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: Nowadays, social media platforms have become an integral part of our life. While they have benefits like increased connectivity and information accessibility, they also have potential drawbacks such as privacy concerns and misinformation. In your perspective, do the benefits of social media outweigh the drawbacks?
Jessica: In my opinion, social media platforms do have immense benefits. They have revolutionized communication, opened up opportunities for learning, and democratized the dissemination of information. However, I do believe privacy concerns and misinformation are serious drawbacks which need immediate attention. It would be crucial to have tighter regulation on these issues to ensure that the benefits of social media can truly outweigh the drawbacks.
Mike: I agree with Rachel’s points about the advantages of social media, but would like to stress on its detrimental effects on mental health. The constant need for validation through likes, comments, and shares have led to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy among users, particularly the younger generation. Therefore, while using social media, it is crucial to learn to maintain a healthy distance and restrict its use.
Joining in the discussion about social media, I think that the benefits and drawbacks of social media are largely dependent on the individual user. It is a tool, and like any tool, whether it’s beneficial or harmful depends on how it’s used. That being said, I agree with Rachel that the benefits of social media, for example the increased connectivity and information dissemination, are real and important. But Mike is also right that the misuse of social media can have serious detrimental effects, particularly on mental health. Therefore, it’s important for users to be mindful of their habits and for parents and educators to guide younger users. It is just as vital for governments and social media companies to implement better safeguards and make the platforms a safer space for everyone.
