TOEFL TPO -1 Writing Task 2 Sample:
Group projects are an essential part of everyday life in school. Here comes the question: is it better to work
independently, separating the quest equally into different parts, with each member responsible to his or her own part only, or is it better to collaborate in every step of the process? What is your take?
Smith: I prefer to work independently while doing group project as I am concerned about the possible occurrence of free-riding if students choose to collaborate in the whole process. After all, not everyone is responsible in his or her own part, it is highly possible for the "free rider" to simply rely on the efforts of other people without contributing to the team. Unless extra mechanism can be arranged to prevent free riding from happening; for example, teachers can let team members grade each other's contribution to the team; otherwise, I could not trust the
achievements done by collaboration between students while doing group project.
Zoe: I see your point, Smith, but I prefer to work collaboratively when doing group project. My experience serves as a precise example. When I was in junior high school, two of my classmates and I were assigned to deliver a survey regarding students' opinion towards the cafeteria renovation program. We drew the initial plan together, decided the exact method of
surveying students together, processed the data together, and wrote the
report together. Even if there was a disagreement among us, we
expressed our idea, tried to reach a compromise, and learned from each other in the process. In the end, we delivered an eminent presentation in front of the class, receiving applauses and an "A+". This is one of the best experiences in my life, and I benefit from it even until now. • LingoLeap