TOEFL Writing Part 3: Which Do You Prefer, Exercise or Diet?

“A or B” Type Prompt

In TOEFL Writing Part 3, professors typically present discussion prompts in one of three formats:

• Agree or disagree
• Which do you prefer: A or B?
• Open-ended questions

On this page, you will focus on practicing the second type, in which you are asked to choose between two options and explain your preference.

Practice Question

Prompt

A professor has posted a question about a topic, and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas.
Make a contribution to the discussion.

You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on public health.
Write a post responding to the professor’s question.

In your response, you should do the following:

• Express and support your opinion.
• Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

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When trying to improve public health, experts often debate the best approach. Some argue that encouraging regular physical exercise is the most effective way to improve overall health, while others believe that improving people’s diet and nutrition has a greater impact. Which do you prefer as a more effective approach to improving public health: promoting exercise or improving diet? Why?

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I prefer promoting regular physical exercise as the more effective way to improve public health. Exercise benefits both physical and mental well-being, and it does not require expensive equipment or special knowledge. Even moderate activities such as walking or cycling can help reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

I believe improving people’s diet and nutrition has a greater impact on public health than promoting exercise alone. What people eat every day directly affects their energy levels, immune systems, and long-term health. Poor diets are closely linked to serious problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Remember that, according to official TOEFL Writing guide video, you don’t necessarily have to address each student’s response. Indeed, if you can express your ideas with more than 100 words, you can simply write that down, and you will still have 5 marks out of 5.

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TOEFL iBT Writing Section

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Learn about the TOEFL iBT Writing section and watch videos about what to expect for each question.

Model Answer

I prefer improving people’s diet and nutrition as a more effective way to improve public health. What people eat on a daily basis has a direct influence on long-term health, especially in relation to chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Unlike exercise, which requires time, motivation, and physical ability, dietary changes can be adopted more consistently across different age groups and lifestyles.

In addition, better nutrition helps prevent health problems before they develop, rather than treating them after the fact. Clear dietary guidelines and wider access to healthy food can support healthier choices on a large scale. For these reasons, I believe improving diet has a broader and more lasting impact on public health.

First Part of the Response

As with any academic discussion response, you should begin by clearly stating your position, followed by the reasons supporting it. In the model answer, the writer first claims that improving people’s diet should be prioritized over encouraging exercise. This position is stated directly at the beginning of the response.

The opening sentence is then followed by a concrete explanation:

What people eat on a daily basis has a direct influence on long-term health, especially in relation to chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Unlike exercise, which requires time, motivation, and physical ability, dietary changes can be adopted more consistently across different age groups and lifestyles.

Here, the writer explains why dietary improvement is considered more effective than promoting exercise, focusing on consistency and accessibility. This kind of clear claim followed by logical justification is essential for an effective TOEFL Writing Part 3 response.

Second Part of the Response

Once you have explained the first reason supporting your opinion, you should move on to a second supporting point. At this stage, it is effective to use a transitional expression such as “Moreover” or “In addition.” In standardized exams like TOEFL and IELTS, these transitions help demonstrate a clear and logical structure, which is evaluated positively.

In the model answer, the second paragraph continues to focus on the benefits of nutrition. Keep in mind that TOEFL academic discussions do not require highly original or inspiring ideas. In fact, producing such ideas within a 10-minute time limit, including writing, is unrealistic. Instead, you should support your position with general, widely accepted reasoning or facts. For example:

Clear dietary guidelines and wider access to healthy food can support healthier choices on a large scale.

Here, the model answer highlights the health-related advantages of healthy food. While this idea may seem cliché, it is still fully acceptable. On the TOEFL, clear logic and solid language use matter far more than originality, and even common ideas can receive the highest score when expressed effectively.