TOEFL Writing Secrets Every Student Must Know for Success

The TOEFL Writing module tests your ability to write answers based on an academic setting and produce your responses in an organized and clear way. At times, test takers struggle with this section because they do not know proper strategies to attain a higher score. Hence in this article, we are here with the TOEFL Writing secrets every student must know for success! Keep reading to know all about it and ace your exam preparations. 

About the TOEFL Writing Section 

The TOEFL Writing module expects you to perform two tasks namely the Integrated Writing task and the Academic Discussion task. Now, let us see an overview about both the tasks of the writing section below. 

Task 1: Integrated Writing 

Duration: 20 Minutes.

About: You will read a small passage and listen to a lecture based on the same topic first. Then, you will write your answers in response to what you just heard and read. 

Task 2: Academic Discussion

Duration: 10 Minutes

About: In this, you will write an essay based in your experience and personal knowledge. Ylu are supposed to give an opinion in an online classroom discussion. 

Scoring: You will be scored based on certain Writing Scoring Guides by an AI and certified human TOEFL examiners. Your raw scores will be converted into an overall scaled section score of 0-30.

Check out: How to Send Your TOEFL iBT® Scores to Colleges?

3 Secret Tricks to Master the Integrated Writing Task

The Integrated Writing Task of the TOEFL Writing can be a bit tricky, but with the right strategies, you can easily score higher in this. Read ahead to know more! 

1. Take Notes Carefully

When coming across its listening passage, try to take note of the key points and examples. Most importantly, note down the points that relate to or contrast with that of the reading passage. Try focusing on the points that you think are the main ideas (the actual context) rather than trying to focus on every single word.

2. Don’t Copy, Try Paraphrasing

Avoiding the act of directly copying the phrases and sentences from the listening or the reading materials is a must. Instead of this, you can try paraphrasing the content in those materials in your own words to show that you are well-aware of the content and are able write about it in detail.

3. Keep a Well-Organized Structure

Structuring your TOEFL essay with an introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion is a must and it will easily help the reader to understand the flow of your ideas. Introduce the topic in the first paragtaph, and in the body paragraph, try to compare and also contrast the content from both the reading and the listening passages. Then, in your conclusion you are to summarize the main points and finish the essay. Note that this task does not require you to give your personal opinions and hence stick to the facts and content provided in both the reading and listening passages.

Also Read: Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam

3 Secret Tricks to Master the Academic Discussion Writing Task

In the Academic Discussion Writing Task, you are required to state and then argue in support of an opinion (a view point) in an online classroom discussion. Hence, in this, being clear and having a strong reasoning skill is important.

1. Understand the Given Prompt

Before you start writing, make sure to understand the given question. Find out if it is asking for your opinion, or a comparison, or about the advantages and disadvantages of something. If you misinterpret the prompt, you can lead to producing off-topic writing.

2. Organize Your Ideas

Spending 3-5 minutes in brainstorming ideas and to outline your answer can help you present a clear and organized answer in this task. Note that a proper outline will help you keep focused on the question and provide a logically well-written essay that will be easy for the examiner to follow as well.

Structure for Academic Discussion Writing Task:

Introduction: Paraphrase the question given and give your thesis statement (main idea).

Body Paragraphs: Give 2-3 reasons that support your stand along with specific examples. 

Conclusion: Summarize all of your points and restate your opinion if you want to. 

3. Use Proper and Specific Examples

Remember, you should never provide general statements. As in, you must support your arguments with certain specific or personal examples that strengthen your opinion. Hence, always prefer using personal examples in this task of your TOEFL Writing to score higher. Adding on, personal examples would show authenticity in favor of your arguments and so, use them correctly. 

To conclude, mastering the TOEFL Writing module requires you practice consistently, plan your essay outlines, and keep focused. Now that you read everything the TOEFL Writing secrets every student must know for success, don’t keep sitting back; Kickstart your test preparations now! 

Check Out: 

• Types of Tasks in TOEFL Writing Section 
• How to Write High-Scoring TOEFL® Essays
• TOEFL iBT® Exam Fees in India
• List of USA Colleges Accepting 100-110 TOEFL iBT® Scores