Rembrandt - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test with Sample Answers

The TOEFL exam evaluates a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in an academic setting, and the writing section plays a crucial role in this assessment. The first writing task, the Integrated Writing Task, requires test-takers to demonstrate their proficiency in synthesizing information from diverse sources.

The Integrated Writing task demands attentiveness as you read a short passage and then listen to a corresponding lecture using the provided headphones. Following the lecture, the reading passage reappears on your screen, accompanied by instructions for the writing task. Within a time limit of 20 minutes, you must craft a response that effectively integrates the insights from both sources.

So, let’s start the TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test to figure out the areas that you need to work on to achieve your ideal TOEFL score!

Writing Instructions

• You'll read a passage on an academic topic and listen to a corresponding lecture.
• You may take notes while reading and listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the relationship between the lecture you heard and the reading passage.
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from both the reading and the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• You may refer to the reading passage again or may use your notes to help you answer the question.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

Rembrandt is the most renowned of the seventeenth-century Dutch painters. However, doubts have arisen regarding the authenticity of some artworks attributed to him. A notable example is the painting titled "Portrait of an Elderly Woman in a White Bonnet." While its style initially led to its attribution to Rembrandt, particularly the striking resemblance of the woman's face to known Rembrandt portraits, several issues cast doubt on its authenticity.

Primarily, there is an inconsistency in the woman's attire depicted in the portrait. She wears a white linen cap typically associated with servants, yet dons a coat with a luxurious fur collar beyond a servant's means. Such a discrepancy would not align with Rembrandt's meticulous attention to detail in his subjects' clothing.

Furthermore, Rembrandt's mastery of light and shadow is evident in his works, but this painting fails to integrate these elements seamlessly. The face appears illuminated from below, contradicting the dark fur collar below it, which should cast shadows. This inconsistency would be uncharacteristic of Rembrandt's skillful handling of light.

Lastly, an examination of the painting's back reveals it was painted on a panel constructed from multiple wood pieces glued together. While Rembrandt often painted on wood panels, none of his authenticated works were created using such a construction method.

Consequently, the painting was excluded from Rembrandt's official catalog of artworks in the 1930s due to these compelling reasons.

Now play the audio below.

Question

Summarize the arguments presented in the lecture, ensuring to elucidate how they address the particular issues outlined in the reading passage.

Curious about what a good TOEFL score looks like? Check it out first, then explore the Integrated Writing sample answers!

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on Rembrandt

Explore a range of responses below, encompassing both mid-level and high-level analyses to analyze the area you need to improve to achieve your desired score.

Mid-level Response

There are uncertainties regarding whether Rembrandt painted the "Portrait of an Elderly Woman in a White Bonnet." While the reading suggests that the painting was not created by Rembrandt due to inconsistencies observed, the lecture strongly asserts Rembrandt's authorship. This perspective is rooted in a comprehensive reevaluation of the painting, wherein experts concluded that Rembrandt indeed painted it based on an examination of the fur collar, the realistic portrayal of light and shadow, and the components of the wood panel.

Upon scrutinizing the fur collar depicted in the painting, experts discerned that it was added over the original artwork more than a century later, likely to enhance its value. Moreover, the lecture contends that the depiction of light and color in the painting is remarkably realistic, contradicting the reading's assertion that these elements are incongruous.

Lastly, the lecture asserts Rembrandt's authorship based on the examination of the wood panel. Despite the panel's enlargement, it was crafted from the same tree used by Rembrandt in his "Self-Portrait with a Hat."

In summary, the arguments presented in the lecture outweigh those of the reading.

Rater’s Comments

While the initial paragraph effectively outlines the connection between the reading and the lecture, this response merits a mid-level score due to its omission of crucial details pertaining to the subsequent main points. In the second paragraph, although the writer notes the addition of the fur collar to enhance the painting's value, there is a failure to address the initial issue highlighted in the reading regarding the collar's inconsistency with the attire of a servant woman. Consequently, the relevance of this information may be unclear to readers unfamiliar with the passage and lecture. Similarly, the third paragraph vaguely acknowledges discrepancies in the portrayal of light and shadow but lacks essential specifics. In the fourth paragraph, the discussion on the authenticity of the wood lacks precision, as it remains ambiguous whether the reference is to the original panel or the added panels. Moreover, the writer does not elucidate the rationale behind the panel's enlargement. Although the essay covers all three main points, they are conveyed either vaguely or imprecisely. Despite minor errors, overall language clarity is maintained, with no significant hindrance to comprehension.

High-level Response

Both passages explore the authenticity of the painting "Portrait of an Elderly Woman in a White Bonnet," attributed to the renowned Dutch painter Rembrandt.

The text presents compelling evidence suggesting that the painting may not be the work of Rembrandt himself but rather attributed to him based on stylistic similarities. Conversely, the lecture provides compelling evidence to support the assertion that the painting is indeed a genuine work by Rembrandt.

One discrepancy highlighted in the text pertains to the woman's attire in the portrait, with the white linen cap contrasting with the luxurious fur collar. However, the lecture reveals that the fur collar was added later to enhance the painting's value, transforming the portrayal from a servant to an aristocratic lady.

Another inconsistency discussed is the handling of light and shadow, seemingly incongruent with Rembrandt's mastery. However, the removal of the added fur collar unveils a simpler collar that reflects light realistically onto the woman's face, aligning with Rembrandt's technique.

Furthermore, the text raises concerns about the panel's composition, comprised of multiple pieces of wood glued together, unlike Rembrandt's usual practice. Yet, the lecture clarifies that these additional panels were affixed later to enlarge the painting and enhance its value.

An intriguing revelation is that the main panel shares the same wood source as another authentic Rembrandt painting, "Self-Portrait with a Hat." Consequently, the painting in question is validated as a genuine work of Rembrandt, warranting its reinstatement in the catalog of his paintings.

Rater’s Comments

This essay receives a high score as it effectively delineates the opposing relationship between the reading passage and the lecture, addressing all key points and nuances. The response maintains a logical organization, with clear articulation of the topic in the opening and closing paragraphs, and each main idea elaborated upon in dedicated body paragraphs. Each point is elucidated with precision and sufficient detail. For instance, the assertion in the second paragraph regarding the addition of the fur collar to enhance the painting's value is accurately depicted. In the subsequent paragraph, although the inconsistency regarding light and shadow is not explicitly delineated, the writer alludes to it and provides an explanation for its occurrence. The use of connectors and transition phrases facilitates coherence and readability. While minor language errors are present, they do not detract significantly from comprehension.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on Rembrandt

When approaching the Integrated Writing Task on Rembrandt, it's essential to employ effective strategies to maximize your performance. Here are some tips to help you tackle this task with confidence.

• Begin by thoroughly reading the passage about Rembrandt. Pay attention to the main arguments, evidence, and any contrasting viewpoints presented. Take notes as you read to capture key points and details.
• It's important to grasp the points raised in the lecture that counter the issues outlined in the reading passage.
• While the reading passage elucidates reasons for doubting Rembrandt's authorship of the painting "Portrait of an Elderly Woman," the lecture introduces fresh evidence indicating that Rembrandt did, in fact, paint the artwork.
• Structure your response in a clear and logical manner. Start with an introduction that summarizes the topic and provides a thesis statement. Then, dedicate a paragraph to each main point of contrast, providing evidence and examples from both the reading and the lecture.
• Take some time to review and revise your response before submitting it. Check for grammatical errors, typos, and clarity of expression.

Ready to test your writing skills? We've covered sample answers and killer strategies – now it's your turn to shine!

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