TOEFL TPO -1 Academic Discussion Writing Sample: do you think that more cities should make their central zones car-free? why and why not?
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Start Free PracticeTask Overview
Professor
do you think that more cities should make their central zones car-free? why and why not?
Student A
yes, it encourages citizens to walk and cycle without driving their cars
Student B
no. it damages the business of the city center, like restaurant and detials.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
User Sample
Although Claire claims that establishing car-free central zones can yield beneficial results because it can encourage people to incorporate exercise into their routines, which is reasonable, still I believe the government shouldn’t set up a car-free zone for the overall environment consideration. Apart from Paul’s perspective of the negative influence on shops and restaurants that might be caused by car-free policies, I oppose this idea because this might bring more pollution in the long run. For instance, the city center, a place that possesses intricate roads and transportation, is an area where people will constantly pass by. However, with this policy approved, people will have to get to their destination on other roads which is more distant than going straight forward through the city center. As a result, vehicles might eventually emit even more harmful gas into the atmosphere, exerting more wounds to the earth. Consequently, considering the fact that it’s not worth sacrificing the environment just to encourage people to exercise more, we shouldn’t set up car-free zones in the city center
Evaluation Result
1. Sub Scores
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Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 4.5
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Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 4.0
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Language Use and Grammar: 3.5
2. Estimated Scores
Estimated Score: 25
3. Task completeness
The essay does a good job of addressing the task by presenting a clear viewpoint against car-free zones in city centers. However, the essay could be improved by providing more specific examples or evidence to support the argument. Additionally, the essay should address both sides of the argument (pros and cons) more evenly.
Suggestions for improvement:
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Provide specific examples or data to support your claim that car-free zones might lead to more pollution.
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Address the benefits of car-free zones more thoroughly, even if you ultimately disagree with them.
Examples:
- "A study conducted in City X showed that after implementing a car-free zone, traffic congestion on surrounding roads increased by 20%, leading to higher emissions."
- "While car-free zones can promote walking and cycling, it is important to consider alternative solutions such as improving public transportation or creating dedicated bike lanes."
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.
Suggestions for improvement:
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Use transition words or phrases to connect ideas within paragraphs.
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Ensure each paragraph focuses on one main point with supporting details.
Examples:
- "On one hand, proponents of car-free zones argue that they encourage healthier lifestyles by promoting walking and cycling. On the other hand, opponents claim that these policies can harm local businesses."
- "Firstly, it is important to consider the potential environmental impact of car-free zones. As mentioned earlier, diverting traffic around city centers may lead to increased emissions."
5. 语法批改
Although Claire claims that establishing car-free central zones can yield beneficial results because it can encourage people to incorporate exercise into their routines, which is reasonable, still I believe the government shouldn’t set up a car-free zone for the overall environment consideration. Apart from Paul’s perspective of the negative influence on shops and restaurants that might be caused by car-free policies, I oppose this idea because this might bring more pollution in the long run. For instance, the city center, a place that possesses intricate roads and transportation, is an area where people will constantly pass by. However, with this policy approved, people will have to get to their destination on other roads which isare(Detects potentially wrong usage of "is") more distant than going straight forward through the city center. As a result, vehicles might eventually emit even more harmful gas into the atmosphere, exerting more wounds to the earth. Consequently, considering the fact that it’s not worth sacrificing the environment just to encourage people to exercise more, we shouldn’t set up car-free zones in the city center
Display title: 6 Revised Essay
While it is true that implementing car-free central zones can promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging citizens to walk and cycle, as Claire suggests, I believe that such policies should not be adopted due to their potential negative impact on the environment and local businesses. In addition to Paul's concerns regarding the possible harm to shops and restaurants, I argue that car-free zones may inadvertently contribute to increased pollution in the long run. The city center, characterized by its complex network of roads and transportation systems, is an area through which people frequently travel. With the introduction of car-free policies, individuals would be forced to navigate alternative routes that may be less direct than those passing through the city center. Consequently, vehicles could end up producing even greater amounts of harmful emissions due to increased travel distances. Therefore, given the potential environmental repercussions and the adverse effects on local businesses, I maintain that establishing car-free zones in city centers is not a viable solution. (168 words)
Although Claire claims that establishing While it is true that implementing car-free central zones can yield beneficial results because it can encourage people to incorporate exercise into their routines, which is reasonable, still promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging citizens to walk and cycle (revised for clarity and conciseness), as Claire suggests, I believe the government shouldn’t set up a car-free zone for the overall that such policies should not be adopted due to their potential negative impact on the environment consideration. Apart from Paul’s perspective of the negative influence on and local businesses (added "and local businesses" to address Paul's concerns). In addition to Paul's concerns regarding the possible harm to shops and restaurants that might be caused by car-free policies, (clarified reference to Paul's perspective), I oppose this idea because this might bring more argue that car-free zones may inadvertently contribute to increased pollution in the long run. For instance, the run (rephrased for better flow). The city center, a place that possesses intricate characterized by its complex network of roads and transportation, transportation systems (revised for clarity), is an area where through which people will constantly pass by. However, with this policy approved, people will have to get to their destination frequently travel. With the introduction of car-free policies, individuals would be forced to navigate alternative routes that may be less direct than those passing through the city center (rephrased for better flow). Consequently, vehicles could end up producing even greater amounts of harmful emissions due to increased travel distances (clarified cause-and-effect relationship). Therefore, given the potential environmental repercussions and the adverse effects on other roads which is more distant than going straight forward through the city center. As a result, vehicles might eventually emit even more harmful gas into the atmosphere, exerting more wounds to the earth. Consequently, considering the fact that it’s not worth sacrificing the environment just to encourage people to exercise more, we shouldn’t set up local businesses (summarized main points), I maintain that establishing car-free zones in the city centercenters is not a viable solution.
Display title: 8 Mind Map
1. Introduction
- Car-free central zones
- Healthier lifestyles
- Negative impacts
2. Local businesses
- Paul's concerns
- Harm to shops and restaurants
3. Environmental impact
- Increased pollution
- Indirect routes
4. City center characteristics
- Complex network of roads and transportation systems
5. Alternative routes
- Less direct than city center routes
6. Increased emissions
- Greater travel distances due to alternative routes
7. Conclusion
- Not a viable solution
Display title: 9 Key Words
| Word | Phonetic Symbol | Part of Speech | English Definition | English Translation | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implementing | /ɪmˈplɛməntɪŋ/ | Verb | To put into effect; execute | Implementing | Implementing car-free central zones can promote healthier lifestyles. |
| Inadvertently | /ˌɪnədˈvɜrtəntli/ | Adverb | Unintentionally; without realizing | Inadvertently | Car-free zones may inadvertently contribute to increased pollution in the long run. |
| Repercussions | /ˌriːpərˈkʌʃənz/ | Noun | Unintended consequences, especially negative ones | Repercussions | Given the potential environmental repercussions, car-free zones are not a viable solution. |
| Viable | /ˈvaɪəbəl/ | Adjective | - Capable of working successfully | - Viable | - Establishing car-free zones in city centers is not a viable solution. |
| Contribute | /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/ | Verb | To help bring about; play a part in | Contribute | Car-free zones may contribute to increased pollution. |
| Adverse | /ædˈvɜrs/ | Adjective | Unfavorable or harmful | Adverse | The adverse effects on local businesses should be considered. |
| Complex | /kəmˈplɛks/ | Adjective | - Made up of many interconnected parts | - Complex | - The city center is characterized by its complex network of roads and transportation systems. |
| Emissions | /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ | Noun | - Substances discharged into the air, such as gases | - Emissions | - Vehicles could end up producing even greater amounts of harmful emissions due to increased travel distances. |
| Transportation systems | /trænsˌpɔrˈteɪʃən ˈsɪstəmz/ | Noun | - Networks for moving people or goods from one place to another | - Transportation systems | - The city center has a complex network of roads and transportation systems. |
Display title: 6 Revised Essay
While it is true that implementing car-free central zones can promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging citizens to walk and cycle, as Claire suggests, I believe that such policies should not be adopted due to their potential negative impact on the environment and local businesses. In addition to Paul's concerns regarding the possible harm to shops and restaurants, I argue that car-free zones may inadvertently contribute to increased pollution in the long run. The city center, characterized by its complex network of roads and transportation systems, is an area through which people frequently travel. With the introduction of car-free policies, individuals would be forced to navigate alternative routes that may be less direct than those passing through the city center. Consequently, vehicles could end up producing even greater amounts of harmful emissions due to increased travel distances. Therefore, given the potential environmental repercussions and the adverse effects on local businesses, I maintain that establishing car-free zones in city centers is not a viable solution.
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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