:"In recent years, there has been a growing debate over whether excessive consumption has become a serious problem. While some argue that it is causing significant harm to the environment and society, others believe that it is not as widespread or damaging as it may seem."
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在讨论不同观点时使用过渡词,例如:"On one hand, excessive consumption can lead to environmental issues such as global warming and resource depletion. On the other hand, many people around the world still struggle to meet their basic needs and do not have the means to engage in excessive consumption."
5. 语法批改
From my perspective, I don't agree with the opinion that over consumptionoverconsumption(over complicated (overcomplicated)) has become a very serious problem. In fact, in numerous countries, individuals do not have sufficient income to support their excessive consumption of goods and services. For example, in some African nations, the average monthly income is less than $100, which barely covering basic necessitiesnecessities(basic fundamentals/necessities (fundamentals/necessities)), such as buying food and paying rent. While concerns have raised about buying a lot more than we need will contribute to (Two consecutive spaces)global warming crisis, this issue will only occur in a few economically developed regions and is unlikely to inflict significant damage on the Earth’s environment as a whole.
Section Title: 6. Article Revision
In my view, excessive consumption has not become a pervasive issue. Indeed, in many countries, people lack the financial means to indulge in the overconsumption of goods and services. For instance, in certain African nations, the average monthly income falls below $100, barely covering essential needs like food and housing. Although there are valid concerns that purchasing more than necessary may exacerbate global warming, this problem is primarily confined to a select few economically developed regions and is unlikely to cause substantial harm to the Earth's environment as a whole. (95 words)
From In my perspective, I don't agree with the opinion that over view [revised for a more formal tone], excessive consumption has not become a very serious problem. In fact, pervasive issue [rephrased for clarity]. Indeed, in numerous many countries, individuals do not have sufficient income people lack the financial means [revised for specificity] to support their excessive consumption indulge in the overconsumption of goods and services. services [rephrased for clarity]. For example, instance, in some certain African nations, the average monthly income is less than falls below $100, which barely covering basic necessities, such as buying essential needs [rephrased for conciseness] like food and paying rent. While housing [revised for consistency]. Although there are valid concerns have raised about buying a lot that purchasing more than we need will contribute to necessary may exacerbate global warming crisis, [rephrased for clarity], this issue will only occur in problem is primarily confined to a select few economically developed regions [revised for specificity] and is unlikely to inflict significant damage on cause substantial harm to the Earth’s Earth's environment as a whole.whole [rephrased for clarity].
8 思维导图
- 主题: 过度消费是否普遍存在
- 论点1: 许多国家的人们无法过度消费
- 例子: 非洲部分国家的平均月收入低于100美元
- 论点2: 过度消费可能加剧全球变暖
- 限制: 主要局限于经济发达地区
- 结论: 过度消费不太可能对整个地球环境造成重大影响
9 关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbol | Part of Speech | English definition | Simplified Chinese translation | Sample sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| excessive | /ɪkˈsɛsɪv/ | adjective | more than is necessary, normal, or desirable | 过多的,过分的 | Excessive consumption can lead to environmental problems. |
| consumption | /kənˈsʌm(p)ʃ(ə)n/ | noun | the using up of a resource | 消费 | The high consumption of energy is a major concern for many countries. |
| pervasive | /pərˈveɪsɪv/ | adjective | spreading widely throughout an area or a group | 普遍存在的 | The pervasive issue of poverty affects millions of people worldwide. |
| indulge | /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/ | verb | to allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of | 放纵,沉迷于 | People should not indulge in excessive consumption of goods and services. |
| overconsumption | /ˌəʊvəkənˈsʌm(p)ʃ(ə)n/ | noun | the action of consuming something excessively | 过度消费 | Overconsumption can lead to negative consequences for both individuals and society. |
| exacerbate | /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ | verb | to make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse | 加剧,恶化 | Purchasing more than necessary may exacerbate global warming. |
| confined | /kənˈfaɪnd/ | adjective | existing only in a particular area or group | 局限于 | This problem is primarily confined to a select few economically developed regions. |
| substantial | /səbˈstanʃ(ə)l/ | adjective | of considerable importance, size, or worth | 重大的,实质性的 | Excessive consumption is unlikely to cause substantial harm to the Earth's environment as a whole. |
| harm | /hɑrm/ | noun | physical injury, especially that which is deliberately inflicted | 伤害,损害 | It is important to minimize harm to the environment. |
| environment | /ɪnˈvaɪrənm(ə)nt/ | noun | the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates | 环境 | Protecting the environment should be a priority for all nations. |
How Academic Discussion Is Scored
The TOEFL Academic Discussion task is evaluated based on the official ETS scoring rubric. AI evaluation analyzes each response across multiple dimensions.
Relevance & Contribution
Does the response address the question and contribute meaningfully to the discussion?
Language Use
Grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, and sentence structure quality.
Development & Support
Are ideas well-developed with specific examples and clear reasoning?
Common Patterns Across Responses
Based on analysis of user submissions for this task, here are common patterns observed in student responses.
Many students provide clear opinions but lack specific supporting examples.
Strong responses directly reference the reading passage and other speakers' viewpoints.
Higher-scoring responses use varied sentence structures and academic vocabulary.
Time management is a key factor — responses that feel rushed tend to score lower on development.
Learning Tips
Read the prompt carefully and identify all parts of the question before writing.
Reference the reading passage and the other students' opinions in your response.
Use specific examples to support your main point — avoid generic statements.
Aim for 120-150 words. Longer responses are not always better; clarity and focus matter more.
Practice timed responses (10 minutes) to build fluency under exam conditions.
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