【TOEFL】ライティングサンプル問題作りました！Andemic Discussion Task
こんにちは。アメリカ・シリコンバレー在住のSeikaです。
最近、TOEFL公式サイトのサンプル問題が新しくなったようです。
本番のようなテストを無料で受けられることに喜んでいたら、
先月まであったAndemic Discussion Taskの練習問題２８問がなくなっていました😢！ショック！
そのため今回は、なくなってしまったAndemic Discussion Taskのサンプル問題を解答付きで作ってみました⭐️
TOEFL勉強中の方は、見てみてくださいね。
（2024年3月25日公開）
問題文冒頭
サンプル問題の前に、Andemic Discussion Taskの問題冒頭を先述しておきます。
Your professor is teaching a class on （科目）.
Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response, you should do the following:
・Express and support your personal opinion
・Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
解答のテンプレート
作成した解答は、こちらのテンプレートに沿っています。
1. This is a challenging topic, but I think that [respond directly to the question].
2. I strongly agree with [student]’s idea that [mention one point made by the student].
3. I’d add that [expand on the point with your own idea].
4. While [other student] raised the relevant point that [mention one point made by the other student], he/she didn’t mention that [challenge that point].
5. For example [elaborate on your challenge with your own ideas].
では、サンプル問題です。
1. Green spaces
Doctor Achede
In our textbook, we read that parks and other green spaces with trees and plants have numerous benefits for people in cities. But city governments sometimes must choose between using a piece of available land as a green space or using it for other important purposes, such as for shopping areas or for manufacturing plants. In your opinion, which is the better use for available urban space? Why?
Kelly
It’s true that parks can benefit people in cities, especially health-wise. But it’s more important to use the limited space for things that people cannot survive without, like hospitals or clinics. Medical care is often an urgent necessity. Visiting a park is not.
Claire
I’m all for creating green spaces for people to enjoy, but you don’t necessarily need an open piece of land to do that. Let the available land be used for business or housing purposes.
Green spaces can be created on the rooftops of existing buildings. And new buildings can be constructed creatively to include open spaces with plants and trees.
This is a challenging topic, but I believe prioritizing green spaces in urban planning is crucial.
I strongly agree with Claire's idea that we can integrate green spaces into existing structures, such as rooftop gardens. This approach allows for the preservation of natural areas while accommodating urban development needs.
While Kelly highlights the importance of essential services like healthcare, he overlooks how green spaces significantly benefit public health.
These areas reduce pollution, encourage physical activity, and lower stress levels, complementing healthcare by preventing various health issues.
For example, studies have shown that areas with more trees have lower rates of heart disease, obesity, and stress-related illnesses.
2. Gap Year
Doctor Achebe
This week, we’ll look at how well students transition to university. Many recent high school graduates have taken a gap year—a yearlong break after graduation —before studying at a university. During a gap year, students may get jobs, travel, or simply relax and think about their future. Some students say their gap year was beneficial, while others regret having taken one.
In your opinion, does taking a gap year create more advantages or disadvantages for students? Why?
Kelly
The gap year would be a good opportunity for students to reflect on their education goals and confirm their plans for university. At least it would give someone time to investigate different fields and get a better sense of what it means to be in business, to work in an office, or to work wite their hands, etc
Claire
Because university can be expensive, students should not take a gap year. Tuition, the cost of books, and living expenses rise every year. The money a student might save during a gap year might not be enough to cover the rise in prices when they enter university a year later.
This is a challenging topic, but I think that taking a gap year creates more advantages for students.
I strongly agree with Kelly's idea that it offers time to reflect on education goals and explore various fields. I’d add that this can significantly enhance a student’s self-awareness and life skills.
While Claire raised the relevant point about the financial strain of taking a gap year, she didn’t mention that the experiences and maturity gained can lead to better academic performance and career choices, potentially offsetting initial costs.
For example, students who travel or work during their gap year often develop a global perspective and practical skills valuable in any career.
3. Employee Training
Doctor Achebe
We've been discussing the importance of hiring and retaining highly skilled employees, but even the best employees may need to periodically update or further develop their work skills.
One question facing managers is how much time and money to invest in improving the work skills of their employees.
Some managers argue that ongoing employee training is the most important investment a company can make. What are your thoughts on the matter?
Kelly
I don't think that employee training is the most important investment a company can make.
The company should be hiring the most skilled workers it can find in the first place. There are so many other unavoidable things that a company needs to spend money on that have to take precedence over training.
Claire
Employees' leaving their jobs is always a risk, but providing ongoing training and skill development is more likely to make employees want to stay rather than go, in my opinion.
When employers pay for training, employees are likely to feel more valued by their employer, and this can only improve the employer-employee relationship.
This is a challenging topic, but I believe investing in ongoing employee training is crucial for a company's growth and competitiveness. I strongly agree with Claire's viewpoint that offering continuous training and skill development can enhance employee retention. This approach not only makes employees feel valued but can also foster a more committed and skilled workforce.
While Kelly argues that hiring the most skilled workers from the start is paramount, and financial resources are limited, she overlooks the dynamic nature of industries where technologies and best practices evolve rapidly. Continuous learning is essential to keep pace with changes and maintain a competitive edge.
Moreover, investing in employee development can lead to innovation and efficiency improvements. For example, employees who are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and technologies can streamline processes, reduce costs, and contribute to the development of new products or services, ultimately benefiting the company more than the initial investment in their training.
4. Global Environmental Problem
Doctor Diaz
Nowadays, the world is facing a number of pressing environmental problems, and over the next few weeks, we'll be discussing various innovations that may help solve these problems.
To begin our discussion, I'd like you to think of one global environmental problem-for example, it could be related to water, air, land, climate, biodiversity, energy, or something similar. Then explain what you think would be an effective solution to this problem.
Kelly
One of the major environmental problems is the limited freshwater supply in many areas of the world, which means that we need to find effective technologies to provide people with enough drinking water. One solution is to improve the technology for removing salt from seawater, which could allow us to use seawater to replenish dwindling freshwater supplies.
Claire
I think the biggest problem is the air pollution caused by the overuse of motorized vehicles. The obvious solution is for local governments to promote alternatives, like building bike lanes in cities or improving public transportation with electric buses.
Both of these would be easy to implement as well.
This is a challenging topic, but I believe the significant environmental issue is air pollution from motorized vehicles. I strongly agree with Claire's idea that promoting alternative transportation can effectively address this problem. Public transit, cycling, and electric vehicles are viable solutions.
While Kelly focuses on freshwater scarcity and desalination, this overlooks the broader impact of reducing vehicle emissions on both air quality and climate change. Providing alternatives to motorized vehicles not only cuts pollution but also encourages a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
For example, expanding bike lanes and improving public transport can make a substantial difference in reducing urban air pollution and enhancing residents' quality of life.
5. Measuring Success in Education
Doctor Diaz
This week, I want you to discuss assessment criteria. Some schoolteachers give high grades (marks) only to those students who perform well on their homework assignments and tests. Other teachers, however, may give high grades to students who have worked very hard on their assignments but have not performed so well.
Which approach do you think is better: Giving grades based only on performance, or grading students not just on performance but also on their effort?
Kelly
I think grades should be based on performance only. It's a matter of fairness. I'd be really upset if another student got nearly the same grade that I did when I turned in work that was almost perfect and the other student's work had incorrect answers or unclear ideas. It wouldn't matter to me if they worked harder.
Claire
Sure, evaluation should mainly be based upon the student's performance, but hard work should count for something. A student who works hard, even when the final grade isn't the highest in the class, builds character, which will benefit the student later in life when they go to university or apply for a job.
This is a challenging topic, but I believe that grading should reflect both performance and effort. I strongly agree with Claire's viewpoint that recognizing hard work is important. This approach not only assesses students' understanding of the material but also their dedication and improvement, which are crucial for long-term success.
While Kelly argues for grading solely based on performance for fairness, this perspective might not fully capture a student's growth or potential. Acknowledging effort can motivate students who struggle, encouraging a growth mindset.
For example, a balanced grading system that rewards both outcomes and effort can inspire all students to engage deeply with their learning, fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.
6. Rural Revitalization
Doctor Diaz
Let's think about population trends in urban and rural areas (villages). Living in urban areas can be expensive; nonetheless, when they have a choice of where to live, people in some countries do not wish to live in rural areas even if the cost of living there is lower. If governments of some countries want to attract more people to live in rural areas or villages, what is the best strategy or approach that governments can use? Why?
Kelly
I would live in a rural area if the government gave more financial help to farmers. Although it may cost very little to liv in a rural area, it costs a lot to begin a career in agriculture. It had financial help, I would start my own farm and be happy t live in a rural area.
Claire
In my country, urban centers are great places to live becau you can access shops, restaurants, and museums. If the government of my country wanted to attract me to live in
rural area, the area would first have to attract more businesses focused on entertainment and culture than mo rural areas have now.
This is a challenging topic, but I believe enhancing infrastructure and amenities in rural areas is the best approach for governments to attract more residents. I strongly agree with Claire's point that the presence of entertainment and cultural businesses can make rural living more appealing. Offering incentives for such businesses to establish in rural areas could stimulate local economies and improve the quality of life.
Additionally, while Kelly's idea of financial support for agriculture is valuable, it's important to broaden this support to other sectors too. Encouraging technology, healthcare, and education investments can make rural areas more attractive and livable.
For example, improving internet connectivity can attract remote workers and businesses, while enhancing healthcare and education services can address key concerns for families considering a move to rural areas. This multifaceted approach can create vibrant, sustainable rural communities, reversing the urban migration trend.
7. Gaming
Doctor Diaz
Companies now make computer games designed to help very young children learn. The games are advertised for use by children aged 2 to 8 years and often involve basic math and reading skills, presented in a fun, game-like style. Some people say that this results in children spending too much time looking at computer screens. Do you think it's a good idea for very young children to play educational computer games? Why or why not?
Kelly
You sent I think it's completely inappropriate for children as young as 2 years old to play what are essentially video games. Even if the games are educational, the same skills can be taught in traditional ways-by reading books to children, for example. And it would be beneficial to interact with their parents in this way.
Claire
Considering how important computers are to human societies these days, I think it actually makes sense to allow very young children to explore them. And if the computer games that children play also give them early access to subject matter that will later be taught in school, all the better.
This is a challenging topic, but I think that educational computer games can be beneficial for young children when used in moderation. I strongly agree with Claire's idea that introducing technology early on can be advantageous, given its ubiquitous role in society. This early exposure can make learning engaging and accessible.
I’d add that integrating technology with traditional education methods enhances learning diversity, catering to different learning styles and needs. While Kelly raised the relevant point about the importance of traditional learning and parental interaction, he didn’t mention that technology can complement these methods rather than replace them.
For example, educational games designed for young learners can foster cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, in a fun and interactive way. This approach, when balanced with non-screen activities and quality family time, can provide a holistic learning experience for children.
8. Future Work-Life
Doctor Diaz
In 1930, a famous economist predicted that at the end of the twentieth century, an average worker would work only 15 hours a week, thanks to advances in technology. This did not happen, as we all know. Nonetheless, the balance between work time and free time remains an interesting question. So, let me ask you today: Twenty years in the future, will people have more leisure time (free time) and less work than they have today? Why, or why not?
Claire
I think it is likely that people will work shorter hours in twenty years than they do today. Our societies are becoming wealthier all the time. It does not seem necessary for people to continue working as hard as they do today. At some point, having more free time should be more important than creating more wealth.
Paul
I am not sure people will work less in the future. As Doctor Achebe wrote, a shortening of the workweek was predicted before. There are many factors that determine how long people work. Our economic system is very competitive. Workers are pushed to work longer and longer hours so that companies have a competitive advantage.
This is a challenging topic, but I think that despite technological advancements, people might not necessarily have more leisure time in the future. I strongly agree with Paul's perspective that the competitive nature of our economic system often leads to longer work hours for a competitive advantage. This trend could continue as industries evolve and new technologies emerge.
However, I’d add that the push towards work-life balance and mental health awareness could influence a shift towards shorter work hours. While Claire is optimistic about societies valuing free time over wealth creation, she overlooks the pressure of consumerism and continuous economic growth, which often demand longer work hours.
For example, if societal values shift towards sustainability and well-being, supported by policy changes and technological efficiencies, we could see a reduction in work hours. This change would require a significant transformation in both corporate culture and individual priorities, emphasizing quality of life over economic output.
9. Green Commutes
Doctor Diaz
This week, we've discussed how carbon dioxide released by gasoline-powered (petrol-powered) cars pollutes the air and contributes to climate change. Let's focus now on two proposals that governments can consider as they try to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cars. One proposal is to improve and expand public transportation. The other is to provide financial support to companies that make electric cars and to consumers who buy them. Which proposal do you think is better? why?
Paul
I think improving public transportation would be more beneficial overall than giving tax breaks or rebates to particular companies and consumers. If taking a train or a bus is significantly easier, cheaper, and faster than driving a car, more people will want to use public transportation. With fewer cars on the road, there will be less air pollution.
Kelly
I believe that providing financial support to electric-car manufacturers and consumers is the better innovative long-term strategy. Many people live in rural areas, and they need their own vehicles to get around. These people would not benefit from, say, more train lines being built in a far-off city.
This is a challenging topic, but I think improving and expanding public transportation is the better proposal for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from cars. I strongly agree with Paul's idea that enhancing the convenience and affordability of public transport can significantly decrease the number of cars on the road, leading to less pollution and contributing to cleaner air.
However, I’d add that integrating this approach with urban planning to make cities more walkable and bike-friendly can further reduce reliance on personal vehicles, even in suburban and some rural areas. While Kelly highlights the importance of supporting electric cars, especially for rural residents, this solution might not address the immediate need to reduce emissions broadly and could perpetuate car dependency.
For example, investing in comprehensive public transit systems alongside incentives for cycling and walking can offer a more inclusive and environmentally friendly solution. This multi-faceted approach can cater to both urban and rural needs, supporting a transition towards more sustainable modes of transportation.
10. Public Transit vs. Electric Vehicles
Doctor Diaz
Our current unit looks at tourism and the benefit it has on a country's economy. Many argue that while tourism can indeed be a money-making endeavor, it can do more harm than good, especially tourism to small, remote places that are not heavily populated. What is your opinion?
Should local or national governments promote tourism to remote regions not typically visited by tourists before? Why?
Paul
Tourism has always been a lucrative business. Improving the economies of these rural regions, especially if those regions are poor, can only have a positive effect. People can have a better quality of life by showcasing their food and traditions to the outside world. It's a chance the people might not get without a promotion from the government.
Kelly
I don't think governments should promote tourism to remote regions. The people are likely not asking for this kind of industry or for this kind of attention. Instead, governments should develop other means of improving a region's economic situation, like expanding agriculture or other industries. These efforts will have a stronger, more permanent impact on the region than bringing in groups of tourists.
This is a challenging topic, but I believe promoting tourism to remote regions can be beneficial if managed sustainably. I strongly agree with Paul's perspective that tourism can significantly improve the local economy of rural areas, offering communities opportunities to showcase their culture and traditions. This can lead to a better quality of life for residents by creating jobs and fostering pride in local heritage.
However, I’d add that any tourism development should be done in close consultation with local communities to ensure it aligns with their values and needs. While Kelly argues against promoting tourism due to potential unwanted impacts, he overlooks the possibility of sustainable tourism models that respect the environment and local culture.
For example, eco-tourism and community-based tourism can minimize negative impacts while maximizing benefits for local populations. These models encourage visitors to engage respectfully with the area's natural and cultural resources, ensuring that tourism supports rather than undermines local communities.
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