Sample Question: State a Preference

Political science is what your professor is teaching in this class. In your post, address the professor’s question.  As you respond, you should do so:

• Express and support your perspective
• Contribute to the conversation using your own words.
• A well-written response will be at least one hundred words long. Ten minutes are allotted for writing.

Professor: We will discuss the issue between environmental protection and economic growth today. Economic expansion produces jobs and gives individuals money they can spend on bettering their quality of life. However, if we preserve the environment, present and future generations will be able to enjoy it as well. Which would you choose, if you had to choose between promoting economic growth and environmental protection?  Why?

Alex: The environment would come first for me. There is only one earth, and if we don’t take care of it, our futures won’t be happy ones. Growth in the economy can be beneficial, but not at the price of the environment. I believe that we should move toward more ecologically beneficial economic activities, such as making investments in renewable energy and supporting eco-friendly technology.  If we live in a clean environment, we will all be far healthier.

Maggie: While I agree with Alex that environmental sustainability is essential, I also believe that many of the social and economic issues we face can only be resolved by economic growth. To raise living standards, decrease poverty, and generate jobs, a robust economy is necessary.  Furthermore, as businesses expand and become more successful, they can create new technologies that address environmental issues.

Sample Answer 1

Although it’s a difficult subject, I believe that right now the environment should come first. I completely agree with Alex’s assertion that if we only prioritize economic prosperity, our lives will be miserable. I would also add that we will all be more susceptible to serious illnesses like cancer and lung disease if industrial development damages the environment. These kinds of ailments have the potential to seriously tax our healthcare systems.  Maggie brought up the important idea that perhaps in the future, successful businesses would use new technology to tackle every issue we face; however, she neglected to address the possibility that these technologies may arrive much too late to be of any value. For instance, it can take decades for a creative business to develop a renewable energy source, yet environmental disasters are already wreaking havoc on people’s lives.

Sample Answer 2

Although I agree with Maggie and Alex’s views, I believe our primary focus should be on economic growth.  This is because a slowing economy will make our lives miserable.  Everybody needs to make money to pay their bills. Keep in mind that a lot of people need to make a consistent living since they have families to support.  Only if the economy grows at the same pace each year would that be possible. I tend to argue that sustaining our existing quality of living is more vital than protecting the environment.

TOEFL Writing for Academic Discussion: Mastering the TOEFL Writing section is crucial for achieving a high score. This section requires candidates to write well-structured essays in response to academic prompts. Focus on practicing essay writing with a variety of topics to enhance your skills. Utilize effective strategies and tips to improve your writing, ensuring clarity, coherence, and a strong argument.

Preparing thoroughly for the TOEFL Writing section will significantly boost your chances of success on the exam.