Sample TOEFL Integrated Essay – Going to Mars

The Question

This integrated writing question is taken from an ETS practice test that I can’t share here.

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The Sample Essay

The reading and the lecture are about sending humans to Mars.  The reading describes three reasons why this is challenging.  The lecturer mentions solutions to all of these problems.

First, the reading says that it would take two years to reach Mars.  There would not be enough space on the spaceship to carry all of the food, water and oxygen needed for such a long journey.  The professor mentions a solution.  She says that they could use hydroponics to solve this problem. She mentions that they could use this method to grow food on the craft, and also to recycle wastewater and release fresh oxygen.

Second, the reading notes that living in a zero gravity environment for a very long time would be bad for the astronauts.  Specifically, it says that it would result in lower muscle mass and bone density.  However, the professor says that people have lived for a long time on space stations already, and found solutions to these problems.  She says that they have learned that they can be solved by getting regular exercise and by taking vitamins and minerals.

Finally, the reading points out that the astronauts would be put in danger due to space radiation from the sun.  It would not be possible to build a shield to protect them because it would add too much weight to the craft.  On the other hand, the professor suggests that while space radiation is a problem it can be monitored using special equipment.  During periods when it is really dangerous, the astronauts could hide behind a small shield that would not add much weight to the craft.

Note

This is a sample TOEFL integrated essay written by a native speaker.  It follows our TOEFL writing templates for integrated essays.  If you find it useful, please remember that we have many more sample essays for you to read!