OFFICIAL

TOEFL (writing) :
week 2 – Basic essay
writing
‫دـ افغانستان پرانیستی پوهنتون‬
‫پوهنتون آزاد افغانستان‬
Afghanistan Open University (AOU)

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Learning objectives

 Review essay structure components

 Developing a strong body paragraph
 Practice and review

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Basic Essay structure

Title
• When it comes to the TOEFL writing section, the essay structure should follow a
standard 5-paragraph format,

1. Introduction
2. Body paragraphs x3
3. conclusion

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Essay structure

Introduction: The introduction should begin with a general statement or "hook" to capture the
reader's attention and provide some context for the topic. Then, the introduction should
narrow down to a specific thesis statement that clearly states the main argument or point of
the essay.

Body paragraphs: The three body paragraphs should each focus on a different aspect of the
main argument. Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the We will go
main idea of the paragraph, followed by supporting evidence and analysis of that evidence. into more
detail
Conclusion: The conclusion should restate the thesis statement in a different way and
summarize the main points made in the essay. It should also provide some final thoughts or
suggestions on the topic.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Example – intro

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, with billions of people using

platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on a daily basis. While social media has

many benefits, such as connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for

activism, it also has some significant drawbacks. In this essay, I will explore both the

advantages and disadvantages of social media.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Example – intro
Context
and hook

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, with billions of people using

platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram on a daily basis. While social media has

many benefits, such as connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for

activism, it also has some significant drawbacks. In this essay, I will explore both the

advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Main point of
essay

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Example – body paragraph

-

One advantage of social media is that it allows people to connect with others who share

similar interests and values. For example, online communities focused on topics like

mental health or social justice can provide a sense of belonging and support for people who

might not have access to those resources in their offline lives. Additionally, social media

can be a powerful tool for organizing and mobilizing social and political movements.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Example – body paragraph Topic

sentence
-

One advantage of social media is that it allows people to connect with others who share

similar interests and values. For example, online communities focused on topics like

evidence mental health or social justice can provide a sense of belonging and support for people who

might not have access to those resources in their offline lives. Additionally, social media

can be a powerful tool for organizing and mobilizing social and political movements.
Analysis

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Example – conclusion
-

In conclusion, social media is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with both

advantages and disadvantages. While it has the potential to connect people across the globe

and empower social and political movements, it can also contribute to mental health

problems and the spread of misinformation. To make the most of social media while

minimizing its negative effects, we need to approach it with intention and mindfulness.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Example – conclusion Restating thesis

from intro
-

In conclusion, social media is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with both

advantages and disadvantages. While it has the potential to connect people across the globe

and empower social and political movements, it can also contribute to mental health

problems and the spread of misinformation. To make the most of social media while

minimizing its negative effects, we need to approach it with intention and mindfulness.
Summary of all
Final thoughts on
the points
topic

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Title
Plan your essays!

Remember, the key to success on the TOEFL essay is to have a clear and well-organized

argument, with supporting evidence and analysis. By taking the time to carefully plan your

essay, you can set yourself up for success on test day.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Let’s go over our body

paragraphs in detail

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Let’s go over our body

paragraphs in detail

1.Topic sentence: The first sentence of a body paragraph should clearly state the main point or idea that the
paragraph will address. This sentence should be specific and concise, and it should relate directly to the
thesis statement.

2.Supporting evidence: The rest of the paragraph should provide evidence to support the topic sentence.
This evidence can take many forms, such as examples, statistics, or quotes from experts. The evidence
should be relevant, credible, and clearly linked to the topic sentence

3.Analysis: After presenting the evidence, the writer should analyze it to explain how it supports the topic
sentence. This analysis should be detailed and insightful, and it should help the reader understand why the
evidence is important and how it relates to the overall argument.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Let’s go over our body

paragraphs in detail

1.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Integrated writing task (practise)

Read the following passage and listen to a lecture on the same topic. Then, write a
response that summarizes the main points in the reading and explains how the lecture
challenges or expands on the ideas presented in the reading.

Refer to word document sent through

OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL

With lots of respect

Teaching Department of (AOU)
Prepared by : Mariam Hamid

OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL

With lots of respect

Teaching Department of (AOU)
Prepared by : Mariam Hamid

OFFICIAL