TOEFL Academic Writing and Argumentation 3

Question 1

In the TOEFL Writing section's Integrated Task, a student reads a passage arguing for a position and then listens to a lecture. The student's essay should primarily:

Accepted Answer

Summarize the lecture and explain how it challenges or supports the reading

Answer

Agree with the reading passage and ignore the lecture

Answer

Express the student's personal opinion on the topic

Answer

Summarize only the reading passage in detail

Question 2

Which of the following is the best example of a thesis statement for an Independent Writing Task on whether technology has improved modern life?

Accepted Answer

Although technology has created new challenges, it has fundamentally improved quality of life by increasing access to information, enhancing communication, and advancing medical care.

Answer

Technology is a broad term that includes computers, smartphones, and the internet.

Answer

Some people think technology is good; others think it is bad.

Answer

Technology has changed the world in many ways that are important to consider.

Question 3

In academic writing, a "counterargument" serves which purpose?

Accepted Answer

It acknowledges an opposing view and then refutes or concedes it to strengthen the writer's argument.

Answer

It introduces a completely unrelated topic to broaden the essay's scope.

Answer

It replaces the thesis with a more moderate position.

Answer

It provides personal anecdotes to make the argument more relatable.

Question 4

Which transition best signals a contrast between two ideas in an academic essay?

Accepted Answer

Nevertheless

Answer

Furthermore

Answer

In addition

Answer

Similarly

Question 5

In the TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion task, a student is presented with a professor's question and two classmates' responses. The student should:

Accepted Answer

Add a relevant contribution with a clear opinion and supporting reasons, building on the discussion

Answer

Agree with one classmate and repeat their argument

Answer

Write a completely new response unrelated to the classmates' posts

Answer

Simply summarize what both classmates have said

Question 6

Which sentence best exemplifies appropriate academic register for a TOEFL essay?

Accepted Answer

Environmental pollution poses significant risks to public health and ecological sustainability.

Answer

Honestly, I think pollution is a huge deal and people just don't get it.

Answer

Pollution, I feel, is really bad and causes lots of problems for everyone.

Answer

Pollution is everywhere and it's getting worse and worse every single day.