TOEFL Listening Practice Skill 1-3 (Longman TOEFL PBT)

Task 3: Build Relevant Arguments In Discussions

A      The Introduction Section

“A discussion begins with a brief introduction describing the situation. This introduction has a statement or question and serves the purpose of introducing the reader or listener to the author’s point of view or thesis. Often it is recognized that there are two points of view.”

Go back to the introduction section in Sample 1 in Task 2. Can you answer the following questions?

Zoos were originally set up so that people could see and learn about wild animals from distant lands. As more and more people became city-dwellers, never seeing animals in the wild, zoos began to house local creatures too. However, in today’s world, are zoos really necessary?

1        What is the issue of the discussion?

The issue of the discussion seems to be ‘in today’s world, are zoos really necessary?’

2        What is the writer’s position in question of the discussion?

We cannot find any details in the section about what position/opinion is available regarding the issue. Sentence one in this section provides information about the purpose of establishing zoos. The next sentence, however, does not follow coherently with this information. It would be good if we can find something like ‘In today’s world, however, this purpose is fulfilled by the many educational programs and videos on wildlife available on TV as well as the internet.’ The two sentences will match nicely with the last sentence provided that we do a little modification to it.

    1        Zoos were originally set up so that people could see and learn about wild animals from distant lands. (1^st sentence kept)

    2        In today’s world, however, this purpose can be served by the many educational programs and videos on wildlife available on TV as well as the internet. (2^nd sentence replaced)

    3        Therefore, are zoos really necessary in today’s world? (3^rd sentence modified)

The sentences make the introductory section more specific now. The next step will be easier because you just need to present supporting and counter argument for the existence of zoos.

Now you do the same steps with the following introduction sections. Study the sections and propose any necessary revision to make them more specific.

Sample 2

1        What is the issue of the discussion?

The issue of the discussion is whether children should follow parents’ advice or not.

2        What is the writer’s position in question of the discussion?

The writer agrees that children should follow their parents’ advice when they are young, but they should become more independent when they are older.

¹Some people say that children should always follow their parents’ advice; others claim that this is not always right. ²I believe that children should follow their parents’ advice when they are young, but they should become more independent when they are older.

Revision

Sentence 1         Parents’ advice is really important for children in order to help them make good choices and decisions in their life.

Sentence 2         Some people think that children should always follow their parents’ advice.

Sentence 3         Should children always follow the parents’ advice in their life?

Sample 3

¹Many people hold the belief that violent movies and computer games have been the cause of increasing crime levels in many countries around the world today. ²Even though there are increasing rates of crime amongst the youth of today, I strongly disagree that television and games are at the root of this problem.

1.      What is the issue of the discussion?

The issue of discussion is the increasing rate of crime is caused by the violent movies and games.

2.      What is the writer’s position in question of the discussion?

The writer tells disagreement that television and games is the root of violence and crimes in the society.

Revision:

Sentence 1         Nowadays, the level of crimes has increased in the world.

Sentence 2         Many people hold the belief that violent movies and computer games cause the increasing crime levels in the society.

Sentence 3         Even though there are increasing rates of crime amongst the youth of today, I strongly disagree that television and games

              are at the root of this problem.

B       The Body

“The next few paragraphs elaborate the arguments for and against the issue. This should be based on researching books, the Internet, surveying or interviewing people. The evidence and opinions should support the statements. The number of arguments varies according to the writer’s desire and the content.”

Sample 2:

1        What supporting arguments are used?

The supporting arguments are:

-          There is a huge difference between watching an animal on screen and seeing it in real life.

-          Visiting a zoo is educational and increases people’s concern for wildlife and conservation.

2        What counter arguments are used?

-          Sometimes, the only way to save an endangered species may be to arrange for it to be breed in captivity.

-          Behind the scenes, zoos also provide opportunities for scientists to do research for animal behavior.

3        Are the arguments relevant to the issue?

Yes, the arguments are relevant to the issue.

4        Are all counter arguments well answered by the supporting ones?

Yes, all counter arguments are well answered by the supporting ones.

5        Are they supported with evidence or facts?

Yes, they are.

Sample 3:

1        What supporting arguments are used?

The supporting arguments are:

-          Young children do not know the difference between right and wrong.

-          A parent is the best person to teach them about it.

2        What counter arguments are used?

-          For example, a young child doesn’t know that it is wrong to take things that do not belong to him or her.

-          Parents can also teach children about dangers, both in the home and outside.

3        Are the arguments relevant to the issue?

Yes, the arguments are relevant to the issue.

4        Are they supported with evidence or facts?

No, they aren’t.

5        Are there more and stronger arguments for the issue, or the other way round?

-          When children are getting older, they have to be independent by making the right decision for their own life.

C      The Conclusion

“The discussion ends by presenting a personal point of view before concluding. The recommendation or conclusion sometimes sums up both sides of the argument if they are fairly balanced, or can recommend one argument over the other if the evidence is overwhelming.”

Sample 2: Conclusion section

It seems then, that there are still arguments for retaining zoos. These should, however, be carefully planned with the animals’ welfare in mind. In the modern world, there is no excuse for keeping animals in cramped or cruel conditions.

1        Does the section present the writer’s point of view towards the issue?

Yes, it does. The writer concludes that zoo is good as long as it becomes safer place and better treatment for animals.

2        Can you see if this point of view is based on the summary of the arguments?

Yes, the writer sums up both sides of arguments by saying that animals at zoos should be carefully planned and handled.

      Sample 3: Conclusion Section

In conclusion, parents need to give young children advice on morals and safety, but not on how to live when they are older.

1        Does the section present the writer’s point of view towards the issue?

Yes, it does. The writer’s point of view towards the issue is clear in the conclusion section.

2        Can you see if this point of view is based on the summary of the arguments?

Yes, the writer sums up both sides of arguments by saying that parents’ advice related to morals and safety are necessary and young children should be able to make their own decision for their life.