Academic Discussion Samples

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

The same answers, grouped by the band they scored instead of the question they answer. Each page shows one answer per prompt, so what you read across is the band rather than the topic.

• Band 4.5
• Band 5.0

One page per question. Each holds the prompt and up to three answers to it, banded from strongest to foundation.

• Do social media influencers have a positive or negative impact on society? Share your perspective.technology1
• Do you believe online learning can effectively replace traditional in-class learning? Why or why not?education1
• Do you believe that online learning is as effective as traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?education3
• Do you believe that online learning is as effective as traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?education1
• Do you think online learning can replace traditional classroom education? Why or why not?education1
• Do you think remote work should become the standard for most office-based jobs in the future? Why or why not?work3
• Do you think urban or rural living offers a better quality of life? Support your position with reasons.sociology2
• Does social media usage have more positive or negative effects on young people's self-esteem? Share your perspective.psychology1
• Given the widespread use of social media, do you think individuals should be more concerned about their privacy online, or is the benefit of connection and sharing worth the potential risks? Explain your reasoning.technology2
• In considering the balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility, should medical research prioritize the potential benefits of groundbreaking discoveries, even if it involves significant ethical concerns? Provide specific examples to support your position.ethics3
• In your opinion, should online learning replace traditional classroom learning in higher education? Why or why not?education1
• Is animal testing justified for medical research that could save human lives? Explain your view.biology2
• Is personal happiness more important than professional achievement? What is your perspective?philosophy3
• Is studying history essential for understanding current events and making better decisions? Share your perspective.history3
• Many companies now offer remote work options to their employees. Do you think remote work is beneficial or harmful to employee productivity and well-being? Support your opinion with reasons and examples.work2
• Should businesses prioritize social and environmental responsibility over maximizing profits? Defend your position.business2
• Should companies allow employees to work remotely full-time, or should they require some in-office presence? What is your view?work1
• Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be more widely used to address global food shortages? Why or why not?biology3
• Should governments impose strict regulations on businesses to combat climate change, or should they rely on voluntary corporate action? Explain your view.environment2
• Should governments provide funding for arts and cultural programs, or should the arts be self-sustaining through private support?arts culture2
• Should governments spend significant resources preserving historical monuments, even when facing budget constraints?history3
• Should schools implement mandatory digital detox periods where students cannot use electronic devices? Why or why not?technology1
• Should schools integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into the classroom as learning aids? Why or why not?society3
• Should universities be required to provide free mental health services to all students? What is your position?health3
• Some people prefer living in large cities with many amenities, while others choose quieter rural areas. Which type of environment do you think offers a better quality of life, and why?society1
• Some students choose to take a gap year between high school and college to travel, work, or explore personal interests. Do you think taking a gap year is a wise decision? Why or why not?education3
• We've discussed how AI is becoming more integrated into various aspects of our daily lives. In your opinion, do the benefits that AI brings to individuals and society generally outweigh its potential drawbacks? Why or why not?technology3
• What do you think? Is online learning a better alternative to traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?education1
• What do you think? Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?education3
• What do you think? Is online learning as effective as traditional in-person education? Why or why not?education1
• What is your opinion on online learning versus traditional classroom learning? Do you think one is more effective than the other? Please provide reasons for your choice.education2
• What is your opinion on the effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional in-person classes? Provide reasons for your perspective.education3
• What is your opinion? Is online learning a better option than traditional in-person classes? Provide reasons to support your answer.education1