Contributing to a Class Debate

Written by AI · TOEFL · discussion · full marks on this task's criteria · 115 words

The task

Your professor has asked a question and two classmates have already replied. Professor: Should a company pay its employees based on their individual performance, or should everyone in the same role receive the same fixed salary regardless of output? Elena: I think individual performance pay is much better because it motivates people to work harder and exceed their targets. Marcus: I disagree because performance-based pay creates unnecessary competition and stress, whereas a fixed salary ensures a stable and collaborative environment. Write a reply that contributes your own view and engages with what your classmates said.

The answer

Marcus is right that a fixed salary fosters a more stable workplace, yet this approach often inadvertently penalizes high achievers. When top performers see their output rewarded no differently than the bare minimum, they frequently disengage or leave for competitors.

While I acknowledge Elena’s point that performance pay drives motivation, a purely individual model is too volatile. Instead, companies should implement a hybrid structure: a solid base salary to ensure security, complemented by team-based bonuses. This mechanism preserves the collaboration Marcus values while providing the tangible incentive Elena correctly identifies as essential for growth. By rewarding collective milestones rather than individual quotas, businesses can boost productivity without sacrificing the team spirit necessary for long-term success.

Why these choices work

Read these rather than the essay. Copying model phrasing is what costs marks — the technique is the part you can reuse.

Marcus is right that... yet

This structure uses a concession move to validate an opponent's point before pivoting to your own argument.

inadvertently penalizes

Using a strong adverb-verb collocation demonstrates precise vocabulary and sophisticated tone.

While I acknowledge Elena’s point

Referencing classmates by name creates a natural, conversational flow that sounds authentic rather than scripted.

too volatile

Selecting a high-level adjective to summarize a complex situation shows lexical range.

This mechanism preserves

Using a noun like 'mechanism' to describe a policy helps frame the argument as a logical, analytical process.

rather than

This is a versatile comparative phrase that helps contrast two ideas clearly without relying on clichéd transition words.

Put this to work.

Take the free level test to see where you actually are, or write today's task and get it scored against the real criteria.

Test your level — free Today's challenge

Written by OpenWriting Coach's AI writer and reviewed before publishing. OpenWriting Coach is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to IELTS, the British Council, IDP, Cambridge, or ETS.