TOEFL Writing Question 1 Guide: Sample Question and Essay Included (2025)

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on how to effectively structure and write an integrated writing task for TOEFL. It emphasizes introducing the general topic, clearly stating both the author’s and lecturer’s viewpoints, and prioritizing the lecturer’s argument in body paragraphs. The speaker advises on using longer sentences for better writing quality and offers tips on editing, including the importance of checking for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Additionally, the speaker discusses the optional nature of conclusions and the key to scoring well: clear, concise writing with thorough editing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on using longer sentences to improve sentence structure and fluency.
• 😀 The general structure of the essay should introduce the reading, then the lecture, with the lecture offering a counterpoint to the reading's claims.
• 😀 In body paragraphs, aim to use one sentence from the reading and two from the listening to show a stronger focus on the listening passage.
• 😀 Avoid short, choppy sentences—combine them to create smoother transitions and improve readability.
• 😀 It's important to write as much as possible from the listening passage, as it should provide more information than the reading.
• 😀 A conclusion is optional, but it can be helpful to include a brief summary if desired. However, avoid repeating ideas already discussed in the body of the essay.
• 😀 Editing is crucial—without spell check, it's essential to carefully review your essay for spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.
• 😀 Taking time to edit your essay can make the difference between a higher and lower score, so allocate at least two minutes for editing.
• 😀 The listening passage should be used more than the reading passage to provide a balanced and in-depth response.
• 😀 Use your notes effectively while writing, as they help ensure you're covering the key points from the listening and reading passages.
• 😀 Writing without relying on tools like Grammarly will help you improve your editing skills and prepare for real exam conditions.

Q & A

What is the general structure recommended for a TOEFL integrated writing task?

The general structure includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion (optional). In the introduction, you introduce the topic and summarize the differing views of the reading and the listening. Each body paragraph introduces the author's point, presents the lecturer's counter-argument, and explains why the lecturer disagrees, with a focus on the listening. The conclusion is optional but can summarize the opposing views.

How should the introduction be structured in a TOEFL integrated writing task?

In the introduction, you should briefly introduce the general topic (e.g., deforestation), present the author's opinion, and then mention the lecturer's opposing viewpoint. The introduction should clearly state that the lecturer disagrees with the author and outline the key difference.

What is the key strategy for body paragraphs in a TOEFL integrated writing task?

In body paragraphs, the key strategy is to provide more content from the listening than the reading. The recommended structure is to introduce the author's point, present the lecturer's counter-argument, and explain why the lecturer disagrees, with the lecturer's explanation taking precedence.

What is the general rule regarding the balance of content from the reading and listening in each body paragraph?

The general rule is to include one sentence from the reading and two sentences from the listening in each body paragraph. This ensures that the majority of the content comes from the listening and helps demonstrate a deeper understanding of the lecture.

Why is sentence length important in TOEFL integrated writing?

Sentence length is important because it affects the overall flow and complexity of the writing. Short sentences can make the writing sound choppy and simplistic. To improve writing quality, aim to combine ideas into longer, more sophisticated sentences.

Is it necessary to include a conclusion in the TOEFL integrated writing task?

The conclusion is optional. While it’s not essential, some test-takers prefer to include a brief conclusion to summarize the opposing views. However, since the content often repeats, some teachers advise against it to avoid redundancy.

How can notes help in writing a TOEFL integrated writing response?

Notes are a valuable tool for organizing and summarizing the key points from the listening passage. They can help you structure the body paragraphs effectively by ensuring that more content from the listening is included, and they guide you in articulating the lecturer’s counter-arguments clearly.

What is the importance of editing your TOEFL integrated writing task?

Editing is crucial for ensuring there are no spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Without tools like spell check, mistakes can lower your score. It’s recommended to spend at least two minutes editing to catch any errors that could impact your score.

What mistakes should test-takers be mindful of during the TOEFL integrated writing task?

Test-takers should be mindful of spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, capitalization issues, and formatting errors. These mistakes can detract from the clarity and professionalism of the essay and negatively affect the score.

What role does sentence variety play in TOEFL integrated writing?

Sentence variety is important for demonstrating linguistic flexibility and complexity. By using a mix of short and longer sentences, test-takers can make their writing more engaging and easier to follow, which can positively influence the score.