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TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Sample: Your professor is teaching a class on public policy making. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.

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Task Overview

Professor

As we’ve previously discussed, sorting and recycling home waste can significantly help reduce pollution and preserve our environment. Though it has become a standard practice in some countries, many people believe that we haven’t done enough, and the only way to increase recycling is for governments to enforce strict policies on recycling. Say, if you don’t recycle your trash, you may get fined, or even break the law. What’s your perspective on this?

Mia

I do think strict policies or legal requirement is the only way to raise the recycling rate. Making laws work well in many fields, because people tend to avoid legal consequences or financial punishment. If there is no strict regulation, most people won’t take it seriously.

Joshua

Admittedly, government intervention is an important factor in this issue. However, it’s not necessarily the only means out there. I think that education can promote recycling in a more fundamental way because people would do it if they know they are doing the right thing.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

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1

User Sample #1

I align with Mia's viewpoint that it is a wise decision for governments to publish regulations on home waste management for many reasons. Specifically...

Score
27

User Sample

I align with Mia's viewpoint that it is a wise decision for governments to publish regulations on home waste management for many reasons. Specifically, I would like to add that sourcing home waste, such as dealing with smell leftovers, does not bring people a sense of pleasing or fulfillments that people might proactively take actions on, but rather a burden that they are reclutant to do. Therefore, it is the place where the enforcement from governments comes to work. By combining such a move with fines, there is a great sense of accountability: people have no choice but do it as no one wants high expense out of he or her own wallet. Hence, I agree with Mia as I am of belief it is the governments that have the power to force the public in general.

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

  • 27

3. 任务完成度

总体来说,你的文章在完成任务方面做得很好。然而,有一些建议可以帮助你进一步改进。首先,在表达观点时,可以尝试提供更多具体的例子或数据来支持你的论点。其次,在讨论中加入对Joshua观点的讨论,以便使文章更加完整。

示例1:为了支持政府强制回收政策的观点,你可以提到某个国家实施类似政策后回收率显著提高的例子。 示例2:在讨论中提及Joshua的观点时,可以写:“虽然教育确实对提高回收意识有帮助,但我认为政府制定法规是更直接有效的方法。”

4. 文章结构与组织

文章结构方面基本合理,但仍有改进空间。建议将文章划分为引言、主体和结论三个部分,并在每个段落中专注于一个特定观点及其支持细节。同时,在段落之间使用清晰的过渡词或短语,使文章更加连贯。

示例1:在引言部分,可以写:“在这次讨论中,我同意Mia的观点,认为政府应该制定严格的回收政策来提高回收率。” 示例2:在主体部分过渡时,可以使用类似这样的过渡词:“此外,对于Joshua提到的教育方法,我认为它虽然有一定作用,但政府强制性政策更为有效。”

5. 语法批改

I align with Mia's viewpoint that it is a wise decision for governments to publish regulations on home waste management for many reasons. Specifically, I would like to add that sourcing home waste, such as dealing with smell leftovers, does not bring people a sense of pleasing or fulfillmentsfulfillment(misspelling) that people might proactively take actions on, but rather a burden that they are reclutantreluctant(misspelling) to do. Therefore, it is the place where the enforcement from governments comes to work. By combining such a move with fines, there is a great sense of accountability: people have no choice but doto do(This rule identifies whether the preposition 'to' is missing in a sentence.) itit,(This rule identifies whether commas are missing in a sentence.) as no one wants high expense out of he or her own wallet. Hence, I agree with Mia as I am of beliefthe belief(This rule identifies whether the article 'the' is missing in a sentence.) it is the governments that have the power to force the public in general.

Section Title: 6 Article Revision

I concur with Mia's perspective that implementing strict governmental regulations on household waste management is a prudent approach for various reasons. In particular, I would like to emphasize that sorting household waste, such as disposing of malodorous leftovers, does not provide individuals with a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment that would encourage proactive action. Instead, it is often perceived as an unwelcome burden. Consequently, this is where government enforcement plays a crucial role. By instituting fines and penalties, a heightened sense of accountability is established: individuals are compelled to comply as they seek to avoid incurring additional expenses. Thus, I agree with Mia's assertion that the power to effect widespread change lies primarily with the government. (121 words)

I concur with Mia's perspective (align with Mia's viewpoint that it is a wise decision for governments to - revised for clarity and formality) that implementing strict governmental regulations (publish regulations - revised for specificity) on household waste management (home waste management for many - revised for clarity) is a prudent approach (wise decision - revised for formality) for various reasons. Specifically, In particular, I would like to emphasize (add that - revised for clarity and emphasis) that sorting household waste (sourcing home waste, waste - revised for clarity), such as disposing of malodorous leftovers (dealing with smell leftovers, leftovers - revised for proper word choice and grammar), does not bring people provide individuals with a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment (pleasing or fulfillments that people might proactively take actions on, but rather - revised for proper word choice and grammar) that would encourage proactive action. Instead, it is often perceived as an unwelcome burden (a burden that they are reclutant to do. Therefore, it is do - revised for clarity and conciseness). Consequently, this is where government enforcement plays a crucial role (the place where the enforcement from governments comes to work. work - revised for clarity and conciseness). By instituting fines and penalties (combining such a move with fines, there is a great fines - revised for clarity), a heightened sense of accountability: accountability is established: individuals are compelled to comply as they seek to avoid incurring additional expenses (people have no choice but do it as no one wants high expense out of he or her own wallet. Hence, wallet - revised for clarity, conciseness, and grammar). Thus, I agree with Mia's assertion that the power to effect widespread change lies primarily with the government (I agree with Mia as I am of belief it is the governments that have the power to force the public in general.general - revised for clarity, conciseness, and grammar).

8 思维导图


1. Introduction
   - Mia's perspective
   - Government regulations on household waste management

2. Sorting household waste
   - Disposing of malodorous leftovers
   - Lack of satisfaction or fulfillment

3. Perception of waste management
   - Unwelcome burden

4. Government enforcement
   - Fines and penalties

5. Accountability and compliance
   - Avoiding additional expenses

6. Widespread change through government power

7. Conclusion 
   - Agreement with Mia's assertion 

9 关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish definitionSimplified Chinese translationSample sentences
concur/kənˈkɜr/verbto agree同意I concur with Mia's perspective on household waste management.
malodorous/mælˈoʊdərəs/adjectivehaving an unpleasant smell恶臭的Disposing of malodorous leftovers is not a satisfying task.
unwelcome/ʌnˈwɛlkəm/adjectivenot wanted or invited不受欢迎的Waste management is often perceived as an unwelcome burden.
enforcement/ɪnˈfɔrsmənt/nounthe act of making people obey laws and rules执行Government enforcement plays a crucial role in waste management.
accountability/əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/nounthe fact of being responsible for your decisions or actions问责Fines and penalties establish a heightened sense of accountability.
compliance/kəmˈplaɪəns/nounthe act of obeying an order, rule, or request遵从Individuals are compelled to comply to avoid additional expenses.
widespread/ˈwaɪdˌsprɛd/adjectiveexisting or happening in many places or situations广泛的The power to effect widespread change lies with the government.
assertion/əˈsɜrʃən/nouna statement that you strongly believe is true断言I agree with Mia's assertion that government plays a crucial role in waste management.
household/ˈhaʊsˌhoʊld/adjectiverelating to a person's home and family家庭的Implementing strict governmental regulations on household waste management is a prudent approach.
2

User Sample #2

I believe it's essential for governments to enforce strict policies or laws on recycling, as it's the most effective way to contribute to recycling wa...

Score
28

User Sample

I believe it's essential for governments to enforce strict policies or laws on recycling, as it's the most effective way to contribute to recycling waste. To elaborate, albeit the consequences of pollution, many people still don't conduct the recycling work because they do not view it necessary or vital. If strict policies or laws are implemented, people would think about the results, such as getting fined, if they don't recycle waste, thus getting more motivated for recycling. For example, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found that individuals living in areas with strict policies on recycling are 60% more likely to recycle their waste compared to those residing in areas where these policies don't exist. Such consequences are beneficial not only to the environment but also to people's own lives. Admittedly, some may argue that strict law is not necessarily the only way to reach the goal. However, it's important to consider the long-term effects of strict policies. Were there not the strict laws, people would lack motivation to recycle waste regardless of the existence of other measures. Therefore, I believe implementing strict laws is the only way to ensure recycling.

Evaluation Result

1. 子项得分

  • Relevance and Contribution to Discussion: 5

  • Clarity and Elaboration of Viewpoint: 4.5

  • Language Use and Grammar: 4.5

2. 预估分数

  • Estimated Score: 28

3. 任务完成度

整体来说,这篇文章在完成任务方面做得很好。你明确表达了自己的观点,并通过实例和论据进行了支持。但是,为了更好地提高文章质量,你可以尝试在论述中加入更多具体的例子和细节,以增强说服力。此外,在表达观点时,可以适当使用一些修辞手法,如对比、举例等,使文章更具吸引力。

示例1(英文):To further support the argument for strict policies, you could provide specific examples of countries or cities that have successfully implemented recycling laws, such as San Francisco's mandatory recycling and composting ordinance.

示例2(英文):You could also compare the effectiveness of strict policies with other methods, such as public awareness campaigns or incentives for recycling, to show why strict policies are the most effective approach.

4. 文章结构与组织

从结构和组织的角度来看,这篇文章整体表现良好。文章有清晰的引言、主体和结论部分,并且各段落都集中讨论了一个特定的观点及其支持细节。然而,在段落之间加入一些过渡词或短语可以使文章更加流畅。此外,可以考虑在主体段落中使用主题句,以帮助读者更好地理解每个段落的核心观点。

建议1(简体中文):在段落之间加入过渡词或短语,如“然而”、“此外”、“相反地”等,以增强文章的连贯性。

建议2(简体中文):在主体段落开头使用主题句,明确表达该段落的核心观点。例如,在第二段开头加入这样一个主题句:“实施严格的回收政策有助于提高人们的回收意识。”

示例1(英文):Adding transition words or phrases between paragraphs, such as "however," "in addition," or "on the contrary," can improve the coherence of your essay. For example: "In addition to the benefits of strict policies, it is also important to consider the role of education in promoting recycling."

示例2(英文):Use topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph to clearly express the main idea. For example: "One major advantage of implementing strict recycling policies is that they can effectively motivate people to recycle their waste."

5. 语法批改

I believe it's essential for governments to enforce strict policies or laws on recycling, as it's the most effective way to contribute to recycling waste.

To elaborate, albeit the consequences of pollution, many people still don't conduct the recycling work because they do not view it necessary or vital. If strict policies or laws are implemented, people would think about the results, such as getting fined, if they don't recycle waste, thus getting more motivated for recycling. For example, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found that individuals living in areas with strict policies on recycling are 60% more likely to recycle their waste compared to those residing in areas where these policies don't exist. Such consequences are beneficial not only to the environment but also to people's own lives.

Admittedly, some may argue that strict law is not necessarily the only way to reach the goal. However, it's important to consider the long-term effects of strict policies. Were there not the strict laws, people would lack motivation to recycle wastewaste,(This rule identifies whether commas are missing in a sentence.) regardless of the existence of other measures. Therefore, I believe implementing strict laws is the only way to ensure recycling.

Title: 6 文章修订

I am convinced that implementing strict policies or laws on recycling is crucial, as it serves as the most effective method to encourage waste recycling.

To elaborate, despite the detrimental effects of pollution, numerous individuals neglect to recycle because they do not perceive it as essential or critical. The enforcement of stringent policies or laws would prompt people to consider the consequences, such as fines, if they fail to recycle waste, thus motivating them to engage in recycling. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Michigan revealed that individuals residing in areas with strict recycling policies are 60% more likely to recycle their waste compared to those living in areas without such regulations. These outcomes prove advantageous not only for the environment but also for people's well-being.

While some may argue that strict legislation is not necessarily the sole solution to achieve increased recycling rates, it is vital to contemplate the long-term effects of such policies. In the absence of stringent laws, people would lack the motivation to recycle waste despite other available measures. Consequently, I firmly believe that enforcing strict laws is indispensable in ensuring widespread recycling practices. (194 words)

Revised essay: Title: 7 文章批改

I believe it's essential for governments to enforce am convinced that implementing strict policies or laws on recycling, as it's recycling is crucial (revised for a more formal tone), as it serves as the most effective way to contribute to recycling waste. method to encourage waste recycling (rephrased for clarity).

To elaborate, albeit the consequences of pollution, many people still don't conduct the recycling work despite the detrimental effects of pollution (rephrased for better word choice), numerous individuals neglect to recycle because they do not view perceive it necessary as essential or vital. If strict critical (rephrased for clarity). The enforcement of stringent policies or laws are implemented, would prompt people would think about the results, to consider the consequences, such as getting fined, fines, if they don't fail to recycle waste, thus getting more motivated for recycling. motivating them to engage in recycling (rephrased for better flow). For example, instance, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found revealed that individuals living residing in areas with strict policies on recycling recycling policies are 60% more likely to recycle their waste compared to those residing living in areas where these policies don't exist. Such consequences are beneficial without such regulations (clarified sentence structure). These outcomes prove advantageous not only to for the environment but also to for people's own lives. well-being (rephrased for clarity).

Admittedly, While some may argue that strict law legislation is not necessarily the only way to reach the goal. However, it's important to consider sole solution to achieve increased recycling rates (rephrased for better flow), it is vital to contemplate the long-term effects of strict policies. Were there not the strict such policies (added a transition word). In the absence of stringent laws, people would lack the motivation to recycle waste regardless of the existence of despite other measures. Therefore, available measures (clarified sentence structure). Consequently, I firmly believe implementing that enforcing strict laws is the only way to ensure recycling.indispensable in ensuring widespread recycling practices (rephrased for emphasis and clarity).

8 思维导图


1. Introduction
   - Importance of strict policies/laws on recycling

2. Body
   a. People's neglect of recycling
      - Lack of perception as essential or critical
   b. Enforcement of stringent policies/laws
      - Consequences (e.g., fines)
      - Motivation to engage in recycling
   c. Supporting evidence: University of Michigan study
      - 60% more likely to recycle with strict policies in place
   d. Advantages for environment and well-being

3. Counterargument
   a. Strict legislation not the sole solution

4. Conclusion
   - Long-term effects of strict policies/laws 
   - Importance of enforcement for widespread recycling practices

9 关键词

WordPhonetic SymbolPart of SpeechEnglish DefinitionSimplified Chinese TranslationSample Sentence
implement/ˈɪmplɪmənt/verbput (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect实施Strict policies on recycling should be implemented to encourage waste recycling.
detrimental/ˌdetrɪˈmentl/adjectivetending to cause harm有害的Pollution has detrimental effects on the environment and human health.
perceive/pərˈsi:v/verbbecome aware or conscious of (something)察觉,感知Many people do not perceive recycling as essential or critical for the environment.
stringent/ˈstrɪndʒənt/adjective(of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict严格的The enforcement of stringent policies would prompt people to recycle waste.
consequence/ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/nouna result or effect of an action or condition结果,后果People should consider the consequences of not recycling, such as fines and environmental harm.
advantageous/ˌædvənˈteɪdʒəs/adjectiveinvolving or creating favorable circumstances有利的Recycling is advantageous for both the environment and people's well-being.
legislation/ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃn/nounlaws, considered collectively立法Some argue that strict legislation is not the only solution to increase recycling rates.
indispensable/ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/adjectiveabsolutely necessary不可或缺的Enforcing strict laws is indispensable in ensuring widespread recycling practices.
contemplate/ˈkɒntempleɪt/verb_think about for a long time仔细考虑It is vital to contemplate the long-term effects of strict policies on recycling.
Practise TOEFL writing questions like this one →

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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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