TOEFL Speaking Task 3

Social loafing is a phenomenon in which individuals exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone. This reduction in motivation often occurs because people feel their contributions are less identifiable or less impactful within a collective. Researchers have found that social loafing can undermine group productivity and satisfaction. However, it tends to decrease when tasks are challenging, engaging, or when each member’s role is clearly defined and evaluated.

Professor: Now, think about a real-world example from a university setting. In one study, students were asked to prepare for a group presentation. Half of the groups were told they would receive a single group grade, and each member’s part was not separately graded. The other half were told that each student would be graded individually on their specific section. In the first set of groups, many students did minimal research, showed up late to meetings, and relied on others to carry the project. In contrast, in the individually graded groups, students took detailed notes, practiced their speaking parts, and contributed actively. When the professor later asked students about their effort, those in the group-grade condition admitted they felt their own work wouldn’t matter much. The individually graded students said they felt responsible for their own performance. This clearly illustrates how accountability affects effort in groups.