TOEFL integrated writing communal online encyclopedia

Encyclopedias are a collection of articles on various subjects. The passage compares communal online and traditional printed encyclopedias. In this comparison the passage states that the online encyclopedias may sound attractive but they are much less valuable as compared to traditional printed encyclopedias by introducing three problems in them. However, the lecturer rebuts all of the arguments presented in the passage by highlighting some improvements in the way online encyclopedias are handled in recent times.

Firstly, that passage states that the people who edit or create online encyclopedias are not qualified enough to contribute therefore most of the content is inaccurate to certain extend. On the other hand, the professor suggests that even traditional encyclopedias were never completely free of errors, hence many printed errors that remain in the printed versions for decades make them their content less accurate as compared to the online versions which are editable over times.

Furthermore, the passage suggests that due to increased number of hackers, after certain time the content of online encyclopedias is compromised due to fabrication and corruption in data. The professor does not agree with this thought and further explain that recently many strategies are introduced to tackle this issue by appointing editors who monitor the changes made by the internet users. Also, a format has been implemented in writing that no one can change to maintain to tackle such malpractices.

Lastly, that passage presents a concern regarding the fact that online encyclopedias focus too deeply on certain topics that may not be as important as a crucial historical event. This creates a confusion regarding which topic requires more attention for many students. Disagreeing with this argument, the lecturer states that due to limited space printed encyclopedias do not reflect great diversity of user's interest. The topics present in printed editorials are prioritised on the basis of judgement by a group and hence may not represent the view of a bigger community.