TOEFL. Writing
Примеры заданий секции письма
В этой секции вы пишите сочинения на основе прочитанного академического текста и прослушанной лекции и даете аргументированный письменный ответ как часть академической дискуссии на занятии.
- 1 интегрированное задание (20 минут)
- 1 задание на проверку навыков письменного аргументирования (10 минут)
Примеры заданий секции Writing
Question 1 (интегрированное задание)
For this task, you will write a response to a question about a reading passage and a lecture. You may take notes, and you may use your notes to help you write your response Your response will be scored on the quality of your writing and on how well you connect the points in the lecture with points in the reading. Typically, an effective response will have 150 to 225 words.
Reading time - 3 minutes
Reading time - 3 minutes
As early as the twelfth century A.D., the settlements of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico in the American Southwest were notable for their "great houses," massive stone buildings that contain hundreds of rooms and often stand three or four stories high. Archaeologists have been trying to determine how the buildings were used. While there is still no universally agreed upon explanation, there are three competing theories.
One theory holds that the Chaco structures were purely residential, with each housing hundreds of people. Supporters of this theory have interpreted Chaco great houses as earlier versions of the architecture seen in more recent Southwest societies. In particular, the Chaco houses appear strikingly similar to the large, well-known "apartment buildings" at Taos, New Mexico, in which many people have been living for centuries.
A second theory contends that the Chaco structures were used to store food supplies. One of the main crops of the Chaco people was grain maize, which could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling and could serve as a long-lasting supply of food. The supplies of maize had to be stored somewhere, and the size of the great houses would make them very suitable for the purpose.
A third theory proposes that houses were used as ceremonial centers. Close to one house, called Pueblo Alto, archaeologists identified an enormous mound formed by a pile of old material. Excavations of the mound revealed deposits containing a surprisingly large number of broken pots. This finding has been interpreted as evidence that people gathered at Pueblo Alto for special ceremonies. At the ceremonies, they ate festive meals and then discarded the pots in which the meals had been prepared or served. Such ceremonies have been documented for other Native American cultures.
Now listen to the recording. When you hear the question, begin your response. You may look at the reading passage during the writing time.
One theory holds that the Chaco structures were purely residential, with each housing hundreds of people. Supporters of this theory have interpreted Chaco great houses as earlier versions of the architecture seen in more recent Southwest societies. In particular, the Chaco houses appear strikingly similar to the large, well-known "apartment buildings" at Taos, New Mexico, in which many people have been living for centuries.
A second theory contends that the Chaco structures were used to store food supplies. One of the main crops of the Chaco people was grain maize, which could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling and could serve as a long-lasting supply of food. The supplies of maize had to be stored somewhere, and the size of the great houses would make them very suitable for the purpose.
A third theory proposes that houses were used as ceremonial centers. Close to one house, called Pueblo Alto, archaeologists identified an enormous mound formed by a pile of old material. Excavations of the mound revealed deposits containing a surprisingly large number of broken pots. This finding has been interpreted as evidence that people gathered at Pueblo Alto for special ceremonies. At the ceremonies, they ate festive meals and then discarded the pots in which the meals had been prepared or served. Such ceremonies have been documented for other Native American cultures.
Now listen to the recording. When you hear the question, begin your response. You may look at the reading passage during the writing time.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they contradict specific points made in the reading passage.
Writing time - 20 minutes
Writing time - 20 minutes
Question 2 (письменное аргументирование)
Your professor is leading a seminar on environmental policy. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.
In your response, you should
You have 10 minutes to read the question and write your answer.
In your response, you should
- express and support your personal opinion and
- make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.
You have 10 minutes to read the question and write your answer.
Professor: Climate change mitigation requires strategic allocation of government resources. In the discussion board, please respond to the following question: Should the government prioritize investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, or should it focus on improving existing fossil fuel infrastructure to make it cleaner?
Anna: I believe the government should prioritize investing in renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is sustainable and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, investing in renewables can create new jobs in emerging industries and promote technological innovation. While improving fossil fuel infrastructure might offer short-term benefits, it does not address the long-term environmental challenges we face.
James: While transitioning to renewable energy is important, I think the government should first focus on making existing fossil fuel infrastructure cleaner. This approach can provide immediate reductions in emissions and ensure energy stability during the transition period. Moreover, upgrading current systems can be more cost-effective and less disruptive than a complete overhaul to renewable sources, which might require significant investment and time.
Anna: I believe the government should prioritize investing in renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is sustainable and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, investing in renewables can create new jobs in emerging industries and promote technological innovation. While improving fossil fuel infrastructure might offer short-term benefits, it does not address the long-term environmental challenges we face.
James: While transitioning to renewable energy is important, I think the government should first focus on making existing fossil fuel infrastructure cleaner. This approach can provide immediate reductions in emissions and ensure energy stability during the transition period. Moreover, upgrading current systems can be more cost-effective and less disruptive than a complete overhaul to renewable sources, which might require significant investment and time.
