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Are you going to take the TOEFL soon? Are you ready for the writing section of the test?
![a close up shot of a fountain pen writing on a lined piece of paper](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/learning-dev-89518.appspot.com/o/images%2F800%2F9e8c2100-da17-11ed-a016-b37ec9a5cb32.jpeg?alt=media&token=466a2b65-87b5-40fe-81e5-3d153d0cee22)
The writing section of the TOEFL evaluates your English writing skills for academic purposes, testing not only your grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, but also your ability to present ideas cohesively and logically.
In the writing section, you'll need to show that you're good at explaining complicated ideas and opinions in an easy-to-understand and organized way. That's super necessary if you want to crush this part of the test!
Use these strategies for answering TOEFL writing sample questions to prepare yourself for the integrated and independent writing sections of the test.
Use Lots of Writing Question Samples to Practice
Practicing is key!
There are many free resources available online that include TOEFL writing sample questions and answers.
The Education Testing Service (ETS), the official developer and distributor of the TOEFL, offers writing practice questions, answers, and tips
Other useful online resources that provide writing sample questions and example essays include:
TOEFL test resources by Michael Goodine
Part 1: The TOEFL Integrated Essay
Here's how you do it:
Read an article on an academic topic around 250-300 words long.
Listen to a lecture on the same topic, which is 2 minutes long.
Write an essay about the relationship between the two sources, which should be around 150-225 words long.
You'll have just 20 minutes to write your essay. You can use the article for the essay, but the lecture can only be heard once.
Identify the relationship between the article and the lecture:
Argument — the reading presents an argument, while the lecture provides a counterview.
Problem/Solution —the reading outlines a problem, while the lecture proposes potential solutions to tackle the problem.
Solution/Problem —the reading proposes solutions to a particular problem, while the lecture critiques those solutions and presents alternative perspectives.
Take notes, marking down the 3 main ideas from the article and the 3 main ideas from the lecture.
Your notes can be structured something like this:
Article main idea #1 with details > Lecture main idea #1 with details
Article main idea #2 with details > Lecture main idea #2 with details
Article main idea #3 with details > Lecture main idea #3 with details
Write your essay with the following basic structure:
Introduction
Sentence 1: context
Sentence 2: topic of the article
Sentence 3: agreement or disagreement between the article and lecture
Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1: the first main idea
Sentences 2-4: agreement or disagreement between the article and lecture
Sentence 5: overall meaning of the agreement or disagreement between the article and lecture
There should be 3 body paragraphs.
The structure for body paragraphs 2 and 3 is the same as body paragraph 1.
Writing a conclusion is optional.
QUIZ: Jason's Integrated Writing Task
Jason is taking the TOEFL, and needs to identify the relationship between the article and the lecture. Read the following passage to see if you can help Jason determine the correct relationship.
Excerpt from the Article:
It is understood that most automobiles worldwide that are used for transportation emit greenhouse gases and negatively impact the natural environment. The first and most commonly accepted solution to this issue is for the world's population to switch to fully electric vehicles.
Excerpt from Lecture:
The primary problem with switching the entire world over to electric vehicles is that the materials needed to build electric vehicles are costly to mine, and the process used for their extraction from the Earth also comes with negative impacts on the natural environment. Another solution could be to develop vast and affordable public transportation networks so most people do not need their own automobiles.
Quiz
Select the correct relationship between the excerpts above:
Since the main point from the lecture critiqued the solution to the problem highlighted in the article, this is a solutions/problems relationship.
Part 2: The TOEFL Independent Essay
You'll need to identify the style of the question that you're being asked. It will be one of the following:
Agree/Disagree — Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Multiple Choice — Which of the following values do you think is........?
Preference —Which of the following choices do you prefer?
Imaginary —Imagine you're in a certain situation and you must......?
Write your essay with the following basic structure:
Introduction
Sentence 1: Attention grabber
Sentence 2: Main point
Sentence 3: Transition
Body Paragraph 1
Sentence 1: First supporting reason
Sentences 2-3: Explanation
Sentence 4: Transition
Sentence 6 to end: Personal example
There should be 2 body paragraphs.
The structure of body paragraph 2 is the same as body paragraph 1.
Conclusion
Sentence 1: Restate thesis
Sentence 2: Restate the 2 main points of your opinion
QUIZ: Joanne's Independent Writing Task
Joanne is taking the TOEFL and doesn’t have a lot of experience writing about her opinions. Which of the following is an example excerpt from an ideal independent writing essay?
Example A
I believe that screen time for toddlers can be harmful to their health and development. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can cause sleep problems, language delays, and attention deficits. It can also limit opportunities for social and emotional development. In my opinion, parents and caregivers should set limits on screen time and encourage other forms of play and interaction. As an older sibling, I found that excessive screen time was detrimental to my younger brother's desire to socialize.
Example B
Excessive screen time for toddlers can cause sleep problems, language delays, and attention deficits. It can also limit opportunities for social and emotional development. For healthy growth, parents and caregivers should set reasonable limits on screen time and encourage other forms of play and interaction. Although screen time can have some benefits, it's important to prioritize activities that support a child's overall well-being.
Quiz
Which example is ideal?
Remember, the main point of the independent writing task is for you to express and support your opinion. Therefore, you're encouraged to use phrases such as "I believe" and "in my opinion."
Take Action
This Byte has been authored by
Clive Walker
Founder of Walker Higher Education
Ed.D.