TOEFLIELTS
English
☰
All Samples

TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: In your opinion, which is the better strategy for making decisions, relying on advice from friends and family, or depending on information from online sources? Why?

Real user submissions with AI-powered evaluation and feedback

2 user-submitted samples available

Start Free Practice

Task Overview

Professor

Let's continue talking about consumer behavior. We have been discussing different ways people go about choosing what products to buy, and there are many potential sources of information and advice for consumers. In your opinion, which is the better strategy for making decisions, relying on advice from friends and family, or depending on information from online sources? Why?

Claire

Asking friends and family members for product recommendations might seem like an easier option, but it might take too much time to get all the information you need. An internet seatch would be much more efficient. There are many consumer magazines available online that compile lots of data to compare the advantages and disadvantages of one product versus another.

Paul

The last time I bought a computer, I just watched a few videos online to make a decision, and now I regret that. My friends could have advised me better because they know my preferences and the kind of features that I am interested in. Consumers should get advice from people around them to find the most suitable products.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

Practise TOEFL writing questions like this one →

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.

1

User Sample #1

From my perspective, I strongly agree with Claire’s opinion that making purchasing decisions based on internet information is a superior choice compar...

Score
28

User Sample

From my perspective, I strongly agree with Claire’s opinion that making purchasing decisions based on internet information is a superior choice compared to relying on friends or family. Claire astutely notes the efficiency of online research, where one can effortlessly compare the strengths and weaknesses of products.This approach not only saves time but also provides access to a broader range of options. Furthermore, an additional benefit of online shopping is the opportunity to find discounts. These offers are often exclusive to online platforms and not readily available through personal networks. For example, in China, the annual 'Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event' is a prime instance of such online-exclusive deals. The ever-changing discount policies require consumers to stay informed through digital platforms. In conclusion, considering the efficiency of comparing products, the unique discounts available online, I firmly believe that online shopping is a more effective choice for consumers

Evaluation Result

1. 子项得分

  • Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 5

  • Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 4.5

  • Language Use and Grammar: 4.5

2. 预估分数

  • 总分:28

3. 任务完成度

整体来说,这篇文章的任务完成度较高。你成功地表达了自己的观点,并且提供了相关的论据。然而,为了使文章更加完善,建议在以下方面进行改进:

  1. 在论证观点时,可以适当增加具体的例子和数据支持;

  2. 在文章结尾部分,可以再次强调自己的观点,并对全文进行简要总结。

示例1(英文):在讨论在线购物时,你可以提到一些具体的电商平台(如亚马逊、淘宝等),以及它们提供的丰富商品选择和便捷比较功能。 示例2(英文):在结尾部分,可以加上一句话强调自己的观点:“Therefore, online shopping is not only efficient but also tailored to individual needs, making it the better strategy for making decisions.”

4. 文章结构与组织

文章结构方面表现良好,有明确的引言、主体和结论部分。各段落专注于特定观点,并提供支持细节。然而,在以下方面仍有改进空间:

  1. 在段落之间增加过渡性词语,使文章更加连贯;

  2. 在主体部分,可以尝试使用并列或递进的结构,使论述更加有层次。

示例1(英文):在第一段和第二段之间,可以加入过渡性词语:“Moreover, another advantage of online shopping is the opportunity to find discounts.” 示例2(英文):在主体部分,可以尝试使用递进的结构:“Firstly, online research allows for efficient comparison of products. Secondly, unique discounts available online further enhance the benefits of this approach.”

5. 语法批改

From my perspective, I strongly agree with Claire’s opinion that making purchasing decisions based on internet information is a superior choice compared to relying on friends or family. Claire astutely notes the efficiency of online research, where one can effortlessly compare the strengths and weaknesses of products.This This(Missing space between sentences) approach not only saves time but also provides access to a broader range of options. Furthermore, an additional benefit of online shopping is the opportunity to find discounts. These offers are often exclusive to online platforms and not readily available through personal networks. For example, in China, the annual 'Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event' is a prime instance of such online-exclusive deals. The ever-changing discount policies require consumers to stay informed through digital platforms. In conclusion, considering the efficiency of comparing products, the unique discounts available online, I firmly believe that online shopping is a more effective choice for consumers

Title: 6 文章修订

In my perspective, I concur with Claire's assertion that utilizing online information for making purchasing decisions is a more advantageous approach compared to relying on friends or family. Claire astutely highlights the efficiency of conducting online research, where one can effortlessly compare the strengths and weaknesses of various products. This method not only conserves time but also grants access to a broader range of options.

Moreover, another benefit of online shopping is the opportunity to discover discounts. These offers are often exclusive to digital platforms and not readily available through personal networks. For instance, in China, the annual 'Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event' exemplifies such online-exclusive deals. The ever-evolving discount policies necessitate consumers to stay informed through digital channels.

Given the efficiency of product comparison and the unique discounts accessible online, I firmly believe that online shopping constitutes a more effective choice for consumers. (147 words)

From In my perspective, I strongly concur (agree changed to concur for better word choice) with Claire’s Claire's assertion (opinion changed to assertion for a more formal tone) that utilizing (making...based on changed to utilizing for better phrasing) online information for making purchasing decisions based on internet information is a is a more advantageous approach (superior choice changed to advantageous approach for improved clarity) compared to relying on friends or family. Claire astutely notes highlights the efficiency of conducting (notes...of changed to highlights the efficiency of conducting for better phrasing) online research, where one can effortlessly compare the strengths and weaknesses of products.This approach various products. This method not only conserves time (saves time changed to conserves time for better word choice) but also grants access (provides access changed to grants access for improved word choice) to a broader range of options.

Furthermore, an additional Moreover, another benefit of online shopping is the opportunity to discover discounts (find discounts. discounts changed to discover discounts for better word choice). These offers are often exclusive to online digital platforms and not readily available through personal networks. For example, instance, in China, the annual 'Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event' exemplifies (is a prime instance of changed to exemplifies for improved clarity) such online-exclusive deals. The ever-changing ever-evolving discount policies require necessitate consumers to stay informed through digital platforms. channels (require consumers...platforms changed to necessitate consumers...channels for better phrasing).

In conclusion, considering Given the efficiency of comparing products, product comparison and the unique discounts available accessible online, I firmly believe that online shopping is constitutes a more effective choice for consumers(is a more effective choice changed to constitutes a more effective choice for improved clarity) for consumers.

8 思维导图


1. Introduction
   - Agree with Claire's assertion
   - Online information for purchasing decisions

2. Efficiency of online research
   - Compare strengths and weaknesses of products
   - Save time and access a broader range of options

3. Discover discounts online
   - Exclusive offers on digital platforms
   - Example: Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event in China

4. Evolving discount policies
   - Stay informed through digital channels

5. Conclusion
   - Online shopping is a more effective choice for consumers

9 关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionSimplified Chinese TranslationSample Sentence
perspective/pərˈspektɪv/nounA particular attitude or way of considering something观点In my perspective, I concur with Claire's assertion.
advantageous/ædvənˈteɪdʒəs/adjectiveProviding an advantage; beneficial有利的Utilizing online information is a more advantageous approach.
astutely/əˈstjutli/adverb_Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations_精明地_Claire astutely highlights the efficiency of conducting online research.
conserve_kənˈsɜrv/_verb_Protect (something, especially something important) from harm_节省_This method not only conserves time but also grants access to a broader range of options.
exclusive/ɪkˈskluːsɪv/adjectiveRestricted or limited to the person, group, or area concerned独家的These offers are often exclusive to digital platforms.
exemplify/ɪgˈzemplɪfaɪ/_verb_Be a typical example of_举例说明_The annual 'Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event' exemplifies such online-exclusive deals.
ever-evolving/ˈevər ɪˈvɒlvɪŋ/_adjective_Continuously developing or changing_不断发展的_The ever-evolving discount policies necessitate consumers to stay informed through digital channels.
necessitate/nəˈsesɪteɪt/_verb_Make (something) necessary as a result or consequence_使…成为必要_The ever-evolving discount policies necessitate consumers to stay informed through digital channels.
constitute/ˈkänstəˌt(y)o͞ot/verbBe (a part) of a whole构成I firmly believe that online shopping constitutes a more effective choice for consumers.
2

User Sample #2

Paul presents a compelling argument in favor of that it’s better to make purchasing choice based on friends or family, who are familiar with our habit...

Score
25

User Sample

Paul presents a compelling argument in favor of that it’s better to make purchasing choice based on friends or family, who are familiar with our habits, which can help us find the most ideal products. At first glance, It’s reasonable. A closer look, however, suggests this approach does not hold water, since people around you may familiar with your habits not means they also familiar with products. I tend to believe that searching information from the Internet is a superior choice compared to relying on friend or family. Apart from Claire’s opinion that one can effortlessly compare the strengths and weaknesses of products based on internet information, an additional benefit of online shopping is the opportunity to find discounts, especially online-exclusive discounts. For instance, in China, the annual “Taobao’s Double Eleven Discount Event” changes discount policies every year. You can only find these discounts from online platforms. In conclusion, I firmly believe that online shopping is a more effective choice for customers.

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: 3.5

2. 预估分数

  • Estimated Score: 25

3. 任务完成度

你的文章基本上回答了问题,但是有一些方面可以改进。首先,你需要更详细地解释为什么在线购物比向朋友和家人寻求建议更有效。此外,尽量避免在文章中使用拼写错误或语法错误。以下是两个英文例子,以帮助你理解如何改进文章:

Example 1: Original: "A closer look, however, suggests this approach does not hold water, since people around you may familiar with your habits not means they also familiar with products." Improved: "However, a closer examination reveals that this approach is not foolproof, as just because people around you are familiar with your habits does not necessarily mean they are knowledgeable about the products."

Example 2: Original: "In conclusion, I firmly believe that online shopping is a more effective choice for customers." Improved: "In conclusion, I firmly believe that relying on online sources for information and decision-making is a more effective strategy for consumers."

4. 文章结构与组织

从组织结构的角度来看,你的文章已经具备了引言、正文和结论的基本框架。然而,在正文部分,你可以尝试使用更清晰的段落结构来突出每个观点及其支持细节。此外,确保在段落之间使用清晰的过渡词或短语。以下是两个英文例子,以帮助你理解如何改进文章:

Example 1: Original: "Apart from Claire’s opinion that one can effortlessly compare the strengths and weaknesses of products based on internet information, an additional benefit of online shopping is the opportunity to find discounts, especially online-exclusive discounts." Improved: "In addition to Claire's point about the ease of comparing product strengths and weaknesses through online information, another advantage of using online sources is the ability to find discounts, particularly those exclusive to online platforms."

Example 2: Original: "For instance, in China, the annual “Taobao’s Double Eleven Discount Event” changes discount policies every year." Improved: "For example, in China, the annual 'Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event' offers varying discount policies each year, which can only be accessed through their online platform."

5. 语法批改

Paul presents a compelling argument in favor of that it’s better to make purchasing choice based on friends or family, who are familiar with our habits, which can help us find the most ideal products. At first glance, It’s reasonable. A closer look, however, suggests this approach does not hold water, since people around you may familiarmay be familiar(missing verb after 'will/can/could/would') with your habits not means they also familiar with products. I tend to believe that searching information from the Internet is a superior choice compared to relying on friend or family. Apart from Claire’s opinion that one can effortlessly compare the strengths and weaknesses of products based on internet information, an additional benefit of online shopping is the opportunity to find discounts, especially online-exclusive discounts. For instance, in China, the annual “Taobao’s Double Eleven Discount Event” changes discount policies every year. You can only find these discounts from online platforms. In conclusion, I firmly believe that online shopping is a more effective choice for customers.

Section Title: 6 Article Revision

While Paul contends that seeking advice from friends and family who understand our preferences can lead to better purchasing decisions, this approach may not always be effective, as their familiarity with our habits does not guarantee their expertise in the products themselves. Instead, I believe that gathering information from online sources is a superior strategy for several reasons. In addition to Claire's point about the ease of comparing product strengths and weaknesses through internet research, another advantage of online shopping is the potential for discovering discounts, particularly those exclusive to online platforms. For example, in China, the annual "Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event" features constantly changing discount policies that can only be accessed through online platforms. (121 words)

Revised essay: Section Title: 7 Article Revision

While Paul presents a compelling argument in favor of that it’s better to make making purchasing choice choices based on the input of friends or family, family who are familiar with our habits, which can help us find the most ideal products. At first glance, It’s reasonable. A closer look, however, suggests this approach may not always be effective, as their familiarity with our habits does not hold water, since people around you may familiar with your habits not means they also familiar with products. guarantee their expertise in the products themselves (reason: rephrased for clarity and natural tone). Instead, I tend to believe that searching gathering information from the Internet online sources is a superior choice compared strategy for several reasons. In addition to relying on friend or family. Apart from Claire’s opinion that one can effortlessly compare Claire's point about the ease of comparing product strengths and weaknesses of products based on through internet information, an additional benefit research (reason: rephrased for clarity and natural tone), another advantage of online shopping is the opportunity potential for discovering discounts, particularly those exclusive to find discounts, especially online-exclusive discounts. online platforms (reason: rephrased for clarity and natural tone). For instance, example, in China, the annual “Taobao’s "Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event” changes Event" features constantly changing discount policies every year. You that can only find these discounts from be accessed through online platforms. platforms (reason: rephrased for clarity and natural tone). In conclusion, I firmly believe that online shopping is a more effective choice for customers.customers (reason: added concluding sentence to summarize the main point).

8 思维导图


- 主题: 在线购物的优势
  - 子主题1: 更容易比较产品优缺点
    - 支持论点: 互联网研究方便快捷
  - 子主题2: 发现折扣和优惠
    - 支持论点: 独家在线折扣活动
      - 示例: 淘宝双十一折扣活动
  - 子主题3: 专业知识和建议
    - 反驳论点: 朋友和家人的建议可能不总是有效的

9 关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish definitionSimplified Chinese translationSample sentences
purchasing/ˈpɜːrʧəsɪŋ/gerundthe act of buying something购买Online shopping has made purchasing products more convenient.
preferences/ˈprɛfərəns/nouna greater liking for one alternative over others偏好Our friends and family may understand our preferences, but not always the products.
expertise/ˌɛkspərˈtiːz/nounspecialized knowledge or skill专业知识Online reviews often provide expertise on various products.
discounts/ˈdɪskaʊnts/nouna reduction in price折扣Online shopping platforms often offer exclusive discounts.
online platforms/ˈɒnlaɪn ˈplætfɔrmz/nounwebsites or applications for buying and selling在线平台Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event is exclusive to online platforms.
comparison/kəmˈpærəsn/nounthe act of comparing two or more things比较Online shopping allows for easy comparison of product strengths and weaknesses.
annual/ˈænjuəl/adjectiveoccurring once every year每年的The annual "Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event" offers great deals.
policies/ˈpɒləsi/noun_a course of action adopted by an organization_政策_The discount policies during the event are constantly changing.
accessed/ˈæksɛst/_verb (past)_to obtain, examine, or retrieve information_访问_These discount policies can only be accessed through online platforms.

6 Article Revision

While Paul contends that seeking advice from friends and family who understand our preferences can lead to better purchasing decisions, this approach may not always be effective, as their familiarity with our habits does not guarantee their expertise in the products themselves. Instead, I believe that gathering information from online sources is a superior strategy for several reasons. In addition to Claire's point about the ease of comparing product strengths and weaknesses through internet research, another advantage of online shopping is the potential for discovering discounts, particularly those exclusive to online platforms. For example, in China, the annual "Taobao's Double Eleven Discount Event" features constantly changing discount policies that can only be accessed through online platforms.

Practise TOEFL writing questions like this one →

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

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.

Rooting for Your Goal Score Today!

With LingoLeap, an expert in English exams

Get to Your Dream Score Faster

Try for free now