An official sample essay for TOEFL academic discussion task with score 5

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

express and support your opinion make a contribution to the discussion An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You will have 10 minutes to write it.

========
Dr. Diaz

Over the next few weeks, we are going to look at lots of different materials about the role of television programs and television watching in people’s lives. But first, I want to know what you think about this topic. So here’s a question for the class discussion board: What do you think is the most significant effect that watching television has on people? Why do you think television has this effect?

Kelly

I know that one way that television influences people’s behavior is that when you are watching television, you are not moving around or exercising. This is especially true for children. When children spend a lot of time watching television, they have a greater tendency to be overweight.

Paul

I think the main effect that television has on people is to broaden their experience. There are so many programs devoted to nature and travel. Think of all the different places in the world you can experience through television! Last night I watched a program about life in Antarctica, and it was fascinating!

===========================
Writing Practice : (Academic Discussion) -- Sample Responses

Score of 5
========

In my opinion, Paul is right when he says that watching television might broaden your experience. By watching for example science programs, you can gain valueable insights into new topics. On the other hand, I think that a high percentage of people don't watch TV to increase their knowledge. I am of the opinion that many people watch TV in order to get distracted from their real lives. They watch films or series to be entertained and to forget problems they have at work or in their private lives. At least for me this works well - for instance if I am sad, I watch a comedy or a funny soap opera and afterwards, I am in a better mood. Therefore, I think that being entertained and distracted is the most significant effect of TV.