TOEFL TPO -1 Writing Task 2 Sample: Some people believe that competition for high grades motivates students to excel in the classroom. Others believe that such competition seriously limits the quality of real learning. Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the views presented.
Historical user samples and AI evaluation results from an older TOEFL format.
1 archived user samples
Older TOEFL Format
This task is from a previous version of the TOEFL exam. The current TOEFL has a different structure. These archived samples remain available as a reference for practice.
Task Overview
Question
Some people believe that competition for high grades motivates students to excel in the classroom. Others believe that such competition seriously limits the quality of real learning. Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the views presented.
User Samples & Evaluation Results
User Sample
It's satistying to see that as technology grows by leaps and bounds, people are attatching more and more attention towards educaion. However, opinions are split when it comes to whether chasing high grades does good to academic performance or obstructs real learning. Frankly speaking, I am more aligned with the former opinion, especially when the following reasons are taken into consideration. To begin with, for teenagers who are innocent and impressionable, competition always acts like motivation. A survey done by the America Education Guild reveals that 80% of students who are inculcated to compete with their classmates feel a sense of inspiration, which makes them want to be superior among peers. With such inspiration, they can fully indulge in the charm of studying and have 90% higher opportunity to perform better in the final exam. Consequently, it's safe to claim that competition makes perfect. By guiding students to chase better scores, lazy students would be light up and start to be a diligent person. Moreover, in order to excel among peers, students are prone to concentrate on their textbooks and take classes seriously. With deeper understanding towards professional knowledge, they are more likely to step into a better workplace and finally sucessed in their careers. On the contrary, if students do not have the notion of rivalry and enjoy the so-called real learning during their schoolyears, they would sooner or later be abandoned by the market and live a abject life. It's tempting to argue that certain types of competition play a harmful role in students' learning to some extent. To be specific, in order to reach higher rank, some selfish students may delibrately disclose key information offered by teachers, some may even adulterate in exams. Nevertheless, although these behaviors play havoc on real learning, we cannot simply conclude that eager for higher grades is deleterious. If students are scrupulous and righteous enough, what competition do would only embolden them to make progress. That is to say, they would also pay attention to the quality of learning. In a nutshell, competition helps students be enterprising in academic fields. With more concentration and devotion, they would excel in their peers and live a more sucessful life.
Evaluation Result
1.Sub Scores
-
Task fulfillment: 4
-
Organization: 3
-
Coherence and Cohesion: 3
-
Language Use: 3
2.Estimated Scores
- Score: 22
3.Task completeness The essay does a good job of addressing the specific requirements of the task, as it discusses both views presented and explains the writer's own position. However, there is room for improvement in terms of providing more concrete examples and evidence to support the arguments. The essay could also benefit from a more balanced discussion of both views.
Suggestions for improvement:
-
Provide specific examples or studies to support your arguments.
-
Ensure that both views are discussed equally, even if you favor one over the other.
Examples:
-
Instead of just mentioning a survey done by the America Education Guild, provide some details about the survey, such as when it was conducted and how many students were involved.
-
When discussing the negative aspects of competition, consider including an example or anecdote that illustrates these issues.
4.Essay structure and organization The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, there is room for improvement in terms of logical organization and transitions between ideas and paragraphs.
Suggestions for improvement:
-
Make sure each paragraph focuses on a specific point and includes supporting details.
-
Use clear transitions between ideas and paragraphs to improve coherence.
Examples:
-
In the paragraph discussing negative aspects of competition, start with a topic sentence that clearly states this point before diving into specific examples.
-
Use transition words or phrases like "on the other hand" or "in contrast" when moving from discussing positive aspects of competition to negative aspects to help guide readers through your argument.
5. Grammar
It's satistyingsatisfying(misspelling) to see that as technology grows by leaps and bounds, people are attatchingattaching(misspelling) more and more attention towards educaioneducation(misspelling). However, opinions are split when it comes to whether chasing high grades does good to academic performance or obstructs real learning. Frankly speaking, I am more aligned with the former opinion, especially when the following reasons are taken into consideration.
To begin with, for teenagers who are innocent and impressionable, competition always acts like motivation. A survey done by the America Education Guild reveals that 80% of students who are inculcated to compete with their classmates feel a sense of inspiration, which makes them want to be superior among peers. With such inspiration, they can fully indulge in the charm of studying and have 90% higher opportunity to perform better in the final exam. Consequently, it's safe to claim that competition makes perfect. By guiding students to chase better scores, lazy students would be light up and start to be a diligent person.
Moreover, in order to excel among peers, students are prone to concentrate on their textbooks and take classes seriously. With deeper understanding towards professional knowledge, they are more likely to step into a better workplace and finally sucessedaccessed(misspelling) in their careers. On the contrary, if students do not have the notion of rivalry and enjoy the so-called real learning during their schoolyearsschoolyards(misspelling), they would sooner or later be abandoned by the market and live aan(Use of 'a' vs. 'an') abject life.
It's tempting to argue that certain types of competition play a harmful role in students' learning to some extent. To be specific, in order to reach higher rank, some selfish students may delibratelydeliberately(misspelling) disclose key information offered by teachers, some may even adulterate in exams. Nevertheless, although these behaviors play havoc on real learning, we cannot simply conclude that eager for higher grades is deleterious. If students are scrupulous and righteous enough, what competition do would only embolden them to make progress. That is to say, they would also pay attention to the quality of learning.
In a nutshell, competition helps students be enterprising in academic fields. With more concentration and devotion, they would excel in their peers and live a more sucessfulsuccessful(misspelling) life.
6.Revised Essay
As technology advances rapidly, society is placing an increasing emphasis on education. However, opinions diverge when it comes to determining whether pursuing high grades enhances academic performance or hinders genuine learning. Personally, I am more inclined to support the former view, particularly when considering the following reasons.
Firstly, competition often serves as a powerful motivator for young and impressionable students. A study conducted by the American Education Guild revealed that 80% of students who were encouraged to compete with their classmates experienced a sense of inspiration, driving them to excel among their peers. This motivation enables them to fully immerse themselves in the joy of learning and increases their chances of performing better in final exams by 90%. As a result, it is reasonable to assert that competition fosters excellence. By guiding students towards higher scores, even those who were previously disengaged may become more diligent and proactive in their studies.
Furthermore, in order to outperform their peers, students are likely to focus more intently on their textbooks and engage more actively in class. A deeper understanding of subject matter can lead to better career opportunities and ultimately greater success in their chosen fields. In contrast, if students lack a competitive mindset and prioritize so-called "real learning" during their school years, they may eventually find themselves struggling in the job market and facing an uncertain future.
Admittedly, certain forms of competition can have detrimental effects on student learning. For instance, some individuals may resort to dishonest tactics such as withholding crucial information from classmates or cheating on exams in order to secure higher rankings. While these behaviors undoubtedly undermine genuine learning experiences, it would be erroneous to conclude that striving for higher grades is inherently harmful. If students maintain integrity and uphold ethical standards throughout the competitive process, they will likely experience personal growth and development rather than negative consequences.
In order to enhance coherence and cohesion within this essay while addressing both views presented equally, I suggest incorporating more concrete examples and evidence to support the arguments. For example, the American Education Guild study could be further elaborated upon by providing details such as the number of participants and the specific timeframe in which it was conducted. Additionally, when discussing the potential drawbacks of competition, consider including real-life anecdotes or case studies that illustrate these issues.
In conclusion, competition can be a valuable tool in motivating students to excel academically. By fostering a greater sense of focus and dedication, they are more likely to outshine their peers and ultimately lead more successful lives. However, it is crucial for students to approach competition with integrity and ethical considerations in order to ensure that the pursuit of high grades does not come at the expense of genuine learning experiences.
Essay statistics: {"words": 452, "unique_words": 262} (466 words)
It's satistying to see that as 7.Essay Grading
As technology grows by leaps and bounds, people are attatching more and more attention towards educaion. advances rapidly, society is placing an increasing emphasis on education. (This revision provides a clearer and more concise introduction to the topic.) However, opinions are split diverge when it comes to determining whether chasing pursuing high grades enhances academic performance or hinders genuine learning. Personally, I am more inclined to support the former view, particularly when considering the following reasons.
Firstly, competition often serves as a powerful motivator for young and impressionable students. (This sentence has been revised for clarity and improved word choice.) A study conducted by the American Education Guild revealed that 80% of students who were encouraged to compete with their classmates experienced a sense of inspiration, driving them to excel among their peers. (The revised sentence uses more precise language and corrects grammatical errors.) This motivation enables them to fully immerse themselves in the joy of learning and increases their chances of performing better in final exams by 90%. As a result, it is reasonable to assert that competition fosters excellence. By guiding students towards higher scores, even those who were previously disengaged may become more diligent and proactive in their studies.
Furthermore, in order to outperform their peers, students are likely to focus more intently on their textbooks and engage more actively in class. (This sentence has been revised for clarity and improved word choice.) A deeper understanding of subject matter can lead to better career opportunities and ultimately greater success in their chosen fields. In contrast, if students lack a competitive mindset and prioritize so-called "real learning" during their school years, they may eventually find themselves struggling in the job market and facing an uncertain future.
Admittedly, certain forms of competition can have detrimental effects on student learning. For instance, some individuals may resort to dishonest tactics such as withholding crucial information from classmates or cheating on exams in order to secure higher rankings. (The revised sentence uses more precise language and corrects grammatical errors.) While these behaviors undoubtedly undermine genuine learning experiences, it would be erroneous to conclude that striving for higher grades is inherently harmful. If students maintain integrity and uphold ethical standards throughout the competitive process, they will likely experience personal growth and development rather than negative consequences.
In order to enhance coherence and cohesion within this essay while addressing both views presented equally, I suggest incorporating more concrete examples and evidence to support the arguments. (This sentence has been revised for clarity and improved word choice.) For example, the American Education Guild study could be further elaborated upon by providing details such as the number of participants and the specific timeframe in which it was conducted. Additionally, when discussing the potential drawbacks of competition, consider including real-life anecdotes or case studies that illustrate these issues.
In conclusion, competition can be a valuable tool in motivating students to excel academically. (This sentence has been revised for clarity and improved word choice.) By fostering a greater sense of focus and dedication, they are more likely to outshine their peers and ultimately lead more successful lives. However, it is crucial for students to approach competition with integrity and ethical considerations in order to ensure that the pursuit of high grades does good to academic performance or obstructs real learning. Frankly speaking, I am more aligned with the former opinion, especially when the following reasons are taken into consideration. ¶ To begin with, for teenagers who are innocent and impressionable, competition always acts like motivation. A survey done by the America Education Guild reveals that 80% of students who are inculcated to compete with their classmates feel a sense of inspiration, which makes them want to be superior among peers. With such inspiration, they can fully indulge in the charm of studying and have 90% higher opportunity to perform better in the final exam. Consequently, it's safe to claim that competition makes perfect. By guiding students to chase better scores, lazy students would be light up and start to be a diligent person. ¶ Moreover, in order to excel among peers, students are prone to concentrate on their textbooks and take classes seriously. With deeper understanding towards professional knowledge, they are more likely to step into a better workplace and finally sucessed in their careers. On the contrary, if students do not have the notion of rivalry and enjoy the so-called real come at the expense of genuine learning during their schoolyears, they would sooner or later be abandoned by the market and live a abject life. ¶ It's tempting to argue that certain types of competition play a harmful role in students' learning to some extent. To be specific, in order to reach higher rank, some selfish students may delibrately disclose key information offered by teachers, some may even adulterate in exams. Nevertheless, although these behaviors play havoc on real learning, we cannot simply conclude that eager for higher grades is deleterious. If students are scrupulous and righteous enough, what competition do would only embolden them to make progress. That is to say, they would also pay attention to the quality of learning. ¶ In a nutshell, competition helps students be enterprising in academic fields. With more concentration and devotion, they would excel in their peers and live a more sucessful life.experiences.
8.Mind Map
-
Thesis statement: Competition can be a valuable tool in motivating students to excel academically.
- Topic sentence 1: Competition serves as a powerful motivator for young and impressionable students.
- Sub-topic: American Education Guild study
- Supporting example: 80% of students felt inspired by competition
- Topic sentence 2: Focused students are more likely to succeed in their careers.
- Sub-topic: Importance of a competitive mindset
- Supporting example: Struggling in the job market without competition
- Topic sentence 3: Negative aspects of competition should be considered.
- Sub-topic: Dishonest tactics and cheating
- Supporting example: Undermining genuine learning experiences
- Topic sentence 1: Competition serves as a powerful motivator for young and impressionable students.
-
Conclusion: Students should approach competition with integrity and ethical considerations.
9.Key Words
| Words | Phonetic Symbols | Parts of Speech | English Definitions | Sample Sentences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| diverge | /daɪˈvɜrdʒ/ | verb | to move, lie, or extend in different directions | Opinions diverge when it comes to the role of competition. |
| impressionable | /ɪmˈprɛʃənəbəl/ | adjective | easily influenced | Young and impressionable students may be motivated by competition. |
| immerse | /ɪˈmɜrs/ | verb | to involve deeply; absorb | Students can immerse themselves in the joy of learning. |
| detrimental | /ˌdɛtrəˈmɛntl/ | adjective | causing harm or damage | Certain forms of competition can have detrimental effects on student learning. |
| erroneous | /ɪˈroʊniəs/ | adjective | incorrect; mistaken | It would be erroneous to conclude that striving for higher grades is inherently harmful. |
| integrity | /ɪnˈtɛɡrəti/ | noun | adherence to moral and ethical principles | Students should maintain integrity throughout the competitive process. |
| ethical | /ˈɛθɪkəl/ | adjective | relating to moral principles | Ethical considerations are important when approaching competition. |
| coherence | /koʊˈhɪrəns/ | noun | logical connection or consistency | The essay should have coherence between its arguments and examples. |
| cohesion | /koʊˈhiʒən/ | noun | the act of sticking together or uniting | Cohesion is essential for a well-structured essay. |
| anecdote | /ˈænɪkdoʊt/ | noun | a short, interesting story about a real incident | Including real-life anecdotes can help illustrate the potential drawbacks of competition. |
10.Additional Examples
-
Example: Extracurricular activities can foster healthy competition.
- Sub-opinion: Students can learn teamwork and collaboration.
- Explanation: Participating in sports or clubs encourages students to work together towards common goals.
-
Example: Competition can lead to innovation in problem-solving.
- Sub-opinion: Students may develop unique approaches to challenges.
- Explanation: In an effort to outperform their peers, students may think outside the box and discover new solutions.
-
Example: Teachers can use friendly competition as a teaching tool.
- Sub-opinion: Engaging students in class activities with competitive elements can boost their interest.
- Explanation: Competitions such as debates or quizzes can make learning more enjoyable and memorable.
-
Example: Excessive competition may lead to stress and burnout.
- Sub-opinion: Students should find a balance between competition and self-care.
- Explanation: Overemphasis on competition can negatively impact students' mental health, making it essential to prioritize well-being.
-
Example: Collaboration can also contribute to academic success.
- Sub-opinion: Students can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses.
- Explanation: Working together in group projects or study sessions allows students to share knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Current TOEFL Format
The TOEFL exam has been updated. Explore the latest format and practice with current question types.
Rooting for Your Goal Score Today!
With LingoLeap, an expert in English exams
Get to Your Dream Score Faster