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TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Question: Technology in education

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.

Check response Check your response

Your professor is teaching a class on marketing. Write a post responding to the professor’s question.  In your response, you should

  • express and support your personal opinion
  • make a contribution to the discussion in your own words

An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You have ten minutes to write.

Professor

Professor: In the context of modern education, we have seen use of technology increasing significantly, both in the classroom and through remote learning. Keeping both the advantages and potential drawbacks in mind, do you believe that technology enhances the educational experience? Why or why not?

Jessica

Jessica: I certainly believe that technology enhances the educational experience. Not only does it make complex topics easier to understand through visual aids and simulations, but it also makes education more accessible. Students from different geographical locations can access the same quality of education through online learning. However, I also believe in the critical role of a teacher's guidance, which technology alone cannot replace.

Mike

Mike: While I agree that technology has revolutionized the way we teach and learn, I also think it brings along its fair share of challenges. Over-reliance on technology can lead to distractions and create a passive learning environment. Moreover, there needs to be equal access to such technology for all students, which is currently not the case everywhere.

Sample Answer

My view aligns more with Jane on this topic. I believe that technology does enhance the educational experience when used thoughtfully and purposefully. In addition to what Jane mentioned - about technology making learning more accessible and facilitating understanding of complex concepts - I think technology also prepares students for the modern workplace, which is increasingly digital. I also agree with Mark's concerns, especially the issue of equal access, which is a significant issue in many regions. Rather than seeing technology as a complete replacement for conventional teaching methods, we should see it as a tool to complement and enhance existing teaching methods, ensuring not to abandon the critical human interaction, mentoring