The TOEFL Writing Section

The writing section consists of two tasks. One is integrated; that is, it tests your reading, listening, and writing skills together. The other task is short and requires that you express your opinion on a topic.

Is one task worth more than the other?
No. If you do one task perfectly but perform poorly on the other, you will earn a low score no matter how well you wrote on one of the tasks.

Can I use a template?
You can use a template for Task 1 (the integrated task), but not Task 2 (the opinion task). If you use any conventional, templated sentences to express your opinion you will be locked into a low score, no matter how well you wrote. ETS wants to see your writing and only your writing.

Task 1: 20 minutes, at least 220 words

• Read a ~250 word text in 3 minutes. The passage is then replaced by a picture of a professor, and the student then listens to a lecture related to the reading.

• Task: Summarize the points made in the lecture, explaining how they
  1) cast doubt on the points in the text; OR
  2) challenge specific claims/arguments in the text; OR
  3) answer the problems raised in the text; OR
  4) support the explanations in the text; OR
  5) strengthen points made in the text.
  *Note! 99% of the time the task is the first one-- to cast doubt on…
  

• Template for Task 1

The article states that __(main claim from text)____ and provides three reasons. However, the professor explains that _(main claim from lecture)_______ and refutes each of the author’s reasons.

First, the reading claims that_(brief paraphrase of first reason)______. The professor refutes this point by saying that____(objection)_____. He/She states that___(elaboration)_____.

Second, the article posits that __(brief paraphrase of second reason)______. However, the professor says that___(objection)_____. According to the professor, __________.

Third, the reading says that____(brief paraphrase of third reason)______. The professor opposes this point by explaining that__(objection)______. We also learn that____(elaboration)_____.

Task 2: 10 minutes, at least 100 words

Task 2 simulates the experience of contributing to an online forum for a college course. You have 10 minutes to read a question posed by a professor, read two comments from other students, and make your own contribution.

28 examples of this task can be found here:

New and Updated TOEFL iBT Test Preparation Materials

Note: The Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volume 1 and Volume 2 books use the old version of Task 2, so make sure to practice using the questions in the link above!

Tips:

• No templates! Do not use template sentences and phrases (general sentences that are memorized and applicable to all essays). Don’t use, for instance, “I will now present two reasons for my opinion,” or, “The question of whether… is debatable. Some people think…. while others believe….”

• Do not repeat vocabulary! Every sentence should present a new idea or example. Repeated vocabulary will seriously drag down your score.

• Leave time to edit! Leave at least 2-3 minutes for editing, even at the expense of finishing the response, as long as you have already reached 110 words. 

• Repeated grammar and spelling mistakes will severely lower your score.

  The ability to edit your writing requires a deep understanding of grammar. This is where a teacher can really help you improve in your specific areas of weakness. To find out more, schedule free consultation!