Body B
Body C
This 5 paragraph structure approach can be used for 5 out of the 6 essay question types. The “Compare and Contrast” question type is the only essay question that will require a different structure.
Now, let's learn how to write a good introductory, body, and conclusion paragraph for the TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task.
How to write a high-scoring introductory paragraph - part 2, how to write a high-scoring body paragraph, how to write a high-scoring conclusion paragraph.
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When you complete your TOEFL test, your writing must be evaluated. This is done by a combination of human readers and a computer program called e-rater®. Each of your essays is given a score from 0 to 5. Your combined essay scores are converted to a section score of 0 to 30.
There are four basic criteria on which your essay is evaluated. These four criteria are:
"Writing conventions" are the special rules of writing in English, including spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
As for the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task, here are four basic criteria on which your essay is evaluated. These four criteria are:
It takes time to develop good writing skills. Chances are a good English writer already has years of experience writing English and using English in their daily life. If you are not a good English writer, do not get frustrated.
The good news is that you only need to be able to write well on TOEFL independent and integrated tasks. Here are a few things we suggest you do in order to complete the TOEFL Writing section in the most effective manner.
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The writing section is the final section of the TOEFL test. It has 2 different question types, and you get one question from each question type in your test. You only get 20 minutes for question 1 and 30 minutes for question 2 , so it can be difficult at first to come up with a high-scoring essay within such a short time. To help you with that, here are the structure templates that can help you write a high-scoring TOEFL Integrated essay.
This blog post is a part of a series where I post templates for all TOEFL Speaking and Writing questions. As a part of this series, I will introduce you to structure templates for 4 speaking and 2 writing tasks, along with model answers written based on those templates.
This is the second post: How to write a TOEFL integrated essay.
I will include the reading passage and the lecture script just so you have an idea of what the topic is about when I am explaining the structure using the model essay.
Table of Contents
Despite the worldly fame of William Shakespeare’s literary works, little is known about his life. Most of the facts we know are simply theories and rumors. The lack of specific records created many doubts about Shakespeare’s existence. Some have been arguing that there were other people who actually wrote the works under Shakespeare’s name. The first candidate is Francis Bacon, who was a famous scientist, theorist, and philosopher in the 16th century. This theory gained support because of the legal references indicated in Shakespeare’s plays and poems. For example, some of Shakespeare’s poems such as “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece” imply legal ideas that Francis Bacon was known to support. The second candidate is Christopher Marlowe, who was a playwright and poet that lived in the same period as Shakespeare. Marlowe’s death is thought to be linked to the birth of the Shakespeare name. Some people believe that his death was faked to allow him to escape religious trials. He is then thought to have used the name of William Shakespeare to continue writing. The third candidate is Edward de Vere, an English nobleman who worked as a courtier in the 16th century. Back then, the writings of the authors that were from the noble class were restricted to a private audience. Edward de Vere was also one of those authors. Since he wasn’t able to take credit for his writing publically, many claim that Edward de Vere used a false name, William Shakespeare, to reach a broader audience. This enabled him to receive the spotlight and create famous masterpieces.
Although there is no clear historical evidence that proves William Shakespeare’s existence, the theories in the reading about the identity behind the Shakespeare name are full of errors. First of all, even though Francis Bacon and Shakespeare shared similar legal ideas, Francis Bacon’s academic background contradicts some of the scientific ideas in Shakespeare’s works. For instance, certain parts in Shakespeare’s canon and plays show a misunderstanding of the mainstream scientific beliefs of the time that Francis Bacon would not have had. Especially about astronomy beliefs, we can know that the ideas of these two figures don’t match. Next, Christopher Marlowe’s death has nothing to do with Shakespeare. All the plays Marlowe wrote were published under his own name after his death in 1593, which was very unlikely to happen for a person who was regarded as a religious criminal. Meanwhile, 37 other plays and 154 sonnets were published under the name of William Shakespeare. This theory doesn’t make sense because there was no reason for Marlowe to use a different name. And lastly, Edward de Vere couldn’t have used the name of Shakespeare because he died before the time some of Shakespeare’s works were newly published. Evidence clearly shows that many of Shakespeare’s plays and poems such as Macbeth, King Lear, and Tempest were written and revised in 1621, which is long after Edward de Vere died in 1604. Even if someone else had given the works to the publishers instead, revising them would have been quite impossible because no one would know what kind of stories Shakespeare wanted to publish.
Both the reading passage and the lecture discuss three theories regarding the real identity of William Shakespeare. The reading passage mentions three people who could have used the name William Shakespeare as an alias, while the lecture contradicts the reading passage on all three points. First, the reading passage talks about the possibility of Francis Bacon being the person behind the name of Shakespeare. This theory is based on the idea that the legal references that appear in Shakespeare’s works are also known to be supported by Bacon. However, the lecture refutes this claim by stating that although the two people shared the same legal ideas, Shakespeare’s works also included scientific ideas that would not be supported by Bacon. Bacon’s academic background would contradict such ideas. Since Shakespeare’s works did not follow the mainstream scientific beliefs, his ideas on astronomy significantly differed from Bacon’s. Second, the reading passage suggests Christopher Marlowe as the second candidate. According to the passage, Marlowe faked his death to escape from religious trials and used the name of Shakespeare to publish his work. The lecture refutes this by asserting that Marlowe’s death had nothing to do with Shakespeare. Since some of Marlowe’s works were published under his own name after his death, it does not make sense for Marlow to also use a different name. The final theory in the reading is about Edward de Vere, an English nobleman who might have used the name of Shakespeare to receive credit publically. The lecture opposes this theory as well by stating that de Vere could not have used the name of Shakespeare since he died before some of Shakespeare’s works were revised and published. Even if someone else had given the works to a publisher, there is no way that the publisher would have known how to revise the work. In conclusion, while the reading passage introduces three different candidates who might have used the name of William Shakespeare, the lecture refutes all of the theories.
Before moving on to individual paragraphs, you should be aware of the general structure of TOEFL integrated essays. Your essay should include an introduction, 3 body paragraphs(one for each point), and a conclusion(optional). Since you need to show that you understood the connection between the reading passage and the lecture, each body paragraph should include one point from the reading and the related point from the lecture.
Main Topic: In this part, you explain the topic that is being discussed in both the reading passage and the lecture. This shows that you understood what the reading passage and the lecture were talking about.
Link between the reading passage and the lecture : This is where you explain the connection between the two sources. Most of the time, the lecture goes against whatever the reading says, so keep that in mind.
Transition Word: Make sure you start your body paragraphs with appropriate transition words. This makes your essay look coherent and easy to read. You can also include transitions between your explanation of the reading passage and the lecture.
Reading Passage: This part is where you paraphrase the information you got from the reading passage. Make sure you do not copy the sentences word by word from the reading passage. You should always rephrase the sentences in your own words because copying them will lead to point deductions. Also, notice how in all 3 body paragraphs, the explanation of the reading passage is 2 sentences or less? Some students tend to include a lot of details from the reading passage because they can always read the passage while writing the essay. However, your explanation of the lecture should be longer and more detailed than your explanation of the reading passage. This means you should not waste your time trying to explain ALL the details mentioned in the reading passage. Use the passage as a guide to help you organize the key points in case you miss anything while trying to take notes for the lecture part.
Lecture: This is the most important part of your body paragraph. In order to get this part right, you need to have solid note-taking skills. So assuming you have taken good notes, the lecture part should be fairly easy to write. Just connect the information that you noted down to the information you got from the reading passage. Make sure you include appropriate details to support the key points mentioned in the lecture. And always keep in mind that you should try to include more information about the lecture than the passage.
Here is an example of a note-taking table that you can use to match key points from the two sources.
In conclusion, while the reading passage introduces three different candidates who might have used the name of William Shakespeare, the lecture refutes all of the theories.
In TOEFL integrated essays, the conclusion paragraph is totally optional. If you have enough time left, go ahead, but if you do not have enough time, focus on the body paragraphs and skip the conclusion. If you do write one, your conclusion should restate the information in the introduction paragraph. Here, the author rephrases the “Link between the reading passage and the lecture” part.
The final structure of your integrated essay should look like this:
This concludes today’s post. Please look forward to upcoming posts on the speaking section!
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Did you hear about the updated TOEFL iBT Writing section?
On July 26, 2023, ETS introduced a new TOEFL Writing question : Writing for an Academic Discussion.
That’s right. The Independent Writing question has been retired from the official TOEFL iBT test.
Before we get into the topics and sample essays for the new TOEFL Writing question, let’s start with the first task, which hasn’t changed, the Integrated Writing.
In the TOEFL Writing Section, there are two questions you must respond to. The first question is called the TOEFL Integrated Writing task. The second question is called the TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion task.
The integrated question presents a reading and listening passage, followed by a question, which is a bit more complicated.
Integrated Writing: Task Breakdown | |
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The writing section instructions will be read aloud. You can skip this introduction. | |
You will be given an academic passage to read. This passage will contain between 250-300 words. When the clock starts, you will have three minutes to read the passage. After that, the passage disappears and an audio lecture starts. However, the reading passage will return when it's time to write. | |
A lecture that addresses the content of the reading will start to play. The lecture will last for two to three minutes. | |
After the passage finishes, you will be asked a question. The question is almost always something like: | |
The clock starts. You will have approximately 20 minutes to write an essay of at least 250 words. You must answer the question and report on the most important points from both the reading and listening. |
Simple, right?
No? Still confused.
No worries. The best way to understand something better is through examples.
Let’s do one together.
This TOEFL integrated writing topic deals with the use of Corn Ethanol.
Give yourself three minutes to read it:
The chemical compound, ethanol, has risen in recent years as the most viable alternative to fossil fuels. Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from crops, mainly from corn in the United States, which can power engines. There are many who argue that corn ethanol should replace fossil fuel gas as the primary source for running cars.
One major benefit of using corn ethanol is that it uses less energy than gasoline. Using less energy means that people can get better gas mileage while driving these more fuel-efficient cars. In the long-run, this will be cheaper for consumers because they can drive further than they do now with fossil-fueled cars. People will spend less money on gas because they won’t have to stop to fill up as frequently.
Another advantage of switching to corn ethanol is that it helps the American economy become less reliant on energy sources from other countries. Petroleum is not readily available in the U.S., so it must be imported from other countries. Depending on foreign relations with those countries, fuel becomes a political issue. Corn is a crop that America has in abundance. By using corn ethanol instead, the cost of gas will decrease because now the import taxes on fossil fuels are calculated into the price. This also means that we will be putting the money into our own economy, thus helping local corn farmers.
One of the most attractive aspects of corn ethanol is how environmentally friendly is when compared to current automobile gasoline. Fossil fuels release carbon that has been stored for years from the earth. Burning biofuels, like corn ethanol, is better for the environment because it releases less greenhouse gas emissions. Lessening the amount of carbon emissions will help prevent global warming and all of the other negative effects of climate change.
Once three minutes have ended, listen to a conversation about the same topic
Now, it’s time to write your TOEFL essay.
Stop reading.
Start writing.
Write your essay before you look at this TOEFL Writing sample. You will learn a lot more if you actually write the essay and then compare this to your own.
Here’s an expert TOEFL teacher’s sample essay to this particular TOEFL Writing topic.
The article introduces the topic of corn-based ethanol. More specifically, the writer discusses the advantages of switching from fossil fuels to this alternative energy source. The lecturer in the listening passage disagrees. He believes that the benefits the author mentions are misleading and attacks each of the claims made in the reading.
In the reading, the author begins by stating that drivers will get better gas mileage on corn ethanol than on fossil fuels, and therefore save money on gas. The speaker, however, disagrees. He states that the production of corn ethanol is very expensive. He says that in order to make for the costs to create and distribute this biofuel, the price of ethanol gas will increase. Therefore, it will not be any cheaper for consumers in the long run.
The writer also claims that making the switch to corn ethanol will help the American economy because it will make the United States less dependent on foreign oil. Again, the lecturer believes there are flaws in the writer’s argument. He holds instead that mass use of corn-based ethanol will hurt the economy. He elaborates this by point out that the inevitable competition for corn by multiple consumers, including beef and dairy farmers, will drive the price of corn up.
Another reason why the author feels that moving from traditional gasoline to corn ethanol is a good idea is that they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. The professor in the listening passage is doubtful that this is accurate. He suggests that as more farmlands are created to support the demands for more corn, more carbon will be absorbed by the land. This means that these emissions will still be released to negatively affect the environment.
As you can see the author and speaker hold very different views about the use of corn ethanol.
The author here clearly defined the main idea, organized the supporting points from both the reading and listening passage, and showed how they differ from each other.
I know it may seem a bit difficult, which is why I recommend that you start off with a TOEFL Writing template for both the Writing for an Academic Discussion task and Integrated essay.
You will have 10 minutes to complete the Writing for an Academic Discussion question .
For this task, you will participate in an online discussion. After you read the question and student responses, you will have to write a response that adds to the conversation.
Here’s the breakdown:
Writing for an Academic Discussion | |
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Scan the discussion and plan | |
Write your response | |
Edit your response |
This question is straightforward, but let’s do a sample together.
When the question appears on the screen, take two minutes to scan the passage and the student’s opinions.
Start to write your response. Be sure to add to the discussion and avoid repeating the same points as the other students.
Aim to write at least 120 words.
Now that you have a few TOEFL Writing topics and sample essays to study from, you may want to use a writing template to help guide your writing.
A TOEFL template is basically a pre-organized set of words and phrases that you can use in almost any TOEFL Writing response.
Here’s TST Prep’s template for the integrated TOEFL Writing question (question one):
And here’s our template for the independent TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion (question two):
The article introduces the topic of (general topic) . More specifically, the writer discusses (stance of the author on the topic) . The lecturer in the listening passage disagrees. He believes that (stance of the professor on the topic) and attacks each of the claims made in the reading.
In the reading, the author begins by stating that (first point made to support stance) . The lecturer, however, disagrees. He states that (first counterargument by the professor) . He goes on to say that (additional detail about first counterargument) .
The author also claims that (second point made to support stance) . Again, the lecturer believes there are flaws in the writer’s argument. The speaker holds that (two sentences about the professor’s second counter-argument) .
Another reason why the author feels that (restate stance of author) is that (third point made to support stance) . The professor in the listening passage is doubtful that this is accurate. He suggests that (two sentences about the professor’s third counter argument) .
To sum up, both the writer and professor hold conflicting views about (general topic) . It’s clear that they will have trouble finding common ground on this issue.
BASIC TEMPLATE: QUESTION 2 (Writing for an Academic Discussion) | ||
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opinion on the topic | , globalization is a positive force in the world today. | |
is that when nations interact together, it leads to less suffering. , people who suffer from natural catastrophes can import goods and services to help mitigate their losses and recover quickly. Citizens of nations who may be going through war or famine can flee to neighboring countries for shelter. | ||
Alex's cultural homogenization, . Much of the food found in grocery stores around the world is imported. Our very diet is due to the international trade partnerships and alliances forged over the last half of the 20th century. | ||
it is crucial to maintain our current global policies for a safer world with a higher standard of living. |
You will notice that the sample essays in this article differ from the templates.
You do not have to use templates, it’s up to you. Some people prefer to write in their own unique fashion for the entire exam. However, you will notice that the structure of the templates is similar to the TOEFL example essays.
These templates follow the exact organization and structure you are expected to use on test day, so don’t hesitate to use them in your writing.
Also, don’t forget to download the free 24+ TOEFL Writing Guide if you would like more example essays, templates, and exclusive tips to help you earn the best possible TOEFL Writing score on test day.
If you read this far, it means you are serious about your TOEFL studies. Don’t hesitate to send us an email and let us know how we can help you earn the TOEFL score of your dreams – [email protected]
Did we forget anything? Please comment and let us know how we can improve our TOEFL Writing advice (or if you want to just say hi that would be great too).
Hello, Josh. Firstly, thanks for the useful tips. I wonder if I can get a point if I don’t understand the lecture but write everything about reading. Should every idea in the passage and audio be matched?
Hi Ella, Thanks for your question. In general, the listening points should correspond with the reading. This is because the listening usually argues the opposite points.
Hi, Josh. I have a question about copying and pasting in TOEFL writing. I heard some TOEFL teachers say it should be avoided because ETS will consider it a potential form of plagiarism in future academic study.
Could you please provide some suggestions in terms of this issue? Is it ok to copy and paste, since it saves a lot of time in writing, especially on the test day. Thank you!
Great question. The copy-and-paste feature will not work at the test center, and I do not believe it works on the Home Edition either. Regardless, copying and pasting or manually copying the exact words should be avoided. You are always better off putting the answer into your own words.
Hello Josh, I have a question regarding how we can write an advanced writing that will be scored 25+?
Thanks very much for your question. We do have some templates that can help to increase your score. However, to give you a more detailed answer, I would suggest you consider doing an essay evaluation with us so we can help you determine specific areas for improvement. In the meantime, here are some articles that can help.
https://tstprep.com/articles/toefl/ten-awesome-tips-for-the-writing-section-of-the-toefl-test/
https://tstprep.com/articles/toefl/sample-essays-for-the-writing-section-of-the-toefl-test/
Hi Josh! For the academic writing, I only gave my reason for the topic, and I forgot to mention the opinion of the other student. I checked my word count. It is already past 100 words, and I do not want it to be too long. Do we really need to mention the other students’ opinion?
Hi Ireen. Great question! We often suggest mentioning one of the other students, but it is not required. As long as what you said was on topic, you “added to the discussion,” and gave specific reasons and examples, you should be okay with the 100 words you wrote.
Hello, I have a question about the independent writing: Is it a problem if I just give one reason in my essay (but detailed enough)? Thank you
Hi there and thank you for your question. There are no specific grading criteria that say you MUST give two reasons for your opinion, so, in theory, yes, you can just give one reason. I don’t think you will be marked down for it. If possible, try to give two though. It will make your word count higher.
Hello Josh, I was wondering if you have more integrated writing questions that we could do for practice, do you know where to find them?
Hi there and thank you for your question. If you search “TOEFL Writing Practice test” on Youtube you will find 2-3 TST Prep practice videos with an Integrated Writing practice question. I’m sure there will be tests from other providers as well.
Hey Josh, I have been following your YouTube channel for my TOEFL preparation, where I learned a lot. My question is that I got stuck between 15-17 scores in the reading section and could not figure out what I would do to enhance my scores. Any suggestions?
Hi there Ashina, and thank you for your question.
It is, indeed, a difficult question to answer. Here are two pieces of advice on how to practice at home and how to improve time management:
HOW TO DO A PASSAGE
I am going to breakdown the process you should go through when you do a TOEFL Reading passage:
1. Copy the test conditions (set a timer to complete the passage and all the questions in 18 minutes)
2. Check your answers
3. Identify the reason you got a specific question wrong (or didn’t understand why you were correct) and write down what you can do to avoid the same mistake next time. Step #3 is the most important and the one often overlooked because most test-takers are pretty tired after reading and answering questions. This will help you notice patterns in incorrect choices and apply what you have learned later.
4. (Optional) Do the same passage again two weeks later. (You will remember much of what you did before, but it should help remind you of what you have learned)
TIME MANAGEMENT
My advice is pretty simple here, practice with LESS TIME. If it is not too stressful, try to complete a passage and all of the questions in 16 minutes (instead of 18). This usually does the trick for most students over time.
I hope you find some of this helpful. Good luck, and let me know if you need anything.
Hey Josh, in the Reading section the last question holds two marks where we are asked to pick three choices. I have always have a hard time getting the perfect score here. any suggestions, please…
Hi Kiba, this is a popular complaint. I posted a video about summary questions here. You might find it helpful.
Hey Josh, I have a question. If the question is saying a good essay is between 200 and 300, and I wrote more than 300, is this okay? Or should I make it only as maximum as they are saying?
Hi Joud and great question. Definitely write MORE. There is a direct correlation between test scores and word count, so the more you write the better. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should write as much as possible as fast as possible, but anything between 350-450 words would be great.
Hey Josh, I think I do well in my writing section, but my score doesn’t improve. Is there anything that I can do to know my mistakes from the ETS?
Hi Aziz, good question, and unfortunately, no, they do not release that information. The best you can do is work with an experienced teacher who can point out your weaknesses and work on them at home before test day.
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The TOEFL test consists of four sections – Reading , Listening , Speaking and Writing . In the Writing Section, you will need to do two tasks – an Integrated Task and an Independent Task . The time to complete both tasks is 50 minutes and you are advised to spend 20 minutes on the Integrated Task and 30 minutes on the Independent Task. Let’s take a look at a sample question for the Integrated Task in the TOEFL Writing Section .
For the Integrated Task , you will have to read a passage and listen to an audio recording first before you start writing. The reading passage and the audio recording will be on the same topic but will have differing views. You task is to summarize and compare these two prompts. You will be able to refer to the reading passage as you write your essay, but you will only hear the audio recording once. The time given to write your essay is 20 minutes and you will need to write a minimum of 150 words.
Reading passage Critics say that current voting systems used in the United States are inefficient and often lead to the inaccurate counting of votes. Miscounts can be especially damaging if an election is closely contested. Those critics would like the traditional systems to be replaced with far more efficient and trustworthy computerized voting systems. In traditional voting, one major source of inaccuracy is that people accidentally vote for the wrong candidate. Voters usually have to find the name of their candidate on a large sheet of paper containing many names—the ballot—and make a small mark next to that name. People with poor eyesight can easily mark the wrong name. The computerized voting machines have an easy-to-use touch-screen technology: to cast a vote, a voter needs only to touch the candidate’s name on the screen to record a vote for that candidate; voters can even have the computer magnify the name for easier viewing. Another major problem with old voting systems is that they rely heavily on people to count the votes. Officials must often count up the votes one by one, going through every ballot and recording the vote. Since they have to deal with thousands of ballots, it is almost inevitable that they will make mistakes. If an error is detected, a long and expensive recount has to take place. In contrast, computerized systems remove the possibility of human error, since all the vote counting is done quickly and automatically by the computers. Finally some people say it is too risky to implement complicated voting technology nationwide. But without giving it a thought, governments and individuals alike trust other complex computer technology every day to be perfectly accurate in banking transactions as well as in the communication of highly sensitive information.
Lecture Transcript (Narrator) Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about. (Female professor) While traditional voting systems have some problems, it’s doubtful that computerized voting will make the situation any better. Computerized voting may seem easy for people who are used to computers. But what about people who aren’t? People who can’t afford computers, people who don’t use them on a regular basis—these people will have trouble using computerized voting machines. These voters can easily cast the wrong vote or be discouraged from voting altogether because of fear of technology. Furthermore, it’s true that humans make mistakes when they count up ballots by hand. But are we sure that computers will do a better job? After all, computers are programmed by humans, so “human error” can show up in mistakes in their programs. And the errors caused by these defective programs may be far more serious. The worst a human official can do is miss a few ballots. But an error in a computer program can result in thousands of votes being miscounted or even permanently removed from the record. And in many voting systems, there is no physical record of the votes, so a computer recount in the case of a suspected error is impossible! As for our trust of computer technology for banking and communications, remember one thing: these systems are used daily and they are used heavily. They didn’t work flawlessly when they were first introduced. They had to be improved on and improved on until they got as reliable as they are today. But voting happens only once every two years nationally in the United States and not much more than twice a year in many local areas. This is hardly sufficient for us to develop confidence that computerized voting can be fully trusted.
Question : Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they oppose specific points made in the reading passage .
TIME : 20 minutes RECOMMENDED ESSAY LENGTH : 150-225 words
the reading and lecture comparing about the voting system by using a computer or traditionally. in the passage author prefers the computerized voting system. in contrast, the speaker refuses the claim made in the passage. first, according to the speaker, casting the vote by using a computer is not easy for those who have no idea to operate the computer. those who have no computer are discouraged from voting. which is challenged to the author who emphasizes the computer voting is easier for anyone since it has overcome the difficulties of searching the name of the candidate in the huge name list. the passage also claims there might be a potential mistake while casting vote on paper since there is a small tick mark which might be confusing to the people having poor sight. second, the lecture corrects the author’s opinions about the effective counting capability of computing than counting manually. the speaker claims that the computer is programmed by human and there might be human error associates with. the error made in manual counting is less significant than the error in counting by computing. manual counting may alter a few balots whereas counting by machine alters thousands of balots. If there is a mistake in the counting of balot, the situation will be complex because there is no record of balot in the computer voting system. third, people use computing banking and other financial activity daily. they trust the computing system. the author claims. in another hand, the lecture casts doubt on this. the speaker says that the use of computer paying system is done daily and the error associating can find out and eliminate as soon as possible. but the election is done every 2 years so the error associates with the computer vote-counting system can’t be detected and avoided.
This reading and lecture are comparing the voting system by using a computer or traditionally. In the passage, the author said the traditional voting should be replaced by a far more efficient and trustworthy computerized voting because the Voters usually have to find the name of their candidate on a large sheet of paper containing many names—the ballot—and make a small mark next to that name. People with poor eyesight can easily mark the wrong name. But the lecturer said computerized voting may seem easy but not everyone has the luxury of using a computer or even affording one but does that mean they can’t vote? and these voters can cast the vote wrong or get discouraged because of the fear of technology. Every citizen has the right to vote, and the only way that makes everyone on the same level is by voting traditionally. Furthermore, people indeed make mistakes while counting the votes, but does that mean computers are perfect? After all, computers are programmed by humans, so human error can occur in the program and that can be far more serious. Errors in computers can result in miscounted votes or remove all records of votes and a computer recount in the case of a suspected error is impossible! but if there is a discount in the traditional voting system, the tellers can just recount them. Finally, the author said it is too risky to implement complicated voting technology nationwide. But without giving it a thought, governments and individuals alike trust other complex computer technology every day to be perfectly accurate in banking transactions as well as in the communication of highly sensitive information. but the lecturer said these systems are used daily and they are used heavily. They didn’t work flawlessly when they were first introduced. They had to be improved on and improved on until they got as reliable as they are today. But voting happens only once every two years nationally in the United States and not much more than twice a year in many local areas. This is hardly sufficient for us to develop confidence that computerized voting can be fully trusted.
The author and the lecturer both express about the computerized voting systems. The reading explains that the use of computers will simplify the way of counting votes and take little time to accomplish the work. The speaker in the lectures opposes this idea in three different ways. The reading argued that the use of computers will be easier and help the votes not to be destroyed at the end of the work. The lecturer sees this in different ways as he says that the use of compurers will be difficult for those who are technophobic and have the problem of eysesight. Second, the reading explains that the use of a computer will reduce counting errors. This idea was opposed by the lecturer when he explain that computers were made by humans so they can make the same errors as other people do. Finally, the writers express that it’s better to belives in traditional ways of counting votes because is the way which is safe more than computers from banks because it needs to be changed always while voting was mad once in more than three years
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The Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is an esteemed English proficiency exam divided into four sections. Under TOEFL writing, candidates must show how skilled they are in reading, writing, and listening to the language.
Table of Content
There are two tasks that candidates need to face when writing this section. Task 1 is TOEFL Integrated Writing Task, and Task 2 is TOEFL Independent Writing Task. Combinedly, it is an exam of 50 minutes, but here individuals will find detailed information on Task 1 and its sample question.
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Integrated Writing TOEFL expects its candidates to use their reading, listening and writing skills to complete this task. In this, these candidates get three minutes to prepare for an essay by reading a short passage and listening to an audio clip relating to a single topic.
After preparing, they have 20 minutes to provide an essay providing their response to these two sources. There are two scenarios which applicants can encounter under this exam:
However, no matter the nature of these cases, applicants need to summarize their topic in 150 to 225 words. Also, they must establish a connection between the passage and the audio clip.
Students aspiring to study abroad must take the initiative to sharpen their skills by practising sample papers. For this purpose, candidates can refer to the below questions on integrated task writing TOEFL .
Question 1: Summarise the essential points mentioned in this passage and give inputs according to what is mentioned in the lecture.
The water on the west coast of North America used to contain several Sea Otters (small mammals), starting from California to Alaska. However, in these few years, the population of Sea Otters on this Alaskan coast has rapidly declined. Moreover, this has started directly affecting its coastal ecosystem because of its important role in maintaining a balance. With several concerns rising now, many investigators have started investigating this matter. They found it was mainly because of two reasons. One is due to attacks by predators, and the second is environmental pollution.
Environment pollution formed one of the reasons because of the fact that there is a pollution source on the Alaskan coast, i.e., oil rigs. Also, investigators took water samples to test the chemical content in it. The result was high enough to affect the immune system of water creatures, which may result in death.
Another piece of evidence pointing out water pollution as its main culprit was a similar case of decline in other sea mammals, like the seal. This proved that whatever was causing the death of Sea Otters was also taking the lives of other sea mammals. Two things can affect an entire species. It can either be water pollution or a large water predator like orcas.
Finally, researchers also blamed the pollution hypothesis for explaining the uneven decline of Sea Otter. In other words, due to ocean currents and other natural factors, the pollution may have concentrated unevenly along the coast resulting in the death of mammals in that part.
Question 2: Summarise the belief of the lecturer and how they relate to this reading passage given below.
The International Astronomical Union Conference declared the inexistence of Pluto planet on 24th August 2006. It was initially discovered by scientists in 1930. It is when they were searching for the cause of what was interfering with the orbit of Uranus planet. At first, researchers believed Pluto was of the same size as the earth but later found it was even smaller than our earth’s moon and other moons as well.
Now there are thousands of planetary objects found in space similar to Pluto, like Eris, which is even a bit larger than Pluto. So, choosing to reclassify Pluto as one of the dwarf planets acknowledges that science is making progress. While it is disheartening news for Pluto planet lovers, people at large have accepted its lost status. Moreover, when it comes to today’s generation of students, they will know that currently, there are only eight planets, and Pluto was never a part of them.
Toefl integrated writing template to follow for better score.
To complete this above exercise with sheer perfection, candidates should know about the recommended TOEFL integrated writing template . It is as follows:
Here, candidates must begin writing integrated task TOEFL with a sentence like:
The lecture and the reading passage both talk about (topic). The articles support the thought that (thought) and/but the lecturer feels that (sayings). The lecturer and the author agree/disagree on points 1/2/3, which I have discussed in detail in the following essay.
As per this reading passage (statement 1), the point of discussion of this article is that (discussion). This point is (challenged/affirmed) by the lecturer in the audio clip. He or She states that (statement).
Secondly, the author talks about (statement 2). The article says that (point of discussion). The lecturer agrees/claims that (audio content) in its response. He or She goes on to say that (discussion).
Finally, the author suggests that (statement 3). He or She means that (explanation). The lecturer agrees/disagrees with this point stating (statement). He or She notes that (explanation).
Candidates may or may not give a one-line conclusion at the end.
The writing section of the TOEFL exam forms an integral part of the English language proficiency exam. To clear it, here are some crucial tips for candidates to consider. It can help them perform better in their TOEFL writing integrated task and secure a seat in a foreign university:
Individuals looking for TOEFL Integrated Writing task samples for practice can find some references above. Along with it, there is information about the time one gets to complete this task, how many words they have to produce within this period and the recommended template to follow. Also, one can refer to these above tips while writing to make sure they score the highest marks possible.
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The best toefl writing templates for any prompt.
Even if English composition isn’t your forte, you can still earn a high score on the TOEFL Writing section by following a template. But what exactly is a TOEFL Writing template? Simply put, TOEFL essay templates teach you how to organize your thoughts, select strong pieces of evidence, and get the Writing score you want .
In this article, we’re providing you with two high-quality TOEFL essay templates for the Integrated and Independent Writing tasks. Before that, we’ll go over the differences between the two TOEFL Writing tasks and then discuss how our TOEFL essay templates can benefit you. After, we’ll teach you how to customize and use our templates.
The Writing section is the final section you’ll face on the TOEFL, and it consists of two separate tasks: an Integrated Writing task and an Independent Writing task . The Integrated task requires you to write a response comparing a lecture and an article, whereas the Independent task requires you to write an opinionated essay in which you agree or disagree with an idea.
Below, we examine the two TOEFL Writing tasks in detail.
For the Integrated task, you must read a passage on an academic topic for three minutes and then listen to a short lecture on the same topic. This lecture will either support or challenge what’s written in the passage. Your response must summarize the main points discussed in the lecture and explain how these points relate to the reading .
You’ll have a total of 20 minutes to write your response. Your response should be around 150-225 words . During this time, you may reread the passage; however, you may not listen to the lecture again.
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The score you receive for this task will be on a scale of 0-5 . According to the official rubric , a level-5 essay (i.e., a perfect essay) selects the most crucial information from the lecture and presents it in a coherent, accurate, and well-organized manner. A level-3 essay is satisfactory but overall vague, with fewer key points and several grammatical errors. Finally, a level-1 essay offers minimal coherency and fails to address any of the main points in the lecture. ETS (the creators of the TOEFL) offers several samples of scored Integrated essays online.
Below is an example of an Integrated Writing task borrowed from ETS :
Reading Passage
Critics say that current voting systems used in the United States are inefficient and often lead to the inaccurate counting of votes. Miscounts can be especially damaging if an election is closely contested. Those critics would like the traditional systems to be replaced with far more efficient and trustworthy computerized voting systems.
In traditional voting, one major source of inaccuracy is that people accidentally vote for the wrong candidate. Voters usually have to find the name of their candidate on a large sheet of paper containing many names—the ballot—and make a small mark next to that name. People with poor eyesight can easily mark the wrong name. The computerized voting machines have an easy-to-use touch-screen technology: to cast a vote, a voter needs only to touch the candidate’s name on the screen to record a vote for that candidate; voters can even have the computer magnify the name for easier viewing.
Another major problem with old voting systems is that they rely heavily on people to count the votes. Officials must often count up the votes one by one, going through every ballot and recording the vote. Since they have to deal with thousands of ballots, it is almost inevitable that they will make mistakes. If an error is detected, a long and expensive recount has to take place. In contrast, computerized systems remove the possibility of human error, since all the vote counting is done quickly and automatically by the computers.
Finally some people say it is too risky to implement complicated voting technology nationwide. But without giving it a thought, governments and individuals alike trust other complex computer technology every day to be perfectly accurate in banking transactions as well as in the communication of highly sensitive information.
Lecture Transcript
(Narrator) Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.
(Female professor) While traditional voting systems have some problems, it’s doubtful that computerized voting will make the situation any better. Computerized voting may seem easy for people who are used to computers. But what about people who aren’t? People who can’t afford computers, people who don’t use them on a regular basis—these people will have trouble using computerized voting machines. These voters can easily cast the wrong vote or be discouraged from voting altogether because of fear of technology. Furthermore, it’s true that humans make mistakes when they count up ballots by hand. But are we sure that computers will do a better job? After all, computers are programmed by humans, so “human error” can show up in mistakes in their programs. And the errors caused by these defective programs may be far more serious. The worst a human official can do is miss a few ballots. But an error in a computer program can result in thousands of votes being miscounted or even permanently removed from the record. And in many voting systems, there is no physical record of the votes, so a computer recount in the case of a suspected error is impossible! As for our trust of computer technology for banking and communications, remember one thing: these systems are used daily and they are used heavily. They didn’t work flawlessly when they were first introduced. They had to be improved on and improved on until they got as reliable as they are today. But voting happens only once every two years nationally in the United States and not much more than twice a year in many local areas. This is hardly sufficient for us to develop confidence that computerized voting can be fully trusted.
Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they oppose specific points made in the reading passage.
For the Independent task, you will write about your opinion on a certain topic . You must provide clear reasons and specific examples for why you agree or disagree with the issue or statement. (This doesn’t have to be your real opinion, though!) You’ll have 30 minutes to write your response. A typical high-scoring essay is at least 300 words .
You’ll receive a score on a scale of 0-5 . According to the official rubric , a level-5 essay effectively addresses the topic, provides clear and ample details, and contains at most only minor issues with grammar and word choice. A level-3 essay offers a generally coherent response with occasional slips in clarity. Finally, a level-1 essay offers little to no detail and contains multiple technical errors. You can look at samples of Independent essays on the ETS website.
Here is an example of an Independent Writing task taken from ETS :
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
So far we’ve covered all of the basic components of the TOEFL Writing tasks. To briefly recap, here is an overview of the Integrated and Independent Writing tasks:
3 minutes to read a passage, 20 minutes to write a response | 30 minutes to write a response | |
150-225 words | At least 300 words | |
0-5 | 0-5 | |
To summarize the main points of a lecture and compare the lecture to a passage | To explain whether you agree or disagree with an issue or statement | |
You must read a passage and listen to a lecture you begin writing. You may look at the passage as you write your response. | You do have to write about your real opinion! You may pretend to agree or disagree. |
The purpose of a TOEFL Writing template is to help you compose a detailed and eloquent essay — and of course get you a high Writing score! But what exactly is a template?
It’s easiest to think of an essay template as a skeleton . While a skeleton is the framework for a body, a template is the framework for an essay . Thus, a TOEFL Writing template highlights basic structural patterns and phrases you can integrate into your own writing. What a template doesn’t do is write your essay for you. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how you’ll add the skin and muscles (i.e., the details and supporting evidence) to your “skeleton.”
Furthermore, writing templates are typically created to suit different types of essays . For example, a template for a compare/contrast essay will differ from a template for an editorial piece. This is why it’s so important you use a writing template specifically geared toward the TOEFL!
There are three major benefits to using a TOEFL Writing template.
Using a TOEFL Writing template ensures you’ll have a focused and well-organized response . A high-quality template teaches you how to structure your response so that your introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs are all clearly defined. This way, even if your grammar and spelling aren’t perfect, your response will still have an overall strong framework that’s easy to follow.
TOEFL essay templates also show you what kinds of transitions you can use and where . Transitions are a key component of essays that allow you to connect your thoughts and progress to new ideas smoothly. Truth be told, you probably won’t score super highly on the TOEFL Writing section if you don’t use any transitions!
Another big benefit of using a TOEFL Writing template is that it saves you time on the Writing section. Since you’ll already have a sense of how you’re going to structure your essay, you’ll spend less time planning it out and coming up with transitions, openings, and closings. As a result, you’ll get more time to actually write out your response!
Lastly, a TOEFL Writing template allows you to feel more prepared on test day. Many test takers find it difficult to write out responses to English-language prompts in only 20 or 30 minutes. But TOEFL essay templates equip you with the skills you’ll need to feel more confident in your writing skills — and confidence is the first step toward getting a great TOEFL score!
In this section, we offer you a TOEFL Integrated Writing template and an Independent Writing TOEFL template . We also provide you with a handy list of key transitional words and phrases you can incorporate into your essays.
Please note that you do not need to follow these templates directly. In fact, we strongly encourage you to replace our sample words and phrases with your own . We will talk more about how to customize our TOEFL essay templates in the following section. But for now, let’s take a look at the templates!
Before we dive into our TOEFL Integrated Writing template, let’s get a quick reminder of what the Integrated task entails.
For this task, you’ll read a passage and then listen to a lecture. Your task is to summarize the lecture and explain whether the lecture challenges or supports what’s written in the passage. You’ll have 20 minutes to compose a response of around 150-225 words .
We’ll divide our template into four paragraphs: an introduction and three body paragraphs . You shouldn’t need a separate concluding paragraph for this task, as you can still score a 5 without one (plus, you likely won’t have enough time to write one!). But if you want to write a conclusion, just be sure you keep it short — two to three sentences at most.
Now, on to the TOEFL Integrated Writing template!
Your first paragraph will introduce the lecture and how it relates to the reading. This paragraph doesn’t need to be long; a simple two or three sentences should suffice.
1. Begin with a topic sentence that summarizes the main point of the lecture.
2. Next, explain whether the passage refutes or supports the main point of the lecture.
Examples (Contrast):
Examples (Agreement):
In this paragraph, you’ll want to focus on one of the key points in the lecture and explain whether the passage refutes or supports this idea.
1. Introduce the main point you’ll be discussing.
2. Next, describe this particular point in more detail and then discuss how the passage either refutes or supports it. I suggest using one to two sentences here.
3. Finally, conclude your paragraph by explaining what this difference or similarity means .
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In this paragraph, you’ll focus on another key point in the lecture and again discuss how the passage either agrees or disagrees with this idea. The structure here is essentially identical to that of paragraph 2, so make sure you are using new transitions and varying your word choice.
1. Start by introducing the second point in the lecture you’ll be discussing. Because this is your second body paragraph, do not use transitions such as “first” or “first of all.”
2. Next, explain this key point in more detail and elaborate on how it is either refuted or supported by the passage. As with paragraph 2, I recommend using one to two sentences here.
3. Finally, explain what this difference or similarity means .
This final body paragraph will offer your last key point in addition to a brief conclusion . Once again, try to vary your transitions and words here so that your body paragraphs do not sound redundant.
1. Introduce and summarize the third point in the lecture . This is your third and final body paragraph, so do not use transitions such as “first” or “next.” Instead, use transitions such as “third,” “finally,” “last,” and “lastly.”
2. Then, explain this point in more detail and discuss whether the passage matches or challenges it. Use one or two sentences here.
3. Finally, conclude your paragraph by explaining the significance of this similarity or difference . You should also look at this sentence as the conclusion to your entire response . Remember, you do not need to write a separate concluding paragraph for this task; it’s perfectly OK to combine it with your last body paragraph!
For this task, you will read a short prompt and then write a response explaining whether you agree or disagree with the issue or idea. Unlike the Integrated task, here you’ll be writing an opinionated response (though you do not have to write about your actual opinion).
You’ll have 30 minutes to write an essay of at least 300 words . Because this essay should be longer than the Integrated task, it’s best to use the basic five-paragraph structure, with an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Note that many of the example sentences below are based on the sample Independent Writing prompt used above . This means that these sentences will not apply exactly to other prompts! So don’t simply copy the sentences onto your test; instead, use them as a general guide to help you develop a better sense of style and flow in your writing.
Now, let’s take a look at our Independent Writing TOEFL template.
In this paragraph, you’ll introduce the main issue or idea and rephrase the prompt in your own words. Then, you’ll state whether you agree or disagree with the statement and why.
1. For your first sentence, you’ll want to come up with a hook that introduces the topic of your essay in a unique and creative way. Most people start broad and then get specific . This sentence is also a great opportunity to insert a hypothetical question.
2. Next, introduce your opinion on the topic . You may list your specific reasons for your opinion here or in the following sentence(s). Remember, this doesn’t need to be your real opinion!
3. Here, state how many points (three is ideal) you’ll be discussing in your essay and then briefly summarize what these reasons for agreeing or disagreeing are . Your reasons may come from facts, predictions, personal beliefs, experiences, etc.
In this paragraph, you’ll introduce your first key point about the issue and offer specific examples illustrating why you agree or disagree.
1. For the first sentence, introduce the key point you want to talk about.
2. Next, provide an example to explain why you believe this is the case . I suggest using a hypothetical situation somewhere in your essay to help illustrate one of your points.
3. Continue your paragraph by elaborating on your example . Explain any effect or consequence of the example and discuss how this outcome supports your viewpoint.
This paragraph will follow a similar structure to that of paragraph 2, only this time you’ll discuss your second key point . To prevent this paragraph from sounding too similar to the one before it, vary your word choice and choose a different type of example on which to focus.
1. In the first sentence, introduce your second key point . Because this is your second body paragraph (and second point), make sure you employ appropriate transitions, such as “second,” “secondly,” and “next.”
2. As you did in paragraph 2, use these next few sentences to elaborate on your point and offer specific examples . Always clarify how your examples support your stance (agree or disagree) and how they relate back to the issue stated in the prompt.
This is the last body paragraph in which you will introduce and explain your third and final key point .
1. First, introduce your third point . As this is your final body paragraph, make sure you’re using appropriate transitions, such as “finally,” “last,” “lastly,” and “third,” to introduce your point.
2. As you did in paragraphs 2 and 3, elaborate on this point by providing new evidence, details, and/or examples. Explain why this point is important and how it supports your stance on the issue.
Like the Integrated Writing task, a separate concluding paragraph isn’t always necessary here . That said, if you have time, I recommend quickly wrapping up your points in a concise yet effective conclusion. One to three sentences should suffice.
1. In the first sentence or two, summarize your stance and explain why you feel this way . You may re-introduce your three main points here. You may also paraphrase the prompt and explain once more whether you agree or disagree with the issue and why.
2. Finally, if you have time, bring together your concluding paragraph with a single general statement about your viewpoint .
In addition to TOEFL essay templates, we offer you an assortment of common transitions and phrases you can use in your TOEFL responses. These words will allow your writing to flow more smoothly and connect your thoughts in a clearer, more logical manner.
To add information to a point, or to introduce a new (related) point:
To introduce an example:
To introduce an opinion:
To start a new body paragraph:
To add similar or related information:
To restate information in a shorter or clearer way:
To contrast information:
To show cause and effect:
To emphasize information:
To conclude information, a paragraph, or your overall response:
Below, we offer you a few pieces of advice to help you customize your TOEFL Writing template.
Here are two ways to customize our TOEFL Integrated Writing template.
The sample sentence and openers we’ve provided above don’t contain any specific information, so you are welcome to incorporate these examples into your own Integrated Writing response however you like.
That said, you don’t need to use these examples exactly as they are . If you’d like to tweak them, try replacing the verbs and transitions with other (synonymous) words. I also suggest adding adverbs to emphasize certain words. So for example, instead of writing, “The author, however, disagrees with this belief,” you could write, “The author, on the other hand, strongly challenges this concept.”
Just be sure that the examples you’re using in your essay fit with the type of lecture-passage relationship you’re given. Remember, this relationship can be either supportive (in which the lecture agrees with the passage) or contrastive (in which the lecture disagrees with the passage).
Most Integrated Writing tasks will give you a lecture that challenges what’s written in the passage. In these cases, it’s important you use a variety of transitions, conjunctions, and prepositions to emphasize this important contrast throughout your essay.
There is one caveat, though: do not use a single transition more than once in your response . For instance, if you were to consistently start your supporting sentences with “however,” your essay would lack balance and begin to sound redundant. So be sure to vary your word choice!
Here is a list of strong contrastive words you can use in your Integrated Writing response:
Here are three ways you can customize our Independent Writing TOEFL template.
Although the Independent Writing task asks specifically whether you agree or disagree with an idea, you do not need to write about your real opinion . What you should really do is choose the side that’s easier to argue — regardless of whether you actually agree or disagree with it!
In other words, it’s perfectly OK to make things up for this response and pretend you support something you don’t actually believe. Remember, you are not being judged on which stance you choose but on how effectively you support your stance.
For this task’s examples, I’ve primarily supplied you with whole sentences, all of which were based on the sample Independent Writing prompt used above. Because our examples refer to a specific prompt, you cannot copy these sample sentences word for word and use them in your own essay . Failing to change these sentences means your essay won’t make a whole lot of sense, if any at all!
Therefore, what you should actually be doing is using these example sentences to learn what types of details to include in your Independent Writing response. You may also use our examples to get a feel for how you can change up your sentences and word choice.
For your response, you must come up with specific details and examples to support your viewpoint. These examples can range from facts and statistics to experiences and hypothetical situations.
In order to produce a truly compelling response (and get a high essay score), you must incorporate a variety of effective examples into your essay. This means you’ll want to avoid using the same types of examples for each point you make . So if you were to discuss a personal experience for your first body paragraph, focus on a different type of detail, such as a universally accepted fact or a hypothetical scenario, for your second body paragraph.
Finally, here are four general tips for using a TOEFL Writing template effectively.
The sample sentences and openers we’ve given you for each template above contain different transitions to help link ideas together; thus, we encourage you to use a variety of transitions in your own essays . For ideas, refer to our transition list above. This list can help you swap out some of our sample transitions for other ones you believe fit better with your writing.
Ultimately, varying your word choice is critical to ensuring your essay is well written . This means that a high-scoring TOEFL essay will not simply use transitions but use them well . So if you’ve already inserted “therefore” in one area, try using “as a result” or “thus” in another area. You’ll still get the same meaning but with a stronger, more versatile effect.
Don’t feel limited by the number of sentences we’ve included in each body paragraph in our templates. If you need to use two or three sentences to explain a point, that’s OK! You should always give a lot of detail for your points — so long as you are staying concise and focused.
For example, if you spend a paragraph discussing a hypothetical scenario but fail to offer any analysis, you probably won’t receive a high TOEFL score. Likewise, if you write a verbose introduction or conclusion, your score may end up being lower than you wanted it to be.
Basically, you must find the perfect balance between detail and analysis. A good way to monitor this balance is to always try to hit the word minimum for each task . Doing this means you’ll likely have an essay that’s sufficiently detailed. Just try not to exceed the maximum or you’ll risk rambling!
Each of our TOEFL essay templates above has three body paragraphs and three main points. Although three points is a solid number of points, if you can only think of two points, just stick with those and try to support them as clearly and effectively as possible.
As you can see in the sample TOEFL essays here , many essays with scores of 2 and 3 actually address three points — but their points are altogether weak, with few supporting details and insufficient analysis. What this means is that just having three points in your essay isn’t enough to guarantee you a high essay score . Thus, it’s far better to write an essay with two strong points than three weak ones.
If you struggle with English, you might be tempted to borrow some sentences and phrases from the prompt. While it’s OK to paraphrase sentences, you should never copy exact sentences from your prompt .
Copying the prompt shows evaluators that you lack the English level necessary for writing creatively and analytically. On top of this, copying is also a form of plagiarism, which means you are essentially “stealing” another’s work.
So what does this mean for your score? If you copy entire sentences and phrases from the reading or topic, you will receive a score of 0 .
In addition to our templates above, here are a couple of online resources offering high-quality TOEFL essay templates you can use for free.
TOEFL essay templates are an especially useful component of TOEFL prep because they raise your chance of achieving a high TOEFL Writing score .
With TOEFL essay templates, you can organize your thoughts more clearly, spend less time outlining your responses, and prepare for the TOEFL with increased confidence. Our templates are also flexible , allowing you to customize certain elements to your liking and cater the templates to many different prompts.
When using a TOEFL template, always remember the following four tips:
Now that you’re equipped with our TOEFL essay templates and the knowledge of how to use them, you should have no trouble getting a great TOEFL Writing score!
Seeking additional help with the TOEFL Writing section? Start practicing with our 13 Writing topics and get information on what resources you can use for high-quality Writing topics .
What does a high-scoring TOEFL essay look like? Take a look at our analyses of two perfect-scoring TOEFL essays to learn what you can do to guarantee yourself a high essay score on test day.
Want more TOEFL templates? Check out our TOEFL Speaking templates to improve your English-speaking skills and confidence.
Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz
For many students taking the TOEFL, scoring a 5 out of 5 on each of the two TOEFL essays—which would lead to a perfect score of 30 in the writing section—is the ultimate goal. Getting there takes a lot of practice , but it pays off nicely! Scoring so high in one section can counterbalance slightly lower scores in other sections, helping you to get to your total target score with more ease (be sure to check your institution’s requirements, however; some universities will require a minimum score per section).
Because the two essays require slightly different skills, the ETS (the organization that administers the TOEFL) provides two separate rubrics for how to obtain a top score on the TOEFL essays. For those of you who are curious about the criteria for other scores, you can find that information here: at the test maker’s website . For those of you aiming to get a five, let’s keep going! Let’s start where the TOEFL writing section itself begins: with the integrated task.
The integrated essay will provide you with a lecture and a written passage on different aspects of the same topic. According to the ETS, the criteria for a top score on this essay include:
Breaking that down, the first important task in getting that top score is going to be selecting the relevant information from the lecture, and then the reading. Good note-taking is vital here, and good note-taking takes practice! Listen to the emphasis that the speaker places on keywords, and look out for the thesis statement and supporting examples in the reading. Circle them in your notes.
The second important task is relating the lecture to the reading. Look at what you’ve circled. Does one contradict the other? Build on the other? Elaborate on a different aspect of the other? Figure out how they relate before you go on to the next important step: writing a well-organized response. To do this, you’ll want to create an outline.
Make sure that your outline has your thesis statement clearly defined. This thesis statement should explain how the lecture and the reading relate to one another. You’ll also want to have a brief summary of the lecture and the reading (one to two sentences is sufficient for this!) Then, build your body paragraphs around your main examples, which you’ll already have circled in your notes.
As you write, don’t worry about everything being perfect. That said, leave 2-3 minutes at the end of the exam to proofread what you’ve written. Because these essays are graded holistically, you won’t lose points for minor errors as long as they don’t change the meaning of your ideas. However, a lot of errors can add up to a confusing essay, which will definitely lead to a lower score.
The integrated task is only one of the two essays you’ll write on test day. Next time, we’ll take a look at the independent task, and how that differs from the integrated task you’ve mastered!
Rachel is one of Magoosh’s Content Creators. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin’s Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn’t strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !
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Learning to write well is a skill, like any other. This skill is important not only on your TOEFL exam, but also in your academic and professional career. The TOEFL Writing section consists of two parts:
The following free sample TOEFL essays illustrate how to get a high score on the independent writing section of the iBT. By reading through the essays, you can learn how to:
Try to write an essay each day. The added practice will enable you to complete a strong essay, with ease, confidence, and speed, on the day of your TOEFL exam and throughout your life.
Toefl overview.
2. toefl skills, primary skills.
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Toefl writing section: an overview, toefl writing tasks, toefl writing task 1 - integrated, toefl writing task 2 - independent, toefl writing topics 2024, toefl essay samples for integrated writing, toefl essay samples for independent writing, toefl writing tips and preparation, what is toefl writing, can you get 30 in writing in toefl, is 23 in toefl writing good, is toefl writing on a computer or paper.
TOEFL is a standard assessment conducted by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) to determine the level of English proficiency in international students. The TOEFL exam assesses the candidate’s fluency in the English language through four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Over 11,500 educational institutions in 160 countries accept the TOEFL exam as proof of English proficiency. Here we cover everything you need to learn about the writing section with TOEFL writing samples.
TOEFL full form | Test of English as a Foreign Language |
Conducted by | Educational Testing Services (ETS) |
No. of tasks in the TOEFL writing section | 2 |
Types of speaking test tasks | Independent and integrated |
Duration (in minutes) | 50 |
Total score | 30 |
Skills analysed | Writing, reading, listening |
Data updated as of July 2023
TOEFL writing tasks | Task time | Word limit | Topics to expect |
---|---|---|---|
Task 1 (Integrated) | 20 minutes | 150-300 | Academics |
Task 2 (Independent) | 30 minutes | 300-400 | Social issues or scenarios |
Also read : 10 tips to help prepare for the TOEFL exam
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Here are some common TOEFL writing topics for integrated and independent tasks.
TOEFL integrated writing topics | TOEFL independent writing topics |
---|---|
Summarise the main necessity of the Atkins diet and explain how the speaker described his opinion on its benefits and rising popularity. | Do you agree or disagree with the below statement? A mother plays a vital role in taking care of the child compared to the father. Use examples to support your opinion. |
The lecturer has expressed their opinion about the American Civil War. Explain the thoughts and the reasons they have put forth in the lecture. | Some people choose to travel in groups, while others like to explore alone. Which one do you prefer? Use examples to support your choice. |
Summarise the main points of the lecture, and explain how the professor justifies his idea of humans coexisting with bears. | When you face an issue in life, what do you think is the best decision: ask an experienced person for advice, find possible solutions from the internet, or take time to think about the issue? |
Also read: TOEFL sample essays: Tips and techniques for a high score
TOEFL essay sample 1 Question: Summarise the main necessity of the Atkins diet and explain how the speaker and the reading passage described their opinion on its benefits and rising popularity. Note: The candidate will have three minutes to read the passage and two minutes to listen to the exam during the exam.
Both the reading passage and the lecture discuss the main necessity of the Atkins diet and elaborate on the speaker's opinion regarding its benefits and rising popularity. The Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate diet emphasising high protein and fat consumption. According to both sources, this diet has gained significant attention due to its potential health benefits and effectiveness in weight loss. The reading passage highlights the necessity of the Atkins diet. It explains that the current Western diet, which is high in carbohydrates, has led to a surge in obesity rates and related health problems. The Atkins diet aims to address this issue by reducing carbohydrate intake, forcing the body to utilise stored fat for energy. Individuals can control their blood sugar levels and improve overall health by regulating carbohydrate consumption. The speaker in the lecture expands upon the benefits of the Atkins diet. They emphasise its efficacy in weight loss, particularly in the initial stages. By limiting carbohydrates, the body enters a state called ketosis, where it burns fat stores for energy. This process leads to significant weight loss. Moreover, the Atkins diet helps control hunger and cravings, making it easier for individuals to adhere to the plan. Furthermore, both the speaker and the reading passage highlight the positive impact of the Atkins diet on overall health. They explain that the diet can improve cardiovascular health by lowering triglyceride levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol. The reduced carbohydrate intake can also contribute to better management of insulin levels, benefiting individuals with type 2 diabetes. Regarding the rising popularity of the Atkins diet, both sources attribute it to its proven effectiveness in weight loss and the positive experiences shared by individuals who have followed the plan. They mention that the increasing prevalence of obesity has compelled people to seek alternative dietary approaches, thereby contributing to the growing popularity of the Atkins diet. In conclusion, the Atkins diet is a necessary response to the health issues associated with high carbohydrate consumption. The reading passage and the lecture support its benefits, such as weight loss, hunger control, improved cardiovascular health, and insulin regulation. The rising popularity of the Atkins diet can be attributed to its proven advantages and the growing concern surrounding obesity. |
TOEFL essay sample 2 Question: The lecturer and reading material have expressed their opinion about the American Civil War. Explain the thoughts and the reasons they have put forth in the lecture. Note: The candidate will have three minutes to read the passage and two minutes to listen to the exam during the exam.
Both the lecturer and the reading material express their opinions about the American Civil War, providing distinct thoughts and reasons to support their perspectives. The lecturer offers a nuanced analysis of the conflict, shedding light on various factors contributing to the war and its implications. The lecturer begins by emphasising the fundamental cause of the American Civil War: slavery. They argue that slavery was the primary source of tension between the Northern and Southern states, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the war. The lecturer explains that the institution of slavery was deeply ingrained in the Southern economy and society. At the same time, the Northern states, driven by industrialisation and a growing abolitionist movement, sought its abolition. This fundamental divide ignited the conflict. Furthermore, the lecturer explores the political and economic dimensions of the Civil War.They suggest that the war was not solely about slavery but also the struggle for power and control between the federal government and states' rights. The lecturer explains that the Southern states, fearing the encroachment of federal authority, seceded to protect their autonomy. The Northern states, however, viewed secession as a threat to the integrity of the nation and consequently engaged in the war to preserve the Union. Additionally, the lecturer highlights the economic disparities that contributed to the conflict. They argue that the industrialised Northern states had a vested interest in protecting their economic progress, while the rural South relied heavily on slave labour for its agricultural economy. These economic disparities further fueled the divide between the regions, fueling the flames of the Civil War. The lecturer also discusses the consequences of the war. They explain that the American Civil War was one of the bloodiest conflicts in the nation's history, resulting in immense loss of life and destruction. Moreover, they argue that the war fundamentally altered the trajectory of the United States, leading to the abolition of slavery and a significant shift in the balance of power between the federal government and the states. In summary, the lecturer provides a comprehensive analysis of the American Civil War, highlighting the centrality of slavery, political tensions, and economic disparities as the underlying causes. They also emphasise the significant consequences of the war, both in terms of human casualties and its lasting impact on the nation. Considering these various factors, the lecturer offers a multi-dimensional understanding of the American Civil War. |
TOEFL essay sample 3 Question: Summarise the main points of the lecture and reading passage, and explain how the sources justify their idea of humans coexisting with bears. Note: The candidate will have three minutes to read the passage and two minutes to listen to the exam during the exam.
Both the lecture and the reading passage discuss the coexistence of humans and bears, presenting their main points and justifications for the idea. While both sources support the notion of peaceful coexistence, they offer distinct perspectives and reasoning. The lecture highlights the importance of humans and bears finding a way to coexist harmoniously. The speaker emphasises that bears are an integral part of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. They argue that bears should not be seen as threats but as creatures with a rightful place in the natural world. The speaker proposes that humans can achieve coexistence by adopting certain measures, such as proper waste management, creating designated habitats for bears, and implementing educational programs to raise awareness about bear behaviour and conservation. On the other hand, the reading passage provides additional insights into the rationale behind coexistence. It emphasises humans' ethical responsibility towards bears and argues that it is our duty to protect these magnificent creatures. The passage highlights that bears are sentient beings capable of experiencing emotions and exhibiting complex social behaviours. It asserts that humans should recognise the intrinsic value of bears and work towards creating environments where they can thrive. Both the lecture and the reading passage justify their idea of humans coexisting with bears. They assert that coexistence is necessary to preserve ecological balance and biodiversity. Bears play a vital role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration, contributing to the health of ecosystems. By allowing bears to exist in their natural habitats, humans can help maintain the delicate balance of nature. Furthermore, both sources stress the importance of mitigating conflicts between humans and bears. The lecture suggests that humans can reduce bear encounters in urban areas by implementing proper waste management practices. This would minimise the risk of negative interactions and conflicts. Similarly, the reading passage emphasises the need for education and awareness programs to promote responsible behaviour around bears and dispel common misconceptions. In conclusion, the lecture and the reading passage advocate for the coexistence of humans and bears, emphasising the significance of bears in maintaining biodiversity and humans' ethical responsibility towards these creatures. They propose measures such as waste management, habitat preservation, and education to achieve peaceful coexistence. By understanding and respecting the role of bears in the ecosystem, humans can foster a harmonious relationship with these majestic animals. |
TOEFL essay sample 1 Question: Do you agree or disagree with the below statement? A mother plays a vital role in taking care of the child compared to the father. Use examples to support your opinion.
I strongly agree with the statement that a mother plays a vital role in taking care of a child compared to the father. Mothers possess unique qualities and provide crucial contributions to a child's development and well-being. Several examples support this perspective. Firstly, mothers typically have a deep emotional bond with their children right from birth. This emotional connection often fosters a sense of security and comfort in the child. A mother's nurturing instinct and ability to provide a safe and loving environment are unparalleled. For instance, a mother's tenderness and affection can alleviate distress and promote faster recovery when a child is unwell. Secondly, mothers often take on the primary responsibility of feeding and nourishing their children. From breastfeeding to introducing solid foods, a mother's role in ensuring proper nutrition and healthy eating habits is significant. Mothers are generally attuned to their child's dietary needs, considering allergies, preferences, and appropriate portion sizes. This attention to detail promotes optimal growth and development. Moreover, mothers often excel in fostering cognitive and emotional development through consistent and interactive communication. They engage in conversations, storytelling, and play activities, stimulating the child's language acquisition, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. Mothers provide a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and learning. Mothers are often the primary caregivers in terms of daily routines, such as bathing, dressing, and bedtime rituals. These routines establish a sense of stability, routine, and discipline in a child's life. Mothers possess an innate ability to create a structured and organised environment that promotes a child's overall well-being. It is important to note that while fathers play a crucial role in a child's life, such as providing financial support, guidance, and emotional connection, mothers' unique qualities and contributions to child care cannot be overlooked or underestimated. In conclusion, a mother's role in caring for a child is vital and distinct from a father's. Their emotional bond, nurturing instinct, attention to nutrition, promotion of cognitive and emotional development, and establishment of daily routines contribute significantly to a child's well-being and development. While fathers have their essential roles, combining both parents' efforts creates a balanced and enriching environment for a child's upbringing. |
TOEFL essay sample 2 Question: Some people choose to travel in groups, while others like to explore alone. Which one do you prefer? Use examples to support your choice.
Personally, I prefer to explore and travel alone rather than in groups. While group travel has benefits, embarking on solo adventures offers a unique and fulfilling experience that allows for self-discovery and personal growth. Several examples highlight why I find solitary exploration more appealing. Firstly, travelling alone provides the freedom and flexibility to shape the journey according to personal preferences and interests. When exploring alone, one can set their own itinerary, make spontaneous decisions, and immerse themselves in activities that align with their passions. For instance, if I stumble upon a local cultural festival that captures my interest while travelling alone, I have the freedom to change my plans and fully embrace the experience without needing to consider the preferences of others. Moreover, solo travel fosters independence and self-reliance. Being solely responsible for navigating unfamiliar territories, managing logistics, and making important decisions enhances problem-solving skills and builds confidence. For instance, when I ventured alone to a remote village, I had to rely on my own resourcefulness to communicate with locals and find accommodations. Such experiences enable personal growth and a sense of empowerment. Additionally, solo travel encourages stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new experiences. Without the familiar presence of companions, one is more likely to engage with locals and fellow travellers, forging connections and gaining deeper insights into different cultures. In my solo journeys, I have engaged in conversations with locals, participated in cultural exchanges, and even tried unique activities I may not have otherwise pursued. Furthermore, solo exploration offers moments of self-reflection and introspection. Away from the distractions of companions, one can fully immerse themselves in the surroundings, introspect, and gain a deeper understanding of oneself. Solo travel provides an opportunity for self-discovery, allowing individuals to reflect on their goals, values, and aspirations. While group travel can be enjoyable and facilitate bonding with others, the freedom, personal growth, and self-discovery that come with solo exploration make it my preferred choice. The ability to tailor the journey to personal interests, develop independence, embrace new experiences, and engage in self-reflection are invaluable aspects that make travelling alone an enriching and fulfilling experience. In conclusion, I find solitary exploration more enticing than group travel. The freedom to shape my itinerary, develop independence and self-reliance, embrace new experiences, and engage in moments of self-reflection are compelling reasons to embark on solo adventures. While group travel has merits, the personal growth and unique experiences gained through travelling alone make it my preferred choice. |
TOEFL essay sample 3 Question: When you face an issue in life, what do you think is the best decision: ask an experienced person for advice, find possible solutions from the internet, or take time to think about the issue?
When confronted with an issue in life, the optimal decision-making approach depends on various factors. While seeking advice from experienced individuals, finding solutions on the internet, and taking time to think about the issue have their merits, I believe that taking time to think about it is often the best course of action. Several reasons support this viewpoint. Firstly, taking time to think allows for introspection and self-reflection. It provides an opportunity to delve into the issue, evaluate different perspectives, and analyse the situation from various angles. This process of contemplation aids in gaining a deeper understanding of the problem and can lead to more insightful and well-rounded solutions. By reflecting on the issue independently, one can tap into their own knowledge, experiences, and intuition to arrive at a decision that aligns with their values and aspirations. Secondly, thinking about the issue helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By grappling with the problem independently, individuals can exercise their analytical abilities and develop creative solutions. This process of intellectual engagement fosters personal growth and enhances the capacity to handle future challenges with increased confidence and proficiency. Moreover, while seeking advice from experienced individuals or finding solutions on the internet can provide valuable insights, they may not always be applicable or aligned with the situation's unique circumstances. Every issue is different, and mindlessly relying on external sources may not lead to the most suitable outcome. Taking time to think allows individuals to personalise their decision-making process, considering their own values, priorities, and specific context. That being said, it is important to acknowledge the benefits of seeking advice and utilising the internet to gather information and perspectives. Consulting experienced individuals can provide valuable insights, while the internet offers various resources and potential solutions. However, relying solely on external sources without engaging in personal reflection may limit one's ability to develop independent decision-making skills. In conclusion, when faced with an issue in life, taking time to think about the issue is often the best decision. This approach allows for introspection, enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and promotes personal growth. While seeking advice and utilising internet resources can be beneficial, an individualised approach to decision-making that incorporates personal reflection offers the greatest potential for a well-considered and meaningful resolution. |
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Also read: TOEFL vocabulary list: Essential words for success
The TOEFL writing test evaluates the candidate’s ability to express their ideas and opinions through writing. The section has two writing tasks, integrated and independent, lasting 50 minutes. The maximum score for the TOEFL writing section is 30.
You can achieve a perfect score of 30 in the TOEFL writing section. You should practice and improve your writing abilities. This includes writing well-organised essays with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions. You should also be able to express ideas and arguments effectively. Ensure you improve your vocabulary, grammar usage, and sentence structures.
The maximum score a candidate can obtain in the TOEFL writing test is 30. So a score of 23 in the section is considered good by several educational institutions abroad.
The candidates can only attend the TOEFL writing test on a computer. ETS discontinued the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) in 2021, so you can take the assessment on a computer in the designated test centre or at home.
Related exams, resources related to ielts.
Test Resources
Toefl independent writing master guide (2023 update).
Here’s how the TOEFL Independent writing question works:
There are four main styles of TOEFL independent essay questions in 2022. They look like this:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to follow strict rules set by their parents . Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do not use memorized examples.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students do not respect their teachers as much as they did in the past . Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do not use memorized examples.
Which of the following values do you think is best to teach to a young child? being honest being helpful being patient Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do not use memorized examples.
There are many different styles of classes at schools nowadays. Some students prefer classes where they interact with their teacher and other students. Others prefer classes where they just listen to their teacher speak. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Make sure to use your own words. Do not use memorized examples.
Imagine a situation where you have a school assignment and are unable to finish it before the deadline given by your teacher. What do you think is the best thing to do in this case – submit an incomplete assignment, or wait until it is completely finished and submit it after the deadline. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do not use memorized examples.
Note that questions are somewhat longer than in the past.
I get a lot of questions about how to come up with ideas about what to write. To deal with this problem, check out my video .
To show you how to write the essay, I will use this question:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students do not respect their teachers as much as they did in the past . Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The first part of your TOEFL independent essay is the introductory paragraph. You could follow this template:
For the above question, the introduction could look something like this:
Most people in the world agree that everyone should get as much education as possible. Personally, I believe that young people do not have as much respect for their teachers as in the past. I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay .
There are a few things to keep in mind as you write your introduction:
Next you must write two body paragraphs that support your thesis. You could dse this template for your first body paragraph:
This leads to a paragraph like this:
To begin with , there are many more ways for students to learn nowadays, which means they are less reliant on teachers than in the past. A few years ago, children could only acquire new skills by going to school and attending classes , so they respected their teachers a lot. In contrast , now they can easily use technology to learn independently. My personal experience is a compelling illustration of this . For the past five years, I have studied English almost every single day. Although my native language is Korean, I am able to easily communicate in English without feeling any anxiety. I expand my vocabulary by using a smartphone application that teaches me new phrases twice per day, and I practice pronunciation by watching videos on the Internet. Consequently , I feel like old-fashioned classes with a teacher are not as important as they used to be. If I had tried to become proficient in English twenty years ago, I would have depended on a teacher and respected her a lot.
Use a similar template for your second body paragraph:
That would result in a paragraph looking something like this:
Furthermore , teachers are no longer strict, which means children don’t fear them at all. If teachers fail to discipline students when they misbehave, they do not feel obligated to respect them. This problem is very common nowadays. For instance, a few months ago my little brother used profanity when addressing his math teacher. Surprisingly, he wasn’t punished for this terrible behavior. His teacher was afraid of how our parents would react to my brother being punished, so he just ignored it. Since then , my brother hasn’t respected that teacher at all , and is often quite rude. In addition , a lot of his classmates have picked up on the fact that they can get away with impolite behavior and have started acting up as well. Based on this experience , I strongly feel that young people do not respect educators like they did in the past.
There are a few things to keep in mind as you write the body paragraphs:
Conclusions are easy. You just need to repeat your thesis and your two supporting arguments. Try this short template:
That will produce something that looks like this:
In conclusion, I strongly feel that children do not respect their teachers as much as they used to. This is because teachers are not as essential as they were a few decades ago , and they are too nervous to enforce rules .
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
That’s how you write a strong TOEFL independent essay. There are a final few points that are worth mentioning here, of course:
We maintain a large collection of complete sample essays , written using the above techniques.
You may wish to continue by reading our guide to the integrated essay .
Submit your practice essays for evaluation by the author of this website. Get feedback on grammar, structure, vocabulary and more. Learn how to score better on the TOEFL. Feedback in 48 hours.
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Here's how the TOEFL Integrated Essay works: It is the first writing task on the TOEFL test. First, you will have three minutes to read an article (four paragraphs, 250 to 300 words) about an academic topic. Next, you will listen to a lecture (about 2 minutes) about the same topic. Finally, you will have 20 minutes to write an essay about the ...
The TOEFL integrated writing task is the first of the two writing tasks in the TOEFL exam. It's designed to assess your ability to combine listening and reading skills to write a coherent and well-structured essay. Here's a detailed breakdown: Reading passage: A passage around 200-250 words long is provided.
The first TOEFL writing question is the Integrated Writing Task. You will first read an article, then listen to a lecture, and finally write an essay using details from both. Your essay should be about 280 words. You will have 20 minutes to write. Below are some practice questions you can use to get ready for the test.
Below is an official TOEFL Integrated Writing sample question and as well as an essay response that received a score of 5. It includes a written passage, the transcript of a conversation (which would be an audio recording on the actual TOEFL, and the essay prompt. After the prompt is an example of a top-scoring essay.
This first task in TOEFL Writing really is all about note-taking, paraphrasing, and reporting. Read on to learn all about TOEFL Writing Task 1! The TOEFL Integrated Writing Task requires you to read a passage that is about 250-300 words long. You then must listen to a lecture that is 2 to 2.5 minutes long. The lecture will challenge or disagree ...
Your TOEFL integrated essay should be about 280 to 300 words. To see this template in use, check out my collection of sample essays. Writing for Academic Discussion (Writing Question Two) Here's a really straightforward template that is easy to use. While some people might think [opposite of my opinion], I really believe that [my opinion]
TOEFL Writing Introduction. The writing section is the fourth section of the TOEFL iBT test and takes about 50 minutes to complete. It consists of two separate tasks: an Integrated Writing task and an Academic Discussion Writing task.The Independent task requires you to write an opinionated essay based on your own knowledge and experience, whereas the Integrated task requires you to write a ...
Another free resource by ETS, this PDF presents a number of TOEFL Integrated Writing sample responses, from low- to high-scoring ones. With this resource, you'll get one TOEFL Integrated Writing task with a passage and lecture transcript. And as for sample essays, you'll get: Two level-5 essays
TOEFL iBT® Writing Practice Questions ... Writing Practice Set 1 (Integrated): Passage, Lecture, and Question Directions: Give yourself 3 minutes to read the passage. ... Development of your essay is judged by the amount and kinds of support (reasons, examples, details) that you present, and a well-developed essay will contain clearly ...
How to Write a TOEFL Integrated Essay. The writing section is the final section of the TOEFL test. It has 2 different question types, and you get one question from each question type in your test. You only get 20 minutes for question 1 and 30 minutes for question 2, so it can be difficult at first to come up with a high-scoring essay within ...
TOEFL Integrated Writing Topics. In the TOEFL Writing Section, there are two questions you must respond to. The first question is called the TOEFL Integrated Writing task. The second question is called the TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion task. The integrated question presents a reading and listening passage, followed by a question ...
The TOEFL iBT test Writing section measures your ability to write in English in an academic setting, and to present your ideas in a clear, well-organized way. There are two writing tasks. Integrated writing task (20 minutes) — read a short passage and listen to a short lecture, then write in response to what you read and listened to.
The time given to write your essay is 20 minutes and you will need to write a minimum of 150 words. Here is a sample question for this task. Please take note that the audio recording is presented as a transcript here but in the actual test, you will not see this transcript but will only hear it. TOEFL Integrated Writing Task sample.
Students aspiring to study abroad must take the initiative to sharpen their skills by practising sample papers. For this purpose, candidates can refer to the below questions on integrated task writing TOEFL. Question 1: Summarise the essential points mentioned in this passage and give inputs according to what is mentioned in the lecture.
So far we've covered all of the basic components of the TOEFL Writing tasks. To briefly recap, here is an overview of the Integrated and Independent Writing tasks: Integrated Writing Task. Independent Writing Task. Time. 3 minutes to read a passage, 20 minutes to write a response. 30 minutes to write a response.
The writing section is the final part of the TOEFL ® test. You'll have about 30 minutes to answer two writing questions. They are known as the TOEFL Integrated essay, and the TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion Task.You'll be graded based on your content, organization, grammar and language use. Below are links to my best stuff, or read on for descriptions of each task.
in. TOEFL Writing Task 1 (Integrated) For many students taking the TOEFL, scoring a 5 out of 5 on each of the two TOEFL essays—which would lead to a perfect score of 30 in the writing section—is the ultimate goal. Getting there takes a lot of practice, but it pays off nicely! Scoring so high in one section can counterbalance slightly lower ...
Integrated Writing, which includes reading, listening and then writing a summary/ comparison piece of 250 word in 20 minutes; Independent Writing, which involves writing a four to five-paragraph essay of 300-350 words in 30 minutes; ... Free Sample TOEFL Essay #4 "Family or Friends More Important?"
Directions: Give yourself 20 minutes to plan and write your response. Your response is judged on the quality of the writing and on how well it presents the points in the lecture and their relationship to the reading passage. Typically, an effective response will be 150 to 225 words.
The Sample Essay. The reading and the lecture are about a painting called "Portrait of an Elderly Woman in a White Bonnet. The author of the reading believes that the painting was not done by the Rembrandt. The lecturer casts doubts on the claims made in the article. She thinks that it was, in fact, painted by Rembrandt.
Also read: TOEFL sample essays: Tips and techniques for a high score TOEFL writing samples TOEFL essay samples for integrated writing. TOEFL essay sample 1 Question: Summarise the main necessity of the Atkins diet and explain how the speaker and the reading passage described their opinion on its benefits and rising popularity. Note: The candidate will have three minutes to read the passage and ...
The Sample Essay. The reading and the lecture are both about the consumption of wheat by humans in the pre-historic period. The author of the reading believes that bread was the first product produced from wheat. The lecturer casts doubt on the claims made in the article. She thinks that, in fact, beer was the first product that resulted from ...
Complete templates and guide to mastering the TOEFL Independent Essay. Contains new question styles and templates updated for 2023, sample essays and grammar advice. ... We maintain a large collection of complete sample essays, written using the above techniques. You may wish to continue by reading our guide to the integrated essay. https: ...