Master TOEFL Writing

Sample High-Scoring Response:

Topic: Benefits of implementing a four-day workweek

"The reading passage discusses the benefits of implementing a four-day workweek in companies. It claims that a shorter workweek would increase productivity, improve employee satisfaction, and reduce operational costs. However, the lecturer challenges this view by arguing that these benefits are overstated and may not apply to most workplaces.

First, the article states that productivity would increase because employees would be more focused during their working hours. It suggests that workers would waste less time if they had fewer days in the office. The lecturer disputes this by pointing out that longer daily hours would lead to increased fatigue. She explains that when employees work 10-hour days instead of 8-hour days, their concentration drops significantly in the final hours, resulting in more errors and lower overall output.

Second, the reading argues that employee satisfaction would improve because workers would have an extra day for personal activities and rest. The article mentions that this would lead to better work-life balance. In contrast, the professor points out that compressed schedules create their own problems. She notes that employees with young children would struggle to find daycare for 10-hour days, and the physical demands of longer workdays could actually increase stress rather than reduce it.

Finally, the article claims that companies would save money on operational costs like electricity and office supplies by closing one day per week. It suggests these savings would be substantial. However, the lecturer explains that many businesses would need to hire additional staff to maintain the same service levels. She provides the example of customer service departments, which would need to remain fully staffed five days a week, meaning companies would have to hire more workers to cover shifts, ultimately increasing rather than decreasing costs."

Word count: 298 words | Why this works: Follows template exactly, summarizes lecture points with specific details, stays objective (no personal opinion), paraphrases effectively.

Sample Question & High-Scoring Response:

Professor: "Do you think it's better for students to study abroad for one semester or to stay at their home university for all four years?"
Student 1 (Emma): Says studying abroad is better for cultural exposure.
Student 2 (James): Says staying home is better for building deep relationships and saving money.

"I agree with Emma that studying abroad offers valuable cultural exposure, but I think there's an even more important benefit: it develops independence and problem-solving skills. When you're in a foreign country, you have to navigate unfamiliar systems, handle challenges without your usual support network, and adapt to different academic expectations. This builds resilience that's crucial for future careers.

For example, my cousin studied in Japan for a semester during her undergraduate years. She had to figure out how to open a bank account, navigate public transportation, and communicate in a language she was still learning. At first, she found it overwhelming, but by the end of the semester, she had become incredibly resourceful and confident. When she started her first job at an international company, her manager specifically mentioned that her study abroad experience showed she could handle ambiguity and adapt quickly.

Therefore, I believe studying abroad for at least one semester is invaluable not just for cultural reasons, but because it accelerates personal growth in ways that staying in your comfort zone simply cannot."

Word count: 137 words | Why this works: Engages with another student's point, provides a clear main reason, includes a specific detailed example, connects back to the discussion, maintains academic tone.