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FO R TH E TO EFL®
W RITIN G SECTIO N
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Practice Test #10

For the TOEFL®
Writing Section

1
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

The TOEFL Writing Section:

Directions

This section measures your ability to use writing to communicate in an academic environment.
There will be two writing tasks.

For the first writing task, you will read a passage and listen to a lecture and then answer a question based
on what you have read and heard.

For the second task, you will read an online discussion. A professor has posted a question about a topic,
and some classmates have responded with their ideas. You will write a response that contributes to the
discussion.

When you see the audio icon it means that there is an audio version of the text. Please click the
icon to get redirected to the audio file.

If you would like to see a model essay of the question you are answering, you can refer to the answer key.

When you're ready, turn the page to see the directions for the first writing task.

2
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Writing Task 1 - Integrated Question

Directions: For this task, you will read a passage and listen to a lecture about an academic topic.

You may take notes during this time. After the passages have finished, you will then be asked a question
about them. After the question, you will have 20 minutes to write your response. Effective responses are
usually between 250 to 350 words. You may look at the reading passage and your notes as you write. Keep
in mind that the question will not ask for your opinion.

You have three minutes to read. You may begin reading now.

More than 90% of people get married at least once in their life, and divorce has
become a common experience for many. It’s a painful process, but statistics show
that 40% to 50% of marriages in America end in divorce. Only Cuba and Belarus
claim slightly higher divorce rates than the US. Researchers generally agree that
there are three main causes of the high divorce rate.

While most feel that the growing awareness of gender inequality in America is having
a positive effect on society, it has also led to an increase in divorce. Women are now
more active in both professional and social settings. They have more job
opportunities and no longer rely on a husband for financial and emotional support.
This is in contrast to other countries, where women still worry about the social
disapproval associated with divorce.

There are some sociologists who believe that economic concerns might be the
leading cause of divorce. It's certainly true that divorce is more common in
low-income households. The inability to satisfy the needs of a family hurts
relationships and often leads to divorce. Financially stable families are more likely to
preserve their relationship because they can afford a better quality of life for every
family member.

Lastly, the 21st century is an age of instant gratification. In a society where people
are used to quick fixes, many don't have the emotional skills needed to work through
problems in a relationship. Some couples would prefer to just end their marriage
and look for another partner than try to address issues affecting their relationship.
Nowadays, even disputes over minor tasks, like forgetting to do household chores,
could lead to divorce.

3
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Now listen to part of a lecture on the same topic you just read about.

After you listen to the passage, answer the question.

Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the specific
points made in the reading passage.

You have 20 minutes to plan and write your response.

4
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Writing Task 2 - Writing for an Academic Discussion

Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. I believe that social media has both strengthened
Write a post responding to the professor's question. and weakened interpersonal relationships. On
the one hand, you can stay connected with
In your response, you should do the following. friends and family regardless of geographical
distance. However, excessive reliance on social
● Express and support your opinion. Anika media can lead to superficial interactions and a
● Make a contribution to the discussion in lack of face-to-face communication.
your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 Social media platforms have largely weakened
words. social connections. The focus on online
interactions often leads to a diminished sense of
genuine connection and empathy. People may
prioritize virtual interactions over real-life
interactions, resulting in a loss of meaningful
human connection.
Maryam

Mr. Singh

Social media has become an integral part of Space for typing answers on test day. You will have ten minutes
modern society, impacting various aspects of our to read and write.
lives. Discuss the influence of social media on
interpersonal relationships. Do you believe it has
strengthened or weakened social connections? Why
or why not?

5
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Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Practice Test #10

For the TOEFL® Writing Section
Answer Key

7
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Integrated Writing Transcript

You may have heard that half of the marriages in the United States end in divorce, but this is just plain false. This
stereotype comes from 1980 when one census report revealed that 40% of American marriages end in divorce,
and that number was likely to increase in the upcoming decades. However, current data suggests that the
divorce rate is now less than 40% and that number is likely to decrease in the near future.

The first argument made in the reading is that female empowerment is somehow to blame for the rising divorce
rate. But think about that for a minute: There are two people in a relationship! Are women solely to blame for
the end of a marriage? Further still, there are other countries where women enjoy equal rights with men, and
marriages in these countries don't have high divorce rates.

Secondly, the author says that money is another reason why marriages fail. But, if that's the case, why are
divorce rates highest in the richest countries in the world? There is some connection between overall wealth and
gender equality, but there are poorer nations where women have the same rights as men and the divorce rate is
not nearly as high as in the States. Statistics like this tell us that divorce hardly has anything to do with a family's
finances.

And perhaps the most ridiculous idea of all from the reading is that people think it's easier to get a divorce than
work through their problems. All you have to do is a quick Internet search to find dozens, perhaps hundreds of
marriage counselors and relationship specialists in your neighborhood. Couples try hard to work through their
problems, investing not just their time, but also their money in seeing the relationship work. Indeed, recent
surveys indicate that such professionals see many clients both in-person and through online platforms. This
makes it clear to us that it is not a need for instant happiness that is to blame for the high divorce rate in this
country.

8
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Task #1: Integrated Writing (block method)

The article introduces the topic of high divorce rates in the US. The reading passage outlines three main
reasons for this statistic. The professor, however, disagrees. He claims that the data relied on by the
author is false and explains the flaws in the writer's position.

First of all, the writer says that one cause for high divorce rates is increased gender equality. They posit
that because more women are a part of the workforce, they do not have to rely on their husbands for
financial support. Secondly, the author also blames the bad economy. The text explains how those with
unstable financial situations are more likely to get divorced, according to some sociologists. Lastly, the
writer contends that due to the “quick fix” kind of society we have today, there are higher divorce rates
because spouses do not have the emotional capabilities to work out their issues.

In contrast, the lecturer first states that women should not be to blame for increases in divorce rates
because it takes two people to make a marriage work. Furthermore, he argues there are countries with the
same level of gender equality that do not have high divorce rates. As to the second point in the reading,
the speaker claims that, in truth, divorce is more common in countries with better economies. He posits
that there are poorer nations that have lower divorce rates than the US. Therefore, he says that a family’s
financial state is not a cause of divorce. Finally, the lecturer suggests that the need for instant gratification
is not to blame for high divorce rates. To support this claim, the professor points to the hundreds of
marriage counselors and relationship specialists that exist for and are used by couples.

In conclusion, the professor casts doubt on all the theories on the causes of the high divorce rate made by
the author.

9
Practice Test #10
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Writing Task 2 - Writing for an Academic Discussion

“Discuss the influence of social media on interpersonal relationships. Do you believe it has strengthened or
weakened social connections? Why or why not?”

Many people disagree about the influence of social media. I personally believe it has had a largely negative
effect on interpersonal relationships. While I acknowledge Anika’s point that it can help people stay
connected regardless of distance, I would argue social media often makes people less likely to
communicate. This is because people often create very selective posts meant to show themselves in the
best possible light. For example, a couple may only post pictures of their beautiful beach vacation. This
may cause sadness or envy from others who are busy at their jobs or struggling financially. Further still,
viewers may feel less likely to send their friend a message since they look so joyful.

Additionally, posting on social media can take quite a bit of time. This is time that could otherwise be spent
meeting friends in the real world. For example, a recent study said the average person spends 43 minutes
a day on Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok or Instagram. While doing this, they do not have real interpersonal
communication with anyone. For these reasons, I believe social media hurts interpersonal relationships.
(184 words)

10
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