The
TOEFL, for many test takers, will be the most important test that they will
ever take in their lives. Why is that you say? Because when successful, the
TOEFL is the test that opens doors of opportunity for thousands of non native
English speakers every year. It opens opportunities for international study,
employment, immigration and many other things.
Comprising
of four sections, reading, writing, listening and speaking, the TOEFL test
evaluates a persons ability to be able to study or work in an academic or
professional environment.
When
a student is successful in reaching the score that they require, and they are
able to achieve their professional or academic goals, then the doors which are
opened, and the opportunities that are presented are only limited by the
students ambitions and personal drive.
In
this article, we are going to run through the two parts of the writing section
of the TOEFL test.
On the TOEFL Writing
section, you are expected to plan and write two essays. But what are those
supposed to be about? what are the structures? What types of TOEFL Writing
topics will you see?
In order to be well
prepared and confident on test day, you’ll need thorough understanding of
the types of TOEFL essay topics you could see on the exam. This
article gives in-depth explanations of every type of TOEFL writing topic
that you might see, how to approach different types of prompts, and what your
essays are expected to include. We end with a selection of sample essay
prompts, including both TOEFL Independent Writing prompts and Integrated
Writing prompts so that you can prepare with high-quality practice problems.
An
Introduction to the TOEFL Writing Topics
The TOEFL Writing
section, which is the fourth and final section of the test, is 50 minutes long
and contains two tasks: Integrated Writing and Independent Writing. You’ll
type both essays on the computer, but you can use paper to take down notes
and brainstorm your essays.
In this article, we
will explain the format of the two Writing tasks and give an official sample
question, along with an analysis of the common types of topics and strategies
for achieving a high score on each task.
ESSAY
ONE: TOEFL Integrated Writing Topics
The Integrated Writing
task requires you to use listening, reading, and writing skills. For this
task, you’ll have three minutes to read a short passage, then you will listen
to an audio clip (approximately two-minute long) of a speaker discussing the
same topic as the written passage covers. You’ll need to write an essay
that gives reference to both of these sources in order to answer the
question. In this essay, you write purely about the facts that were
provided in the reading and listening passages, you won’t discuss your own
opinion in any way.
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.
Writing Time: 20
minutes
Suggested Essay Length:
150-225 words
Official
Integrated Writing Prompt Sample
READING PASSAGE
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Reading Time: 3 minutes
In
an effort to encourage ecologically sustainable forestry practices, an
international organization started issuing certificates to wood companies that
meet high ecological standards by conserving resources and recycling materials.
Companies that receive this certification can attract customers by advertising
their products as “ecocertified.” However, it is unlikely that wood companies
in the United States will do the same, for several reasons.
First,
American consumers are exposed to so much advertising that they would not value
or even pay attention to the ecocertification label. Because so many mediocre
products are labelled as “new” or “improved,” American consumers do not place
much trust in advertising claims in general.
Second,
eco-certified wood will be more expensive than uncertified wood because in order
to earn eco-certification, a wood company must pay to have its business examined
by a certification agency. This additional cost gets passed on to consumers.
American consumers tend to be strongly motivated by price, and therefore they
are likely to choose cheaper uncertified wood products. Accordingly, American
wood companies will prefer to keep their prices low rather than obtain
eco-certification.
Third,
although some people claim that it always makes good business sense for
American companies to keep up with the developments in the rest of the world,
this argument is not convincing. Pursuing certification would make sense for
American wood companies only if they marketed most of their products abroad.
But this is not the case– American wood businesses sell most of their products
in the United States, catering to a very large customer base that is satisfied
with the merchandise.
Directions: Below is a
transcript of the listening passage.
AUDIO CLIP
Narrator: Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.
Narrator: Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.
Professor:
Well, despite what many people say, there’s good reason to think that many
American wood companies will eventually seek eco-certification for their wood
products. First off, consumers in the United States don’t treat all advertising
the same. They distinguish between advertising claims that companies make about
their own products and claims made by independent certification agencies.
Americans have a lot of confidence in independent consumer agencies. Thus,
ecologically minded Americans are likely to react very favorably to wood
products ecologically certified by an independent organization with an
international reputation for trustworthiness.
Second
point–of course, it’s true that American consumers care a lot about price– who
doesn’t? But studies of how consumers make decisions show that price alone
determines consumers’ decisions only when the price of one competing product is
much higher or lower than another. When the price difference between the two
products is small–say, less than five percent, as is the case with certified
wood– Americans often do choose on factors other than price. And Americans
are becoming increasingly convinced of the value of preserving and protecting
the environment.
And
third, US wood companies should definitely pay attention to what’s going on in
the wood business internationally, not because of foreign consumers, but
because of foreign competition. As I just told you, there’s a good chance that
many American consumers will be interested in eco-certified products. And guess
what, if American companies are slow at capturing those customers, you can be
sure that foreign companies will soon start crowding into the American market,
offering eco-certified wood that domestic companies don’t.
Directions: Give yourself 20
minutes to plan and write your response. Your response is judged on the quality
of the writing and 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. You may view the reading passage while you respond.
RESPONSE
TIME: 20 minutes
Summarize
the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on
specific points made in the reading passage.
What
to Expect From TOEFL Integrated Writing Topics
The
written passage and audio recording can be on pretty much any subject, but the
good news is that all the prompts for the Integrated Writing Task are very
similar.
They usually ask you
to summarize the points made in the lecture and compare/contrast them to points
made in the reading passage.
You won’t be
discussing your own personal opinion during this essay, instead, you’ll be
taking information from both the lecture and reading and analyzing it.
How
to Approach the Integrated Writing Task
Before you even begin
the essay, you should take good notes on the key points of the reading
passage and the audio clip. Your notes should be especially thorough for
the audio clip since you only get to hear it once. Using your notes as a reference, your essay should recap each of the main points made in the audio
clip. For each point, you should clearly describe how it contrasts with or
challenges points from the reading passage.
Also, remember to use
specific examples to strengthen your essay. If need be, refer back to your
notes from the audio clip and the reading passage to maintain accuracy.. Never just
copy sections of the audio clip or passage directly into your essay; that
doesn’t accurately demonstrate your English skills and will cause you to lose
points. Always rewrite the main ideas in your own words. Again,
remember that you shouldn’t be including your own opinion in this essay. Stick
only to what the reading passage and audio clip cover.
ESSAY
TWO: TOEFL Independent Writing Topics
For the Independent
Writing task, you’ll receive a question on a particular topic or issue. You’ll
need to write a response to that topic that explains your opinion, and
you’ll also need to give reasons and examples that support your opinion.
·
Writing
Time: 30 minutes
·
Suggested
Essay Length: At least 300 words.
Official
Independent Writing Prompt Sample
Directions:
Read the question below. Give yourself 30 minutes
to plan, write, and revise your essay. Typically, an effective response will
contain a minimum of 300 words.
Do
you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Television advertising directed toward young
children (aged two to five) should not be allowed.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
What
to Expect From TOEFL Independent Writing Topics
TOEFL Independent
Writing topics generally fit into one of three categories. There are
example problems for each of these categories in the next section.
Type
1: Do you Agree or Disagree with......
This is the most
common prompt type for the Independent Writing Task, and the sample
question above is an example of it. For this type of prompt, you’ll be
presented with two sides of an argument. You’ll need to pick one side and give
specific reasons and examples that support your opinion.
This is similar to the
first type of prompt, except you’ll be discussing both sides, rather than
choosing one you think is best. Many times these types of prompts will ask
you to compare the advantages and disadvantages of an issue and give
examples to support your statements.
If
the sample question above followed this type of format, the prompt would be
something like this:
Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of allowing television advertising to be
directed toward young children (aged two to five). Use specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.
Type
2: Explain Both Sides
This is similar to the
first type of prompt, except you’ll be discussing both sides, rather than
choosing one you think is best. Many times these types of prompts will ask
you to compare the advantages and disadvantages of an issue and give
examples to support your statements.
If the sample question
above followed this type of format, the prompt would be something
like this:
“Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of allowing television advertising to be directed
toward young children (aged two to five). Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.”
Type
3: Pick a Stance From Many Options
This category is rarer,
but you still may see it on TOEFL Writing. The TOEFL Independent Writing
topics give you a broad topic with many possible opinions and ask for
your position on it.
If
the sample question followed this type of format, the prompt would be similar
to:
“Which age group do you believe the majority of television advertising should be directed towards? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.”
How
to Approach the Independent Writing Task
Depending on the type
of prompt you receive, you’ll either choose an opinion (from two options or
many options) or explain both sides of an issue. For this essay, each paragraph
should be devoted to making one main point, and each point should be supported
with specific reasons and examples to back it up. If you’re being asked to
describe your opinion, make it clear within the first paragraph of your essay. There
should be no doubt as to how you feel about the topic.
Also, even though the
TOEFL test states that a 300-word essay is the “recommended minimum” length for
this task, don’t feel like you need to write hundreds of words after you reach
the 300 mark in order to get a high score. Longer isn’t always better. It’s
very normal for Independent Writing essays that are only 300 words or slightly
longer to receive high scores.
Sample
TOEFL Writing Topics
Completing practice
essays and becoming more familiar with the types of questions you could be
asked is a key part of preparing for TOEFL Writing. There are numerous practice TOEFL questions available, but you’ll likely want more
to practice with.
Below, to help you
practice, we have included a selection of writing topics for both the
Integrated and Independent Writing Tasks. Remember that on the real
exam the conversations for the Integrated Writing Tasks would be audio
recordings that you’d be listening to as opposed to reading.
TOEFL
Independent Writing Topics
#1: Agree
or Disagree Prompt
·
Do
you agree or disagree with the following statement? When people solve problems
as a group, they come up with better solutions than if they were to try to
solve the problem individually. Use specific reasons and examples to support
your answer.
·
Do
you agree or disagree with the following statement? All children should be
required to take a foreign language class from the time they start school until
they begin university. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
·
Do
you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made it
easier for people to connect on a deeper level. Use specific reasons and
examples to support your answer.
·
Some
people believe school cafeterias should stop selling soft drinks and other
high-sugar drinks, while others think students should have a choice in what
they drink. Which option do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples
to support your answer.
#2: Explain
Both Sides Prompt
·
Some
high school students are delaying college for a year in order to take a gap
year where pursue other opportunities such as work or travel. Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of gap years. Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.
·
Compare
the advantages and disadvantages of requiring college freshmen to complete at
least a year of college classes before selecting a major versus having them
choose right away. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
·
Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city versus living in a
small town. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
·
Compare
the advantages and disadvantages of studying on your own versus studying with a
group of people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
#3: Pick
a Stance From Many Options
·
Imagine
that there is a large piece of vacant land in your town. What is the best way
to make use of it? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
·
What
do you believe is the most important problem facing the world today? Why is it
the most important? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
·
If
you could learn one new skill you’ve never had the opportunity to try before,
what skill would it be? Explain your choice by using specific reasons and
examples.
·
What
are the main qualities of a good boss? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.
TOEFL
Integrated Writing Topic
Directions: Read the
following passage and the lecture that follows. On the real TOEFL, you’ll have
three minutes to read the passage. Then, answer the question below.
Reading
Passage
Driverless
cars are increasingly being seen as the way of the future. They will eliminate
many of the hassles and dangers associated with traditional driving and pave
the way for this new technology to become commonplace.
Perhaps
the biggest benefit of driverless cars is that they will drastically cut down
on human error that results in millions of people being injured or killed every
year in car accidents. Driverless cars won’t forget to notice a stop sign, get
distracted while texting, not notice the car up ahead has slowed down, or any
other of a myriad of driver errors that occur every day. Once driverless cars
become commonplace on our roads, thousands of lives will be saved a year.
Another
benefit is that driverless cars will cut down on driving time and make commutes
shorter. Cars with automated driving will travel at a more consistent and
efficient rate than cars with human drivers, who tend to use the brake and gas
pedals more often than necessary. Driverless cars know the exact speed to go in
order to get to the destination as quickly as possible, based on speed limits, traffic,
and other conditions, and the more driverless cars there are on the road, the
more travel time will be reduced.
Finally,
driverless cars allow people who would normally be driving to focus their
attention on a task that’s more interesting and important to them. They may
choose to check their emails, get absorbed in an audiobook or podcast, or enjoy
a snack, among other possibilities. Having a driverless car will help former
drivers make better use of their time.
Lecture
Transcript
Professor:
Despite the recent attention, this subject has gotten in the news and on social
media, driverless cars are not the world-changing technology they are being
advertised as. They have significant drawbacks, and even if those are ironed
out, they will still not offer all the benefits that they are advertising.
First
and foremost, even if every car on the street became driverless, that does not
mean automobile accidents would suddenly end. Automated driving technology,
like all technology, can and will fail at times. In fact, even though there are
few driverless cars currently on the road, they have already been associated
with multiple accidents, injuries, and deaths. Automated driving will always be
an imperfect technology, and it will also lack the human mind’s ability to
analyze a situation and make split-second decisions which are often necessary
to avoid accidents.
Another
falsehood is the belief that driverless cars will make commutes significantly
shorter. Driverless cars may be able to reduce a lot of the speed up/hit the
brakes patterns human drivers engage in, however, driverless cars cannot do
anything to change speed limits, road conditions, traffic, or other factors
that contribute to commute times. As such, any reductions in driving times will
be small, at best.
And
third, many people believe that, with driverless cars, drivers won’t need to
pay attention to the road at all. They’ll be free to watch a movie or read a
book while driving! However, this is completely false. The person sitting in
the driver’s seat of an automated driving vehicle will still need to pay
attention to the road at all times in order to be alert for any situations
where they need to override the automated driving technology. This means that,
not only will driverless cars mean drivers can do something else while in the
car, they’ll have to suffer through the boredom of passively watching their car
make all the decisions without taking their eyes off the road.
Summarize
the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on
specific points made in the reading passage.
Using connectors when writing your TOEFL essays.
Connectors are an important tool for writing proficiently in English.
Their purpose is to join information together within a sentence. Using
connectors correctly will help ensure the meaning of your sentences are clear
for readers to understand.
When to
use connectors?
When writing and speaking, it is
useful to use words that connect one idea to another to help the reader or
listener follow along. There are different categories of connecting words that
serve specific purposes.
One way to think
about connectors is that they connect sentences, helping the reader follow the
meaning of the sentence. Connectors are sometimes used to start a sentence,
while at other times they can be placed in the middle position of a sentence.
·
Simple connectors (called conjunctions): and, but, or.
·
Complex connectors: however, therefore, although,
unless subsequently.
Connectors should
offer additional information to the reader. They can do this by emphasizing
contrasting meanings, adding reason or cause, and showing succession.
Click the link below
to learn more about connectors and to see a list of the most common connectors
used in English.
https://englishforyoutheteachersvoice.blogspot.com/2020/04/linking-words-for-international-exam.html
I
hope that this article proves to be useful for you in your endeavors to achieve
the highest score possible in your TOEFL test.
Remember,
the most important thing is to keep studying, never become discouraged when
things get hard, and to never give up.
Good
luck and good studying.
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