TOEFL Writing Section Tips

TOEFL

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Updated on Feb 3, 2022 02:00 IST

Writing Section Tips for TOEFL Exam – The article is for candidates looking to excel in their Writing Section of the TOEFL exam. The key to performing well in your Writing Section of the Test of English as a Foreign (TOEFL) exam is to listen well. Hence, this set of instructions is going to involve candidates having to undertake large amounts of listening and being able to transform the same into professional writing.

Conducted by ETS – Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standard English proficiency test that is taken by students wanting to pursue their higher education in countries where English is the primary language of communication. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) examines the candidates’ proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the English language.

Quick links

TOEFL Eligibility 2024

TOEFL Dates 2024

What is TOEFL Scores and How to Validate TOEFL Score

List of TOEFL Test Centres Across India

TOEFL Writing Syllabus

The writing section of the TOEFL exam requires candidates to write an essay and effectively describe a topic. The response should be well-organized and well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support. Furthermore, it should also display unity, progression, and coherence. If you want to achieve a high writing score, make sure that you demonstrate the syntactic variety and appropriate word choice with minor grammatical errors. The tasks in the Writing Section of the TOEFL exam include candidates having to undertake an integrated task in 20 minutes and an independent task that has to be completed in 30 minutes. The total time for the writing section is 50 minutes.

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TOEFL Prep Tips for Writing Section

Candidates looking to excel in the writing section are required to adhere to the following writing section tips to excel in the TOEFL exam. 

  • To begin with, candidates are advised to listen to short passages or readings and write a summary of the same to fully understand the recordings. this way the candidate would be able to express his interpretation of the recording. 
  • Students can also get hold of a book that teaches the different types of connecting words. Connecting words are important as these expressions show the relationship between sentences and paragraphs and also connect two or more short sentences into one long sentence.
  • While listening to recordings, candidates can also identify the writer's opinion or opinions and interpret the same and write about them in detail.
  • A lot of times, candidates would also come across conflicting opinions in one paragraph. So it is important for the reader to notice how the writer addresses possible objections to the opinion if they are present and write the same in their own words.
  • Equally important is the presentation of your idea in writing. Candidates are required to pay extra attention to how you organize ideas and think about how a reader who isn’t familiar with your topic is going to be able to follow the information you want to present. Hence it is important to present the information in a uniform flow that is easy to digest for the reader. Or in your case, the person reviewing your TOEFL paper. 
  • As mentioned earlier for candidates looking to perform well it is important to organize your ideas and present them in a reader-friendly manner. Hence, it is important to practice writing daily to be able to acquire the same level of expertise. 

Related reads

TOEFL Registration 2024

TOEFL Exam Pattern 2024

TOEFL Exam Syllabus 2024

TOEFL Practice Test

Candidates can also check our Sample/Practice Paper in the TOEFL Reading Section to self-evaluate their performance. Candidates can also look at our Preparation Tips for TOEFL section to understand more about preparing for the exam.








Q:   How can I prepare for TOEFL at home?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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?

A:

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:   What is the hardest part of the TOEFL test?

A:

The hardest part of the TOEFL test often depends on individual strengths and weaknesses. However, many test-takers find the speaking and writing sections to be the most challenging, as they require both language proficiency and critical thinking skills.

There are two tasks in the TOEFL writing section; one of them requires test takers to read a short passage, listen to a short lecture and finally, write your understanding of both. The other task requires test takers to state and support an opinion in a classroom discussion. 

Q:   Should students prepare for TOEFL on their own or seek professional guidance?

A:

This is entirely at the discretion of the candidate. While professional help would definitely give you an added advantage, studying on your own would give you confidence like no other. Candidates studying on their own are advised to check out our preparation guide or visit the official website to learn about the at-home preparation strategy to score well in their next TOEFL exam. Candidates seeking professional help can check out the top TOEFL Coaching Centers in India.

Q:   What is a Good TOEFL Score?

A:

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)
High-Intermediate (18–23)
Low-Intermediate (4–17)
Below Low-Intermediate (0–3)

Listening

Score Range 0–30

Advanced (22–30)
High-Intermediate (17–21)
Low-Intermediate (9–16)
Below Low-Intermediate (0–8)

Speaking

Score Range 0–30

Advanced (25–30)
High-Intermediate (20–24)
Low-Intermediate (16–19)
Basic (10–15)
Below Basic (0–9

Writing

Score Range 0–30

Advanced (24–30)
High-Intermediate (17–23)
Low-Intermediate (13–16)
Basic (7–12)
Below Basic (0–6)

Total Score

 These are added together for a total score of 0–120.

Q:   Why take the TOEFL Exam?

A:

Accepted in over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), and across Europe and Asia, TOEFL is one of the most preferred English-language tests for students wanting to study abroad. The TOEFL test is primarily to understand and grade the candidates reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities in the English language. 

Students wanting to study abroad and opting for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) comes with many benefits. TOEFL is a preferred exam among students who want to pursue higher education abroad, as more TOEFL scores are sent to universities in the United States and Canada than all other English-language tests combined. Similarly, TOEFL is a preferred English test among countries as more TOEFL scores are sent to German, French, US, and Canadian universities than other English tests. ETS – the conducting body of the TOEFL also guarantees students a fair and unbiased process of score reporting, making the test more authentic. 

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