TOEFL iBT – Exam 1 – Writing（TOEFL 写作（Exam 1））

## TOEFL iBT Writing Practice Test – Exam 1

Task 1

For this task, you will have 3 minutes to read a passage about an academic topic. Then you will listen to a lecture about the same topic.

You will have 20 minutes to write. In your response, provide a detailed summary of the lecture and explain how the lecture relates to the reading passage. While you write, you will be able to see the reading passage.

Now you will see the reading passage. It will be followed by a lecture. You may take notes to help you answer the test questions and prepare your responses. Your notes will not be scored.

Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in cities. These areas provide residents with numerous environmental, social, and health benefits, making them indispensable in urban planning.

Green spaces contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. They help reduce urban heat islands by providing shade and releasing moisture through evapotranspiration. This cooling effect can lower temperatures in cities by several degrees, mitigating the impact of climate change. Additionally, plants and trees in these spaces improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen, thus contributing to the overall health of urban populations.

Urban green spaces foster social cohesion and community well-being. Parks and gardens serve as gathering places where people of diverse backgrounds can interact, fostering a sense of community. These areas provide venues for recreational activities, such as sports, picnics, and festivals, which enhance social interactions and build stronger community ties. Moreover, well-maintained green spaces can increase property values and attract businesses, contributing to the economic vitality of urban areas.

Access to green spaces has been linked to numerous health benefits. Regular exposure to natural environments has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical activities such as walking, jogging, and playing sports in these areas can help combat obesity and associated health problems. Furthermore, green spaces provide safe areas for children to play, promoting their physical and mental development.

Green spaces promote biodiversity in urban areas. Parks and gardens serve as habitats for various plant and animal species, supporting ecological balance. They provide opportunities for residents to engage with nature, increasing environmental awareness and promoting conservation efforts.

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Writing Task One

Directions: Plan and write your response. Your response will be judged based on the quality of your writing and how well your response presents the points in the lecture and their relationship to the reading passage. Typically, an effective response will be 150 to 225 words.

Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge or support specific claims made in the passage.

## TOEFL iBT Writing Practice Test – Exam 1

Task 2

For this task, you will read an online discussion. A professor has posted a question about a topic, and some classmates have responded with their ideas.
You have 10 minutes to write a response that contributes to the discussion.

Writing Task Two

Your professor is teaching a class on psychology. 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.

Professor-Johnson

Professor Johnson

In today’s lecture, we discussed the nature versus nurture debate in psychology, particularly regarding personality development. Some argue that genetics play a dominant role, while others emphasize environmental factors such as upbringing and social experiences. What do you believe has a greater influence on shaping an individual’s personality—nature (genetics) or nurture (environment)? Why?

Sophia

Sophia

I believe that nurture, or the environment in which a person grows up, has a more significant impact on shaping personality. Our experiences with family, friends, and society mold our beliefs, behaviors, and values from a young age. For example, children raised in supportive and nurturing environments tend to exhibit more positive personality traits compared to those from less stable backgrounds. While genetics may predispose us to certain traits, it is our environment that ultimately determines how these traits are expressed.

Miachel

Michael

I disagree with Sophia’s view that nurture is more influential than nature in shaping personality. Research in behavioral genetics has shown that genetic factors contribute significantly to various aspects of personality, such as temperament and predisposition to certain behaviors. Studies on identical twins raised in different environments have demonstrated that despite different upbringing, they often share striking similarities in personality traits. Therefore, I argue that nature, or genetic predisposition, plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s personality alongside environmental influences.