EducationUSA TOEFL Course – Writing – Handout 1
TOEFL Course – Writing
The Writing Section
This section of the test includes:
1 integrated task 1 independent task Tips for the writing section:
Tip 1: Plan before you write
On each of the writing assignments take a couple of minutes to think about the question being asked.
Make sure to answer exactly what is asked. This is important. Off-topic answers get no points.
Organize your thoughts. Figure out exactly what you want to write. Only then, start to write.
Tip 2: Be concrete, clear, and specific
Avoid abstractions. TOEFL essay readers want examples. The more you can talk about real things
or real events, the more convincing your essays will be, and the clearer your language will
sound. So be specific!
Exercise 1: Think of a concrete example for each abstract idea.
Abstract: Hard work pays off in the end.
Concrete: ____________________________________________
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Abstract: Those who don’t remember the past are doomed to repeat it.
Concrete: ____________________________________________
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Tip 3: Use words you know
It is important that you use words correctly. So don’t try to use the most difficult words you’ve ever
read. Use words that you are sure you know.
It’s better to use an easy word correctly than a difficult word incorrectly!
Tip 4: Use transitions
It is important to use words that connect ideas to other ideas. The better you use transitions, the
more logical your essay will feel.
Tip 5: Edit
Try to finish each writing task with enough time left to read your work. You will write your test on
the computer, so it is easy to find and change mistakes.
As you read your work again, make sure there are no mistakes. Make sure your writing makes
logical sense. And make sure it is accurate.
Exercise 2: Match the transition with its meaning
Meaning Transitions
a. Examples
b. intention/purpose
c. reason/cause
d. time
e. contrast
f. additional info
g. explain
h. cause and effect
i. conclusion
j. sequence/order
k. emphasize
l. comparison
m. generalize
n. personal attitude
1. as, like
2. while, even though,
however, although, but,
on the other hand
3. when, while, since, once
4. so that, in order to
5. therefore, as a result, as
a consequence
6. in fact, indeed
7. positive: fortunately,
happily, thankfully;
negative: unfortunately,
regrettably, sadly
8. for example, for instance,
to illustrate
9. first, second, third, next,
then, finally, lastly
10. overall, for the most part,
in general, typically,
generally
11. also, too, in addition,
furthermore, moreover
12. that is, in other words
13. to conclude, in
conclusion, to summarize
14. because, since
Task 1: Read, listen, write
Task 1 on the writing section looks like this:
1) Read a text (3 minutes)
2) Hear a short lecture on the same the topic (1-3 minutes)
3) Summarize the main points of the text and the lecture in a short essay (20 minutes).
Read: When you read the passage take notes. The text will disappear from the screen as soon as the
three minutes is up.
Look for:
1) Main idea 2) Examples
3) Connections 4) Conclusion
Listen: Take notes just like you would on a lecture during the listening comprehension part of the
test:
1) Main idea 2) Examples
3) Terms 4) Conclusion
Write: Read the assignment and write a summary that answers
the question!
_________ ___________– Writing – Handout 2
Exercise 3: Integrated Writing Task practice
Text 1 (3 minutes):
“Global warming” is defined as an increase in the earth’s atmospheric
temperature. Causes of global warming can be categorized in two ways: humaninduced
warming and natural climate fluctuations that have been in place for thousands of years.
Many scientists believe that human activity has very little, if any, impact on the recent warming
trend on Earth.
These researchers point to the various ice ages in the earth’s history, the most
recent of which occurred 15,000 years ago, almost 14,000 years before industry and human
habitation had any impact on the atmosphere. While not as well documented, these ice ages might
have been tempered by warmer periods throughout history – meaning the current increase in the
earth’s atmospheric temperature is nothing more than a cyclical natural phenomenon.
In fact, it is difficult to determine the impact of humans on the environment as we have only been
documenting weather changes for the last 100 years. Most scientists agree that data from a longer
time period is needed to build an accurate picture of temperature fluctuations. Over the past 100
years, the temperature has only risen marginally – about one degree. This warming has not been
uniform, as some areas of the world have actually experienced cooling over the past 20
years, even with record activity caused by El Nino in 1997 and 1998.
In reality, there is no conclusive evidence that human activity has any effect on earth’s surface
temperature. While environmental activists and other alarmists are quick to blame increased
carbon dioxide emissions for the recent trend, the truth is that nobody knows whether a similar
warming – and cyclical cooling – occurred before the advent of temperature-related technology in
the late 1900s.
Notes on Reading:
Main idea:
Examples:
Position/Conclusion:
Notes on lecture:
Arguments (3):
Position on main idea:
Task 1: Summarize the points made in the lecture you just heard, explaining how they cast doubt on
the points made in the reading.
When you write your response REMEMBER:
1) Plan before you write
2) Use words you know
3) Be concrete, clear, and specific
4) Use transitions
5) Edit
Plan your response here:
Topic sentence:
Reading:
Lecture point 1:
Lecture point 2:
Lecture point 3:
Conclusion:
_________ ___________– Writing – Handout 3
Task 2: The Independent Essay
This task will ask you to write an essay without providing you with any outside information. You
will have 30 minutes to plan and write this essay. The task can come in one of three forms:
Opinion – say what you think, say why you think that
Descriptive – choose something, say why you chose that
Comparative – discuss both sides, choose one side, explain why you chose that side
Let’s look at each one individually:
The Opinion Essay:
A task for the opinion essay will look like this:
Task 2, Question 1: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement:
Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Your answer should look like this:
1) Short, clear introduction.
Bad introduction sentence: I think that sometimes people should tell the truth, but they don’t always
have to because sometimes it is better to say something that makes other people feel better than to
say the truth which could be hurtful.
Good introduction sentence: I disagree that honesty is always the most important consideration in a
relationship.
2) 2 (or 3) body paragraphs with concrete examples. It is usually best to write two clear, fully
developed examples for the
3) Strong, clear conclusion.
Good conclusion: Although I do believe that people should tell the truth as much as possible, it is
not always the most important consideration in any relationship. Other factors, such as those listed
above, can sometimes be even more important than honesty.
Exercise 4: Plan an essay you could write on the topic above. (2 minutes)
Introduction: Agree | Disagree (circle one)
¶ 1 – Topic:
Example:
¶ 2 – Topic:
Example:
Conclusion:
The Descriptive Essay:
Here you will be asked to choose one thing and describe why you chose that. A task for the
descriptive essay will look like this:
Task 2, Question 2: What discovery in the last 100 years has
been the most beneficial for your country?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
Your answer for this task will look a lot the same as your answer on the opinion essay:
1) Short clear introduction. 1-2 sentences.
2) 2 (or 3) reasons why you picked that invention.
3) Strong, clear conclusion .
Exercise 4: Plan an essay you could write on the topic above. (2 minutes)
Invention:
¶ 1 – Reason:
Example:
¶ 2 – Reason:
Example:
Conclusion:
The Comparative Essay:
This essay is a little bit different. You will have to discuss two sides of an issue first, and then
choose the side that you think is best. A comparison essay task will look like this:
Task 2, Question 3: Should a city try to preserve its old, historic
buildings or destroy them and replace them with modern buildings?
Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Exercise 4: Plan an essay you could write on the topic above. (2 minutes)
Short, clear introduction:
¶ 1 – Side #1:
Reason + Example:
¶ 2 – Side #2:
Reason + Example:
Your side + reason(s):
_________ ___________– Writing – Handout 4
Exercise 5: Independent Essay (30 minutes) | Your e-mail address:
Task 2: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement:
Progress is always good
Use specific examples to support your answer.
Use 2 minutes to plan your essay here:
Introduction: Agree | Disagree (circle one)
¶ 1 – Topic:
Example:
¶ 2 – Topic:
Example:
Conclusion:
1) Plan before you write – Take two minutes before you start writing to make a quick plan.
2) Be concrete, clear, and specific – When planning your examples, choose concrete, real events,
people or things.
3) Use words you know – A simple word used correctly is better than a difficult word used
incorrectly.
4) Use transitions – Transitions give your essay the feel of logical connections. The more you use
them, the better!
5) Edit – Try to leave 2-3 minutes at the end of the essay to read it over once again. This way, you
can correct errors and make sure everything makes sense.
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– Writing – Handout 5
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