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FO R TH E TO EFL®
W RITIN G SECTIO N
Practice Test #12
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Practice Test #12

For the TOEFL®
Writing Section

1
Practice Test #12
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 #12
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 200 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 3 minutes to read. You may begin reading now.

For years, people have been cutting down trees to provide the necessary materials to
build homes and create various everyday items. However, due to population
increases and the advent of new technology, clearing forests has become easier than
ever. This has led to deforestation, a state in which large areas of nature are cleared
of all trees. While some oppose deforestation, there are many benefits that help
improve people's lives.

The clearing of large areas of land has provided an abundance of farmland. In place
of trees, large fields have been created which can be used to raise both crops and
livestock. As the world population continues to increase, it's crucial that enough food
is produced for every single citizen. Not only do these new farms provide for local
residents, but the local economy also benefits if they produce a surplus which can be
exported to other areas.

Secondly, cleared land is not only used for farming, but for the development of new
residential areas. As previously mentioned, the global population is rising, and with
more people comes an increased demand for living space. This arrangement also
benefits the regional economy. Investors buy up areas of land, employ locals to build
homes and buildings, and a new urban area arises where people can live, work, and
thrive.

Finally, it's important to remember that the forestry industry is an integral part of
many national economies. In countries like Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia, there is a
large percentage of the population who rely on deforestation as a source of income.
In order to satisfy the world’s demand for paper, furniture, and lumber, thousands of
jobs have already been created. What will happen to these workers if this industry is
shut down?

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

3
Practice Test #12
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

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 #12
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Writing Task 2 - Writing for an Academic Discussion

Your professor is teaching a class on political I think that globalization is a positive force overall
science. Write a post responding to the professor's because it brings people and cultures closer together.
question. Trade and travel allow people to learn about different
parts of the world and different ways of life. Also,
globalization can bring economic benefits to
In your response, you should do the following.
developing countries, such as access to new markets
Bryan and new technologies. However, I do agree that we
● Express and support your opinion. need to be careful to minimize the negative
● Make a contribution to the discussion in environmental impacts of globalization.
your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 I disagree with Bryan. I think that globalization has
words. negative impacts on developing countries.
Globalization can lead to exploitation of workers and
resources in developing countries by more powerful
corporations and countries. Also, globalization can
lead to cultural homogenization, where local cultures
Alex are lost in the pursuit of global uniformity. So, I believe
that globalization needs to be balanced with policies
that promote fairness and respect for local cultures
and environments.
Dr. Williams

We've been discussing the concept of globalization Space for typing answers on test day. You will have ten minutes
in class, and today I'd like to ask you a question to read and write.
related to that topic. Some people argue that
globalization is beneficial to everyone because it
creates more opportunities for trade, travel, and
cultural exchange. Others believe that it has
negative effects on developing countries and on the
environment. What do you think? Is globalization a
positive or negative force in the world today?

5
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Practice Test #12
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Practice Test #12

For the TOEFL® Writing Section
Answer Key

7
Practice Test #12
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Integrated Writing Transcript

Many of the areas of cleared land referred to in the reading were once part of rainforests, and this unique
ecosystem is in danger of disappearing because of deforestation. Even though there might be some short-term
benefits for us today, the author of the reading has not considered the long-term consequences of these reckless
actions.

In Brazil alone, nearly 60% of the rainforest has been cut for farming purposes. Even though it's true that the
population is rising and there is a demand for more food, there are also alternative ways to farm that do not
require such vast areas of land. Hydroponics, for example, is one farming technique that actually requires no
soil at all. All the progress humanity has made in technology should not be focused on how to destroy more in
less time, but on how to preserve what we have while looking at alternatives to outdated practices, like
traditional farming.

Secondly, while it might be lucrative for a few people to make a lot of money on new residential developments,
increases in short-term economic prosperity shouldn't be our main concern when considering whether or not to
destroy an entire ecosystem. Deforestation displaces all the animals, insects, and plants that live in a forested
area. And, more importantly, 28% of the world's oxygen is produced from rainforest ecosystems. We cannot be
so irresponsible to clear away huge areas of precious rainforest just to make more money.

Finally, notice how the countries mentioned in the reading--Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia--are all developing
nations. The workers in the wood cutting industry are paid low wages to carry out dangerous jobs. The wood
cutting business doesn't benefit the people, but the small group of business owners who organize these projects.

8
Practice Test #12
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Task #1: Integrated Writing

The article introduces the topic of deforestation, which is the clearing and cutting down of trees in a large
area. The writer says there are many benefits to deforestation. The lecturer disagrees. He says that
deforestation has many consequences, and attacks each of the claims made in the reading.

First, the author says that cutting down trees creates farmlands now suitable for growing crops and raising
livestock. The reading passage states that this provides more food for people and can benefit the
economy. The professor believes there are flaws in the author’s position. He contends that it is not
necessary to destroy rainforests for land to farm. He goes on to say that there are advanced technologies
that allow for alternative ways to farm without soil.

According to the writer, clearing the areas also provides residential space for people to live and work in; a
concern as the population continues to increase. The speaker, on the other hand, points out that
deforestation displaces the animals from the forest and destroys the plants which provide us with oxygen.
He feels that this long-term cost is not worth the money people can make from residential developments
on the land.

Also, the reading passage notes how cutting down trees is necessary for creating lumber, paper, and
furniture, and that it is, therefore, an important source of income for many people. The professor rebuts
this argument. He says that those who work in the wood cutting industry are actually paid very small
wages. In fact, he claims deforestation does not benefit the workers at all, but rather the large company
owners.

As you can see, the author and lecturer hold very different views on deforestation.

9
Practice Test #12
For the TOEFL® Writing Section

Writing Task 2 - Writing for an Academic Discussion

“What do you think? Is globalization a positive or negative force in the world today?”

In my opinion, globalization is a positive force in the world today. My personal belief is that when nations
interact together, it leads to less suffering. For example, people who suffer from natural catastrophes can
import goods and services to help mitigate their losses and recover quickly. Citizens of nations who may
be going through war or famine can flee to neighboring countries for shelter. I understand Alex’s concern
over cultural homogenization, but I believe he misses another critical point. Much of the food found in
grocery stores around the world is imported. Our very diet is due to the international trade partnerships
and alliances forged over the last half of the 20th century. International trade and travel are not possible in
a world without globalization, which is why I believe it is crucial to maintain our current global policies for a
safer world with a higher standard of living.

10
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