This is the second writing question on the TOEFL iBT Test. Get more samples and a template here. You can also check out our guide to this task.
The test-taker must read the question posted by the
professor and the two student responses. Finally, they should write
their own response which addresses the question and adds to the
conversation.
Your professor is teaching a class on marketing. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response, you should
An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You have ten minutes to write.
Professor: Industrial agriculture is a system of farming that refers to the industrialized production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. It has both positive and negative aspects. It's a system that allows us to feed billions of people across the globe. However deforestation for agricultural expansion, soil degradation, and water pollution are some of the issues linked to industrial agriculture. Do you see industrial agriculture as something that feeds the masses or is it destroying the planet?
Jessica: I disagree. The environmental toll of industrial agriculture is too severe to overlook. We are endangering our planets health, and that's a risk we cannot afford. Yes, we need to feed the population, but we should focus on local, organic, and sustainable farming practices. These methods may not yield as much as industrial farming in the short term, but they are better for our planets longterm health and resilience.
Mike: I believe that while the environmental issues are significant, we cannot simply discard industrial agriculture. We need it to feed the growing population. However, I think we should work on making it more sustainable and efficient. We should invest in research and technology that can reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining, or even increasing, its productivity.
I think the scale tips heavily toward the negative effects of industrial agriculture. The strain it puts on our planet's resources is astronomical. It is a system of production that relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributes to deforestation, and accelerates the loss of biodiversity. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock can lead to antibiotic resistance in humans. Also, we mustn't overlook that these farming practices often lead to socio-economic issues, like the displacement of small-scale farmers. As we grapple with a changing climate and a growing population, we need to ensure the sustainability of our agricultural practices. Rather than persisting in an unsustainable system because it feeds the masses today, we need to plan for a future where both people and the planet can thrive. In my view, the costs of industrial farming far outweigh its short-term benefits.
