TOEFL Writing

TOEFL writing

By Elena Sknar

General information

• The TOEFL Writing section is 30 minutes long (divided into two parts) and contains two tasks:
• 1. Integrated Writing,
• 2. Academic Conversation Writing.

You’ll type both essays on the computer.

Integrated writing

• Listening, reading, and writing skills:
• Reading a passage: 3 minutes
• Listening to the audio: 2 minutes.
• Writing: 15-20 minutes.
• Keep in mind: You won’t express your own opinion. During the writing time, you’ll be able to look at the written passage again, but you won’t be able to re-hear the audio clip. You’ll be able to take notes while you listen to it though. The suggested response length for this task is minimum 250 words.
• Check out the key points from the Integrated Writing rubric.

Integrated writing

Key points of integrated writing

There are three key things this TOEFL example essay does that results in its high score: • Clearly presents main points • Contrasts lecture and reading points • Few grammatical/spelling errors

Tips for Integrated Writing

Tip #1 – Pay careful attention to the reading passage because the listening passage will argue against each point made in the reading. Tip #2 – Practice taking short, but precise notes during the listening passage. You will only get to listen to it once. Tip #3 – Paraphrase the passages. One of the grading criteria on the TOEFL is vocabulary, and you will earn zero points if you simply quote the material. Tip #4 – Use lots of transitional words and phrases. They will help you develop your essay and connect your ideas. Tip #5 – Manage your time wisely. You only have 20 minutes to construct an essay of at least 250 words.

Tips for Integrated Writing

Tip #6 – Stick to a few simple verb tenses. Tip #7 – Try to include multiple sentences with more than one clause. Tip #8 – Plan to edit your essay for at least one minute at the end. There is no spellcheck on the TOEFL. Tip #9 – Practice writing at home and ask a teacher or trained TOEFL expert to give you a grade and point out your weakness.

Tips for Integrated Writing

It is very, very important to take good notes during Task 1, especially on the Listening passage. There are two reasons for this:1. The reading passage will reappear after the lecture and be visible while you are writing. Therefore, while it is important to take note of the author’s position and main points, you don’t need to take as extensive notes on the reading passage. 2. You are expected to write more about the listening passage than the reading. That’s right! In your answer, you should write twice as much about the professor’s viewpoint and counterarguments then the author. Therefore, it is vital that you take good notes during the lecture.

Structure

Note taking for Integrated Writing

Note taking for Integrated Writing

Paraphrasing for Integrated Writing

Don't quote, paraphrase everything! For example, let’s say that the reading passage states: “There are many who argue that corn ethanol should replace fossil fuel gas as the primary source for running cars.” DON’T say in your answer: “The author discusses how there are many who argue that corn ethanol should replace fossil fuel gas as the primary source for running cars.” This is a huge mistake that many students make! Instead, paraphrase the author’s position, such as: “The author discusses the advantages of switching from fossil fuels to the alternative energy source: corn-based ethanol.”

Vocabulary for IntegratedWriting

Vocabulary and structure for integrated writing

The Introduction • The reading and the lecture are both about _____. • The author of the reading feels that ______. • The lecturer challenges the claims made by the author. • He is of the opinion that _____. The Body Paragraphs • To begin with, the author argues that _____. • The article mentions that ____. • This specific argument is challenged by the lecturer. • He claims ____. • Additionally, he says ______.

Vocabulary and structure for integrated writing

The Body Paragraphs • Secondly, the writer suggests ______. • In the article, it is said that _____. • The lecturer, however, rebuts this by mentioning ______. • He elaborates on this by bringing up the point that ______. • Finally, the author posits that _____. • Moreover, it is stated in the article that ____. • In contrast, the lecturer’s position is _____. • He notes that _____. You don’t need a conclusion.

Integrated writing practice

The teacher will send you a practice set for TOEFL Integrated Writing. Read it and click on the next slide where there's a writing sample and its analysis. Analyze the sample carefully, and after that, write your own response.

Integrated writing practice

The Integrated Writing practice is sent. Check out the next slide.

Integrated writing sample and analysis

sample

analysis

Academic Conversation writing

• On July 26, 2023, ETS introduced a new TOEFL Writing question called Writing for an Academic Discussion. It replaced the Independent Writing task.
• Writing a response to add up to an academic discussion (a professor and other students)
• 10 minutes to plan and write about your stance on the topic and give your reasons.
• At least 100 words

Academic Conversation writing

For better understanding of the academic discussion writing, watch the video:

Video

Structure

1. Thesis (express explicitly your opinion). You may agree with one of the students. 2. Give additional reason for your opinion (different from the other student's one). 3. Give explanations and details for your opinion (research, real life experience). NB! Use coordinate and subordinate clauses.

Grammar and syntax for academic discussion writing

1. Use a range of Verb tenses. The bare minimum is: Simple present, Simple past, Present perfect 2. Try include sentences with subordinating and/or coordinating conjunctions. Examples: a. For example, people who suffer from natural catastrophes can import goods and services to help mitigate their losses and recover quickly. b. I understand Alex’s concern over cultural homogenization, but I believe she misses another critical point.

Templates

• This is a challenging topic, but I think that [respond directly to the question].
• I strongly agree with [student]’s idea that [mention one point made by the student].
• I’d add that [expand on the point with your own idea].
• While [other student] raised the relevant point that [mention one point made by the other student], he/she didn’t mention that [challenge that point].
• For example [elaborate on your challenge with your own ideas].

Templates

• While I appreciate the points mentioned by both STUDENT 1 and STUDENT 2, I think that… [elaborate on your idea for a few sentences]

• Remember that [elaborate on your point], so [elaborate on your point].
• Some people may feel that [mention a potential challenge], but [respond to this challenge].