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: One of the most controversial topics in psychology is nature versus nurture. Do you think an individual's personality and behavior are more influenced by their genes or their environment?
Jessica: I think it's a blend of both. Our genes give us our basic traits, but our environment shapes these traits and teaches us how to use them effectively.
Mike: I believe that our environment plays a major role in shaping our personality and behavior. Though genes may predetermine certain traits, the way we are raised and the experiences we have as we grow up are key factors in shaping us.
As the nature versus nurture debate continues, I have always been inclined toward the belief that our behavior and personality are deeply interconnected with both our genetics and environment. Genetic predisposition does play a significant role in outlining our basic traits—agreeing with Lily. However, the influence of environment, as Paul stated, cannot be overlooked. The experiences and environments we encounter play a significant role in molding those basic traits established by our genes. I believe the interaction between these two plays the biggest role in ultimately defining our character.
