XII-2. Writing Evaluation

Instructions: This is a full simulation of the TOEFL Integrated Writing task. The clock is strict. Good luck!

1. Read the passage below. You have 3 minutes.

The “10,000-Hour Rule” as the Key to Expertise

The notion that genius is born, not made, has been largely debunked by research on expert performance. The most prominent theory in this area is the “10,000-Hour Rule,” which posits that greatness is not the result of innate talent, but rather the product of an enormous amount of practice. This rule is supported by three main lines of evidence.

First, studies of experts across various fields, from violinists to chess grandmasters, consistently reveal that the top performers have all accumulated at least 10,000 hours of practice. This consistent pattern across different domains suggests a universal principle is at play. The sheer volume of practice appears to be the primary variable separating the good from the great.

Second, the quality of this practice, known as “deliberate practice,” is crucial. This isn’t mindless repetition. It involves focused, goal-oriented training designed to push an individual just beyond their current capabilities. It is this intense, structured effort, repeated over thousands of hours, that forges expertise by building and refining neural pathways in the brain.

Finally, the rule offers a more optimistic and democratic view of achievement. It suggests that anyone, regardless of their initial talent, can achieve expert-level performance in a field if they are willing to dedicate the necessary time and effort. This removes the discouraging idea of genetic limits and empowers individuals to pursue excellence through disciplined work.