WRITTEN EXPRESSION_Module 5

PRE-TOEFL MENTORING
UPT BAHASA UNTIDAR 2022
Overview

● Definition of writing section of the TOEFL test

● Materials
● Mini-Exercises
● Tips

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 What is Writing Section of the
TOEFL Test ?

The writing section is a required part of the computer-based TOEFL exam; everyone must complete an essay on the day of
the test. The paper-and-pencil version of the TOEFL exam does not include a writing section. The writing test is a separate exam called the Test
of Written English (TWE), which is offered in the United States five times a year.

Both the writing portion of the TOEFL exam and the TWE exam test your ability to generate ideas and support them through details and
evidence. They measure how effectively and logically you organize your thoughts, using correct grammar, appropriate word choice, and
varied sentence structure and vocabulary. In both TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS tests, you will be given 30 minutes in which to compose a
short essay (about four to five paragraphs long) about a given topic. The topics are designed to be general so that you do not need any
specialized knowledge to respond to them.

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UNTIDAR 3
COMPUTER TEST VS. PAPER TEST

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 Questions in
Writing Section of the TOEFL Test

NUMBER ONE : Agree or disagree.

The most common prompt on the TOEFL exam, this type asks you to agree or disagree with a statement.
Here is an example:

“ Thomas Edison, the renowned inventor, once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

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UNTIDAR 5
 Questions in
Writing Section of the TOEFL Test

NUMBER TWO : Explain your position.

The second most common prompt, this type asks you to state your position on a general issue. Often prompts follow this
pattern:
“Some people prefer x. Others y. Which do you prefer?”
Here are some examples :

“ Some people prefer to live in the quiet of the country; others prefer the hustle and bustle of the city.
Which one do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

“ Who makes a better leader: someone who is loved, or someone who is feared?
Take a position and explain your answer Pre TOEFL Mentoring | UPT BAHASA
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UNTIDAR
 Questions in
Writing Section of the TOEFL Test

NUMBER THREE : Describe a characteristic.

This prompt asks you to identify an important characteristic of a person, place, or thing. Unlike the first two kinds of
prompts that narrow your responses, this type allows you to choose the characteristic you want to discuss.
Here are some examples :

“What are some of the qualities of a good teacher?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer

“ People define “success” in different ways. In your opinion, what one characteristic best defines success?
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 Questions in
Writing Section of the TOEFL Test

NUMBER FOUR : What if?

This prompt presents you with an “if-then” type of scenario: If x happened, then what would you do? Questions may be
open-ended or may limit your choices to two possible reactions to the situation.
Here are some examples :

“If you could travel anywhere in the world, what one place would you go to? Why?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice

“If you could meet a famous person from any historical time period, who would it be? Why?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice
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 Questions in
Writing Section of the TOEFL Test

NUMBER FIVE : Cause or Effect

For this type of prompt, you will consider a phenomenon and look for its causes, or you will consider a cause and look at its
effects. You do not need expert knowledge to respond; use your common
sense and personal experiences to answer.
Here are some examples :

“The Internet allows people to access information in an instant. How has the speed of this technology changed people’s behavior?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Discuss effect.)

“Some citizens do not vote in elections. Why do you think some people do not take advantage of their right to vote?
(Discuss cause)
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I thank you!

Any questions ?

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UNTIDAR 10