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TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.\n\n

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Task Overview

Professor

This week, we discussed the importance of role models in society. One idea we discussed was the widespread impact of \"influencers\". Influencers are people who are very active posting on social media and who have many followers. Influencers' posts and opinions can influence their followers' choices on everything from fashion to politics. In your opinion, do social media influencers generally have a positive or negative effect on their followers? Why do you think so?

Student A

I think the influencers' effect is generally positive. People can learn about the latest trends and topics in a very quick and efficient way by following influencers. In the past, people had to spend time looking through magazines or visiting boutiques to even know what was trending.

Student B

I think influencers generally have a negative effect because they have far too much influence. I can think of one influencer who only has to mention a particular kind of sports shoes, and the next day they'll be sold out. The followers aren't really thinking for themselves; they're just blindly following their influencers' choices.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

User Sample

In my opinion, I agree with Amy's perspective as influencer benefits us on receiving latest news fast. With the rapid progress of technology, there are numberless information available at our fingertips on the internet. Consequently, it will take us plenty of time discerning which news to spend time on. If we follow some influencers, we can therefore be well informed with latest trends just like lightning fast. Besides, influencers also are of paramount importance, since they can consolidate a harmonious relationship between fans and themselves by reposting videos and pictures about their lives. In that case, people will get closely connected to the influencers, preventing them from human isolation. Someone may repudiate that influencer could pose potential threat to young people as they may follow their behaviors without further consideration. However, I hold the view that it's their parents' responsibility to take care of their children and teach them how to appreciate the influencer in a wise way. To summary, I think influencers benefit our lives given the latest news and positive example effect.

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: 26 (out of 30)

3. Task completeness

The essay effectively addresses the task requirements by expressing a clear opinion on the impact of social media influencers and providing relevant examples to support the viewpoint. However, there is room for improvement in elaborating on the examples provided and offering more specific details to strengthen the argument. Additionally, incorporating a counterargument or acknowledging potential drawbacks could further enhance the essay's depth.

Suggestions for improvement:

  • Elaborate on specific examples or provide more detailed explanations.

  • Include a counterargument or address potential drawbacks of influencers.

Examples in English:

  1. "Influencers can also promote positive social change by raising awareness about important issues, such as mental health or environmental conservation."
  2. "However, it is essential for followers to critically evaluate the information presented by influencers and not blindly accept their opinions."

4. Essay structure and organization

The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The organization is mostly logical, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point. However, transitions between ideas could be improved to create a smoother flow throughout the essay.

Suggestions for improvement:

  • Improve transitions between ideas and paragraphs.

  • Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and supports the overall argument.

Examples in English:

  1. "On one hand, influencers can provide valuable information about current trends; on the other hand, their impact may sometimes lead to mindless consumerism."
  2. "To summarize, while there are undeniable benefits of following influencers for staying updated on trends and feeling connected, it is crucial for individuals to maintain critical thinking skills when evaluating their opinions."

5. 语法批改

In my opinion, I agree with Amy's perspective as influencer benefitsthat influencers benefit us on receivingby providing fast access to the latest news fast.news. With the rapid progress of technology, there are numberlesscountless information available at our fingertips on the internet. Consequently, it will take us plentya considerable amount of time discerningto discern which news to spend time on. If we follow some influencers, we can therefore be well informed withwell-informed about the latest trends just like lightning fast. Besides, influencers also are of paramount importance, since they can consolidatefoster a harmonious relationship betweenwith their fans and themselves by reposting videos and pictures aboutof their lives. In that case,this way, people will getfeel closely connected to the influencers, preventing them from human isolation. Someone may repudiateargue that influencerinfluencers could pose potential threat to young people as they may follow their behaviors without further consideration. However, I holdbelieve that it is the view that it's their parents' responsibility to take care of their children and teach them how to appreciate the influencerinfluencers in a wise way. ToIn summary, I think influencers benefit our lives givenby providing the latest news and positive example effect.effects.

Display title: 6 Revised Essay

In my opinion, I concur with Amy's viewpoint that influencers generally have a positive impact on their followers by providing quick access to the latest trends and information. In today's fast-paced digital landscape, an abundance of information is readily available online, making it challenging for individuals to discern which sources are worth their time. By following influencers, people can stay informed about current trends and topics efficiently. Furthermore, influencers play a crucial role in fostering a sense of connection between themselves and their followers by sharing personal content from their lives. This helps to bridge the gap between fans and influencers, mitigating feelings of isolation.

While some may argue that influencers can negatively influence impressionable young people who may blindly follow their actions, I believe it is the responsibility of parents to guide their children in understanding how to engage with influencer content wisely. Ultimately, I maintain that influencers enrich our lives by offering timely information and serving as positive role models. (167 words)

In my opinion, I concur (agree is a simpler and more commonly used word) with Amy's perspective as influencer benefits us viewpoint that influencers generally have a positive impact on receiving their followers by providing quick access to the latest news fast. With the trends and information. In today's fast-paced (rapid progress of technology, there are numberless is not incorrect, but fast-paced better describes the speed of change) digital landscape, an abundance of information is readily available at our fingertips on the internet. Consequently, online, making it will take us plenty of time challenging for individuals to discern (discerning which news to spend time on. If we follow some on sounds awkward; discern is a more natural choice) which sources are worth their time. By following influencers, we people can therefore be well stay informed with latest about current trends just like lightning fast. Besides, influencers also and topics efficiently. Furthermore, influencers play a crucial role (are of paramount importance, since they can consolidate a harmonious relationship importance sounds too formal; crucial role is more conversational) in fostering a sense of connection between themselves and their followers by sharing personal content from their lives. This helps to bridge the gap between fans and themselves by reposting videos and pictures about their lives. In influencers, mitigating feelings of isolation.

While some may argue that case, people will get closely connected to the influencers, preventing them from human isolation. Someone may repudiate that influencer could pose potential threat to influencers can negatively influence impressionable young people as they who may blindly follow their behaviors without further consideration. However, actions, I hold the view believe it is the responsibility of parents to guide their children in understanding how to engage with influencer content wisely. Ultimately, I maintain that it's their parents' responsibility to take care of their children and teach them how to appreciate the influencer in a wise way. To summary, I think influencers benefit influencers enrich our lives given the by offering timely information (latest news and has been replaced with timely information for better flow) and serving as positive role models (positive example effect.effect has been replaced with positive role models for clarity).

Display title: 8 Mind Map


1. Influencers
   a. Positive impact
      i. Quick access to trends
      ii. Information source
   b. Connection with followers
      i. Personal content sharing
      ii. Reducing isolation

2. Counterargument
   a. Negative influence on youth
      i. Blindly following actions

3. Responsibility of parents
   a. Guiding children in engaging with content wisely

4. Conclusion
   a. Influencers enrich lives by providing information and serving as role models.

Display title: 9 Key Words

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionEnglish TranslationSample Sentences
influencer/ˈɪnfluənsər/nounA person who has the power to affect othersInfluencerInfluencers generally have a positive impact on their followers by providing quick access to the latest trends and information.
discern/dɪˈsɜrn/verbTo perceive or recognize somethingDiscernIt is challenging for individuals to discern which sources are worth their time in today's fast-paced digital landscape.
mitigate/ˈmɪtɪgeɪt/verbTo make something less severe, serious, or painful.MitigateSharing personal content helps bridge the gap between fans and influencers, mitigating feelings of isolation.
impressionable/ɪmˈprɛʃənəbəl/adjective_Easily influenced because of a lack of experience.ImpressionableSome may argue that influencers can negatively influence impressionable young people who may blindly follow their actions.
engage/ɪnˈgeɪdʒ/verbTo occupy or attract someone's interest or attention.EngageParents should guide their children in understanding how to engage with influencer content wisely.
timely/ˈtaɪmli/adjective_Done or occurring at a favorable or useful time._Timely_Influencers enrich our lives by offering timely information and serving as positive role models.
abundance/əˈbʌndəns/noun_A very large quantity of something._Abundance_In today's fast-paced digital landscape, an abundance of information is readily available online.
efficiently/ɪˈfɪʃəntli/adverb_In a way that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.Efficiently_By following influencers, people can stay informed about current trends and topics efficiently.
ultimately/ˈʌltɪmətli/adverb_Finally; in the end._Ultimately_Ultimately, I maintain that influencers enrich our lives by offering timely information and serving as positive role models.

Display title: 6 Revised Essay

In my opinion, I concur with Amy's viewpoint that influencers generally have a positive impact on their followers by providing quick access to the latest trends and information. In today's fast-paced digital landscape, an abundance of information is readily available online, making it challenging for individuals to discern which sources are worth their time. By following influencers, people can stay informed about current trends and topics efficiently. Furthermore, influencers play a crucial role in fostering a sense of connection between themselves and their followers by sharing personal content from their lives. This helps to bridge the gap between fans and influencers, mitigating feelings of isolation.

While some may argue that influencers can negatively influence impressionable young people who may blindly follow their actions, I believe it is the responsibility of parents to guide their children in understanding how to engage with influencer content wisely. Ultimately, I maintain that influencers enrich our lives by offering timely information and serving as positive role models.

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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