TOEFL Integrated Writing Task 2022: Topics, Writing Structure

TOEFL Integrated Writing Tips

The main aim of the TOEFL integrated writing test is to analyze how well the candidate can read, listen and respond in the form of an essay. TOEFL integrated writing templates guide the candidates in structuring the perfect essay. The examiners look for well-structured and precise essays. The following are points that will guide the candidates during integrated writing task TOEFL practice:

1. Understand the Task

The TOEFL iBT test is basically for studying in universities abroad. In that case you need to prove that you can understand the main ideas of lectures and texts. To understand spoken and written English is utmost important for anyone who wants to travel abroad, work abroad or work with English-speaking people in their home country.

In the writing section, you will have to read a passage that consists of 250-300 words and listen to a lecture which is of 1- 2 minutes. Both the written passage and the lecture are about the same academic topic and they convey two perspectives on the same issue.

You must take notes while reading and listening so that you can remember the important things you need to write about. After you read and listen, you will have to write about 150-225 words in response to how the reading and the listening passages are related.

2. Take Notes

You must take notes while reading and listening in order to be able to write about the main ideas in the two passages and show how they are related.

Good notes will help you remember information. Here is a sample for you.

Tips on how to take notes for TOEFL integrated writing questions:

Use Keywords

• Do not write full sentences, especially while listening. It consumes a lot of time.
• You want to maximize your writing time so you have extra minutes to work on creating your response.
• Try not to read passages repeatedly. Take small notes while you are reading the passage the first or second time.
• Taking notes means that you must write down your ideas and opinions about the reading, and you will be writing using your own words.

Use Symbols & Templates

• You can save time while taking notes by replacing words with symbols

For example, you could use <—> to show contrast between two ideas.

Use —>to show cause and effect.

Practice More and more

• You can practice taking notes while doing reading in your spare time or while listening to science-related TED talks.
• It is the best way to practice with academic passages because these tend to be more structured, like the ones you get in the test.
• Read from the websites that provides TOEFL integrated writing practice test free online

Use a Table to Take Notes in a Structured Way

• It is quick and convenient to draw a table, before you start reading or listening. This will save a lot of time.

For example:

3. Stay Calm While Listening

• Be attentive
• Take notes of the keywords
• Listen to the transitional words
• Notice how the lecture relates to the points given in the passage
• There is no way to press “rewind” or play the passage again. When it is over, it is over.

4. Organize Your Writing

• Plan

You must spend only 1-2 minutes to plan your written response.

• Divide Your Response into Paragraphs

You should attempt to write 4-5 paragraphs..

You can follow the structure of the example paragraphs below:

• Introduction: State the main topic of the two passages and the connection between the passages.

Example: Both the reading and the listening passage discuss__________. The author of the reading passage argues that__________, while the lecturer challenges the points made by the article. He/She claims that__________.

• 1st Paragraph: State the first main idea of the text and relate it to a main idea in the listening passage.

Example: First of all, the author of the reading passage states that__________. He/She claims that__________. However, the lecturer in the spoken passage implies that__________. Moreover, he/she believes that__________.

• 2nd and 3rd Paragraph: State more main ideas of the text and connect these ideas to main ideas from the lecture. You can use the 1st paragraph example above to structure these paragraphs.
• Conclusion: Write a short concluding paragraph about how the topic is seen differently by the two authors.

Last but not least, the reading passage mentions__________. The author seems to believe that__________. In contrast, the lecturer argues that__________. He/She discusses__________. The two perspectives differ in their approach to__________.

Using connectors give your writing more structure and logic is necessary.

To sequence ideas use- firstly, secondly, last but not least

To contrast ideas use- however, although, nevertheless, in contrast, on the one hand/ on the other hand

To show cause and effect use- as a result, consequently, therefore

5. Remember: This Is a Language Test

• Try to write in a single tense throughout
• Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes
• Don’t exceed the word count
• Avoid using passive voice
• Do not state your own opinion

6. Edit

Save 1-2 minutes to proofread your work. Remember, you don’t have time for big changes, rather check the spellings and punctuation mistakes.

TOEFL iBT Integrated Writing Samples

TOEFL integrated writing task practice sets can help you further in practice. For more TOEFL integrated writing task practice try to read newspaper articles, magazines and more to enhance your vocabulary. Here are few TOEFL integrated writing task sample questions to give you an idea :