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 occurs because people feel their individual contributions are less identifiable or less critical to the overall outcome. Social loafing is more likely in large groups, when tasks are simple or repetitive, and when members believe others will compensate for their lack of effort. It can lead to decreased group productivity and lower morale.

Professor: Let me give you an example from my own experience. I once asked my students to work in small groups on a class project. Each group had to write a single report, and all members would receive the same grade. In one group of five, I noticed that two students did almost all the work, while the other three barely contributed. They attended meetings but rarely offered ideas or did research. When I asked why, they admitted they felt their individual efforts wouldn't change the final grade, since everyone got the same mark. In contrast, when I later assigned each student an individual presentation, the same three students worked much harder and produced excellent work. This shows how people reduce effort when they feel lost in a group.