Question

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “It is more important for students to study art
and literature than it is to study math and science.” Provide reasons and examples to support your
opinion.

Sample answer

There is no shortage of opinion on whether it is better for students to learn art and literature or math
and science. In my opinion, I disagree with the statement; I think it is more important for people to
study math and science. The following paragraphs will explain my two major reasons for this opinion.

First of all, science and math are more valuable than art and literature because knowledge of math and
science is necessary for understanding and advancing technology. Technology has led this world to
become extremely interconnected. The internet, cell phones and airplanes are all technological
advances that people use every day and would not be possible without students of math and science
inventing them. I heard a story on the news once that illustrates my point quite well. Used plastic is
overflowing in landfills and polluting the seas. However, clever scientists have found interesting ways to
reuse wasted plastic. In India, they mix thrown out plastic waste with asphalt and use it to pave new
roadways. This invention is made possible because of science and math, and it can help solve the
pollution problems in the oceans. If students do not continue to learn math and science, then more
technologies of the future like this one may never be created. In order to continue making technological
advancements, it is better for students to study science and math.

Secondly, math and science are more important subjects because people need to know them in order to
save lives and keep everyone healthy. Doctors, nurses, and medical technicians are all former students
of science and math. Drawing from my own experience, my brother recently went to college to become
a surgeon. He is going to be studying for eight years, and almost all of his classes will be of these types.
For example, he is now learning anatomy, algebra, biology, and geometry which are all science and math
courses. When he graduates, he will have the skills to heal patients’ illnesses and injuries because he
studies these subjects. For the sake of public health, it is more necessary for students to learn math and
science than art and literature.
In conclusion, I strongly believe it is more important for students to study science and math than it is to
learn about literature and art. This is because math and science provide students the knowledge to
advance technology, and the ability to cure the sick and dying people in the world.

Second sample

Your friend has decided to switch careers but isn’t sure which to choose. What advice would you give
them? Provide reasons and examples to support your response.

When children are young, they asked by adults what they want to be when they grow up. This,
unfortunately, causes kids to think that they can only have one job for the rest of their life. But, in
reality, it is perfectly normal for people to want a change. If my friend was thinking about switching her
career, but she didn’t know what she wanted to do, I would give her the following two pieces of advice.

First, if my friend was considering changing her job, I would suggest that she go back to the drawing
board. The best career path is one that encompasses three values, each of which everyone gives
different weight. The work must allow her to make enough money to live comfortably, it must be
something that she is good at, and it must be something that she finds rewarding. For instance, when I
was a lawyer, I was good at my job and I earned plenty of money, but I was not proud of the work I was
doing. I decided to leave the legal field behind and pursued a job that I could actually enjoy while
helping people. That is when I decided to become a teacher instead. In order to determine which new
career will be best for her, my friend will need to do some soul-searching first and then look for a job
that will include these three ideals.

Next, if my friend wasn’t sure which new career to choose, but she had a few in mind, I would advise her
to job shadow them. As they say, it is best to check the temperature of the water before diving in
headfirst. This happened to my aunt when she wanted to quit her job and become a policewoman.
Before signing up at the police academy, she job-shadowed. She sat in on some of the classes first, to
see if she was interested. She interviewed police officers, to find out if the job would be what she
expected, and she rode along with them while they were on duty, to learn what it would be like.
Ultimately, she discovered that being a policewoman was not the right fit for her. It was better that she
job-shadowed first before making the commitment. This is what I would advise my friend to do too.
In summary, if my friend was thinking about leaving her career, but didn’t know which one to choose, I
would first recommend to her to search for work that best fit her values. Then, I would suggest that she
job-shadows any potential jobs she is considering before she makes her choice.
 Questions

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "It is more important for students to study art
and literature than it is to study math and science.” Provide reasons and examples to support your
opinion."
2. Your friend has decided to switch careers but isn't sure which to choose. What advice would you give
them? Provide reasons and examples to support your response.

3. Describe an annual day in your country when you give people special gifts.
4. Describe a fear you had to overcome. How did you overcome it?
5. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Video games offer benefits to children”.
Provide reasons and examples to support your stance.
6. What are the characteristics of a good coach?
7. If you had to work on a project for school would you rather:
a. Work alone
b. Work with classmates
c. Work with a tutor
8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “It is better to read books on an electronic
device than it is to read traditional books printed on paper.”
9. Some people feel that high school students benefit from participating in organized sports, while
others feel that sports are a waste of time. Instead, students should be focused on studying. Which
point of view do you agree with and explain why.
10. You must prepare a final project. Which style would you prefer:
a. Give a class presentation
b. Design a poster
c. Write an essay
11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “It is better to be a follower than a leader.”

12. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Every individual should spend at least a
year living in a foreign country”. Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion.
13. You are going to start a new business. Which of the following do you feel is most important to be
successful:
a. Lots of Money
b. Lots of Friends
c. Lots of Products
14. Would you prefer to go to a small university in the countryside or a large university in the city?
15. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Reading the newspaper or online news
sources is a waste of time”. Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion.
16. You have been given a gift of money. Which would you rather spend it on:
a. A piece of jewelry
b. A pair of concert tickets
c. An expensive meal
17. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Professional athletes are born with talent.
You cannot train someone to be a professional athlete.” Provide reasons and examples to support your
response.
18. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “It is always better to study with a teacher
than it is to study alone”. Support your response with reasons and examples.
19. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Children nowadays have too much
freedom”.
20. You are going to have a new roommate next semester. Which of the following qualities is most
important to you:
a. Cleanliness
b. Humorous
c. Politeness
Integrated Question: Example 1

Directions: For this task, you will read a passage and listen to a lecture about an academic topic.
You may take notes during this time. After the passages have finished, you will then be asked a
question
about them. After the question, you will have 20 minutes to write your response. Effective responses
are usually between 200 to 350 words. You may look at the reading passage and your notes as you
write. Keep in mind that the question will not ask for your opinion.
You have 3 minutes to read. You may begin reading now.
The chemical compound, ethanol, has risen in recent years as the most viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from crops, mainly from corn in the United States, which can power
engines. There are many who argue that corn ethanol should replace fossil fuel gas as the primary
source for running cars. One major benefit of using corn ethanol is that it uses less energy than gasoline.
Using less energy means that people can get better gas mileage while driving these more fuel-efficient
cars. In the long-run, this will be cheaper for consumers because they can drive further than they do
now with fossil fueled cars. People will spend less money on gas because they won’t have to stop to fill
up as frequently.
Another advantage of switching to corn ethanol is that it helps the American economy become less
reliant on energy sources from other countries. Petroleum is not readily available in the U.S., so it
must be imported from other countries. Depending on the foreign relations with those countries,
fuel becomes a political issue. Corn is a crop that America has in abundance. By using corn ethanol
instead, the cost of gas will decrease because now the import taxes on fossil fuels are calculated
into the price. This also means that we will be putting the money into our own economy, thus helping
local corn farmers. One of the most attractive aspects of corn ethanol is how environmentally friendly is
when compared to current automobile gasoline. Fossil fuels release carbon that has been stored for
years from the earth. Burning biofuels, like corn ethanol, is better for the environment because it
releases less greenhouse gas emissions. Lessening the amount of carbon emissions will help prevent
global warming and all of the other negative effects of climate change.
TOEFL Writing Templates
1. Point-by-Point Integrated Writing Template
The article introduces the topic of (general topic). More specifically, the writer discusses (stance of the
author on the topic). The lecturer in the listening passage disagrees. He believes that (stance of the
professor on the topic) and attacks each of the claims made in the reading. In the reading, the author
begins by stating that (first point made to support stance). The lecturer, however, disagrees. He states
that (first counterargument by the professor). He goes on to say that (additional detail about first
counterargument). The author also claims that (second point made to support stance). Again, the
lecturer believes there are flaws in the writer's argument. The speaker holds that (two sentences about
the professor’s second counter argument). Another reason why the author feels that (restate stance of
author) is that (third point made to support stance). The professor in the listening passage is doubtful
that this is accurate. He suggests that (two sentences about the professor’s third counter argument).
To sum up, both the writer and professor hold conflicting views about (general topic). It's clear that they
will have trouble finding common ground on this issue.
2. Block Integrated Writing Template
The article introduces the topic of (general topic). More specifically, the writer discusses (stance of the
author on the topic). The lecturer in the listening passage disagrees. He believes that (stance of the
professor on the topic) and attacks each of the claims made in the reading.
In the reading, the author begins by stating that (first point made to support stance). She goes on to say
that, in fact, (second point made to support stance). To further strengthen her argument, the writer
provides another point of support. She posits that (third point made to support stance). The lecturer has
a problem with each and every point made by the author. He starts out by making the point that (first
counterargument by the professor, with details). Further still, (second counterargument by the
professor, with details). On top of it all, the professor continues his argument by claiming that (third
counterargument by the professor, with details).
3. Point-by-Point Integrated Writing Template
The article introduces the topic of (general topic). More specifically, the writer discusses (stance of the
author on the topic). The lecturer in the listening passage disagrees. He believes that (stance of the
professor on the topic) and attacks each of the claims made in the reading. In the reading, the author
begins by stating that (first point made to support stance). The lecturer, however, disagrees. He states
that (first counterargument by the professor). He goes on to say that (additional detail about first
counterargument). The author also claims that (second point made to support stance). Again, the
lecturer believes there are flaws in the writer's argument. The speaker holds that (two sentences about
the professor’s second counter argument).
Another reason why the author feels that (restate stance of author) is that (third point made to support
stance). The professor in the listening passage is doubtful that this is accurate. He suggests that (two
sentences about the professor’s third counter argument).
To sum up, both the writer and professor hold conflicting views about (general topic). It's clear that they
will have trouble finding common ground on this issue.

4. Block Integrated Writing Template

The article introduces the topic of (general topic). More specifically, the writer discusses (stance of the
author on the topic). The lecturer in the listening passage disagrees. He believes that (stance of the
professor on the topic) and attacks each of the claims made in the reading. In the reading, the author
begins by stating that (first point made to support stance). She goes on to say that, in fact, (second point
made to support stance). To further strengthen her argument, the writer provides another point of
support. She posits that (third point made to support stance).
The lecturer has a problem with each and every point made by the author. He starts out by
making the point that (first counterargument by the professor, with details). Further still, (second
counterargument by the professor, with details). On top of it all, the professor continues his argument
by claiming that (third counterargument by the professor, with details).

5. Expansion Template
I can say with 98% certainty that the listening passage will cast doubt on the content of the reading
passage. I have never seen an actual TOEFL test that followed the expansion format, but once in a while
a student reports encountering one of these question types. I have added this template, just in case you
are curious how to write an integrated essay when the lecture supports the reading.
The article introduces the topic of (general topic). More specifically, the writer discusses (stance of the
author on the topic). The lecturer in the listening passage agrees with the author. In fact, the points
made by the professor strengthens (restate author’s stance). In the reading, the author begins by stating
that (first point made to support stance). The lecturer supports this point by explaining that (first
additional point by the professor). He goes on to say that (another detail about first supporting point).
The writer also claims that (second point made to support stance). Again, the professor finds a way to
support the author’s example. He/she holds that (two sentences about the professor’s second
supporting point). Another reason why the author feels that (restate stance of author) is that (third
point made to support stance). The lecturer shows the truth of the reading because (two sentences
about the professor’s third supporting point).
To sum up, both the writer and professor made strong points to support their stance. It’s clear that both
of them see eye to eye on this important issue.

2. The Independent Writing

There is no shortage of opinion on (paraphrase the question topic). In my opinion, (your stance on the
topic). I feel this way for two main reasons, which I will explore in the following paragraphs.
First of all, (first reason for your opinion). (1-3 sentences further explaining your first reason) My
personal experience is a good example of this. (3-5 sentences describing a personal example to support
your reason). As a result, (effect of your personal example). For this reason, (concluding sentence that
connects your personal example back to your stance on the topic).
Secondly, (second reason for your opinion) (1-3 sentences further explaining your first reason). Drawing
from my own experience, (3-5 sentences describing a personal example to support your reason).
Moreover, (additional detail of your personal example). It's certainly clear to see why (concluding
sentence that connects your personal example back to your stance on the topic).
In conclusion, (restate your stance on the topic). This is because (restate the two reasons for your
opinion).
***Note that this template requires two personal examples, but you can also use examples of
anecdotes of stories you heard from family, friends, newspapers, or on television. Most TOEFL
teachers encourage personal examples because they are easier to tell and more persuasive to the
reader, but you can still score high without them.

Independent Sample Essay #2

2. Your friend has decided to switch careers but isn't sure which to choose. What advice would you
give them? Provide reasons and examples to support your response.
When children are young, they asked by adults what they want to be when they grow up. This,
unfortunately, causes kids to think that they can only have one job for the rest of their life. But, in
reality, it is perfectly normal for people to want a change. If my friend was thinking about switching her
career, but she didn’t know what she wanted to do, I would give her the following two pieces of advice.
First, if my friend was considering changing her job, I would suggest that she go back to the drawing
board. The best career path is one that encompasses three values, each of which everyone gives
different weight. The work must allow her to make enough money to live comfortably, it must be
something that she is good at, and it must be something that she finds rewarding. For instance, when I
was a lawyer, I was good at my job and I earned plenty of money, but I was not proud of the work I was
doing. I decided to leave the legal field behind and pursued a job that I could actually enjoy while
helping people. That is when I decided to become a teacher instead. In order to determine which new
career will be best for her, my friend will need to do some soul-searching first and then look for a job
that will include these three ideals.
Next, if my friend wasn’t sure which new career to choose, but she had a few in mind, I would advise her
to job shadow them. As they say, it is best to check the temperature of the water before diving in
headfirst. This happened to my aunt when she wanted to quit her job and become a policewoman.
Before signing up at the police academy, she job-shadowed. She sat in on some of the classes first, to
see if she was interested. She interviewed police officers, to find out if the job would be what she
expected, and she rode along with them while they were on duty, to learn what it would be like.
Ultimately, she discovered that being a policewoman was not the right fit for her. It was better that she
job-shadowed first before making the commitment. This is what I would advise my friend to do too.
In summary, if my friend was thinking about leaving her career, but didn’t know which one to choose, I
would first recommend to her to search for work that best fit her values. Then, I would suggest that she
job-shadows any potential jobs she is considering before she makes her choice.

Integrated Sample Essay #1

The article introduces the topic of corn-based ethanol. More specifically, the writer discusses the
advantages of switching from fossil fuels to this alternative energy source. The lecturer in the listening
passage disagrees. He believes that the benefits the author mentions are misleading and attacks each of
the claims made in the reading.
In the reading, the author begins by stating that drivers will get better gas mileage on corn ethanol than
on fossil fuels, and therefore save money on gas. The speaker, however, disagrees. He states that the
production of corn ethanol is very expensive. He says that in order to make for the costs to create and
distribute this biofuel, the price of ethanol gas will increase. Therefore, it will not be any cheaper for
consumers in the long run.

The writer also claims that making the switch to corn ethanol will help the American economy because it
will make the United States less dependent on foreign oil. Again, the lecturer believes there are flaws in
the writer’s argument. He holds instead that mass use of corn-based ethanol will hurt the economy. He
elaborates this by point out that the inevitable competition for corn by multiple consumers, including
beef and dairy farmers, will drive the price of corn up.
Another reason why the author feels that moving from traditional gasoline to corn ethanol is a good
idea is because they are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. The professor in the listening
passage is doubtful that this is accurate. He suggests that as more farmlands are created to support the
demands for more corn, more carbon will be absorbed by the land. This means that these emissions will
still be released to negatively affect the environment. As you can see the author and speaker hold very
different views about the use of corn ethanol.

Integrated Sample Essay #2

The author in the writing passage discusses the subject of endangered species. In their opinion, it is
pointless to try and prevent animals from going extinct. The professor completely disagrees. He explains
that rescuing endangered species is necessary and contradicts the author on every point.
First, the author thinks that just because people have the capabilities to help restore the populations of
endangered animals, does not mean that it should be done. The lecturer rebuts this argument. He
argues that humans are the reason that most species are bordering extinction. He goes on to say that it
is mankind’s duty to protect these creatures because we are the cause by destroying their homes.
Second, the writer contends that it is natural for animals to go extinct, and therefore people should
allow it to happen without interference. Again, the speaker challenges the author. He posits that
humans need to get involved in order to save other species from going extinct. He explains that the
disappearance of one animal can have serious consequences for the remaining species in that habitat.
Finally, the writer states that the expenses to help endangered animals are far greater than the benefits,
which they claim is only for research purposes. According to the professor, on the other hand, costs
absolutely outweigh the benefits. Furthermore, he suggests that the biodiversity of the natural world
provides mankind with all the resources needed to survive. He says the author cannot put a price tag on
our food, medicine, and oxygen that would be jeopardized if even one endangered species goes extinct.
To sum up, both the author and the lecturer have conflicting views about whether to save endangered
species. It is clear that they will have trouble finding common ground on this issue.

1. Integrated Transcript #1: Corn Ethanol

Using ethanol has been supported by the United States government for many years now because it is a
“homegrown” source of fuel. While the use of corn ethanol reduces the American dependence on
foreign oil, there are still many drawbacks to its use. While gas mileage might be better, the price for
biofuels won’t really save people money. Sure, corn-based ethanol contains less energy than gasoline,
but it is not cheap to produce. It takes a lot of energy to create ethanol, from planting the corn,
harvesting it, transporting it, converting it, and then distributing it, so it is actually a very expensive
enterprise. Therefore, the cost to make this new energy source will cause the price of ethanol to be
more than gasoline, and to be too costly for consumers.
Another disadvantage is to the economy. Using corn as motor fuel will cause the price of corn to
skyrocket. This is not only a problem for people who buy corn for themselves, but also for farmers in the
beef and dairy industries. Corn is the main food source for cows’ feed. The demand for corn will create
more competition in the marketplace, and this means that corn prices will increase. So, in other words,
using corn ethanol will hurt the American economy because it will make the price of corn way too high
for various consumers.
Finally, switching to corn-based ethanol isn’t actually helpful to the environment. Using this biofuel, corn
ethanol, in cars will increase the demand for the corn which, in turn, will lead to more farmlands created
to supply the crops. When farmers expand their lands, the land absorbs more carbon. This means that
carbon dioxide will continue to be released into the atmosphere, destroying the ozone layer, even if
people start using carbon ethanol over fossil fuels

2. Integrated Transcript #2: Endangered Species

Sea turtles, polar bears, and giant pandas are just some of the thousands of animals in this world that
are at risk of extinction. In recent years, many people have been questioning whether it is worth the
time and money organizations spend on trying to save endangered species. And let me make my point
clear, preventing animals from extinction is absolutely necessary.
First, humans have an obligation to try to save endangered animals because it is our fault that they are
going extinct. Exploiting and destroying their habitats for resources, pollution, and over-hunting are the
major causes of animal extinction. We should take the responsibility for our actions, as we can see the
immediate effect and the long-term consequences of them. If there is anything that can be done to
prevent animals from dying by our hands, we should do it.

It is also necessary to save the endangered species of today in order to prevent other species from
becoming endangered tomorrow. When a species goes extinct, it dramatically changes the landscape of
biodiversity. All creatures are connected, so with one animal gone, the entire ecosystem is disrupted.
Take, for instance, the endangered Sumatran tiger. If these great cats become extinct, the smaller
animals they prey upon will overpopulate the forests. This can lead us on a downward spiral with more
and more plants and animals becoming endangered as well.
And, while the author thinks that the price of saving species is too high, I assure you that this noble
cause is priceless. People often take for granted the many benefits that diverse ecosystems provide. Not
only do plants and animals supply us with food, they provide us with medicine, and even the air we
breathe. If we lose just one of these endangered species, it will have serious and negative consequences
on the lives of all of us.