The integrated TOEFL writing question includes reading, listening, and writing. After reading a passage and listening to a lecture, you must summarize.
| Reading | · 4 paragraphs
· 3 minutes |
| Listening | · Approximately 300 words
· 2 minutes |
| Writing | · 150-225 words
· 20 minutes |
Reading
The reading passage is a 4-paragraph persuasive essay. The passage consists of an introduction and 3 main arguments. The structure is as follows:
| Introductory Paragraph | · Introduces the topic
· Gives opinion (Thesis) |
| Body Paragraphs (3) | · Start with main argument (Topic Sentence)
· Provide supporting examples and explanations |
Understanding the structure of the essay helps you find information more quickly. Look for the thesis at the end of the introduction. This is the purpose of the entire essay. The main arguments are at the beginning of each paragraph. They are the focus of the paragraph.
You have 3 minutes to read. Read the essay and take short notes. Use the template in the next section to help you.
Listening
Next, listen to a 2-minute lecture. In the lecture, the professor will disagree with the reading. The professor opposes each point in the reading moving in the same order as the arguments were presented.
For example, if the reading describes the benefits of high taxes, the professor would discuss reasons to lower taxes.
You can only listen once, so make sure you take notes. Listen for transitional words to warn you when the professor has moved to a new argument.
Question
The question asks you to summarize the points made in the listening while showing how they oppose the arguments in the reading. You have 20 minutes to write a 150-225 word summary.
Here is the question:
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they oppose specific points in the reading passage.
The question is always the same. You don’t need to study different question types.
The Process
- Reading and Listening
It is important to take notes on the reading and the lecture. Before you begin, set up your notes like this table:
| Reading | Lecture | |
| Thesis | ||
| Reason 1 | ||
| Reason 2 | ||
| Reason 3 |
This format helps you compare each point in the reading and the lecture. For the reading, take short notes because you can see the passage whenever you need. Your notes for the listening should be more detailed because you will not be able to hear the lecture again. The chart is important because they form the outline of your summary.
- Writing
Your summary should have a specific structure. It should be 4-5 paragraphs and directly follow the format of the reading and lecture. Here is the template for the summary:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Begin by introducing the reading and lecture. Make sure you mention that the professor disagrees.
- The reading states that _____________________ and provides three reasons.
- However, the professor opposes this argument and refutes each of the points made in the reading.
Paragraph 2: Argument 1
Your first body paragraph should discuss the first point made in the reading.
- First, the reading claims that _____________________. It shows how _________________.
- The professor disagrees with this argument by explaining that _____________________.
Paragraph 3: Argument 2
Introduce the second point and show how the professor opposes this idea.
- Second, the reading argues that _____________________.
- The professor opposes this idea. He believes that _____________________.
Paragraph 4: Argument 3
The final body paragraph outlines the final point from the reading and the professor’s arguments against it.
- Third, the reading states that _____________________.
- The professor refutes this idea. He argues that _____________________.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Your final paragraph is a conclusion summarizing all your ideas.
- In conclusion, the reading describes how
- The professor opposes these arguments and suggests _____________________.
- Editing
Make sure you leave yourself 5 minutes to edit your summary. Ask yourself these questions:
- Did you follow the template and organize ideas in 5 paragraphs?
- Did you state the opinion of the reading?
- Did you mention the opinion of the professor and how it compares to the reading?
- Did you use transitional words to connect your ideas?
- Did you use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation?
TOEFL Integrated Writing Strategies
- Do not worry about copying the listening.
In your summary you are starting with “the professor says” so writing exactly what was said is fine. You should try to paraphrase the reading. This means do not copy exactly what the reading says.
- Know the key vocabulary words and use them on the test.
The chart shows different words for disagreeing:
| Disagree | |
| Refutes
Opposes Disagrees with |
Casts doubt on
Challenges Contradicts |
Think about logical oppositions to the ideas in the reading.
Expect to hear about them in the lecture.
- Pay attention to transitional words in the lecture.
They warn you when the professor is moving to another point.
- Do not state your own opinion.
The task is to summarize, not give your opinion.
- Write even if you don’t understand everything.
If you do not understand a point in the lecture, you can still score points. Explain the point in the reading and say the professor opposes this idea. Then try your hardest to invent the reason.
- Use the reading to help you with spelling and vocabulary.
The reading is always available, so you can use the passage to help you spell key words correctly. It also helps you use the right terms.
- Focus more on the lecture than the reading.
The question asks you to summarize the lecture, so only use points from the reading when relevant or necessary.
More TOEFL Writing Lessons and Strategies
Are you ready for more tips to help you increase your TOEFL writing score? Try these lessons: