TOEFL Writing Integrated Task Exercises

Question 1: Summarize the key points outlined in the passage and provide insights based on the lecture.

Sample Reading Passage: Sea Otters, once abundant along the west coast of North America from California to Alaska, have experienced a rapid decline in population in recent years. This decline has had a direct impact on the coastal ecosystem due to the important role Sea Otters play in maintaining balance. Investigators attribute this decline to two main factors: attacks by predators and environmental pollution. Environmental pollution, particularly from oil rigs along the Alaskan coast, has been identified as a significant contributor to the decline. Water samples taken by investigators revealed high chemical content that can affect the immune systems of marine life, leading to mortality. Similar declines in other sea mammals, such as seals, further support the hypothesis of water pollution as a primary cause. The uneven decline of Sea Otters along the coast is also attributed to pollution concentration influenced by ocean currents and natural factors.

Insights: The lecture provides additional insight into the decline of Sea Otter populations along the Alaskan coast. It emphasizes the role of environmental pollution, particularly from oil rigs, as a major contributing factor. The lecture highlights how pollution affects marine life’s immune systems, leading to increased mortality rates. Furthermore, it suggests that pollution concentration, influenced by ocean currents and natural factors, unevenly affects Sea Otter populations along the coast.

Question 2: Summarize the lecturer’s viewpoint and its relation to the provided reading passage.

Sample Reading Passage: The International Astronomical Union Conference announced the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet on August 24, 2006. Initially discovered in 1930, Pluto was thought to be similar in size to Earth but was later found to be smaller than Earth’s moon and other moons. The discovery of numerous planetary objects similar to Pluto, such as Eris, led to its reclassification. While the news may disappoint Pluto enthusiasts, it reflects the progress of science. Despite the emotional attachment to Pluto as a planet, its reclassification has been widely accepted, especially among current students who recognize only eight planets in the solar system.

Insights: The lecture reinforces the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet and its acceptance as a scientific advancement. It acknowledges the emotional attachment to Pluto as a planet but emphasizes the importance of scientific progress in understanding celestial bodies. Additionally, it highlights how current students recognize only eight planets in the solar system, reflecting the widespread acceptance of Pluto’s reclassification.

TOEFL Integrated Essay: In the TOEFL writing section, candidates encounter two distinct tasks: Task 1, known as the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task, and Task 2, referred to as the TOEFL Independent Writing Task. Together, these tasks constitute a 50-minute examination assessing candidates’ reading, writing, and listening abilities in English.

This article primarily focuses on Task 1, providing detailed insights into its structure and a sample question for better understanding.