The TOEFL writing is the final section on the test. This TOEFL writing overview shows you the structure and strategies to increase your score. You can see a video lesson below with the written lesson after that.
Here’s the video lesson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pVFpv3CVj4&feature=youtu.be
TOEFL Writing
The writing section tests your ability to write in English. You must complete two tasks:
- Integrated
- Independent
Integrated
In the integrated questions, you must read and listen and then write a summary. This is the breakdown:
| Reading | · 4 paragraphs
· 3 minutes |
| Listening | · Approximately 300 words
· 2 minutes |
| Writing | · 150-225 words
· 20 minutes |
The writing is a summary of the reading and the lecture. Most importantly, you must include all the key information from both. You are scored on three major components:
- Content (Ability to Summarize)
- Organization
- Language and Grammar
For more information on the scoring of the integrated task, use the official scoring rubric from ETS
Independent
In the independent section, you must write an essay based on a question you are given. This is an example question:
- “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
You write a persuasive essay based on your opinion. You have 30 minutes to write at least 300 words.
You are scored in four areas:
- Task Completion (Do you answer the question?)
- Organization
- Coherence
- Language and Grammar
For more information on the scoring of the integrated task, use the official scoring rubric from ETS.
Preparing for the Writing Section
Writing as much as possible is the best preparation for the test. You should practice writing in general and the two TOEFL-specific writing tasks.
Your writing will also improve if you read. The more reading you do, the better your grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.
These are the most important areas you can improve before you take the TOEFL.
Academic Writing
The TOEFL is an academic test, so you are expected to write in an academic style. Learn the difference between formal writing and informal writing:
Run-On Sentences
These are sentences that are too long. Learn how to avoid them with this lesson:
Parallel Structure
You need your writing to follow the same structure and to remain parallel. Find out how you can do that with this lesson:
Transitional Words
These connectors will make your writing more organized. Learn more about them with this lesson:
Punctuation
You need proper punctuation to write well in English. Do you know how to use all the punctuation marks properly? Find out with these lessons:
Language and Grammar
You need general grammar and vocabulary ability to write well. These are some of the most important grammar topics for the TOEFL writing section:
Articles
You need to use the little words correctly. A, An, and The can be tricky. Find out how to use them properly with this lesson:
Subject Verb Agreement
You always need your subjects and verbs to agree. Learn how to do that here:
Passive Voice
This can really impact your writing, so you want to know how to use it correctly. This lesson will show you:
More TOEFL Writing Lessons and Strategies
Are you ready for more tips to help you increase your TOEFL writing score? Try these lessons: