10 Prep Tips for Improving Your TOEFL Writing Score
TOEFL
Talk to ExpertThe TOEFL writing section can be challenging for many students, especially for non-native English speakers. However, with the right strategies and preparation, you can significantly improve your writing score. Here are ten effective tips to help you excel in the TOEFL writing section.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) writing section is an important part of the exam for students who want to study in English-speaking countries. Many students find this section challenging, but with the right preparation, you can improve your score. The Writing section of TOEFL exam comprises 2 tasks that candidates have to complete within 50 minutes. The section will be scored on a scale of 0-30.
In this article, we will share 10 tips to help you get better at TOEFL writing. These tips will include understanding the test format, practicing how to rephrase sentences, and using connecting words to link your ideas. We will also talk about managing your time well and practicing regularly to build your confidence. By following these TOEFL preparation tips for writing section, you can write clear and organized essays that meet the expectations of the TOEFL examiners.
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10 Tips To Boost TOEFL Writing Preparation
Here are ten effective tips to help you excel in the TOEFL writing section.
1. Understand the Test Format
Familiarize yourself with the structure of the TOEFL writing section. It consists of two tasks: the Integrated Writing task and the Independent Writing task. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time effectively and understand what the examiners are looking for.
2. Practice Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is crucial in both writing tasks. In the Integrated task, you must summarize information from a reading passage and a listening excerpt without directly quoting them. Practice rephrasing sentences to demonstrate your understanding and avoid plagiarism, as using exact phrases can lead to lower scores.
3. Use Transitional Words
Using transitional words and phrases helps connect your ideas smoothly, making your writing more coherent. Words like "however," "furthermore," "in addition," and "on the other hand" guide readers through your arguments and show relationships between points. Incorporate these into your essays to enhance clarity.
4. Create an Outline
Before you start writing, take a few minutes to outline your essay. A clear outline helps organize your thoughts and ensures that your essay has a logical flow. Identify your main points and supporting details to stay focused while writing.
5. Manage Your Time Wisely
You have limited time to complete both tasks (20 minutes for Integrated Writing and 30 minutes for Independent Writing). Practice timing yourself during practice essays to ensure you can complete each task within the allotted time. Allocate time for planning, writing, and reviewing.
6. Write Clearly and Concisely
Aim for clarity in your writing by using simple language and avoiding overly complex sentences. Focus on conveying your ideas clearly rather than using fancy vocabulary that may confuse readers. Concise writing is often more effective than lengthy explanations.
7. Incorporate Examples
Support your arguments with relevant examples in the Independent Writing task. Examples make your points more persuasive and demonstrate your ability to apply concepts in real-life situations. Ensure that examples are specific and directly related to your thesis.
8. Edit Your Work
Reserve a few minutes at the end of each task to review your essay for mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. This final check can help you catch errors that could lower your score. Remember that there is no spell check on the TOEFL, so careful proofreading is essential.
9. Practice Typing Without Spell Check
Since you won’t have spell check available during the test, practice typing essays without it turned on. This will help you become more aware of common spelling mistakes and improve your ability to spot errors as you write.
10. Read Regularly in English
Reading academic articles, essays, or other English materials can improve your vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure. This exposure will help you develop a better sense of how to express ideas effectively in writing.
TOEFL Writing Tips 2025
In this section, we are going to be talking about the top TOEFL iBT writing tips for applicants looking to appear for their TOEFL exam
- Enhance your vocabulary and knowledge of idiomatic speech so you can use it appropriately.
- Learn grammatical structures so well that you can use them naturally when writing.
- Learn the conventions of spelling, punctuation, and layout (e.g., paragraph creation).
- Prepare from a textbook that includes questions about the material at the end of chapters and practise writing answers to those questions.
- Read a paragraph of about 300–400 words. Write down the major points and important details of the paragraph. Further, use the outline to write a summary of the information and ideas. Summaries should be brief and communicate only the major points and important details. Be sure to paraphrase using different words and grammatical structures.
Also, Read
- Find listening and reading material on a single topic on the Internet or in the library. The material can provide similar or different views. Take notes on the written and spoken portions, and do the following:
- Summarize the information and ideas in both the written and spoken portions.
- Synthesize the information and discuss how the reading and listening materials relate. Explain how the ideas expressed are similar, how one idea expands upon another, or how the ideas are different or contradict each other.
- Paraphrasing involves restating something from the source material in one’s own words.
- Learn to find synonyms with ease. Pick 10 to 15 words or phrases in a reading passage and quickly think of synonyms without looking them up in a dictionary or thesaurus.
- Write a paraphrase of a reading passage using only your notes. If you haven’t taken notes, write the paraphrase without looking at the original text. Then check the paraphrase with the original passage to make sure that it is factually accurate and that you have used different words and grammatical structures.
- Make a list of familiar topics and practise writing about them. For each topic state an opinion or a preference and then support it with evidence. Practice planning and writing at least one essay for each topic. Be sure to take 30 minutes to plan, write, and revise each essay. Think about and list all ideas related to a topic or task before writing.
Note: ETS suggests you enhance your vocabulary by solving crossword puzzles and playing other word games to improve your TOEFL writing skills.
Also Read: Best Books and Resources for TOEFL
Q: How to improve writing score in TOEFL?
To improve your TOEFL writing score, focus on the following strategies:
- Practice Paraphrasing: Instead of quoting directly from sources, practice summarizing information in your own words. This is particularly important for the Integrated Writing task.
- Use Transitional Words: Incorporate linking words like "however," "furthermore," and "in addition" to connect your ideas and make your writing more coherent.
- Organize Your Ideas: Create an outline before writing to organize your thoughts clearly. This helps maintain a logical flow in your essay.
- Edit Your Work: Always leave time to review your essays for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Q: How to prepare for TOEFL writing?
To prepare for the TOEFL writing section:
- Read and Summarize: Regularly read articles and summarize them in English to improve your comprehension and writing skills.
- Practice Writing Essays: Write practice essays on various topics. Focus on both the Integrated and Independent tasks.
- Take Notes While Listening: For the Integrated task, practice taking notes while listening to lectures or discussions. This will help you capture key points effectively.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Format: Understand the structure of both writing tasks so you know what is expected.
Q: How can I prepare for TOEFL at home?
One searching for TOEFL preparation startegy without taking help of any coachings.
Self-Study Resources: Utilize online platform like ETS, and practice questions and study materials.
Listening Practice: Listen to English podcasts, lectures, and audiobooks to improve comprehension.
Reading Practice: Read academic articles or textbooks to familiarize yourself with academic vocabulary and structure.
Speaking Practice: Record yourself speaking on various topics and review your pronunciation and fluency.
Writing Practice: Write essays and seek feedback form any experts.
Q: How long should I study for the TOEFL?
The ideal duration depends on the TOEFL test taker's English proficiency and target score. Generally, dedicating 3-6 months with consistent practice sessions should yield the desired TOEFL scores. TOEFL test takers are further advised to analyze their practice test scores and identify areas needing improvement to tailor their study plan.
Q: Can I pass TOEFL online?
There is no such thing as failing or passing the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam is held online at a test centre near you and is also being conducted in the safety of your home via the online method. Candidates who have prepared for the TOEFL would qualify for the exam. Candidates should note that higher TOEFL scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front runner for any scholarships being offered by the university. A low TOEFL score would require the student to re-take the exam to improve his/her performance.
Q: Is the TOEFL difficult for Indian students?
Yes, the TOEFL exam is relatively difficult than other English tests. However, the difficulty is subjective and depends on your current English proficiency level and preparation. While challenges like vocabulary gaps and adapting to the computer format (for the iBT) are common, dedicated preparation can help Indian students excel. Utilize official ETS resources like practice tests and study guides, supplement with free online tools and consider coaching classes if needed. Remember, consistent practice and addressing specific weaknesses are key to success.
Q: Which book is best to prepare for TOEFL exam?
The best book to study for your TOEFL exam is the one that has been published by ETS. The ETS is the conducting body of the TOEFL exam, hence, the books and study material available on the official ETS TOEFL website should be your only source of preparation for your TOEFL exam.
Q: What is a Good TOEFL Score?
TOEFL Scores: There are no good or bad scores when appearing for the TOEFL test. Candidates would be required to meet the TOEFL score decided by the universities. anything above would increase their chances of getting admission into the university and any score below the range could serve as a roadblock in the admission process.
However, to make your test experience more personal and for you to understand your score better ETS has provided 4 to 5 proficiency levels for each skill. So where your score falls within that range tells you your proficiency for that skill. This will give you a fair idea about your performance, your strengths, sections that need improvement, and so on. Test takers can look at the table below to understand their TOEFL iBT Scores better.
Skill/ Score Range | Level* |
|---|---|
Reading Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (24–30) |
Listening Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (22–30) |
Speaking Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (25–30) |
Writing Score Range 0–30 | Advanced (24–30) |
Total Score | These are added together for a total score of 0–120. |
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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