TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Doctor Achebe: In today's fast-paced academic and professional environments, opinions diverge regarding the efficacy of to-do lists. Some advocate for their usefulness in enhancing productivity and time management, while others contest their effectiveness. As a student striving to excel in your studies, what is your stance on this matter? Do you agree that to-do lists are beneficial tools for learning and work, or do you think otherwise? Please explain why you think so.
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Professor
Doctor Achebe: In today's fast-paced academic and professional environments, opinions diverge regarding the efficacy of to-do lists. Some advocate for their usefulness in enhancing productivity and time management, while others contest their effectiveness. As a student striving to excel in your studies, what is your stance on this matter? Do you agree that to-do lists are beneficial tools for learning and work, or do you think otherwise? Please explain why you think so.
Student A
Andrew: I agree. To-do lists have been instrumental in structuring my daily routine effectively. They serve as a roadmap, aiding in prioritizing tasks and ensuring productivity. Not only do they assist in organizing my schedule, but they also facilitate better time management. To-do lists provide a sense of accomplishment and direction, crucial for navigating through the demands of academics and work responsibilities.
Student B
Claire: While to-do lists offer structure, they might restrict spontaneity and flexibility. Each day unfolds with various unforeseen and interesting events. Embracing the day's spontaneity allows for unexpected opportunities and serendipitous moments. It's crucial to remain adaptable and open to unforeseen experiences, as they often bring valuable insights and learning.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
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1User Sample #1
Actually, I agree with Andrew’s perspective. For one thing, a to-do list is helpful for improving working efficiency. On the other hand, it help to re...
Score27
User Sample #1
Actually, I agree with Andrew’s perspective. For one thing, a to-do list is helpful for improving working efficiency. On the other hand, it help to re...
User Sample
Actually, I agree with Andrew’s perspective. For one thing, a to-do list is helpful for improving working efficiency. On the other hand, it help to relieve people’s stress, for the reason that people will feel things could be anticipated and organized well when they have a to-do list to follow. They don’t have to worry unexpected situation and deal with it. For example, i now work as an patent engineer, working on a specific litigation. It is crucial for us to make plans that show when, where and who. I could check the lists every day or every hour to check what have been done and what should be done for next steps, without worrying i will miss the deadline for procedures for this specific litigation. I believe not only in the field of law, a to-do list is necessary as well for other field in our modern life.
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
- 27
3. 任务完成度
您的文章在回答问题方面做得很好,观点清晰,论据充分。但是,您可以进一步改进以下几点:
-
使用更多具体的例子来支持您的观点。
-
在引用学生A和学生B的观点时,可以更详细地讨论他们的论据,并解释为什么您同意或不同意他们的看法。
示例1:您可以提供一个关于如何使用待办事项列表在其他领域(如医学、教育等)提高效率的具体例子。 示例2:在讨论学生B的观点时,您可以指出某些情况下灵活性和自发性可能对个人和团队产生积极影响,但总体上待办事项列表仍然是一种有效的时间管理工具。
4. 文章结构与组织
文章整体结构清晰,包括引言、正文和结论。然而,在组织方面还有一些改进空间:
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在引言部分明确提出自己的观点,并简要概述支持该观点的论据。
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在正文部分,为每个论点分配一个段落,并使用恰当的过渡词或短语连接各个段落。
示例1:在引言中,您可以这样写:“在这篇文章中,我将阐述为什么我同意待办事项列表对于提高工作效率和减轻压力是有益的。” 示例2:在正文部分,您可以使用过渡词汇如“首先”、“其次”和“最后”来组织您的论点,并确保每个段落都有明确的主题句。
5. 语法批改
Actually, I agree with Andrew’s perspective. For one thing, a to-do list is helpful for improving working efficiency. On the other hand, it helphelps('it' + non-3rd person verb) to relieve people’s stress, for the reason that people will feel things could be anticipated and organized well when they have a to-do list to follow. They don’t have to worry unexpected situation and deal with it. For example, i now work as ana(Use of 'a' vs. 'an') patent engineer, working on a specific litigation. It is crucial for us to make plans that show when, where and who. I could check the lists every day or every hour to check what have been done and what should be done for next steps, without worrying iI(i vs. I) will miss the deadline for procedures for this specific litigation. I believe not only in the field of law, a to-do list is necessary as well for other field in our modern life.
Section Title: 6 文章修订
Revised Essay: I concur with Andrew's viewpoint that to-do lists are advantageous in enhancing efficiency and alleviating stress. By providing a clear and organized plan, individuals can anticipate tasks and manage their time effectively. For instance, as a patent engineer working on litigation, it is imperative to devise a comprehensive strategy outlining the who, what, when, and where of each task. Regularly consulting this list enables me to track progress and anticipate upcoming responsibilities without fretting over missed deadlines or overlooked procedures. I contend that the benefits of to-do lists extend beyond the realm of law and are applicable across various fields in our modern world. (110 words)
Actually, Revised Essay: I agree concur (1) with Andrew’s perspective. For one thing, Andrew's viewpoint that to-do lists are advantageous (2) in enhancing efficiency (3) and alleviating stress (4). By providing a to-do list is helpful for improving working efficiency. On the other hand, it help to relieve people’s stress, for the reason that people will feel things could be anticipated clear and organized well when they have plan, individuals can anticipate tasks and manage their time effectively. For instance, as a to-do list to follow. They don’t have to worry unexpected situation and deal with it. For example, i now work as an patent engineer, engineer working on litigation, it is imperative (5) to devise a specific litigation. It is crucial for us comprehensive strategy outlining the who, what, when, and where of each task. Regularly consulting this list enables me to make plans track progress and anticipate upcoming responsibilities without fretting over missed deadlines or overlooked procedures. I contend that show when, where the benefits of to-do lists extend beyond the realm of law and who. I could check the lists every day or every hour to check what have been done and what should be done for next steps, without worrying i will miss the deadline for procedures for this specific litigation. I believe not only in the field of law, a to-do list is necessary as well for other field are applicable across various fields in our modern life.world.
(1) "Concur" is used instead of "agree" for better word choice.
(2) "Advantageous" replaces "helpful" for more precise language.
(3) "Enhancing efficiency" is used instead of "improving working efficiency" for conciseness.
(4) "Alleviating stress" replaces "relieve people's stress" for conciseness and clarity.
(5) "Imperative" is used instead of "crucial" for better word choice.
8 思维导图
- 主题: To-do Lists
- 效率提升
- 提供清晰的计划
- 时间管理
- 减轻压力
- 预测任务
- 避免错过截止日期或忽略程序
- 应用范围广泛
- 法律领域示例:专利工程师处理诉讼案件
- 现代世界各领域的应用
9 关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbol | Part of Speech | English definition | Simplified Chinese translation | Sample sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| concur | /kənˈkɜr/ | verb | to agree | 同意 | I concur with Andrew's viewpoint that to-do lists are advantageous. |
| advantageous | /ædˈvæntɪdʒəs/ | adjective | providing an advantage; beneficial | 有利的 | To-do lists are advantageous in enhancing efficiency and alleviating stress. |
| efficiency | /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ | noun | the state or quality of being efficient | 效率 | By providing a clear and organized plan, individuals can enhance their efficiency. |
| alleviate | /əˈliːvi.eɪt/ | verb | to make something less severe | 减轻 | To-do lists can alleviate stress by helping individuals anticipate tasks. |
| comprehensive | /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv/ | adjective | including everything that is necessary | 全面的 | It is imperative to devise a comprehensive strategy outlining the who, what, when, and where of each task. |
| contend | /kənˈtend/ | verb | to compete in order to win something; to argue or state | 竞争;声称 | I contend that the benefits of to-do lists extend beyond the realm of law and are applicable across various fields. |
| realm | /relm/ | noun | an area of interest or activity | 领域 | The benefits of to-do lists extend beyond the realm of law and are applicable across various fields in our modern world. |
| litigation | /ˌlɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ | noun | the process of taking a case to a court of law | 诉讼 | As a patent engineer working on litigation, it is important to have a clear plan for managing tasks. |
2User Sample #2
In my opinion, I agree with Andrew's idea that to-do lists are conducive to our work and study. Based on his idea that to-do lists can help us structu...
Score26
User Sample #2
In my opinion, I agree with Andrew's idea that to-do lists are conducive to our work and study. Based on his idea that to-do lists can help us structu...
User Sample
In my opinion, I agree with Andrew's idea that to-do lists are conducive to our work and study. Based on his idea that to-do lists can help us structure our daily routine, I'd like to fully develop that to-do lists can assist us in organizing our thoughts and daily tasks, thus helping us improve our working efficiency. In a fast-paced society, everyone is swamped with plenty of study and work tasks, among which some are significant and require immediate solvency, while others are not that important and can be postponed. In this case, to-do lists can assist us in managing and prioritizing these tasks according to their deadlines and emergencies, and thus we can finish all those tasks in regulated time. Take my experience as an example. When I was in university, I always had multiple tasks in a short period, such as course homework, community activities, and commercial competitions. There were too many things to do that I got completely messed up at the first time, but then to-do lists helped me out. I organized all these tasks and perfectly finished them on time. So I think making to-do lists is really a perfect method for our work and study.
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
26. 3 任务完成度
这篇文章在任务完成度方面表现良好,但仍有一些可以改进的地方。首先,你可以更深入地讨论为什么待办事项列表对学习和工作有益。此外,尝试引入一些与待办事项列表相关的研究或数据来支持你的观点。最后,在回答问题时,可以简要提及Claire的观点,并解释为什么你不同意她的看法。
改进示例1(英文): One study conducted by researchers at the University of California found that people who used to-do lists were more likely to complete tasks on time compared to those who did not use them.
改进示例2(英文): While Claire argues that to-do lists may restrict spontaneity, I believe that having a well-organized schedule can still allow for flexibility, as one can allocate time for unexpected events or opportunities.
4. 文章结构与组织
从文章结构和组织的角度来看,这篇文章整体上表现得相当不错。然而,在引言部分,你可以更明确地陈述自己的立场,并简要概括两个讨论者的观点。此外,在正文段落中,尝试使用更多的过渡词和短语来连接你的观点和论据,以提高文章的连贯性。
改进示例1(英文): In the debate between Andrew and Claire regarding the usefulness of to-do lists, I firmly side with Andrew's perspective that to-do lists are beneficial tools for learning and work.
改进示例2(英文): Moreover, to-do lists can help reduce stress by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, which can lead to a more efficient workflow.
5. 语法批改
In my opinion, I agree with Andrew's idea that to-do lists are conducive to our work and study. Based on his idea that to-do lists can help us structure our daily routine, I'd like to fully develop that to-do lists can assist us in organizing our thoughts and daily tasks, thus helping us improve our working efficiency. In a fast-paced society, everyone is swamped with plenty of study and work tasks, among which some are significant and require immediate solvency, while others are not that important and can be postponed. In this case, to-do lists can assist us in managing and prioritizing these tasks according to their deadlines and emergencies, and thus we can finish all those tasks in regulated time. Take my experience as an example. When I was in university, I always had multiple tasks in a short period, such as course homework, community activities, and commercial competitions. There were too many things to do that I got completely messed up at the first time, but then to-do lists helped me out. I organized all these tasks and perfectly finished them on time. So I think making to-do lists is really a perfect method for our work and study.
Section Title: The Efficacy of To-Do Lists
In my perspective, I concur with Andrew's assertion that to-do lists significantly contribute to our work and academic pursuits. Building upon his notion that to-do lists facilitate the structuring of our daily routines, I would like to emphasize their ability to help us organize our thoughts and tasks, ultimately enhancing our overall efficiency. In today's fast-paced society, individuals are inundated with numerous responsibilities related to both work and study. Some tasks are of paramount importance and demand immediate attention, while others can be deferred without significant consequences. To-do lists enable us to manage and prioritize these tasks based on their urgency and deadlines, ensuring timely completion. Drawing from personal experience, during my university years, I frequently faced multiple time-sensitive obligations such as coursework assignments, extracurricular activities, and competitive events. Initially overwhelmed by the sheer volume of responsibilities, I turned to the use of to-do lists as a means of organization. This strategy allowed me to systematically address each task and successfully meet all deadlines. Thus, I firmly believe that employing to-do lists serves as an invaluable tool for optimizing productivity in both academic and professional settings. (193 words)
In my opinion, I perspective, I concur (agree is a more common word, but "concur" adds variety and formality) with Andrew's idea assertion (rephrased "idea" to "assertion" for a more formal tone) that to-do lists are conducive significantly contribute (changed "are conducive" to "significantly contribute" for clarity and emphasis) to our work and study. Based on academic pursuits. Building upon his idea notion (rephrased "idea" to "notion" for variety) that to-do lists can facilitate the structuring of our daily routines, I would like to emphasize their ability to help us structure our daily routine, I'd like to fully develop that to-do lists can assist us in organizing organize our thoughts and daily tasks, thus helping us improve our working ultimately enhancing our overall efficiency. In a today's fast-paced society, everyone is swamped individuals are inundated (replaced "swamped" with plenty of study and "inundated" for a more formal tone) with numerous responsibilities related to both work tasks, among which some and study. Some tasks are significant and require of paramount importance (rephrased "significant" to "of paramount importance" for emphasis) and demand immediate solvency, attention, while others are not that important and can be postponed. In this case, to-do lists can assist deferred without significant consequences. To-do lists enable us in managing and prioritizing to manage and prioritize these tasks according to based on their deadlines and emergencies, and thus we can finish urgency and deadlines, ensuring timely completion. Drawing from personal experience, during my university years, I frequently faced multiple time-sensitive obligations (rephrased "tasks in a short period" for clarity) such as coursework assignments, extracurricular activities, and competitive events. Initially overwhelmed by the sheer volume of responsibilities, I turned to the use of to-do lists as a means of organization. This strategy allowed me to systematically address each task and successfully meet all those tasks in regulated time. Take my experience deadlines. Thus, I firmly believe that employing to-do lists serves as an example. When I was invaluable tool (changed "perfect method" to "invaluable tool") for optimizing productivity in university, I always had multiple tasks in a short period, such as course homework, community activities, and commercial competitions. There were too many things to do that I got completely messed up at the first time, but then to-do lists helped me out. I organized all these tasks and perfectly finished them on time. So I think making to-do lists is really a perfect method for our work and study.both academic and professional settings.
8 思维导图
- The Efficacy of To-Do Lists
- Agree with Andrew's assertion
- Significant contribution to work and academics
- Facilitate structuring of daily routines
- Organize thoughts and tasks
- Enhance overall efficiency
- Manage and prioritize tasks
- Based on urgency and deadlines
- Ensure timely completion
- Personal experience in university
- Multiple time-sensitive obligations
- Coursework assignments, extracurricular activities, competitive events
- Overwhelmed by responsibilities
- Turned to to-do lists for organization
- Systematically addressed each task, met all deadlines
- Conclusion: Invaluable tool for optimizing productivity in academic and professional settings
9 关键词
| Word | Phonetic Symbol | Part of Speech | English Definition | Simplified Chinese Translation | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | /ˈɛfɪkəsi/ | Noun | The ability to produce a desired or intended result | 效力 | The efficacy of to-do lists is evident in their ability to help us manage our daily tasks. |
| Inundated | /ˈɪnʌndeɪtɪd/ | Adjective | Overwhelmed with things or people | 淹没的 | Individuals are often inundated with numerous responsibilities related to work and study. |
| Paramount | /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ | Adjective | More important than anything else; supreme | 至高无上的 | Some tasks are of paramount importance and demand immediate attention. |
| Deferred | /dɪˈfɜːrd/ | Adjective | Put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone | 推迟的 | Some tasks can be deferred without significant consequences. |
| Time-sensitive | /taɪm ˈsɛnsətɪv/ | Adjective | Requiring immediate action or attention | 对时间敏感的 | During my university years, I frequently faced multiple time-sensitive obligations. |
| Overwhelmed | /ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmd/ | Adjective | Feeling like you have too much to deal with | 不堪重负的 | Initially overwhelmed by the sheer volume of responsibilities, I turned to the use of to-do lists. |
| Systematically | /sɪstəˈmætɪkli/ | Adverb | In a methodical manner | 有系统地 | This strategy allowed me to systematically address each task and successfully meet all deadlines. |
| Invaluable | /ɪnˈvæljʊəbəl/ | Adjective | Extremely useful; indispensable | 无价的 | Employing to-do lists serves as an invaluable tool for optimizing productivity. |
| Productivity | /prədʌkˈtɪvəti, proʊ-/ | Noun | The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry. | 生产力 | To-do lists can greatly improve productivity in both academic and professional settings. |
Opens the writing question list in the LingoLeap app, not this exact question. Practising needs a free account. AI scoring uses credits, except 3 free scores a day on Practice Test 1 (PQ26-1) questions.
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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