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 _____.
● The author of the article feels that ______. or: The author of the
reading presents three theories about _____.
● The lecturer disputes the claims made 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 ____.
● The lecturer challenges this argument.
● He claims that ____.
● Additionally, he points out that ______.
● Secondly, the author suggests ______.
● In the article, it is said that _____.
● The lecturer, however, asserts that ______.
● He goes on to say that ______.
● Finally, the author posits that _____.
● The author contends that ____.
● In contrast, the lecturer’s stance is _____.
● He notes that _____.
You don’t need a conclusion.
Your TOEFL integrated essay should be about 280-300 words in length. To
see this template in use, check out my collection of sample essays.
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 agree that everyone in the
world should VERB…“
● Sentence Two: The Main Point
This is your main argument. Start with “Personally, I believe…“
● Sentence Three: The Transition
Just use: “I feel this way for two reasons, 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 _______.“
https://www.toeflresources.com/writing-section/toefl-writing-templates/
https://s3.amazonaws.com/magoosh.resources/TOEFLWritingTemplates.pdf
