What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

How to Overcome Writer’s Block During TOEFL Writing

Home Blog TOEFL iBT

Prity Mallick

4 min read

Updated On March 06, 2025

"Learn how to overcome writer's block during the TOEFL Writing section with strategies to manage tasks, improve time management, and focus on quality writing."

Key Highlights

How to Overcome Writer’s Block During TOEFL Writing

Writer’s block is a challenge many test-takers experience, especially in time-sensitive situations like the TOEFL exam. It can occur when you're unsure how to start your essay or develop ideas quickly, causing hesitation. This can be especially difficult in a high-pressure environment, but it’s important to remember that overcoming it is possible with the right techniques. Let’s learn some practical ways to manage how to overcome writer’s block during TOEFL writing and succeed in the TOEFL Writing section, so you can approach the task with confidence.

How to Overcome Writer’s Block During TOEFL Writing

Here are some effective strategies to help you overcome writer's block during the TOEFL Writing iBT section, enabling you to confidently tackle both tasks:

1. Break Down The Task

One of the main reasons to have a writer’s block is due to the overwhelming feeling which test takers get in the exam. By breaking down the tasks into steps, it will become more manageable and easier to write. The table below shows an effective way to break the questions down for both the Writing Tasks.

Integrated Writing Task	Independent Writing Task
Read the passage carefully, take note on the keywords, and create a list of main ideas	Read the question carefully and focus on the key terms used.
Take notes while listening to the recording to keep track of relevant information	Make a list of arguments and supporting ideas in order to brainstorm
Your response must be coherent which must include the main points from the passage and the audio.	Create an outline before attempting to write

Once you have broken the tasks down, you would be able to start with the easy section. In the Integrated Writing Task, you can begin by summarising the lecture and analysing the main ideas from the reading passage. This will create a coherent answer since you have outlined the key points.
Moving on to the Independent Writing Task, you can begin by writing the body paragraphs first and don’t think about the introduction as well as conclusion initially. This will help you gradually build your argument and later, you can formulate the introduction and conclusion once you are done with the body paragraphs.

TOEFL iBT® Test Writing Score Calculation: Marking Criteria, Score Interpretation – Learn how your TOEFL Writing score is calculated and interpreted to improve your exam preparation.

2. Practice Writing With Shorter Breaks

When you write freely without any constraints, it will help you develop your skills since you are not focusing too much on grammar, punctuation, or structure. In this way, the main goal is to develop the skills to generate ideas and get your thoughts flowing without thinking too much. While attempting the TOEFL Writing tasks, you can take around 5-10 minutes to write freely without any structure if you feel overwhelmed. Not only that but you can also take a short break to clear your mind and reduce anxiety by taking a few deep breaths, standing up, stretching, or drinking water.

Remember that the fear could be due to the time boundation and the structure of the answer which you need to follow. As a result, you need to practice to release the pressure and get your brain to think creatively, making you feel more comfortable with writing.

3. Focus on Quality

In the Writing tasks, it is not mandatory to write a lengthy answer to score well. Since quality matters more than quantity, focus on expressing your ideas in a concise and logical way rather than writing a long response. The main aim is to provide clear, concise, and well-developed paragraphs. There is no need to write irrelevant answer and remember to not move away from the main idea which could affect your scores.

To keep the logical arrangement of ideas, use transition words which are listed below in the table:

Adding ideas	Moreover, Furthermore, In addition to, Additionally
Contrasting ideas	However, In contrast, On the contrary, On the other hand
Providing examples	For example, For instance, In particular, To illustrate
Conclusion	In conclusion, To sum up, In summary, To summarise

Enhance your writing with tailored practice!
Try our TOEFL Writing Practice Tests and get feedback to sharpen your essays.

4. Time Management

A writer’s block can cause anxiety due to the time constraints as candidates have to finish their response at the given time. Firstly, focus on brainstorming ideas and make notes regarding the same and then, use a timer while attempting the practice tests. It is not advisable to stop at the given first if you are trying for the first time. When you are using a timer, keep a track of the extra time which you require to attempt the TOEFL Writing tests and then check with the progress.

To begin with developing those skills, you can start with a longer time limit to avoid any anxiety and confusion while practising. As and when you continue to prepare with practice tests, you can gradually reduce the time limit given the fact that you have improved your speed and efficiency. Therefore, it will help you simulate exam conditions and improve your time management skills.

5. Stay Positive and Avoid Negative Self-talk

A writer’s block becomes more intense when you start doubting yourself, making your brain shut down and it becomes difficult for you to get ideas. You can start by staying positive and focusing on moving forward by taking one step at a time which can create a calm mindset. If you feel stuck, remember to take a break and remind yourself that you’ve prepared for this moment.

I hope this blog has helped you understand how to overcome writer’s block during TOEFL Writing. By breaking down tasks, managing your time, and focusing on quality, you can tackle any writing prompt with confidence. With consistent practice, you’ll be prepared to excel in the TOEFL Writing section.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage my time during the TOEFL Writing section?

Remember to first get yourself familiar with the exam format and start attempting full-length practice tests. This will enhance your knowledge of the timing and improve your note taking skills. Also, it is important to focus on your areas of improvement and devote extra time to focus on them.

How can I practice to prevent writer’s block during the TOEFL Writing section?

It is recommended to practice regularly to get used to the examination setting. Remember to write regularly on different topics while using a timer. You will be able to become comfortable with generating ideas and organising them cohesively. Also, practice with different TOEFL writing prompts to practice critical thinking and remember to review the sample essays to become familiar with the structure.

What must I avoid during the TOEFL Writing Section?

Some common mistakes which you must avoid while attempting the TOEFL Writing Section are overthinking, ignoring the prompt given in the question, and not organising your essay. These mistakes can be worked upon if you keep on practising on a daily basis.

How can I develop my brainstorming skills to avoid writer’s block during TOEFL Writing?

It is necessary to brainstorm ideas to overcome writer’s block where you can create branches for each idea or argument related to the topic. Practice listing down your ideas first and then choose the best one out of them. Remember to ask yourself questions in order to become clear about your writing process.