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TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Your professor is teaching a class on human resource management. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.

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Task Overview

Professor

This week, we’ll be discussing how technological advances are transforming the job market, making some jobs unnecessary. Let’s focus on government actions. Suppose the government had to choose between two ways in which to support people whose jobs are no longer needed. The government could either give them enough money to live on until they find new jobs or offer them free job training without giving them money directly. Which of these two solutions do you think is better? Why?

Student A

I believe that the government should prioritize providing free job training opportunities. Modern training programs are usually costly, which means that many people will not be able to afford them without the government's funding. By participating in training programs, people will develop new, in- demand skills and become more competitive in the job market.

Student B

Although I agree that having access to free training programs sounds promising, I think the government's first step should be to give people enough money to live on until they find new jobs. This money will go directly into people's pockets and allow them to make their own choices concerning their future.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

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1

User Sample #1

I wholeheartedly concur with Andrew's perspective about the government should give unemployed people some eduction opportunities prior to giving them ...

User Sample

I wholeheartedly concur with Andrew's perspective about the government should give unemployed people some eduction opportunities prior to giving them direct funds.That approach can efficiently alleviate the crime rate and address the serious problem about the handicap for people to have occupations. Admittedly, endowing unemployed people with direct funds can handle with their lack of money issues. Conversely, it can't address this problem forever owing to the fact that the government will ultimately deplete all the funds. Given that many workers lose their jobs because their information and knowledges are outdated. Providing free classes to help them study new knowledges and adapt to the new world in which it changes every aspect of life rapidly better. Meanwhile, giving them free classes can also decrease the crime rate due to the statement that they spend time and obtain new knowledges so that they can have jobs again rather than having nothing to do and no sources of money. In the last century French, the government determined to provide free classes such as Internet and Communication for unemployed people. These classes played a vital role for them to get new jobs again. This way absolutely release the funding pressure and promote job opportunities.In a nutshell, providing free classes can efficiently improve the sense of well-being and jobs.

Evaluation Result

1. Sub Scores

Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 4.0 Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 3.5 Language Use and Grammar: 3.0

2. Estimated Scores

Estimated Score: 22

3. Task completeness

The essay does a good job of addressing the specific requirements of the task by expressing an opinion and supporting it with relevant examples. However, there is room for improvement in terms of clarity, elaboration, and language use. To improve the essay, consider providing more specific details or examples to support your viewpoint. Additionally, work on refining your grammar and vocabulary usage to make your writing more accurate and easier to understand.

Example 1: Original: "Given that many workers lose their jobs because their information and knowledges are outdated." Improved: "Many workers lose their jobs due to their skills becoming outdated in the rapidly changing job market."

Example 2: Original: "This way absolutely release the funding pressure and promote job opportunities." Improved: "This approach would not only alleviate financial pressures but also create new job opportunities for those affected."

4. Essay structure and organization

The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, the organization could be improved by using clearer transitions between ideas and paragraphs. Additionally, consider focusing each paragraph on a single point with supporting details.

Example 1: Original: "Providing free classes to help them study new knowledges and adapt to the new world in which it changes every aspect of life rapidly better." Improved: "Providing free classes would help individuals acquire new skills and adapt to the rapidly changing world, ultimately improving their chances of finding employment."

Example 2: Original: "Meanwhile, giving them free classes can also decrease the crime rate due to the statement that they spend time and obtain new knowledges so that they can have jobs again rather than having nothing to do and no sources of money." Improved: "Furthermore, offering free classes could potentially reduce crime rates, as individuals would be engaged in learning new skills and increasing their employability, rather than being left without resources or direction."

5. Grammar

I wholeheartedly concur with Andrew's perspective about the government should give unemployed people some eductioneducation(misspelling) opportunities prior to giving them direct funds.That That(Missing space between sentences) approach can efficiently alleviate the (Two consecutive spaces)crime rate and address the serious problem about the handicap for people to have occupations. Admittedly, endowing unemployed people with direct funds can handle with their lack of money issues. Conversely, it can't address this problem foreverforever,(This rule identifies whether commas are missing in a sentence.) owing to the fact that the government will ultimately deplete all the funds. Given thatthat,(This rule identifies whether commas are missing in a sentence.) many workers lose their jobs because their information and knowledgesknowledge(misspelling) are outdated. Providing free classes to help them study new knowledgesknowledge(misspelling) and adapt to the new world in which it changes every aspect of life rapidly better. Meanwhile, giving them free classes can also decrease the crime rate due to the statement that they spend time and obtain new knowledgesknowledge(misspelling) so that they can have jobs again rather than having nothing to do and no sources of money. In the last century French, the government determined to provide free classes such as Internet and Communication for unemployed people. These classes played a vital role for them to get new jobs again. This way absolutely releasereleases(The dog always bark(s) at me) the funding pressure and promote job opportunities.In In(Missing space between sentences) a nutshell, providing free classes can efficiently improve the sense of well-being and jobs.

Display title: 6 Revised Essay

I firmly agree with the notion that the government should prioritize offering educational opportunities to unemployed individuals before providing them with direct financial assistance. This approach can effectively mitigate crime rates and address the significant challenge of unemployment. While granting direct funds to the unemployed may temporarily alleviate their financial burdens, it fails to provide a long-term solution as government resources will eventually be depleted.

The primary reason for job loss among many workers is the obsolescence of their skills and knowledge. By offering free courses, the government can help these individuals acquire new competencies and adapt to a rapidly changing world that impacts every aspect of life. Moreover, providing access to free education can also reduce crime rates, as people will be engaged in learning and acquiring skills that enable them to secure employment rather than resorting to unlawful activities due to idleness and lack of resources.

A historical example that supports this argument is France's decision in the last century to offer free courses in internet and communication technologies for unemployed citizens. These programs played a crucial role in helping participants find new job opportunities, thereby alleviating financial pressures on both individuals and the government while promoting employment prospects. In essence, providing free educational opportunities can significantly enhance overall well-being and job availability for those affected by unemployment. (225 words)

I wholeheartedly concur firmly agree (revised for a more formal tone) with Andrew's perspective about the notion that the government should give prioritize offering educational opportunities to unemployed people some eduction opportunities prior to giving individuals before providing them direct funds.That approach can efficiently alleviate the crime rate and address the serious problem about the handicap for people to have occupations. Admittedly, endowing unemployed people with direct financial assistance. This approach can effectively mitigate (more precise term) crime rates and address the significant challenge of unemployment. While granting direct funds can handle with to the unemployed may temporarily alleviate their lack of money issues. Conversely, financial burdens, it can't address this problem forever owing to the fact that the government fails to provide a long-term solution as government resources will ultimately deplete all the funds. Given that eventually be depleted (rephrased for clarity).

The primary reason for job loss among many workers lose is the obsolescence (more accurate term) of their jobs because their information and knowledges are outdated. Providing free classes to skills and knowledge. By offering free courses, the government can help them study these individuals acquire new knowledges competencies (more specific term) and adapt to the new a rapidly changing world in which it changes that impacts every aspect of life rapidly better. Meanwhile, giving life. Moreover, providing access to free education can also reduce crime rates, as people will be engaged in learning and acquiring skills that enable them free classes can also decrease the crime rate due to the statement that they spend time and obtain new knowledges so that they can have jobs again to secure employment rather than having nothing to do and no sources of money. In resorting to unlawful activities due to idleness and lack of resources (rephrased for clarity).

A historical example that supports this argument is France's decision in the last century French, the government determined to provide free classes such as Internet and Communication to offer free courses in internet and communication technologies for unemployed people. citizens. These classes programs played a vital crucial role for them to get (more accurate term) in helping participants find new jobs again. This way absolutely release the funding pressure and promote job opportunities.In a nutshell, opportunities, thereby alleviating financial pressures on both individuals and the government while promoting employment prospects. In essence, providing free classes can efficiently improve the sense of educational opportunities can significantly enhance overall well-being and jobs.job availability for those affected by unemployment (rephrased for clarity).

Display title: 8 Mind Map


- Government Priorities
    - Educational Opportunities
        - Free courses
        - Skill development
        - Adaptation to changing world
    - Direct Financial Assistance
        - Temporary relief
        - Depletion of resources

- Unemployment Challenges
    - Obsolete skills and knowledge
    - Crime rates due to idleness and lack of resources

- Historical Example: France's Free Courses in ICT for Unemployed Citizens
    - New job opportunities
    - Alleviating financial pressures on individuals and government 

Display title: 9 Key Words

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionEnglish TranslationSample Sentence
Obsolescence/ˌɒbsəˈlɛsəns/NounThe process of becoming outdated or no longer usefulObsolescenceThe obsolescence of their skills led to many workers losing their jobs.
Competencies/ˈkɒmpɪtənsi/NounThe ability to do something successfully or efficientlyCompetenciesAcquiring new competencies can help individuals adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Alleviate/əˈliːvieɪt/VerbTo make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severeAlleviateProviding free education can alleviate the financial pressures on unemployed individuals.
Depleted/dɪˈpliːtɪd/AdjectiveUsed up; exhausted_Depleted_Direct financial assistance will eventually lead to depleted government resources.
Idleness/ˈʌɪd(ə)lnəs/NounThe state of not working or being active; unemploymentIdlenessHigh crime rates can be attributed to idleness and lack of resources among the unemployed population.
Unlawful/ʌnˈlɔːfʊl/AdjectiveNot conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules_Unlawful_People may resort to unlawful activities due to lack of employment opportunities.
Communication Technologies/kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/NounTechnologies that facilitate the transfer of information and various types of electronically mediated communications_Communication Technologies_France offered free courses in internet and communication technologies for unemployed citizens.
Employment Prospects/ɪmˈplɔɪmənt ˈprɒspɛkts/NounThe chances or likelihood of finding a job or work in a particular field_Employment Prospects_Free educational opportunities can significantly enhance employment prospects for the unemployed.
Overall Well-being/ˌoʊvərˈæl wɛl- bi: iŋ/NounA state of general contentment, happiness, and satisfaction with one's life_Overall Well-being_Providing free educational opportunities can improve the overall well-being of those affected by unemployment.
2

User Sample #2

In my perspective, offering people who lost their jobs free job training without giving them money directly is a better choice. So I really agree with...

Score
27

User Sample

In my perspective, offering people who lost their jobs free job training without giving them money directly is a better choice. So I really agree with Andrew that the job training opportunities should be prioritized. Just like the saying goes: Teaching a man to fish is better than giving him fish directly. If the government always gives the jobless money, maybe they won't go to work because they can have a good life with the help of the government. It's really unfair to the people who work very hard. Consequently, the government should not give them taxpayers' money. In addition, the company doesn't want to spend money to train new employees because of the sluggish economy, so job training is really precious nowadays. It's really a good opportunity for the jobless who are working hard. Hence, through this way, the government can truly help people who really need help instead of becoming the reason for someone who doesn't want to work.

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: 4.0

2.预估分数

Estimated Score: 27

3.任务完成度

整体来说,这篇文章在完成任务方面做得不错。作者明确表达了自己的观点,并提供了一些支持观点的论据。然而,为了更好地完成任务,建议作者在以下方面进行改进:

  1. 在论述中加入更多具体的例子和细节,以使观点更有说服力。
  2. 针对Kelly的观点进行一定程度的讨论和反驳,以展示对话中不同观点的理解。

示例1: 在讨论免费职业培训的优势时,可以提供一些具体行业或技能的例子,如编程、医疗技术等领域。

示例2: 在反驳Kelly关于直接给予金钱支持的观点时,可以指出这种做法可能导致依赖心理,并阻碍个人发展和社会进步。

4.文章结构与组织

从结构和组织角度来看,文章基本上遵循了简洁明了的结构。然而,在以下方面仍有改进空间:

  1. 在引言部分简要介绍两种观点,使读者更容易理解文章的背景和讨论内容。
  2. 在结尾部分总结自己的观点,并强调免费职业培训对于应对技术变革带来的失业问题的重要性。

示例1: 引言部分可以这样写:“在本次讨论中,我们面临着一个关于政府如何支持因技术进步而失业的人们的问题。有人认为政府应该提供充足的生活费用,而另一些人则主张提供免费职业培训。在我看来,后者是更好的选择。”

示例2: 结尾部分可以这样写:“综上所述,我认为政府应该优先提供免费职业培训,以帮助失业者适应不断变化的就业市场。这种方法不仅能够促进个人成长和发展,还有助于实现社会和经济的可持续发展。”

  1. 语法批改

In my perspective, offering people who lost their jobs free job training without giving them money directly is a better choice. So I really agree with Andrew that the job training opportunities should be prioritized. Just like the saying goes: Teaching a man to fish is better than giving him fish directly. If the government always gives the jobless money, maybe they won't go to work because they can have a good life with the help of the government. It's really unfair to the people who work very hard. Consequently, the government should not give them taxpayers' money. In addition, the company doesn't want to spend money to train new employees because of the sluggish economy, so job training is really precious nowadays. It's really a good opportunity for the jobless who are working hard. Hence, through this way, the government can truly help people who really need help instead of becoming the reason for someone who doesn't want to work.

6.文章修订

In my perspective, prioritizing free job training for individuals who have lost their jobs due to technological advancements is the superior choice. As the adage goes, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Providing financial support without any conditions may lead to dependency and discourage people from seeking employment, which would be unfair to those who work diligently.

Furthermore, in today's economic climate, companies are often reluctant to invest in employee training. Consequently, government-funded job training programs become invaluable resources for those striving to adapt to the ever-changing job market. By focusing on equipping individuals with relevant skills and knowledge, the government can genuinely assist those in need rather than fostering an environment where some may choose not to work.

While Kelly's argument regarding direct financial assistance holds merit, it is essential to consider the long-term benefits of free job training. Empowering individuals with new skills will not only enhance their employability but also contribute positively to society's overall growth and development. (180 words)

7.文章批改

In my perspective, offering people prioritizing free job training for individuals who have lost their jobs free job training due to technological advancements is the superior choice. (Revised "better choice" to "superior choice" for a more advanced vocabulary.) As the adage goes, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." (Included an adage to provide support and make the argument more persuasive.) Providing financial support without giving them money directly is a better choice. So I really agree with Andrew that the job training opportunities should any conditions may lead to dependency and discourage people from seeking employment, which would be prioritized. Just like the saying goes: Teaching a man to fish is better than giving him fish directly. If the government always gives the jobless money, maybe they won't go to work because they can have a good life with the help of the government. It's really unfair to the people those who work very hard. diligently. (Clarified the potential negative consequences of direct financial assistance.)

Furthermore, in today's economic climate, companies are often reluctant to invest in employee training. (Revised "sluggish economy" to "today's economic climate" for better word choice.) Consequently, the government should not give them taxpayers' money. In addition, the company doesn't want to spend money to train new employees because of the sluggish economy, so government-funded job training is really precious nowadays. It's really a good opportunity for the jobless who are working hard. Hence, through this way, programs become invaluable resources for those striving to adapt to the ever-changing job market. (Improved sentence structure and word choice.) By focusing on equipping individuals with relevant skills and knowledge, the government can truly help people who really genuinely assist those in need help instead of becoming the reason for someone who doesn't want to work.rather than fostering an environment where some may choose not to work. (Clarified the benefits of free job training.)

While Kelly's argument regarding direct financial assistance holds merit, it is essential to consider the long-term benefits of free job training. (Acknowledged Kelly's viewpoint while maintaining focus on the writer's opinion.) Empowering individuals with new skills will not only enhance their employability but also contribute positively to society's overall growth and development. (Expanded on the positive impact of free job training on both individuals and society as a whole.)

8.思维导图

  • Introduction

    • Prioritizing free job training
    • Technological advancements
  • Argument 1

    • Adage: Teach a man to fish
    • Financial support consequences
      • Dependency
      • Discouragement from seeking employment
  • Argument 2

    • Economic climate
    • Companies' reluctance to invest in training
    • Government-funded programs as invaluable resources
  • Argument 3

    • Equipping individuals with relevant skills and knowledge
    • Genuine assistance vs. fostering dependency
  • Counterargument (Kelly's viewpoint)

    • Direct financial assistance holds merit
  • Conclusion

    • Long-term benefits of free job training
    • Empowerment and societal growth

9.关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionSimplified Chinese TranslationSample Sentences
prioritize/praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz/verbTo treat something as more important than other considerations.给予优先The government should prioritize free job training for the unemployed.
technological/ˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/adjectiveRelating to or using technology, especially scientific research.科技的Technological advancements have led to significant changes in the job market.
advancements/ədˈvænsmənts/nounDevelopment or improvement, especially in science or technology.进步Technological advancements have made some jobs obsolete.
dependency/dɪˈpɛndənsi/nounDependence; reliance on something or someone.依赖Providing financial support without conditions may lead to dependency.
economic climate/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈklaɪmət/nounThe overall state of the economy at a particular time.经济环境In today's economic climate, companies are often reluctant to invest in training.
invaluable/ɪnˈvæljʊəbəl/adjectiveExtremely useful or important.无价的Government-funded job training programs are invaluable resources for job seekers.
equipping/ɪˈkwɪpɪŋ/verbTo provide someone with the necessary skills, knowledge, etc.装备,使具备The government should focus on equipping individuals with relevant skills.
empowerment/ɛmˈpaʊərmənt/nounThe process of becoming stronger and more confident.赋权,授权Empowering individuals with new skills will enhance their employability.
societal growth/səˈsaɪətl ɡroʊθ/noun_phraseThe development and progress of a society.社会增长Free job training contributes positively to societal growth and development.
counterargument/ˈkaʊntərˌɑrɡjʊmənt/nounAn argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea.反驳论点While Kelly's counterargument holds merit, the long-term benefits of job training should be considered.
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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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