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TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: City Spending

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Task Overview

Professor

As you know, city governments have a responsibility to improve the lives of residents. In today’s class we’re going to discuss the best way for them to do that. What strategy do you think governments should use to improve the overall quality of life of residents? Why do you think it’s important?

Maria

I think investing in infrastructure should be the main priority for every local government. This could include things like repairing roads and bridges, expanding public transportation, and improving access to clean water and sanitation. When cities have good infrastructure it’s easier for residents to get around, and new businesses are attracted to the area. They also experience fewer serious accidents.

Tom

While I agree that infrastructure is important, I think that social programs should also be a major focus. The government could invest in things like education, affordable housing, and healthcare, which can help address issues like poverty, inequality, and access to basic needs. By providing these types of services, the government can help improve people’s well-being. These are things that everyone benefits from… unlike a road which is only used by people who drive cars.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

User Sample

It is a controversial topic over which aspect should government prioritize to enhance life quality, however, from my perspective, I believe development of infrastructure is critical. I concur with Maria’ s idea that better fundamental constructions satisfy residents easier life. Roads, bridges, and convenient public transportations, such as bus, trains, and plane, enable us to travel everywhere. I’ d like to bring another view that advanced infrastructure fosters economic growth. It attracts enormous intelligent people and make commercial business easier, which helps residents earn more money and improve their life. Though I partly agree with the relevant point Tom supported, Tom didn’t mention that all these social programs need great investment, which means heavier revenue to afford it. So, people have less money they can spend at their minds, and I don’t think it will boost life quality.

Evaluation Result

1. 子项得分

Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 4.0 Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 3.5 Language Use and Grammar: 3.5

2. 预估分数

Estimated Score: 22

3. 任务完成度

这篇文章在任务完成方面做得还不错,但仍有改进的空间。首先,你需要更详细地阐述你的观点,例如解释为什么基础设施对经济增长至关重要。其次,在讨论社会项目时,可以提供更具体的例子来说明它们可能带来的负面影响。最后,注意使用恰当的词汇和语法结构。

Example 1: Instead of "It attracts enormous intelligent people," you could write, "It attracts a large number of skilled professionals."

Example 2: Instead of "So, people have less money they can spend at their minds," you could write, "As a result, people have less disposable income to spend on their needs and desires."

4. 文章结构与组织

文章的结构和组织方面可以加强。首先,建议在开头部分简要介绍两种观点,并明确表明自己支持哪一种。其次,在正文部分,可以逐一讨论每个观点,并提供具体例子或数据支持。最后,在结尾部分总结自己的观点,并简要回顾文章中讨论过的主要论点。同时,注意在段落之间使用恰当的过渡词汇。

Example 1: Introduction: "In this essay, I will discuss the importance of investing in infrastructure and social programs for improving the quality of life in cities. I believe that infrastructure development should be the main priority for city governments."

Example 2: Transition between paragraphs: "While investing in infrastructure is crucial, it is also important to consider the potential benefits of social programs."

5. 语法批改

It is a controversial topic over which aspect should government prioritize to enhance life quality, however, from my perspective, I believe development of infrastructure is critical. I concur with Maria’ sMaria’s(space after apostrophe in contraction (e.g. I' m)) idea that better fundamental constructions satisfy residentsresident's(This rule identifies whether there is a missing apostrophe before an 's'.) easier life. Roads, bridges, and convenient public transportations, such as bus, trains, and plane, enable us to travel everywhere. I’ dI’d(space after apostrophe in contraction (e.g. I' m)) like to bring another view that advanced infrastructure fosters economic growth. It attracts enormous intelligent people and make commercial business easier, which helps residents earn more money and improve their life. Though I partly agree with the relevant point Tom supported, Tom didn’t mention that all these social programs need great investment, which means heavier revenue to afford it. So, people have less money they can spend at their minds, and I don’t think it will boost life quality.

City Spending

Debate persists regarding which aspect of city spending should be prioritized to enhance the quality of life for residents. In my opinion, infrastructure development is crucial. I concur with Maria's assertion that improved fundamental structures facilitate a more comfortable life for residents. Well-maintained roads, bridges, and accessible public transportation options such as buses, trains, and planes enable seamless travel. Additionally, I would like to emphasize that advanced infrastructure fosters economic growth by attracting skilled individuals and streamlining commercial activities, ultimately helping residents earn more money and elevate their living standards. While I partially agree with Tom's argument in favor of social programs, it is important to consider the substantial investment required for these initiatives. This increased expenditure could lead to heavier taxes, leaving people with less disposable income and potentially hindering any improvement in their quality of life. (140 words)

It is a controversial topic over Revised essay: City Spending (Title revised for clarity and conciseness)

Debate persists regarding which aspect of city spending should government prioritize be prioritized to enhance the quality of life quality, however, from for residents (Rephrased for better flow and clarity). In my perspective, I believe opinion, infrastructure development of infrastructure is critical. crucial. I concur with Maria’ s idea Maria's assertion that better improved fundamental constructions satisfy structures facilitate a more comfortable life for residents easier life. Roads, (Rephrased to maintain a natural tone). Well-maintained roads, bridges, and convenient accessible public transportations, transportation options such as bus, buses, trains, and plane, planes enable us to seamless travel everywhere. I’ d (Clarified the types of infrastructure being discussed). Additionally, I would like to bring another view emphasize that advanced infrastructure fosters economic growth. It attracts enormous intelligent people and make growth by attracting skilled individuals and streamlining commercial business easier, which helps activities, ultimately helping residents earn more money and improve elevate their life. Though living standards (Expanded on the benefits of infrastructure development). While I partly partially agree with the relevant point Tom supported, Tom didn’t mention that all Tom's argument in favor of social programs, it is important to consider the substantial investment required for these initiatives (Acknowledged another viewpoint while maintaining focus on the main argument). This increased expenditure could lead to heavier taxes, leaving people with less disposable income and potentially hindering any improvement in their quality of life (Explained the potential drawbacks of focusing on social programs need great investment, which means heavier revenue to afford it. So, people have less money they can spend at their minds, and I don’t think it will boost life quality.programs).

8 思维导图


1. Introduction
   - Debate on city spending priorities
   - Importance of infrastructure development

2. Maria's Assertion
   - Improved fundamental structures for comfortable life

3. Infrastructure Benefits
   - Well-maintained roads, bridges, public transportation
   - Seamless travel experience

4. Economic Growth
   - Attracting skilled individuals
   - Streamlining commercial activities

5. Higher Living Standards
   - Earning more money through economic growth 

6. Tom's Argument (Social Programs)
   - Partial agreement with social programs' importance 

7. Investment Considerations 
   - Substantial investment required for social programs 

8. Potential Drawbacks 
   - Heavier taxes, less disposable income 

9 关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionSimplified Chinese TranslationSample Sentence
prioritize/praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz/verbTo arrange or deal with in order of importance优先考虑Infrastructure development should be prioritized to enhance residents' lives.
infrastructure/ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/nounThe basic physical and organizational structures needed基础设施Advanced infrastructure fosters economic growth and improves living standards.
seamless/ˈsiːmləs/adjectiveSmooth and continuous, without any apparent gaps or spaces.无缝的Accessible public transportation options enable seamless travel experiences.
facilitate/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/verbTo make an action or process easier or less difficult促进,使便利Improved fundamental structures facilitate a more comfortable life for residents.
economic growth/iːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/nounAn increase in the production and consumption of goods and services.经济增长Advanced infrastructure fosters economic growth by attracting skilled individuals.
disposable income/dɪˈspəʊzəbl ˈɪnkʌm/nounIncome remaining after deduction of taxes and other mandatory charges.可支配收入Heavier taxes could leave people with less disposable income, hindering their quality of life.
expenditure/ɪkˈspendɪtʃər/nounThe action of spending funds支出Increased expenditure on social programs could lead to heavier taxes.
hindering/ˈhɪndər/verbTo create difficulties for something, resulting in delay or obstruction.妨碍,阻碍Less disposable income might hinder any improvement in residents' quality of life.
living standards/ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændərdz/nounThe level of wealth, comfort, material goods, and necessities available to a certain socioeconomic class.生活水平Infrastructure development helps residents earn more money and elevate their living standards.

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

1

Read the prompt carefully and identify all parts of the question before writing.

2

Reference the reading passage and the other students' opinions in your response.

3

Use specific examples to support your main point — avoid generic statements.

4

Aim for 120-150 words. Longer responses are not always better; clarity and focus matter more.

5

Practice timed responses (10 minutes) to build fluency under exam conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TOEFL Academic Discussion task?
The TOEFL Academic Discussion task requires you to contribute to an online classroom discussion. You'll read a professor's question and other students' responses, then write your own post expressing and supporting your opinion in about 10 minutes.
How is the Academic Discussion task scored?
The task is scored on a scale of 0-5 based on relevance to the discussion, quality of language use (grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure), and how well you develop and support your ideas with specific examples and reasoning.
What are the user samples on this page?
These are real responses submitted by TOEFL test-takers who practiced this question on LingoLeap. Each sample has been evaluated by our AI scoring engine, which provides a score and detailed feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
How accurate is the AI evaluation?
LingoLeap's AI evaluation engine is trained on official ETS scoring rubrics and calibrated against human rater scores. While no automated system is perfect, it provides reliable feedback for practice purposes and helps identify specific areas for improvement.
How can I practice this Academic Discussion task?
You can practice by signing up for a free LingoLeap account. Write your own response to this exact question, submit it, and receive instant AI evaluation with detailed feedback on your writing.
How long should my Academic Discussion response be?
Aim for 120-150 words. The task gives you 10 minutes to write your response. Focus on clarity, supporting your opinion with specific examples, and referencing the discussion context rather than writing a longer response.

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