Lesson Introduction
Part 1
In this task, you will write a post in an online academic discussion. You will read a question from the professor and two posts from other students. Then you will write your own response.
Here are the key details:
- Time: 10 minutes to read and write
- Length: minimum 100 words, but aiming for around 120–130 words is recommended for a more complete response
Based on official ETS questions, there are five types of question prompts in this task. However, two types account for about 90% of all questions:
| Type | What You Do | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | You agree or disagree with a statement and explain why | ~50% of questions |
| Choosing an Approach | You pick between two options and explain why one is better | ~40% of questions |
| Proposing a Solution | You suggest a way to solve a problem | Rare |
| Problems and Solutions | You identify a problem and propose a solution | Rare |
| Description and Explanation | You explain why something is important or beneficial | Rare |
Common topics include: technology and society, education, business and economics, health and wellness, environment, and arts and culture.
The same response structure works for all five types. Focus your practice on Opinion and Choosing an Approach questions, since you will almost certainly encounter one of these on test day. In the following slides, we will look at each type with a sample response and feedback.
Example Question
Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on media and society. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response, you should:
- Express and support your personal opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
 |
We’ve been discussing the role of algorithm driven news feeds in shaping public opinion. Digital platforms have become powerful tools not only for sharing information, but also for deciding which stories people see first. Do you think these news feeds have too much influence on public opinion? Why or why not? |
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I believe algorithm driven news feeds can have a positive influence on public opinion. They help people discover breaking stories quickly and can connect users with important issues they might otherwise miss. In some cases, they make public discussion faster and more inclusive. |
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In my opinion, these feeds have too much influence on public opinion. They often reward sensational content and repeatedly show people material that matches what they already believe. That can narrow public debate and make it harder for people to evaluate other perspectives fairly. |
Sample Response
Why this response works:
- Clear opinion: Takes a position (too much influence) and states it in the first sentence.
- New contribution: Adds the idea that repetition, not just content, shapes belief — a point neither student raised.
- Specific reasoning: Explains how algorithms reward sensational content over careful reporting.
- References the discussion: Builds on the second student's point about narrow debate.
- Good length: ~130 words — concise but thorough.
Example Question
Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on business administration. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response, you should:
- Express and support your personal opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
|
We’ve been discussing the effects of different leadership styles on organizations. Some argue that centralized leadership, where a manager makes decisions with little input from team members, is effective because it creates speed and clarity. Others believe that collaborative leadership is better because it encourages employee participation and stronger long term morale. Which leadership style do you think is more effective? Why? |
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I think centralized leadership is more effective in many situations. When one person makes decisions quickly, teams can avoid delays and stay focused on clear priorities. This can be especially important when a company is facing tight deadlines or a fast moving problem. |
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I prefer collaborative leadership. When employees are invited to share ideas, they often contribute creative solutions and feel more responsible for the outcome. Teams usually work harder when they believe their experience and perspective are being taken seriously. |
Sample Response
Why this response works:
- Clear choice: Picks collaborative leadership and states it immediately.
- New contribution: Adds the idea that collaboration improves decisions by reducing blind spots — a point neither student raised.
- Balanced reasoning: Acknowledges that collaborative leaders still set deadlines and make final calls.
- Logical flow: Position → reason → supporting point → counterbalance → conclusion.
Example Question
Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on rural development. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response, you should:
- Express and support your personal opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
|
Let’s consider the population patterns in urban and rural areas, specifically villages. As we know, urban living can be costly, but there are still many people who prefer not to live in rural areas despite the cost of living being lower there. If governments want to encourage more people to live in rural areas or villages, what do you think would be the most effective strategy for them to adopt? And why? |
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If the government provided greater financial support to farmers, I think I would be willing to live in a rural area. While the cost of living in such areas is generally low, starting a career in agriculture can be quite expensive. With financial assistance, I would have the opportunity to establish my own farm and would gladly choose to live in a rural setting. |
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Urban areas are highly desirable in my country due to the convenient access to shops, restaurants, and museums. If the government wants to attract me to a rural area, it must prioritize building more entertainment and cultural businesses than what is typically found in villages today. |
Sample Response
Why this response works:
- Clear solution: Proposes investment in essential services (healthcare, education, internet).
- New contribution: Adds ideas not mentioned by either student.
- Specific example: "a well-equipped medical clinic and reliable internet for remote work."
- Good length: ~130 words — concise but thorough.
Example Question
Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on environmental science. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response, you should:
- Express and support your personal opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
|
Our planet is facing many urgent environmental problems. In the coming weeks, we will explore innovations that could help address these issues. To start our discussion, I would like you to think of a global environmental problem — related to water, air, land, climate, energy, or biodiversity. Then, share what you think could be an effective solution for this problem. |
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I believe one major issue is the shortage of fresh water in many parts of the world. A potential solution is to improve the technology used to turn seawater into drinking water, so that we can replace the freshwater supplies that are running out. |
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In my opinion, the biggest concern is air pollution caused by too many cars and trucks on the road. The solution would be for local governments to encourage other ways of getting around, like building bike lanes in cities or adding electric buses to public transportation systems. |
Sample Response
Why this response works:
- Different problem: Introduces soil degradation instead of repeating water or air pollution.
- Clear solution: Regenerative farming, explained in plain language.
- Practical suggestion: Government incentives to encourage adoption.
- Connects ideas: Shows how the solution addresses both food supply and climate change.
Example Question
Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on work life. Write a post responding to the professor’s question. In your response, you should:
- Express and support your personal opinion.
- Make a contribution to the discussion.
An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
|
As I mentioned in class, today's fast-changing world is full of possibilities and challenges. To succeed, people need to be able to adapt, learn new things, and adjust their plans quickly. So, let me ask you: What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Why? |
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In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is clearly important. However, I think we should not overlook the power of listening skills. The ability to actively listen, understand, and empathize with others is essential for building strong connections, working well in teams, and gaining useful insights from the people around us. |
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In my opinion, a crucial skill is public speaking. The ability to communicate ideas clearly, inspire others, and engage different audiences can open doors to many opportunities. Whether it is presenting proposals, leading teams, or influencing decisions, strong public speaking helps people share their ideas effectively. |
Sample Response
Why this response works:
- Different skill: Introduces written communication instead of repeating listening or speaking.
- Clear explanation: Explains why this skill matters in the modern workplace.
- Specific examples: Cover letters, instructions, proposals.
- Comparison: Briefly contrasts with public speaking to strengthen the argument.
Part 2
Your response should have three parts. Think of them as three steps:
| Step | What to Write | How Long |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | State your position | 1–2 sentences. Clearly express your opinion, solution, or explanation. You can agree with a student, disagree, or offer a new perspective. |
| 2 | Support your position | 3–5 sentences. This is the most important part. Provide a reason, example, or explanation that supports your position. Use specific details — not vague statements. The quality of this section has the biggest impact on your score. |
| 3 | Wrap up | 1–2 sentences. Restate your main point or connect your idea back to the discussion. This step is optional if you are running out of time, but it helps your response feel complete. |
You can also draw ideas from the two student posts or build on their points — but you must add your own reasoning and examples. Simply repeating what a student said will not earn a high score.
Target length: 120–130 words. This gives you enough space to develop your ideas without running out of time.
Discussion:
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Professor: This week, I'd like us to discuss government spending priorities. Some people believe that governments should invest more in environmental protections, while others think education should receive more funding. Which do you think should be a higher priority, and why? |
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Kelly: I think environmental protections should be the top priority. Climate change is already causing floods and droughts that cost governments billions of dollars. If we invest in the environment now, we can prevent much bigger costs in the future. |
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Andrew: I believe education is more important. Well-educated people are better equipped to solve environmental problems and develop new technologies. By investing in education, we are actually investing in solutions to all kinds of challenges, including environmental ones. |
Sample Response (with annotations):
What to notice:
- Step 1 is short and clear — just one sentence that states the position and references Andrew.
- Step 2 introduces a new idea (university research) with specific examples (diseases, clean energy, sustainable farming). This is the bulk of the response.
- Step 3 ties the argument back to the professor's question about government spending priorities.
The rule: It is perfectly fine to agree with a student's viewpoint, but you must provide your own reasons and examples to support it. Do not repeat the same supporting points the student already gave.
Using the discussion from the previous slide, here is what this looks like in practice:
| Wrong approach | Right approach |
|---|---|
| "I agree with Kelly. Climate change causes floods and droughts that cost billions. We should invest in the environment to prevent bigger costs later." This just restates Kelly's argument in different words. It adds nothing new. |
"I agree with Kelly that environmental protections should be a priority. Currently, governments spend enormous amounts of money repairing damage from storms and wildfires. Investing in prevention now — such as reforestation and cleaner energy — could save that money in the long run." This agrees with Kelly but adds new details (reforestation, cleaner energy) and a new angle (prevention saves money). |
Remember: Your goal is to contribute to the discussion. Think of it like a real classroom conversation — if you just repeat what someone else said, you are not really adding anything.
The task asks you to contribute to a discussion with fellow students, but imagine that the professor will be reading and grading your post. Your tone should be semi-formal: clear, respectful, and grammatically correct, but not stiff or overly academic.
If you disagree with a student, express it respectfully. Here are some useful phrases:
| Expressing Disagreement Respectfully |
|---|
| While I understand where [name] is coming from, I tend to see it differently… |
| I appreciate [name]'s viewpoint, but I hold a slightly different perspective… |
| I see [name]'s point, but from my perspective, it seems that… |
| Although I understand [name]'s position, I believe there are other factors to consider… |
| I see the merit in [name]'s argument; however, I would argue that… |
| [Name]'s viewpoint certainly has its merits, but allow me to offer a different angle… |
If you agree with a student, show it and then add your own ideas:
| Expressing Agreement and Building On It |
|---|
| I agree with [name]'s point about…, and I would like to add… |
| [Name]'s perspective resonates with me because… |
| Building on what [name] said, I think… |
| In reference to what [name] mentioned, I would also point out that… |
| [Name]'s thoughts align with my own views, and I believe… |
| I would like to add to [name]'s point about… |
Target length: 120–130 words.
You have 10 minutes total, but you need time to read the discussion and plan your response. That leaves about 7–8 minutes to write a clean, error-free response.
| Problem | Why It Hurts Your Score |
|---|---|
| Too short (under 100 words) | Not enough content to fully develop your ideas. Your response will feel incomplete, and ETS cannot evaluate your writing ability properly. |
| Too long (over 160 words) | You risk running out of time and not being able to check your grammar. Longer responses also tend to include repetitive or unnecessary sentences that weaken the overall quality. |
Tips for keeping the right length:
- Stay focused. Make one main point and support it well. Do not try to cover three different ideas.
- Remove filler. Sentences like "There are many reasons why this is important" do not add real content. Get straight to your point.
- Practice simplifying. If a sentence feels too long, try splitting it into two shorter sentences. Clear writing is always better than complex writing.
| Time | Step | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–2:00 | Read & Plan | Read the professor's question and both student posts. Decide: Do you agree with a student, disagree, or have a different idea? Think of one specific example you can use. |
| 2:00–8:00 | Write | Follow the 3-step structure: state your position (1–2 sentences), support it with a reason and example (3–5 sentences), and wrap up (1–2 sentences). |
| 8:00–10:00 | Review | Check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Make sure you referenced the discussion and added your own ideas. Confirm your response is at least 100 words. |
Tip: If you are running out of time at the 8-minute mark and have not finished writing, skip the wrap-up sentence and use the remaining time to fix grammar errors instead. A shorter response with good grammar scores better than a longer one full of mistakes.
| Topic Area | Example Questions You Might See |
|---|---|
| Technology & Society | Do algorithm-driven news feeds have too much influence on public opinion? How do digital assistants affect our daily lives? How can AI or virtual reality be used thoughtfully in education? |
| Education | Which factor matters more for expanding opportunity — paid internships or lower education costs? How can AI support the educational experience? |
| Business & Economics | Which leadership style is more effective — centralized or collaborative? Should managers focus on performance metrics or coaching? Are flexible schedules or fixed hours better for productivity? |
| Health & Wellness | What is the best way to manage stress — journaling, music, or spending time outdoors? |
| Environment | Are emotional campaigns or factual campaigns more effective for environmental change? Should smart home systems be embraced or approached cautiously? |
| Arts & Culture | Should art mainly encourage hope, or should it challenge audiences with uncomfortable truths? What purpose should historical films or public monuments serve? |
| Sociology | Do mixed-use neighborhoods strengthen or weaken community ties? Are remote work policies beneficial or harmful? |
How to use this list: For each topic area, think of one or two personal examples or experiences you could use in a response. Having a bank of ready-made examples saves valuable time on test day.
Your action plan for the Academic Discussion Writing Task:
- Know the two main question types: Opinion (~50% of questions) and Choosing an Approach (~40%). Focus your practice on these.
- Use the 3-step structure: Position → Support → Wrap up. This works for all five question types.
- Add something new: Do not repeat what the students said. Agree or disagree, but provide your own reasons and examples.
- Be specific: Replace vague statements with concrete details. "In my high school math class, a classmate studied hours every day but still scored lower" is much stronger than "Some students try hard but don't get good grades."
- Keep the right tone: Semi-formal. Clear and respectful, like you are speaking in a college classroom.
- Aim for 120–130 words: Enough to develop your ideas, short enough to review for errors.
- Save time to review: Use the last 2 minutes to check grammar, spelling, and completeness.
- Prepare topic examples: Review the common topics (technology, education, business, health, environment, arts, sociology) and think of personal examples for each.
Practice writing responses to different question types until the 3-step structure feels natural. The more you practice, the more confidently you will write on test day.
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