Overview of Integrated and Independent Writing

Tasks
Below is a brief overview of both integrated and independent writing tasks.
Candidates must know about it to avoid failure due to misconceptions.

Particulars Integrated Writing Tasks Independent Writing Tasks

Purpose To provide a gist of a lecture and explain To explain whether one is in support
how it relates to a particular paragraph. or not of a particular statement or
question.

Time 3 minutes for reading + 20 minutes to 30 minutes to write

write

Score 0-5 0-5

Length 150 to 225 words Minimum of 300 words

Additional One will have to listen to a lecture and Here candidates must clearly state
Information refer to a passage to complete this task. whether they agree or disagree with a
However, individuals cannot listen to this question. However, it may not be a
lecture after they start writing. real opinion.
What are TOEFL Independent Writing Tasks?
Under independent writing tasks, an individual must write about his or her view on a particular
question. The writings must contain reasons behind such opinions along with examples to support the
statement. One will be allotted 30 minutes to complete this task. Individuals should remember to
produce an essay length of at least 300 words to achieve a high score. However, they must try to keep
it between 350 to 400 words.

Different question types of topics and/or questions

 Agreement or disagreement question
 Preference questions like whether one prefers A or B
 The supportive or opposite question
 Descriptive question
 Imaginative question referring to a scenario
 Comparative or contrasting question

Independent TOEFL Writing Template

The following is a template containing suggestions of useful phrases of TOEFL
writing for Independent tasks that one can use:

Paragraph Count of Lines Structure Breakdown

Introduction 2 to 4 sentences Discuss the topic’s background

-Provide an attractive thesis statement
-End with a transitional word or phrase

Body Paragraph A + B 4 to 5 sentences for each -Provide a topic sentence

+ C(optional) body paragraph -Incorporate supportive sentences including
explanation, transition and example

Conclusion 1 or 2 sentences -Use transitional phrases like ‘to conclude, in

conclusion, etc.’
-Restate the thesis statement provided in the
introduction
-Provide a summary of the main ideas
Introduction
Sentence 1 – The Hook
A candidate must try to hook the reader by incorporating an interesting sentence in the first line.
However, it must be in a way that introduces the topic. For example, ‘Most people don’t know about
the fact that’.
Sentence 2 – Opinion
The second line of the paragraph must contain one’s main point of argument. So, individuals may
start it with ‘According to my belief’.
Sentence 3 – Transition
Next, candidates must make a smooth transition to direct the reader to look into the next section. It
can be something like ‘There are many reasons behind this feeling which one can uncover in the next
section’.

Body
Sentence 1 – Topic Sentence
First, one needs to summarise the supporting reason mentioned earlier. For this purpose, he or she can
use phrases like ‘To begin with’.
Sentence 2 & 3 – Explanation
Applicants must now justify their reason by providing a reasonable explanation without discussing
their personal experiences here.
Sentence 4 – Transition
Now, it is time to include a transition by mentioning, ‘Let’s refer to a chapter of my personal
experience to support this reason’.
Sentence 5 – Personal Example
In the sixth sentence, candidates must provide an example of their real life experience to strengthen
their argument.

Conclusion
Sentence 1 – Restatement of the Thesis
In conclusion, candidates must paraphrase their thesis mentioned earlier by starting the sentence with
‘To sum up, I strongly believe’.
Sentence 2 – Summarise ideas
To summarise ideas, individuals can use the phrase ‘This is because of reasons like’.
What are TOEFL Integrated Writing Tasks?
In integrated writing tasks, candidates will first have to read a paragraph and listen to a lecture. The
main task here is to summarise whatever one listens to in the lecture and how it relates to the
information given in the paragraph.
Individuals have 20 minutes to complete this task and compose an essay of 150 to 225 words. Apart
from this, candidates also get 3 minutes to read the passage. Here there are two scenarios one may
encounter. It includes:
 Contradictory: The lecture may contradict what is mentioned in the reading paragraph.
 Supportive: The lecture can also support the key idea of the passage.

What is the TOEFL Writing Outline of

Integrated Writing Task?
Ideally, a good scoring integrated TOEFL writing section template contains four
paragraphs, one introduction paragraph and three body paragraphs. Here there is no need to
incorporate a conclusion. However, if one wants to write it anyway, it should not exceed the
two to three sentences limit.

TOEFL writing outline for the integrated writing task is shared in the following table:

Paragraph Count of Lines Structure Breakdown

Introduction 2 to 3 sentences -Build context first

-Provide a topic sentence
-Mention whether the lecture agrees or disagrees
with the passage

Body 1 4 to 5 sentences -Introduce one main point

-Provide details about the point
-Conclude by sharing the meaning of similarity or
dissimilarity

Body 2 4 to 5 sentences -Start with mentioning the second point

-Share main details of the point
-Provide the meaning of its similarity or
dissimilarity

Body 3 + 4 to 5 sentences + 2 to 3 -Talk about the third point

Conclusion sentences -Provide a full explanation of the point
-Share the significance of its similarity or
dissimilarity
-End by summing up the entire response
Integrated TOEFL Writing Templates
Introduction
Sentence 1 – Context
Candidates must introduce the essay by explaining how the lecture relates to the passage. For this
purpose, they can start with a sentence like ‘We can see both lecture and passage talks about’.
Sentence 2 – Topic Sentence
Here, applicants can provide a topic sentence starting with ‘According to the lecture’.
Sentence 3 – Agreement or Disagreement
Next, individuals can continue by mentioning whether the lecture supports or refutes the passage’s
main point. They can simply use:
If contradictory: ‘In contrast to the lecture, the author of the passage shares’.
If agreed: ‘Similar to the lecturer’s view, the author thinks’.

Body
Body 1: According to the paper…
Body 2: Furthermore…
Body 3: Last of all…
Sentence 1 – The point
In the body, the candidate must discuss each point individually. For example, if Body 1 explains the
first point, he or she should explain the second and third points in Body 2 and 3, respectively. The
starting note can be:
Sentences 2 to 4 – Agreement or Disagreement
At this point, one needs to discuss the points in detail and how the passage supports or refutes them.
For this purpose, he or she can use phrases like:

 ‘In this article, it is said that’.

 ‘Similarly, the author thinks that’.
 ‘The lecturer refutes it by saying’.

Sentence 5 – Meaning
One must conclude by providing appropriate meaning to the similarity or dissimilarity mentioned. For
example, he or she can use sentences like ‘This similarity/difference means’.

Conclusion
This piece provides a clear conceptual understanding of TOEFL writing templates followed in
integrated and independent writing tasks. Knowing the same can boost a candidate’s score and save a
lot of their time. So, students pursuing the TOEFL exam for studying abroad must refer to each
section carefully.
Integrated Essay Template (Writing Question One)
The Introduction

No matter what question style is used, write your introduction using the following template:
 The reading and the lecture are both about _____.
 While the author of the article argues that ____, the lecturer disputes the claims mentioned in
the article.
 His position is that _____.

The Body Paragraphs

Use the following templates for the body paragraphs:

 According to the reading _____.
 The article mentions that ____.
 This specific argument is challenged by the lecturer.
 He claims that ____.
 Additionally, he points out that ______.
–
 Secondly, the author suggests ______.
 The article notes that _____.
 The lecturer, however, asserts that ______.
 He goes on to say that ______.
–
 Finally, the author puts forth the idea that _____.
 The author contends that ____.
 In contrast, the lecturer’s stance is _____.
 He says that _____.

You MAY OR MAY NOT need to write a conclusion.

Your TOEFL integrated essay should be about 280 to 300 words.

Independent Essay Template (Writing Question Two)
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
 Sentence One: The “Hook”
This is an interesting sentence that introduces the general topic of the essay. Try something
like: “Most people in the world think that…“
 Sentence Two: The Main Point
This is your main argument. Start with “Personally, I believe…“
 Sentence Three: The Transition
Just use: “There are several reasons why I feel this way, which I will explore in the
following essay.”

Paragraph Two (Body 1)

 Sentence One: A Topic Sentence
Summarize your first supporting reason. Try: “To begin with,…“.
 Sentences Two and Three: The Explanation
Explain what you mean, without talking directly about a personal experience.
Sentence Four: The Transition
Just use: “My personal experience is a compelling example of this.“
Sentence Six to End: The Personal Example
An example from your life that illustrates this argument. It should make up about 60% of the
body paragraph.

Paragraph Three (Body 2)

 Sentence One: A Topic Sentence
Summarize your second supporting reason. Begin with “Furthermore,…“.
 Sentences Two and Three: The Explanation
Explain what you mean. Shorten to one sentence if necessary.
 Sentence Four: The Transition
Just use: “For instance,“
 Sentences Five to End: The Personal Example
An example from your life that illustrates this argument. Again, it should make up about 60%
of the paragraph.

Paragraph Four (conclusion)

 Sentence One: Restate the Thesis
Paraphrase your thesis. Begin with “In conclusion, I strongly feel that…“.
 Sentence Two: Restate the Two Reasons
Just use: “This is because ______, and _______.“

Your whole essay should be between 380 and 400 words.