TOEFL Writing

Writing Tasks
Task

1: Integrated Essay
- Reading, Listening, Writing

Task

2: Independent Essay
- Writing from knowledge and
experience

Writing Task 1
INTEGRATED ESSAY

Task 1: Integrated Essay

Time Schedule
Reading

: 3 minutes (3-4
paragraphs)
Listening: 2 minutes (lecture)
Response/Answer: 20 minutes

The Debate Analogy

- Integrated Essay is a
debate

A.) ____ A.) ____

B.) ____ B.) ____
C.) ____ C.) ____
READING
supportin
g ideas

LISTENIN
G
- opposite
ideas

Your Tasks
Read
Write down supporting ideas
3. Listen
4. Write down opposite ideas
5. Describe the topic by
CONNECTING the two sides of
ideas
1.
2.

 You

are the audience in a debate

So, basically, you just REPORT
Record each side of the argument
Describe (in essay) how the points
are connected
Youre opinion is NOT important
Remember, you are the audience

Effective Response
Atleast

150-225 words (250 words)

You will be judged by:
Quality of writing
Completeness
Accuracy

Response Time: 20 minutes

Sample Answer
The article states that _____ and provides three
reasons of support. However, the professor explains that
_____ and refutes each of the authors reasons.
First, the reading claims that _____. The professor
refutes this point by saying that ______. He states that
_____.
Second, the article posits that _____. However, the
professor says that _____.According to the professor,
_____.
Third, the reading says that _____ . The professor
opposes this point by explaining that _____.We also learn
that _____

Tips

First, its all about your notes and

understanding.
Second, once you have all of the important
content, thats all you need. 250 words is the
number of words you need for a perfect score.
If you write more than 250, that's fine but be
careful. They are often wordy, repetitive
and a bit unclear. So, stick to the content
and be precise and exact. This doesn't mean
to try to write less; it just means stick to your
notes.

Tips
Paraphrasing

(i.e. writing the essay

in your own words) is not important
in Task 1 because this question is
just to justify your ability to hear
what the professor said.
Repetition will not give you a higher
score. So, do not repeat particular
words or info
Reading: do not pick up words from
reading, it will not be counted