The page is an online resource to help students prepare TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion, a short academic essay to share your opinion in an online discussion with a professor and other students.
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2024-03-23: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- - express and support your opinion.
- - make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Dr Achebe: This week, we'll be exploring the dynamics of entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on whether entrepreneurs should collaborate with family members when starting a business or if it's preferable to avoid such partnerships. Many entrepreneurs face this dilemma due to the potential benefits of trust and shared vision with family, but also the risks of conflicts and business complications. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe entrepreneurs should start a business with family members?
Andrew: Working together with family members can really strengthen the family bond and shared goals. My uncle and cousins started a restaurant, and seeing them collaborate with that level of trust and commitment is inspiring. Though conflicts may arise. If you can resolve them, the family ties will be even stronger in the end.
Claire: I don't think it's a good idea for entrepreneurs to go into business with family members. While you may have trust and share the same vision, family members tend to think too much alike. This limits new perspectives and innovation. There's also a higher risk of conflicts and messy situations arising between relatives that could hurt the business.
2024-03-16: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Dr Achebe: This week, we'll be discussing the role of public libraries in today's society. Nowadays, because more people are turning to online reading, fewer and fewer people are using public libraries. I want you to consider this question: Are public libraries still useful in today's world? Is it still necessary for the government to continue funding public libraries now? why?
Andrew: I don't think so because public libraries have become less important in the modern world. With the vast amount of information available on the Internet, more and more people read e-books online, and fewer and fewer people visit public libraries. This makes public libraries almost useless and unnecessary. Take me as an example. These days, I rarely visit public libraries.
Claire: I believe that the government should continue funding public libraries, as they still serve a vital purpose in today's society. Public libraries are not only spaces for students to read books but also offer various beneficial reading programs. For example, by organizing storybook reading programs for children at a library, we can inspire their interest in reading and improve their reading skills.
2024-03-10: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Dr Achebe: Next week, we'll be discussing factors that contribute to human happiness. Surveys reveal that career satisfaction and the quality of personal relationships, such as with family and friends, are frequently identified as two important factors for happiness. Which of these two factors—career or relationships—do you think most people would say has the greater impact on their overall happiness, and why?
Claire: I would say career satisfaction impacts overall happiness more. Having a fulfilling job gives you a sense of purpose and achievement that's hard to replicate elsewhere. It's a core part of your identity and self-worth. Relationships are vital, too, but work dominates so much of our waking lives that its role in our well-being can't be overstated.
Paul: Relationships have a greater impact on happiness than careers. We're social beings, so having strong bonds with family and friends fulfills a core need. Quality time with loved ones boosts positive emotions and provides a support system during tough times. That's why relationships trump careers when it comes to overall well-being.
2024-03-06: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Dr Achebe: This week, we'll examine issues in education reform. For example, some educators think that by focusing mainly on foundational knowledge in subjects like reading, math, and science, schools are not fully preparing students for success in the workplace. These educators argue that soft skills- nonacademic skills such as being empathetic or having a strong work ethic should be part of the curriculum, with classroom time dedicated to developing these skills. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Andrew: I don't think so because public libraries have become less important in the modern world. With the vast amount of information available on the Internet, more and more people read e-books online, and fewer and fewer people visit public libraries. This makes public libraries almost useless. Take me as an example. These days, I rarely visit public libraries.
Claire: I agree. While students need a strong foundation in academic subjects, soft skills are important because they affect how well students do their work. If classroom time is set aside for these skills, students will take them seriously, and their academic work will benefit. Teachers could design lessons so that students learn about a skill and then do role-playing activities with classmates.
2024-03-02: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Diaz: This week, we will be discussing the challenges encountered by secondary school administrators, particularly in schools catering to teenage students. One prevalent issue is students transitioning between schools. Students switch schools for various reasons, with the most common cause being a family relocation. I invite you to share your thoughts on the discussion board regarding strategies that schools can implement to facilitate a smoother transition for teenagers entering a new school.
Paul: I believe schools should assign a fellow student to assist new students in adjusting to their new environment. This 'student buddy' could help them with tasks such as locating the cafeteria or finding the right classrooms. For new students, it is often more comfortable to ask a peer questions rather than approaching a teacher or the principal.
Claire: I propose that new students be encouraged to join a school club or activity that meets outside of regular class hours. This approach would provide new students with a convenient opportunity to socialize with their peers in a welcoming environment, giving them a group to connect with from the start.
2024-02-27: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Diaz: This week, we talked about how important time off work or school is for people's well-being. Some people believe that they can get the most benefit when time off is structured, that is, planning about what will be accomplished on that day. Others believe that it's better to enjoy the day with no plan for how to spend it. In this discussion post, please indicate which of these approaches to spending time off from work or school you prefer and why.
Claire: I find it beneficial to do some planning ahead of time for my free time. I live far away from my family, so when I'm getting ready to visit them during a school holiday, I always plan my time off from school very carefully. That way, I have enough time to visit every family member.
Paul: Personally, I prefer not to make any plans for my free time. I go to school and have a part-time job. Each week, I make a schedule to ensure that I can complete both my work and my studies. So when I have time off from work and school, I just want to relax with no plan.
2024-02-21: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Diaz: This week, we discussed the importance of role models and opinion-makers in society. One idea we discussed was the widespread impact of "influencers." Influencers are people who are very active in posting on social media and who have many followers. Influencers' posts and opinions can influence their followers' choices on everything from fashion to politics. In your opinion, do social media influencers generally have a positive or negative effect on their followers? Why do you think so?
Kelly: I think the influencer effect is generally positive. People can learn about the latest trends and topics in a very quick and efficient way by following influencers. In the past, people had to spend time looking through magazines or visiting boutiques to even know what was trending.
Paul: I think influencers generally have a negative effect because they have far too much influence. I can think of one influencer who only has to mention a particular kind of sports shoe, and the next day, they'll be sold out. The followers aren't really thinking for themselves; they're just blindly following the influencers' choices.
2024-01-20: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor: As teachers play an invaluable role in shaping young minds and preparing students for the future, there is an ongoing discussion regarding their compensation. Some argue that teachers should be paid salaries comparable to other high-earning professionals like doctors, lawyers, and business executives. Do you agree or disagree that teachers deserve salaries on par with these professions? Please explain your viewpoint.
Kelly: Teachers should receive salaries on par with other high-earning professionals. They work long hours preparing lessons, grading assignments, and supporting students. Without good teachers, we wouldn't have doctors, lawyers, and executives. If we want to attract the best talent to this invaluable profession, we must compensate teachers accordingly. My favorite teachers inspired me and contributed greatly to my success.
Paul: I don't think teachers deserve the same high salaries as doctors or lawyers. Teachers get so much time off, with summer vacations and other long breaks. My aunt is a teacher and she's always posting on Facebook about trips she takes or sleeping in during vacations. With all that time off, teachers shouldn't earn salaries on par with year-round demanding professions.
2023-12-17: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor: Some argue that factories, as major producers of pollution and waste, should be pushed to make dramatic changes in how they operate to protect and preserve the environment. Others contend that individuals' small, cumulative actions have the greatest impact, so public awareness and altered societal norms are critical. I would like you to consider: who should make more efforts regarding environmental protection - factories or individuals?
Andrew: Factories should take the lead on protecting the environment because their impact is massive compared to individuals. For example, a single factory can generate tons of pollution daily, dwarfing what one person produces in a lifetime. Strict regulations and greener technologies for manufacturers would lead to huge reductions in emissions and waste.
Claire: Individuals should lead on environmental protection because we can drive cultural change. By making green lifestyle choices - reducing energy, taking public transit, minimizing waste - we set an example and normalize sustainability. And by purchasing eco-products and ethical companies, everyday consumer decisions incentivize businesses to follow suit.
2023-12-03: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor: Recycling and waste management play a significant role in achieving a cleaner planet, but there are more actions individuals can take. Encouraging environmental responsibility is pivotal in fostering a better world. As we discuss the importance of individual contributions to the environment, what additional steps (beyond waste management) do you believe individuals can take to positively impact the environment?
Andrew: Refraining from using plastic bags while shopping and boycotting environmentally unfriendly products like disposable plastics saves time and energy by eliminating the need for recycling. This approach allows for more focus on other impactful eco-friendly measures. It conserves resources and encourages the adoption of sustainable alternatives, contributing to a greener and more efficient lifestyle.
Claire: Planting trees effectively cleanses the air by absorbing pollutants, promoting cleaner air, and supporting afforestation and reforestation initiatives, which aid in reducing pollution. These actions offer tangible benefits, purifying the environment. Prioritizing measures to eliminate emitted pollutants directly impacts and improves air quality, showcasing individuals' immediate and crucial role in environmental conservation.
2023-11-28: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Achebe: Today, we're exploring the impacts of children caring for pets. Some believe caring for animals like dogs or cats can teach kids responsibility and empathy and improve their social skills. Can having a pet benefit children in their development? What do you think about the idea of kids raising pets? Please share your thoughts on whether children benefit from caring for a pet and how this experience might influence their growth and development.
Andrew: I think children benefit from raising pets and fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy. Additionally, nurturing scientific curiosity is crucial for their development. Encouraging hands-on experiments and interactive learning in science enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By combining pet care with scientific exploration, we can help kids develop a well-rounded set of skills.
Claire: I believe it's not beneficial for kids to raise pets, as the parents often care for them. Children might lack the responsibility needed for proper pet care. Moreover, pets require consistent attention, which can be challenging for kids to manage school and activities. This situation often results in parents taking on the primary caregiving role.
2023-11-22: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor: This week, we'll discuss ways to address air pollution. One idea is to introduce environmental taxes on air travel. Such taxes, also called ecological or green taxes, are extra charges added to the price of airplane tickets. Money collected from these taxes could be invested in environmentally friendly technologies or in promoting other cleaner modes of transportation. Do you think there should be an environmental tax on air travel? Why or why not?
Andrew: We should impose environmental taxes on air travel. These taxes might encourage people to find cheaper, more eco-friendly ways to get places. In my country, many people use planes to fly short distances because flights are relatively inexpensive when they could just as quickly take a less polluting form of transportation.
Claire: Additional taxes on air travel will do little to solve the air pollution problem. Airplane tickets would become more expensive, punishing passengers without incentivizing airlines to become more environmentally friendly. The airlines should pay the price to protect the environment, not their customers.
2023-11-12: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Achebe: We've been discussing that the ever-increasing production and consumption of goods and services does not necessarily improve human well-being. Some people argue that humans already consume too many goods, from clothing to electronics to food; they believe that excessive consumption has created severe problems for humanity and even the planet. Do you agree that excessive consumption--buying more than we truly need--has become a severe problem? Why or why not?
Andrew: I agree. We buy far more than we need, which can't continue indefinitely. For years, people have used shopping as a form of recreation. The products purchased on a whim are filling up landfills, and the energy expended producing the goods has created a global warming crisis. We should start gradually reducing consumption.
Claire: I can't entirely agree with the idea that over-consumption is a dramatic problem. I agree there is some over-consumption, but it happens mostly with wealthy people. I think, in general, almost everyone else already buys only what they need. In fact, many people worldwide cannot even obtain everything they need.
2023-11-04: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Achebe: Many companies provide important products and services but cause environmental damage. Some people believe the way to prevent these companies from damaging the environment is for the government to require more penalties, such as higher taxes and more significant fines. Do you think it is a good idea?
Andrew: Many companies make helpful products but hurt the environment, too. To stop the damage, the government should punish them more by raising taxes and fines. Doing that would hold corporations accountable and force them to change impactfully. We can have both innovation and sustainability if governments incentivize it properly through penalties.
Claire: I can't entirely agree that we should penalize corporations more for environmental damage. Many companies are already taking steps to adopt greener practices, and higher taxes or fines could discourage innovation and hurt the economy. Instead of punishing businesses, the government should reward and incentivize sustainable choices through subsidies and tax breaks.
2023-10-29: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Achebe: Let's continue talking about consumer behavior. We have been discussing different ways people choose what products to buy, and there are many potential sources of information and advice for consumers. In your opinion, which is the better strategy for purchasing, relying on advice from friends and family or depending on information from online sources? Why?
Claire: Asking friends and family members for product recommendations might seem easier, but getting all the necessary information might take too long. An internet search would be much more efficient. Many consumer magazines are available online that compile lots of data to compare the advantages and disadvantages of one product versus another.
Paul: The last time I bought a computer, I just watched a few videos online to decide, and now I regret that. My friends could have advised me better because they know my preferences and the kind of features that I am interested in. Consumers should get advice from the people around them to find the most suitable products.
2023-10-22: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor: This week's course materials will focus on scientific discoveries. While scientific researchers usually prefer to share what they learn with other scientists, many businesses and governments keep certain scientific discoveries secret. Some people believe that all scientific discoveries should be shared freely among scientists worldwide and that governments and companies should not hold any discoveries secret. What do you think and why?
Kelly： I don't think all discoveries should be shared. Businesses. for example, often spend a lot of money on scientific research to make a discovery that can lead to profit. Even if that discovery benefits everyone, the business has a right to keep the discovery secret to develop a profitable product from the research.
Paul: Sharing knowledge is crucially important to most scientists. Scientists usually publish the details of their discoveries in scientific journals, which means that everyone can see what the scientists have accomplished. Being recognized as the person who made a discovery is the biggest reward for any scientist. When scientists keep their discoveries secret, they lose that recognition. That is very unsatisfying.
2023-08-27: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Professor: When it comes to groceries, everyone has their preferred shopping destination. Some prefer the convenience and variety of supermarkets, while others enjoy small grocery stores' personal touch and community connection. Which do you like? Why?
Shopper 1: As a frequent shopper, I prefer supermarkets because of their more comprehensive selection of products, lower prices, and greater convenience. Supermarkets offer a one-stop shopping experience where shoppers can buy everything they need for their weekly meal planning. In addition, supermarkets have longer opening hours than small grocery stores, allowing for more flexibility to shop based on personal schedules.
Shopper 2: Small retailers usually cater to a niche market and carry a limited range of products. Small shops know their customers and tend to develop a rapport with them over time. This feeling of a connection to the store leads to repeat business. A small store requires a smaller square footage and can be close to a residential area, offering customers convenience and accessibility for quick shopping trips. Fulfilling customers' needs by taking special orders and bringing in unique products is one way to make the small shop a go-to place for customers looking for something specific.
2023-08-26: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Achebe: Many companies provide important products and services but cause environmental damage. Some people believe the way to prevent these companies from damaging the environment is for the government to require more penalties, such as higher taxes and more significant fines. Do you think it is a good idea?
Andrew: Many companies make helpful products but hurt the environment, too. To stop the damage, the government should punish them more by raising taxes and fines. Doing that would hold corporations accountable and force them to change impactfully. We can have both innovation and sustainability if governments incentivize it properly through penalties.
Claire: I can't entirely agree that we should penalize corporations more for environmental damage. Many companies are already taking steps to adopt greener practices, and higher taxes or fines could discourage innovation and hurt the economy. Instead of punishing businesses, the government should reward and incentivize sustainable choices through subsidies and tax breaks.
2023-07-30: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following.
Express and support your opinion.
Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor: This week, we’ll discuss ways to address air pollution. One idea is introducing environmental taxes on air travel. Such taxes, also called ecological or green taxes, are extra charges added to the price of airplane tickets. Money collected from these taxes could be invested in environmentally friendly technologies or in promoting other cleaner modes of transportation. Do you think there should be an environmental tax on air travel? Why or why not?
Andrew: We should impose environmental taxes on air travel. These taxes might encourage people to find cheaper, more eco-friendly ways to get places. In my country, many people use planes to fly short distances because flights are relatively inexpensive when they could just as quickly take a less polluting form of transportation.
Claire: Additional taxes on air travel will do little to solve the air pollution problem. Airplane tickets would become more expensive, punishing passengers without incentivizing airlines to become more environmentally friendly. The airlines should pay the price to protect the environment, not their customers.
2023-07-26: Task
Your professor is teaching a class on sociology. Write a post responding to the professor's question.
In your response, you should do the following:
- -express and support your opinion.
- -make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
Doctor Achebe: Let's continue talking about consumer behavior. We have been discussing different ways people choose what products to buy, and there are many potential sources of information and advice for consumers. In your opinion, which is the better strategy for purchasing, relying on advice from friends and family or depending on information from online sources? Why?
Claire: Asking friends and family members for product recommendations might seem easier, but getting all the necessary information might take too long. An internet search would be much more efficient. Many consumer magazines are available online that compile lots of data to compare the advantages and disadvantages of one product versus another.
Paul: The last time I bought a computer, I just watched a few videos online to decide, and now I regret that. My friends could have advised me better because they know my preferences and the kind of features that I am interested in. Consumers should get advice from the people around them to find the most suitable products.