The last component in the TOEFL® iBT is the Writing section.
It measures your ability to write in standard academic English.
There are two tasks in the TOEFL® iBT Writing section – the Independent task and the Integrated task.
TOEFL® iBT Writing Tips
Within the TOEFL Independent Writing task students are asked to write an essay on a given general question. The purpose of this Writing task is to measure the students’ ability to state their opinions or to express their comments on topics which are based on their personal knowledge and experience.
The students should also support their ideas and opinions with examples or details. Students are given 30 minutes to write their essays. The essay should be approximately 300 words.
Within the TOEFL Integrated Writing task the students are asked to demonstrate that they have understood material coming from different sources (reading and listening), that they can combine the information from those sources in a coherent, well organized, summarized written form, and that they may compare the information from those sources and draw conclusions from them.
The time in the integrated task is as follows:
You will have 3 minutes to read a passage of 230-300 words. The
reading passage is hidden, then you will listen to a 2-minute lecture that is related to the reading passage. The listening may add new information or present a different point of view. You may take
notes during both the reading and the listening part. Then the reading passage is shown again on the screen and you are given 20 minutes to write a response to a question. The response should be between
150-225 words.
Writing Preparation Strategies
Practice writing in English on a computer keyboard. There is no other way in the TOEFL® iBT than typing your response. So, practicing on the keyboard will help you a lot. You should be able to write at least 15 words per minute.
When you practice writing, try to use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Do not fear to use new words and grammar patterns. That is a way to learn them and use them
appropriately. Using rich vocabulary and variety of grammar is looked upon favorably by the raters.
Learn the essay structure very well and follow this structure closely in your practice and in your real exam. The essay is comprised of three components: Introduction, body and conclusion. Each
component has its important features.
Practice organizing your writing! Before starting your written response allow 2-5 minutes to make an outline of your essay. Do not worry that the time is running, a good outline will save you lots of troubles and time while writing. The essay outline should include the major ideas for the paragraphs in 2-3 main phrases per paragraph, as well as some examples and supporting details. Do not write complete sentences, but some words and phrases that may help you follow that outline and add additional information to develop a well-organized and coherent essay.
Learn to use transition (linking) words to switch between different ideas, add information, provide examples, compare points, etc. Such words are: furthermore, in addition, for example, for instance,
on the other hand, to sum up, first, second, etc.
Be time effective! At the beginning of your practice you may not comply with the time for the particular writing task. However, each other time you write, try to get closer to the time requirement
for this task.
Monitor your own progress. You need a teacher to evaluate your writings in accordance with the appropriate TOEFL® iBT Writing Rubrics. This way you will be provided with accurate and constructive feedback with guidelines on how to improve your writing and how to continue your TOEFL® iBT preparation.
For the independent writing task you will have to write on familiar topics. Make a list with familiar topics and practice writing on each of them. Do not forget the essay structure. Make an outline and follow it closely. State your opinion or preference and support it with examples and details.
At the exam strategies
Do not forget to allot some time before you start your response to organize your writing – the outline. It will save you time and trouble. Follow it closely.
Pay attention to the time. Do not forget that you have limited time for both tasks. If you have a minute left, do not move to the next section. Make a quick review on what you have done. You may find errors and correct them.
Do not extend your writing well above 300 words for the independent task. For the integrated task it
is important that you write between 150 and 225 words.
Use appropriate signal and linking words to switch between ideas, to add information, etc. That helps the reader to follow your writing easily.
Monitor your own progress. You need a teacher to evaluate your writings in accordance with the appropriate TOEFL® iBT Writing Rubrics. This way you will be provided with accurate and constructive feedback with guidelines on how to improve your writing and how to continue your TOEFL® iBT preparation.
