OFFICIAL

TOEFL (writing) :
week 3 – Thesis and Topic
sentences
‫دـ افغانستان پرانیستی پوهنتون‬
‫پوهنتون آزاد افغانستان‬
Afghanistan Open University (AOU)

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Content

> Feedback on homework

 Review essay structure components

 Plan an essay together

 Practice and review

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

General Feedback
Title
1. Use proper essay format – introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion..
2. Revise sentence structure. There are 4 types of sentences. Revise your
understanding of independent and dependent clauses.
3. Take at least a few minutes to proofread your work. This is very
important and can make you pick up simple spelling and grammar
errors, bumping up your grade.

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

Title
Essay planning tips

Effective planning is essential for writing a successful TOEFL essay. By taking the time to

understand the prompt, brainstorm ideas, organize your thoughts, and use specific

examples, you can write a well-structured and convincing essay that will impress the

readers.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Title
Essay planning tips

Understand the prompt: Before you start planning your essay, make sure you understand

the prompt clearly. Identify the main topic and the specific task you are being asked to

complete.

Brainstorm ideas: Spend a few minutes brainstorming ideas related to the prompt. Write

down all the ideas that come to mind, even if they seem silly or irrelevant at first. Then,

group similar ideas together.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Title
Essay planning tips

Choose a thesis statement: Based on your brainstorming, choose a thesis statement that

summarizes your main argument or point of view. Make sure your thesis statement is clear

and specific.

Organize your ideas: Decide on the order in which you will present your ideas. It can be

helpful to create an outline or a mind map to organize your thoughts.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Title
Essay planning tips
Use transitions: Make sure to use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas

and make your essay flow smoothly. This will help the reader follow your argument.

Use specific examples: Use specific examples to support your argument. These examples

should be relevant to your thesis statement and should help to illustrate your points.

Check the time: Make sure to check the time periodically during the planning process to

ensure that you have enough time to write your essay.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Independent writing question

1.Some people believe that the government should fund space exploration, while others believe that
it is a waste of money. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.

2.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: it is better to use public transportation
than to drive a car. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

3.Some people believe that children should start learning a foreign language at a young age, while
others believe that it is better to wait until they are older. What is your opinion? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.

4.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: it is better to have friends who are
different from you than to have friends who are similar to you. Use specific reasons and examples
to support your answer.

OFFICIAL
 OFFICIAL

Homework
Pick two of the questions on the previous page. Write a clear thesis, 3 topic sentences and a
concluding statement.

OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL

With lots of respect

Teaching Department of (AOU)
Prepared by : Mariam Hamid

OFFICIAL