TOEFL Integrated Essay: the philosophy of Realism

This sample TOEFL Integrated Essay responds to the Test 4 writing task on page 200 of "DELTA’s Key to the Next Generation TOEFL Test, Six Practice Tests for the iBT." This was written by the instructor during the 20-minute writing activity.

WRITING TASK: Summarize the points made in the lecture, explaining how they contradict points made in the reading.

ESSAY:
Both the reading and listening passages discuss the philosophy of realism. However, while the reading explains what realism is, the lecture gives reasons why this way of thinking does not promote an ideal environment or solve the world’s problems.

The professor first defines that the philosophy of realism, as mentioned in the reading, as the belief in scientific facts and reason and the commitment to scientific thinking. Then she gives reasons why critics of realism are against this philosophy. One such reason is the fact that realism ignores passion, emotion, and feeling, which also make up the individual. Critics say that not everything, including a person’s feelings and thoughts, can be measured scientifically as proponents of realism argue.

Moreover, while Bertrand Russell, the philosopher and mathematician mentioned in the reading, believes in using science and scientific methods to achieve excellence in education, critics of this way of thinking disagree. The professor explains that realism in education means the use of standardized tests and national tests for teachers that bring fix standards to the classroom and dehumanize people. Bringing realist principles, opponents argue, disrespects individuals by ignoring their feelings.

In addition, realism shows little respect for the unity of knowledge. The professor explains that scientists may work on a small part of a major project with no knowledge of how the finished product will affect humanity. An example given is of someone who may be involved in creating biological weapons but is responsible for one small part that he or she may have no idea that his or her work will be used for a product that will be used in war.


-- written by Joe Yu, ESL instructor, during a timed writing task.