TOEFL TPO -1 Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Your professor is teaching a class on political science. Write apost responding to the professor's question.
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1 user-submitted samples available
Start Free PracticeTask Overview
Professor
Today we're going to talk about the debate betweeneconomic growth and protecting the environment. Economicgrowth creates new jobs and gives people money they can use toimprove their lives. On the other hand, if we protect theenvironment it can be enjoyed both by ourselves and futuregenerations. If you had to choose between prioritizing economic growth or protecting the environment, which one would you choose.Why?
Alex
I would prioritize the environment. We only have one planetand if we don't take care of it, we won't have pleasant lives in thefuture. Economic growth can be important, but not at the expenseof the environment. I think we need to shift towards more environmentally-friendly economic practices, such as investing in renewable energy and promoting environmentally-friendly technologies. We'll all live much healthier lives if the world aroundus is clean.
Maggie
While I agree with Alex that environmental sustainabilityis important, I think that economic growth is the only way to solvemany of the social and economic problems we face. We need astrong economy to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improvestandards of living. Not only that, but if companies grow strongerand more profitable, they might eventually develop newtechnologies that solve our environmental problems
User Samples & Evaluation Results
User Sample
This is a challenging topic, but I think that environmental protection weighs over economic development. I strongly agree with Alex’s idea that only with a diverse and healthy ecosystem can we live a happy life. I’d add that it’s urgent for human-beings to repair the environment, for a large amount of species has already face extinction as the result of waste discharge, poaching and deforestation. While Maggie raised the relevant point that economic progress will promote environmental protection in turn, she didn’t mention that the damage to environment is unreversible. For example, Amazon forest has experienced decrease in square for more than half and scientists alert that it’s even impossible to repair it.
Evaluation Result
1.子项得分
Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 4.5 Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 4.0 Language Use and Grammar: 4.0
2.预估分数
Estimated Score: 27
3.任务完成度
这篇文章在任务完成度方面表现较好,但仍有改进空间。首先,你的观点表达清晰,与讨论话题紧密相关。然而,在支持观点方面可以加强一些细节和例子。例如,你可以提供更多关于环境保护对人类生活质量的影响的具体信息。
改进建议示例1: 原文:"I’d add that it’s urgent for human-beings to repair the environment, for a large amount of species has already face extinction as the result of waste discharge, poaching and deforestation." 修改后:"I’d add that it’s urgent for human-beings to repair the environment, as numerous species have already faced extinction due to waste discharge, poaching, and deforestation. For instance, the decline in bee populations directly impacts our food supply since they play a crucial role in pollination."
改进建议示例2: 原文:"While Maggie raised the relevant point that economic progress will promote environmental protection in turn, she didn’t mention that the damage to environment is unreversible." 修改后:"While Maggie raised the relevant point that economic progress will promote environmental protection in turn, she didn’t mention that some damages to the environment are irreversible, such as plastic pollution in oceans which takes hundreds of years to decompose."
4.文章结构与组织
文章结构方面,你的文章有明确的引言、主体和结论,但可以在段落之间加入更清晰的过渡。此外,尝试在每个段落中更详细地展开论述,以便让读者更好地理解你的观点。
改进建议示例1: 原文:"I strongly agree with Alex’s idea that only with a diverse and healthy ecosystem can we live a happy life." 修改后:"I strongly agree with Alex’s idea that only with a diverse and healthy ecosystem can we live a happy life. To support this, let's consider the importance of clean air and water for our health."
改进建议示例2: 原文:"For example, Amazon forest has experienced decrease in square for more than half and scientists alert that it’s even impossible to repair it." 修改后:"For example, the Amazon forest has experienced a significant decrease in size, losing more than half of its original area. Scientists warn that it may be impossible to restore it to its former state. This loss of forest area not only affects biodiversity but also contributes to climate change due to increased carbon dioxide emissions."
- 语法批改
This is a challenging topic, but I think that environmental protection weighs over economic development. I strongly agree with Alex’s idea that only with a diverse and healthy ecosystem can we live a happy life. I’d add that it’s urgent for human-beings to repair the environment, for a large amount of species has already facefaced(Agreement: 'have' + past/present tense) extinction as the result of waste discharge, poaching and deforestation. While Maggie raised the relevant point that economic progress will promote environmental protection in turn, she didn’t mention that the damage to environmentthe environment(This rule identifies whether the article 'the' is missing in a sentence.) is unreversibleirreversible(misspelling). For example, Amazon forest has experienced decrease in square for more than half and scientists alert that it’s even impossible to repair it.
6.文章修订
This debate presents a challenging dilemma; however, I firmly believe that environmental protection takes precedence over economic development. I concur with Alex's assertion that a diverse and healthy ecosystem is essential for our well-being. It is crucial for humanity to urgently address environmental degradation, as numerous species face extinction due to waste discharge, poaching, and deforestation. For instance, the decline in bee populations directly impacts our food supply since they play a vital role in pollination.
While Maggie raises a valid point regarding economic progress promoting environmental protection, she overlooks the fact that some damages to the environment are irreversible. For example, plastic pollution in oceans takes hundreds of years to decompose. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize environmentally sustainable practices while pursuing economic growth, such as investing in renewable energy and promoting eco-friendly technologies. This approach will ensure a healthier future for both humans and the planet. (149 words)
7.文章批改
This is debate presents a challenging topic, but dilemma; (revised for a more formal tone) however, I think firmly believe that environmental protection weighs takes precedence over economic development. (revised for clarity and emphasis) I strongly agree concur with Alex’s idea Alex's assertion that only with a diverse and healthy ecosystem can we live a happy life. I’d add that it’s urgent for human-beings to repair the environment, for a large amount of is essential for our well-being. (revised for formality and precision) It is crucial for humanity to urgently address environmental degradation, as numerous species has already face extinction as the result of due to waste discharge, poaching poaching, and deforestation. (revised for coherence and flow) For instance, the decline in bee populations directly impacts our food supply since they play a vital role in pollination. (added specific example to support the argument)
While Maggie raised the relevant raises a valid point that regarding economic progress will promote promoting environmental protection in turn, protection, she didn’t mention overlooks the fact that the damage to some damages to the environment is unreversible. are irreversible. (revised for clarity and coherence) For example, Amazon forest has experienced decrease in square for more than half and scientists alert that it’s even impossible to repair it.plastic pollution in oceans takes hundreds of years to decompose. (added specific example to support the argument) Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize environmentally sustainable practices while pursuing economic growth, such as investing in renewable energy and promoting eco-friendly technologies. (revised for formality and precision) This approach will ensure a healthier future for both humans and the planet. (revised for emphasis and strong conclusion)
8.思维导图
-
Introduction
- Challenging dilemma
- Environmental protection vs. economic development
-
Agreement with Alex
- Diverse and healthy ecosystem
- Urgent need to address environmental degradation
- Example: Decline in bee populations and its impact on food supply
-
Counterargument: Maggie's point of view
- Economic progress promoting environmental protection
- Overlooking irreversible damages to the environment
- Example: Plastic pollution in oceans taking hundreds of years to decompose
-
Conclusion
- Prioritizing environmentally sustainable practices in economic growth
- Investing in renewable energy and promoting eco-friendly technologies
9.关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbol | Part of Speech | English Definition | Simplified Chinese Translation | Sample Sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dilemma | /dɪˈlɛmə/ | noun | a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives | 困境 | The company faces a dilemma between increasing profits and maintaining ethical practices. |
| precedence | /ˈprɛsɪdəns/ | noun | the condition of being more important than something else | 优先 | In this case, safety should take precedence over speed. |
| ecosystem | /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ | noun | a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment | 生态系统 | The destruction of the rainforest has a negative impact on the entire ecosystem. |
| degradation | /dɪˌgrædeɪʃ(ə)n/ | noun | the process of something becoming worse or weaker, or being made worse or weaker | 恶化,退化 | Environmental degradation is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed urgently. |
| irreversible | /ˌɪrɪˈvɜrsəbəl/ | adjective | not able to be changed back to what it was before | 不可逆的 | The damage caused by plastic pollution in the oceans is largely irreversible. |
| sustainable | /səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l/ | adjective | able to be maintained at a certain rate or level | 可持续的 | Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations. |
| renewable | /rɪˈnjuːəb(ə)l/ | adjective | (of a contract, agreement, etc.) able to be renewed; (of a resource) not depleted when used | 可再生的 | Solar and wind power are examples of renewable energy sources. |
| eco-friendly | /ˌiːkəʊˈfrɛndli/ | /ˌekoʊ-/ | - causing little or no damage to the environment | - 环保的 | - Using eco-friendly products can help reduce our carbon footprint. |
| technologies | /tɛkˈnɒlədʒiz/ | /tek-/ | - plural form of "technology": the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry | - 技术 | - Advancements in green technologies can help combat climate change. |
| environmentally | /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentli/ | /ɪnˌvaɪərən-/ | - in a way that relates to the natural world and the effect that human activity has on it | - 环境方面地 | - We must consider environmentally responsible practices when developing new industries. |
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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