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TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Your professor is teaching a class on economics. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response you should: • express and support your opinion • make a contribution to the discussion An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You will have 10 minutes to write it.

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24 user-submitted samples available

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Task Overview

Dr. Achebe

When people are asked about the most important discoveries or inventions made in the last two hundred years, they usually mention something very obvious, like the computer or the cell phone. But there are thousands of other discoveries or inventions that have had a huge impact on how we live today. What scientific discovery or technological invention from the last two hundred years—other than computers and cell phones—would you choose as being important? Why?

Paul

I mean, we’re so used to science and technology that we are not even aware of all the things we use in our daily lives. I would probably choose space satellites. This technology happened in the last hundred years, and it has become important for so many things. Just think about navigation, or telecommunications, or even the military.

Claire

I am thinking about medical progress. Like, for example, when scientists discovered things about healthy nutrition. I am thinking of identifying all the vitamins we need to stay healthy. I am not sure exactly when the vitamin discoveries happened, but I know they are very important. Our health is much better than it was 200 years ago

User Samples & Evaluation Results

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1

User Sample #1

I totally agree with professor's opinion. There are many discoveries we ignore change our daily life and help our life more convenient and colorful, j...

Score
24

User Sample

I totally agree with professor's opinion. There are many discoveries we ignore change our daily life and help our life more convenient and colorful, just like unsung heros. I think camera is one of these. Before the invention of camera, people can only record the image they have seen by pens, but that method is not accurate and time-consuming. Because the invention of camera, people can wherever and whenever record what they see by just pressing the button of camera. More importantly, they can capture the moments they stayed with their relatives and when their relatives passed away, they can still take out the photograph and recall the unforgettable moments. The invention of camera makes people immortal to some degree in the mind of people who loves them.

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

24. 3 任务完成度

虽然你的文章回答了问题,但还有一些地方可以改进。首先,你的回答没有涉及到经济学课程的内容,这是任务要求中的一个重要方面。其次,在阐述观点时,可以更具体地说明相机如何影响了我们的生活,并给出更多相关例子。此外,注意避免语法错误和用词不当。

示例1(更关注经济学):在过去的两百年里,我认为交通工具的发展对我们的生活产生了重大影响。例如,火车、汽车和飞机等交通工具使得货物和人员能够快速、便捷地运输,从而促进了全球贸易和经济增长。

示例2(更详细地阐述观点):相机的发明不仅让我们能够记录生活中珍贵的瞬间,还为各行各业带来了巨大变革。例如,在新闻业中,摄影记者可以通过拍摄照片来记录历史事件,让读者更直观地了解新闻背后的故事。

4. 文章结构与组织

文章的结构和组织方面还有待加强。首先,可以在开头部分明确地表达你的观点,并简要介绍文章将讨论的内容。其次,每个段落应该集中讨论一个具体的观点,并提供支持细节。最后,注意在段落之间使用过渡词或短语,使文章更连贯。

示例1(改进开头部分):在过去的两百年里,有许多科学发现和技术发明改变了我们的生活。尽管计算机和手机等设备无疑对我们产生了巨大影响,但我认为相机同样重要。本文将探讨相机如何影响我们的日常生活以及它在各个领域中所起到的作用。

示例2(改进段落结构):首先,相机使我们能够轻松地记录生活中珍贵的瞬间。以前,人们只能通过绘画或书写来记录他们所看到的景象,这种方法既不准确又耗时。然而,随着相机的发明,人们只需按下快门就可以捕捉到他们所看到的一切。

5. 语法批改

I totally agree with professor's opinion. There are many discoveries we ignore changeto change(This rule identifies whether the preposition 'to' is missing in a sentence.) our daily life and help our life more convenient and colorful, just like unsung herosheroes(misspelling). I think camera is one of these. Before the invention of camera, people can only record the image they have seen by pens, but that method is not accurate and time-consuming. Because theof the(This rule identifies whether the preposition 'of' is missing in a sentence.) invention of camera, people can wherever and whenever record what they see by just pressing the button of camera. More importantly, they can capture the moments they stayed with their relatives and when their relatives passed away, they can still take out the photograph and recall the unforgettable moments. The invention of camera makes people immortal to some degree in the mind of people who loves them.

Display title: 6 文章修订

I concur with Dr. Achebe's assertion that numerous overlooked discoveries have significantly impacted our daily lives, serving as unsung heroes. In my opinion, the camera is one such invention. Prior to its development, individuals could only document their visual experiences through writing or drawing, which were often inaccurate and time-consuming methods. The advent of the camera revolutionized this process, enabling people to effortlessly capture and preserve moments by simply pressing a button. Furthermore, photographs allow us to immortalize cherished memories with loved ones, providing a tangible means of reminiscing even after they have passed away. Thus, the invention of the camera has granted a form of immortality within the hearts and minds of those who hold these captured moments dear. (124 words)

I totally agree concur with professor's opinion. There are many Dr. Achebe's assertion (revised for clarity and formality) that numerous overlooked discoveries we ignore change have significantly impacted our daily life and help our life more convenient and colorful, just like lives, serving as unsung heros. I think heroes (rephrased for better flow). In my opinion, the camera is one such invention (rephrased for clarity). Prior to its development, individuals could only document their visual experiences through writing or drawing, which were often inaccurate and time-consuming methods (revised for conciseness). The advent of these. Before the camera revolutionized this process, enabling people to effortlessly capture and preserve moments by simply pressing a button (rephrased for better flow). Furthermore, photographs allow us to immortalize cherished memories with loved ones, providing a tangible means of reminiscing even after they have passed away (revised for clarity and conciseness). Thus, the invention of camera, people can only record the image they have seen by pens, but that method is not accurate camera has granted a form of immortality within the hearts and time-consuming. Because the invention minds of camera, people can wherever those who hold these captured moments dear (rephrased for better flow and whenever record what they see by just pressing the button of camera. More importantly, they can capture the moments they stayed with their relatives and when their relatives passed away, they can still take out the photograph and recall the unforgettable moments. The invention of camera makes people immortal to some degree in the mind of people who loves them.impact).

Display title: 8 思维导图

Mindmap:

1. Introduction
   - Overlooked discoveries
   - Unsung heroes

2. Camera as an unsung hero
   - Documenting visual experiences
   - Inaccurate and time-consuming methods before the camera

3. Revolutionizing the process
   - Effortless capture and preservation of moments

4. Immortalizing cherished memories
   - Tangible means of reminiscing

5. Granting a form of immortality
   - Captured moments held dear in hearts and minds

6. Conclusion
   - Importance of the camera as an overlooked discovery

Display title: 9 关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish definitionSimplified Chinese translationSample sentences
assertionəˈsɜːrʃənnouna confident statement or declaration主张,断言Dr. Achebe's assertion has led to a great discussion on overlooked discoveries.
immortalizeɪˈmɔːrtəlaɪzverbto make something or someone last forever, usually in memory使永恒,使不朽The camera helps to immortalize cherished memories with loved ones.
tangibleˈtændʒəbladjectivereal and not imaginary; able to be shown, touched, or experienced可触摸的,实际的Photographs provide a tangible means of reminiscing even after our loved ones have passed away.
reminiscerɛmɪˈnɪsverbto talk or write about past experiences that you remember with pleasure回忆,追忆We often reminisce about the good times we had together.
adventˈædvənt, ˈædventnounthe arrival of an important person, thing, or event到来,出现The advent of the camera revolutionized the way we document our lives.
revolutionizerɪvəˈluːʃənaɪzverbto completely change something so that it is much better彻底改革,使革新The invention of the camera has revolutionized the process of capturing and preserving moments.
preserveprɪˈzɜrvverbto keep something in its original state or in good condition保护,保存The camera enables people to effortlessly capture and preserve moments by simply pressing a button.
inaccurateɪnˈækjərət, -jʊr-,adjective_not completely correct or exact_不准确的,错误的Before the camera, documenting visual experiences through writing or drawing was often inaccurate.
time-consumingtaɪm kənˈsu:mɪŋ_adjective _taking a lot of time to do _耗时的 _Writing and drawing were time-consuming methods for documenting visual experiences before the camera._

Display title: 6 文章修订

I concur with Dr. Achebe's assertion that numerous overlooked discoveries have significantly impacted our daily lives, serving as unsung heroes. In my opinion, the camera is one such invention. Prior to its advent, individuals could only document their visual experiences through writing or drawing, which were often inaccurate and time-consuming methods. The invention of the camera revolutionized this process, enabling people to effortlessly capture and preserve moments by simply pressing a button. Furthermore, photographs allow us to immortalize cherished memories with loved ones, providing a tangible means of reminiscing even after they have passed away. Thus, the invention of the camera has granted a form of immortality within the hearts and minds of those who hold these captured moments dear.

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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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