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TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Your professor is teaching a class on environmental protection. Write a post responding to the professor's question. In your response you should do the following. · Express and support your opinion. · Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words. An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

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11 user-submitted samples available

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Task Overview

Professor

This week, we'll be discussing ways to address air pollution. One idea is introducing environmental taxes on air travel. Such taxes, also referred to as ecological taxes or green taxes, are extra charges that get added to the price of airplane tickets. Money collected from these taxes could be invested in environmentally friendly technologies or in promoting other cleaner modes of transportation. Do you think there should be an environmental tax on air travel? Why or why not?

Amy

We should impose environmental taxes on air travel. These taxes might encourage people to find cheaper, more eco-friendly ways to get places. in my country, many people use planes to fly a short distance because flights are relatively cheap, when they could just as easily take a less polluting form of transportation.

Rory

Additional taxes on air travel will do little to solve the problem of air pollution. Airplane tickets would become more expensive, punishing passengers without incentivizing airlines to become more environmentally friendly. The airlines should pay the price to protect the environment, not their customers.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

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1

User Sample #1

lingo leap help me to answer I don't know how to do

Score
8

User Sample

lingo leap help me to answer I don't know how to do

Evaluation Result

1. 子项得分

  • Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 1.0

  • Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 1.0

  • Language Use and Grammar: 2.0

2. 预估分数

8. 3 任务完成度

这篇文章没有明确回答教授的问题,也没有提供支持观点的论据。为了提高文章质量,你需要:

  1. 阐述你对环境税的看法,并给出具体原因。

  2. 使用自己的话参与讨论,而不是仅仅重复其他人的观点。

英文示例:

  1. "I believe that implementing environmental taxes on air travel is a necessary step towards reducing air pollution because it would encourage people to consider alternative, eco-friendly transportation options."

  2. "However, I also think that airlines should be held accountable for their environmental impact by investing in cleaner technologies and adopting more sustainable practices."

4. 文章结构与组织

文章缺乏清晰的结构和组织。为了改进,请注意以下几点:

  1. 在引言中简要介绍话题和你的观点。

  2. 在正文中详细阐述你的观点,并提供支持论据。

  3. 在结论中总结你的主要观点。

英文示例:

  1. Introduction: "Air pollution is a pressing issue, and one proposed solution is to impose environmental taxes on air travel."

  2. Body: "On one hand, these taxes could discourage frequent flying and promote the use of cleaner transportation methods, such as trains or buses. On the other hand, some argue that it is the responsibility of airlines to invest in eco-friendly technologies and practices, rather than burdening passengers with additional costs."

  3. Conclusion: "In conclusion, while environmental taxes on air travel may have some benefits, it is crucial to consider other approaches that directly target the sources of pollution."

5. 语法批改

lingo leapLingo Leap can help me to answer Ianswer, "I don't know how to do do."

Title: 6 文章修订

Paragraph 1: In response to the professor's question, I believe that implementing environmental taxes on air travel could be a beneficial approach to addressing air pollution. By imposing such taxes, individuals may be encouraged to seek alternative, eco-friendly modes of transportation for shorter distances. This would ultimately lead to a reduction in air pollution and promote a more sustainable way of traveling.

Paragraph 2: However, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks of this strategy. Imposing additional taxes on air travel might disproportionately burden passengers without effectively incentivizing airlines to adopt greener practices. To achieve meaningful progress in combating air pollution, it is essential to hold airlines accountable for their environmental impact and encourage them to invest in cleaner technologies and practices. (126 words)

lingo Revised essay: Title: 7 文章批改

Original essay: Lingo leap help me to answer

Revised essay: Lingo Leap has assisted me in formulating a response (Changed "help" to "assisted" for a more formal tone, and rephrased the sentence for clarity)

Original essay: I don't know how to dodo

Revised essay: I was unsure of how to proceed (Changed "I don't know" to "I was unsure" for a more formal tone, and rephrased the sentence for clarity)

Title: 8 思维导图


1. Environmental taxes
   1.1 Encourage alternative transportation
   1.2 Reduce air pollution
   1.3 Promote sustainable travel

2. Potential drawbacks
   2.1 Disproportionate burden on passengers
   2.2 Ineffective incentives for airlines

3. Addressing air pollution
   3.1 Hold airlines accountable
   3.2 Invest in cleaner technologies and practices

Title: 9 关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionSimplified Chinese TranslationSample Sentence
Implementing/ˈɪmpləˌmɛntɪŋ/gerundPutting into effect实施Implementing environmental taxes can help reduce air pollution.
Eco-friendly/ˌikoʊˈfrɛndli/adjectiveNot harmful to the environment环保的People should choose eco-friendly modes of transportation whenever possible.
Sustainable/səˈsteɪnəbəl/adjectiveAble to be maintained at a certain level or rate可持续的Sustainable travel practices are essential for protecting the environment.
Disproportionate/dɪsprəˈpɔrʃənət/adjectiveToo large or too small in comparison to something else, especially when unfair   |不成比例的       |The tax increase would place a disproportionate burden on passengers.        
Incentivizing/ɪnˈsɛntɪvaɪzɪŋ/gerundProviding an incentive for a particular action激励Incentivizing airlines to adopt greener practices is necessary for reducing air pollution.
Accountable/əˈkaʊntəbəl/adjectiveRequired to explain actions or decisions有责任的Airlines should be held accountable for their environmental impact.
Cleaner/ˈklinər/adjectiveComparatively clean更清洁的Cleaner technologies can help reduce the environmental impact of air travel.
Technologies/tɛkˈnɒlədʒiz/nounThe application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry技术   |Airlines should invest in cleaner technologies to reduce their carbon footprint.       
Practices/ˈpræktɪsiz/nounThe actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories about such application or use   |实践 |Adopting sustainable practices is essential for reducing air pollution.
2

User Sample #2

In my opinion, imposing taxes and fines on polluting companies is an excellent idea. I fully concur with Rory's assertion that these policies not only...

User Sample

In my opinion, imposing taxes and fines on polluting companies is an excellent idea. I fully concur with Rory's assertion that these policies not only provide government with sufficient funds to protect the environment but also encourage some establishments to change their pollution methods. Furthermore, I believes that these costs will discourage these companies to produce these kinds of polluting products, reducing various kinds of pollution and providing a better living environment for us. Environment serves as the foundation of our community because of its connective and close relationship with everyone, without healthy and clean environment, even the most economical effects is useless. Amy's argument about wealthy companies choosing to pay the fine rather that altering their production process overlooks the fact that the taxes are depending on their incomes. Immense businesses must have bigger taxes, which are also hard to afford by the large companies. In essence, levying environmental taxes and fines on companies is effective and should be adopted as soon as possible.

Evaluation Result

1. Sub Scores

Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 4.5 Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 4.0 Language Use and Grammar: 4.0

2. Estimated Scores

Estimated Score: 27

3. Task completeness

The essay does a good job of addressing the specific requirements of the task, expressing an opinion and contributing to the discussion. However, there is room for improvement in terms of elaborating on the viewpoint and providing more specific examples or details to support the argument. Additionally, the essay is slightly below the minimum word count of 170 words.

Suggestions for improvement:

  • Expand on your arguments with more specific examples or details.

  • Ensure that your essay meets the minimum word count requirement.

Examples:

  1. Instead of just stating that taxes will discourage companies from producing polluting products, provide an example of a company that has changed its production methods due to environmental taxes.

  2. Discuss how governments can use funds collected from environmental taxes for specific environmental protection projects or research initiatives.

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 to improve overall organization.

Suggestions for improvement:

  • Use transition words or phrases to connect ideas within paragraphs.

  • Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single point with supporting details.

Examples:

  1. In the introduction, you could add a sentence like "In this post, I will discuss why I believe imposing taxes and fines on polluting companies is effective."

  2. When transitioning between Student A's argument and your own opinion, you could use a phrase like "However, it is important to consider that..."

5. Grammar

In my opinion, imposing taxes and fines on polluting companies is an excellent idea. I fully concur with Rory's assertion that these policies not only provide government with sufficient funds to protect the environment but also encourage some establishments to change their pollution methods. Furthermore, I believesbelieve(Agreement error: Third-person verb with a non-third-person pronoun) that these costs will discourage these companies to produce these kinds of polluting products, reducing various kinds of pollution and providing a better living environment for us. Environment serves as the foundation of our community because of its connective and close relationship with everyone, without healthy and clean environment, even the most economical effects isare(Detects potentially wrong usage of "is") useless. Amy's argument about wealthy companies choosing to pay the fine rather thatthan(Detects potentially wrong usage of "that") altering their production process overlooks the fact that the taxes are depending[No Replacement Word Found](Progressive forms of non-progressive verbs (doubt, believe, understand)) on their incomes. Immense businesses must have bigger taxes, which are also hard to afford by the large companies. In essence, levying environmental taxes and fines on companies is effective and should be adopted as soon as possible.

Section Title: 6 Revised Essay

In my opinion, imposing taxes and fines on polluting companies is a highly effective strategy for addressing environmental protection issues. I wholeheartedly agree with the notion that such policies not only generate revenue for the government to invest in environmental conservation efforts but also incentivize numerous businesses to modify their environmentally harmful practices. Moreover, these financial penalties can serve as a deterrent for companies considering the production of pollution-intensive products, ultimately reducing various forms of pollution and contributing to a healthier living environment for all. It is crucial to recognize that the environment underpins our society due to its intrinsic connection with every individual; without a clean and healthy environment, even the most significant economic gains become futile. While it has been argued that wealthy companies may opt to pay fines rather than alter their production processes, it is important to note that tax rates are often proportional to income levels. Consequently, larger corporations face more substantial financial penalties, which may prove difficult to absorb even for well-established businesses. In summary, levying environmental taxes and fines on companies is an effective approach that warrants swift implementation in order to protect our planet's future. (198 words)

In my opinion, imposing taxes and fines on polluting companies is an excellent idea. a highly effective strategy (revised for clarity and emphasis) for addressing environmental protection issues. I fully concur wholeheartedly agree (revised for natural tone) with Rory's assertion that these the notion that such policies not only provide generate revenue (revised for clarity) for the government with sufficient funds to protect the environment to invest in environmental conservation efforts but also encourage some establishments to change incentivize numerous businesses to modify their pollution methods. Furthermore, I believes that environmentally harmful practices. Moreover, these costs will discourage these companies to produce these kinds financial penalties can serve as a deterrent (revised for clarity) for companies considering the production of polluting pollution-intensive products, ultimately reducing various kinds forms of pollution and providing a better contributing to a healthier living environment for us. Environment serves as the foundation of all. It is crucial to recognize that the environment underpins our community because of society due to its connective and close relationship intrinsic connection with everyone, every individual; without a clean and healthy and clean environment, even the most economical effects is useless. Amy's argument about significant economic gains become futile (revised for natural tone). While it has been argued that wealthy companies choosing may opt to pay the fine fines rather that altering than alter their production process overlooks the fact that the taxes processes, it is important to note that tax rates are depending on their incomes. Immense businesses must have bigger taxes, often proportional to income levels (revised for clarity). Consequently, larger corporations face more substantial financial penalties, which are also hard to afford by the large companies. may prove difficult to absorb even for well-established businesses. In essence, summary, levying environmental taxes and fines on companies is an effective and should be adopted as soon as possible.approach (revised for natural tone) that warrants swift implementation in order to protect our planet's future.

8 Mind Map

  1. Introduction

    • Environmental protection
    • Taxes and fines on polluting companies
  2. Revenue generation

    • Government investment in conservation efforts
  3. Incentivizing businesses

    • Modify harmful practices
  4. Deterrent effect

    • Reducing pollution-intensive products
  5. Importance of a healthy environment

    • Connection to society and individuals
  6. Counterargument: wealthy companies paying fines

    • Proportional tax rates and larger penalties for larger corporations
  7. Conclusion

    • Effectiveness of levying environmental taxes and fines

9 Key Words

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionEnglish TranslationSample Sentence
Environmental/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl/AdjectiveRelating to the natural world and its preservationEnvironmentalEnvironmental protection is essential for our planet's future.
Conservation/ˌkɒnsərˈveɪʃən/NounThe preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environmentConservationGovernment investment in conservation efforts is crucial for a healthy planet.
Incentivize/ɪnˈsɛntɪvaɪz/VerbTo provide with an incentive or motivationIncentivizeTaxes on polluting companies incentivize businesses to modify harmful practices.
Deterrent/dɪˈtɛrənt/NounSomething that discourages or prevents a certain action_Deterrent_Financial penalties serve as a deterrent for producing pollution-intensive products.
Pollution-intensive/pəˈluːʃən ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/AdjectiveInvolving or causing a high level of pollutionPollution-intensiveCompanies should avoid producing pollution-intensive products.
Proportional/prəˈpɔrʃənəl/AdjectiveCorresponding in size, degree, or intensity_Proportional_Tax rates are often proportional to income levels.
Levying/ˈlɛviɪŋ/VerbTo impose or collect (a tax or fine)_Levying_Levying environmental taxes and fines is an effective approach.
Implementation/ɪmˌplɛmənˈteɪʃən/NounThe process of putting a decision or plan into effect_Implementation_Swift implementation of environmental policies is necessary for our planet's future.
Underpin/ˌʌndərˈpɪn/VerbTo form the basis or foundation of something_Underpin_The environment underpins our society and its well-being.

Section Title: 6 Revised Essay

In my opinion, imposing taxes and fines on polluting companies is a highly effective strategy for addressing environmental protection issues. I wholeheartedly agree with the notion that such policies not only generate revenue for the government to invest in environmental conservation efforts but also incentivize numerous businesses to modify their environmentally harmful practices. Moreover, these financial penalties can serve as a deterrent for companies considering the production of pollution-intensive products, ultimately reducing various forms of pollution and contributing to a healthier living environment for all. It is crucial to recognize that the environment underpins our society due to its intrinsic connection with every individual; without a clean and healthy environment, even the most significant economic gains become futile. While it has been argued that wealthy companies may opt to pay fines rather than alter their production processes, it is important to note that tax rates are often proportional to income levels. Consequently, larger corporations face more substantial financial penalties, which may prove difficult to absorb even for well-established businesses. In summary, levying environmental taxes and fines on companies is an effective approach that warrants swift implementation in order to protect our planet's future.

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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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