ETS now provides twenty-two samples of the “writing for an academic discussion” questions that will appear on the TOEFL Test starting July 26. Each one includes AI scoring using the same e-rater that is used to (partially) score the real test. More questions will be released in the weeks ahead.
Closer to that day I’ll examine the questions and gather some data related to item design and frequent topics. I’ll also experiment a bit with ETS’s AI scoring.
One thing stands out already, though. Most of these questions are about more challenging topics than appear on the current Independent Writing task (which will be removed July 26). They seem to require more thoughtfulness. Or even some amount of erudition.
Consider Sample 11:
“This week, we will be discussing a shortage of affordable housing that exists in many countries. In these places, housing – both apartments (flats) and houses – are expensive, because populations are growing faster than new housing is being built. Now, think about places in your country that have a housing shortage. In your post, I would like you to indicate the most effective way for the government to address a housing shortage in your country. Please explain why you think so.”
Or Sample 1:
“Let’s think about population Trends in urban and rural areas (villages). Living in urban areas can be expensive; nonetheless, when they have a choice of where to live, people in some countries do not wish to live in rural areas even if the cost of living there is lower. If governments of some countries want to attract more people to live in rural areas or villages, what is the best strategy or approach that governments can use? Why?”
The test-takers might be asked how to solve the housing crisis? How to repopulate the countryside? I like this approach to item design, but I know some people might struggle to come up with ideas.
Compare these to this Independent Writing task from Test 1 in the Official Guide to the TOEFL:
“Some young adults want independence from their parents as soon as possible. Other young adults prefer to live with their families for a longer time. Which of these situations do you think is better?”
Or from Test 2:
“Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Young people enjoy life more than older people do.”
I know that some of the new sample questions are easier than the ones I quoted above. And some of the independent tasks on the current version of test are harder than what appears in the Official Guide. That said, if you are preparing for the new TOEFL, you should be prepared to THINK. As always, remember that this is not a test of your English skills. It is a test of your ability to use your English skills in an academic context.