TOEFL TPO -1 Academic Discussion Writing Sample: For instance, under an optional-attendance policy, university students could choose not to attend classes but instead study the course materials and acquire the knowledge on their own time. Their grade would then be based on entirely on exams or papers. What are your thoughts on this approach?
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Professor
We’ll discussing the future of higher education, focusing on proposals for making postsecondary education more efficient and more accessible. One such proposal is to make class attendance optional. For instance, under an optional-attendance policy, university students could choose not to attend classes but instead study the course materials and acquire the knowledge on their own time. Their grade would then be based on entirely on exams or papers. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Claire
I like the idea of optional attendance. University students have a lot going on, and sometimes it's difficult to make it to class. As long as students are held accountable for the information they're supposed to learn, I don't see why they should have to attend every class session, especially for classes that meet multiple times a week.
Andrew
I have to disagree with Claire. I think that class attendance policies foster another important kind of accountability. They teach discipline and responsibility. Many of the jobs that university or trade school students will pursue after graduation have their own attendance policies, so students should see class attendance as good preparation for entering the workforce.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
User Sample
While Claire points out the difficulties in attending classes, I still believe that the requirement of attending classes cannot be canceled, since the advantages of attending classes cannot be replaced by other teaching approaches. At a principal level, attending classes on time not only shows our determination to gain knowledge but also shows our respect for the professor who spends a large amount of time designing courses. At a practical level, discussing a specific paragraph in a classic with our classmates in class can always enhance our understanding of the literature and inspire us with new ideas and intriguing questions, which are beneficial to our academic performance. While someone may indicate academic communication can also occur in other forms such as online discussion boards and emails, I believe that such inspiring face-to-face communication with immediate feedback cannot be replaced by online discussions.
Evaluation Result
1. Sub Scores
Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 4.5 Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 4.0 Language Use and Grammar: 4.0
2. Estimated Scores
Estimated Score: 28
3. Task completeness
The essay addresses the specific requirements of the task by discussing the importance of attending classes and its advantages. However, it could be improved by providing more concrete examples or evidence to support the argument. Additionally, incorporating both Claire's and Andrew's viewpoints in a more balanced manner would strengthen the essay.
Suggestions for improvement:
-
Include specific examples of how attending classes has led to better academic performance or personal growth.
-
Address both Claire's and Andrew's viewpoints more thoroughly, acknowledging their arguments while still maintaining your own stance.
Examples:
- "For example, a study conducted at XYZ University found that students who attended at least 80% of their classes had a significantly higher GPA than those who did not."
- "While Claire argues that optional attendance allows for flexibility in students' schedules, it is important to consider Andrew's point about discipline and responsibility as essential skills for future careers."
4. Essay structure and organization
The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, it could benefit from clearer transitions between ideas and paragraphs to improve overall organization.
Suggestions for improvement:
-
Use transitional phrases or sentences to connect ideas within paragraphs.
-
Ensure each paragraph focuses on one main idea with supporting details.
Examples:
- "Furthermore, attending classes provides opportunities for students to engage in group discussions or debates that can deepen their understanding of complex topics."
- "On the other hand, proponents of optional attendance argue that self-directed learning can be just as effective as traditional classroom instruction."
5. Grammar
While Claire points out the difficulties in attending classes, I still believe that the requirement of attending classes cannot be canceled, since the advantages of attending classes cannot be replaced by other teaching approaches. At a principal level, attending classes on time not only shows our determination to gain knowledge but also shows our respect for the professor who spends a large amount of time designing courses. At a practical level, discussing a specific paragraph in a classic with our classmates in class can always enhance our understanding of the literature and inspire us with new ideas and intriguing questions, which are beneficial to our academic performance. While someone may indicate academic communication can also occur in other forms such as online discussion boards and emails, I believe that such inspiring face-to-face communication with immediate feedback cannot be replaced by online discussions.
Display title: 6 Revised Essay
Despite Claire's valid concerns regarding the challenges of attending classes, I maintain that mandatory class attendance is essential due to the unique benefits it offers, which cannot be replicated through alternative learning methods. Fundamentally, punctual class attendance demonstrates a student's commitment to acquiring knowledge and expresses respect for the professor who invests considerable time in course development. On a practical level, engaging in lively discussions with peers during class sessions can significantly enhance one's comprehension of the subject matter and stimulate the generation of innovative ideas and thought-provoking questions, ultimately contributing to improved academic performance. While some may argue that similar interactions can occur via online discussion boards or email exchanges, I contend that the dynamic nature of face-to-face communication and the opportunity for immediate feedback are irreplaceable aspects of in-person learning experiences. (138 words)
While Claire points out Despite Claire's valid concerns (revised for clarity and conciseness) regarding the difficulties in challenges of attending classes, I still believe maintain that mandatory class attendance (rephrased for precision) is essential due to the requirement of attending classes unique benefits it offers, which cannot be canceled, since the advantages of attending classes cannot be replaced by other teaching approaches. At replicated through alternative learning methods (revised for clarity and emphasis). Fundamentally, punctual class attendance (rephrased for precision) demonstrates a principal level, attending classes on time not only shows our determination student's commitment to gain acquiring knowledge but also shows our and expresses respect for the professor who spends a large amount of invests considerable time designing courses. At in course development (revised for clarity and conciseness). On a practical level, discussing a specific paragraph engaging in a classic lively discussions with our classmates in peers during class sessions (rephrased for precision) can always significantly enhance our understanding one's comprehension of the literature subject matter and inspire us with new stimulate the generation of innovative ideas and intriguing thought-provoking questions, which are beneficial ultimately contributing to our improved academic performance. performance (revised for clarity and emphasis). While someone some may indicate academic communication argue that similar interactions can also occur in other forms such as via online discussion boards and emails, or email exchanges, I believe contend that such inspiring the dynamic nature of face-to-face communication with and the opportunity for immediate feedback cannot be replaced by online discussions.are irreplaceable aspects of in-person learning experiences (revised for clarity and emphasis).
Display title: 8 Mind Map
- Mandatory Class Attendance
- Demonstrates commitment
- Acquiring knowledge
- Respect for professor
- Practical benefits
- Lively discussions
- Enhanced comprehension
- Innovative ideas
- Thought-provoking questions
- Improved academic performance
- In-person learning experiences
- Dynamic face-to-face communication
- Immediate feedback
Display title: 9 Key Words
| Word | Phonetic Symbol | Part of Speech | English Definition | English Translation | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | ˈmændəˌtɔri | Adjective | Required by law or rules; compulsory | Mandatory | Mandatory class attendance is essential for students' success. |
| Commitment | kəˈmɪtmənt | Noun | A pledge or undertaking to do something | Commitment | Punctual class attendance demonstrates a student's commitment to acquiring knowledge. |
| Comprehension | ˌkɑmprɪˈhɛnʃən | Noun | The ability to understand something fully; grasp of a subject | Comprehension | Engaging in discussions can enhance one's comprehension of the subject matter. |
| Innovative | ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv | Adjective | Featuring new methods or ideas; original and creative thinking | Innovative | Lively discussions stimulate the generation of innovative ideas. |
| Thought-provoking | θɔt prəˈvoʊkɪŋ | Adjective | Causing one to think deeply or consider new ideas | Thought-provoking | Class sessions can lead to thought-provoking questions. |
| Dynamic | daɪˈnæmɪk | Adjective | Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress | Dynamic | Face-to-face communication is a dynamic aspect of in-person learning experiences. |
| Immediate | ɪˈmidiət | Adjective | Occurring or done at once; instant | Immediate | The opportunity for immediate feedback is an essential part of in-person learning. |
| Irreplaceable | ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbəl | Adjective | Impossible to replace if lost or damaged; unique | Irreplaceable | The dynamic nature of face-to-face communication is an irreplaceable aspect of in-person learning. |
| Academic performance | əˈkædəmɪk pərˈfɔrməns | Noun | A measure of a student's success in their studies | Academic performance | Attending classes contributes to improved academic performance. |
Display title: 6 Revised Essay
Despite Claire's valid concerns regarding the challenges of attending classes, I maintain that mandatory class attendance is essential due to the unique benefits it offers, which cannot be replicated through alternative learning methods. Fundamentally, punctual class attendance demonstrates a student's commitment to acquiring knowledge and expresses respect for the professor who invests considerable time in course development. On a practical level, engaging in lively discussions with peers during class sessions can significantly enhance one's comprehension of the subject matter and stimulate the generation of innovative ideas and thought-provoking questions, ultimately contributing to improved academic performance. While some may argue that similar interactions can occur via online discussion boards or email exchanges, I contend that the dynamic nature of face-to-face communication and the opportunity for immediate feedback are irreplaceable aspects of in-person learning experiences.
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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