Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Writing Section Syllabus

Writing Section syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Writing Section in Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Integrated Writing Task

   4 topics

   • Reading-Listening-Writing Format
     • 3-minute reading then a related lecture
     • 20-minute response window
   • Identifying the Relationship Between Sources
     • Lecture challenging or supporting the reading
   • Organising the Integrated Response
     • Point-by-point structure
     • Accurate paraphrasing of both sources
   • Avoiding Personal Opinion
2. 2

   Writing for an Academic Discussion Task

   3 topics

   • Discussion-Board Prompt Format
     • Professor's question and two student posts
     • 10-minute response window
   • Stating and Supporting a Position
     • Engaging with classmates' views
     • Adding a new, relevant contribution
   • Concise Academic Tone
3. 3

   Writing Mechanics and Style

   4 topics

   • Essay Cohesion and Coherence
     • Logical paragraphing
     • Transitions and linking words
   • Sentence Variety and Complexity
     • Subordination and coordination
   • Grammar Accuracy Under Time Pressure
     • Subject-verb agreement and tense control
   • Punctuation and Spelling
4. 4

   Writing Scoring Criteria

   3 topics

   • The Writing Rubrics
     • Integrated task scoring focus
     • Academic discussion task scoring focus
   • Hallmarks of High-Scoring Responses
   • Common Pitfalls
     • Misrepresenting source content
     • Underdeveloped or off-topic responses

Writing Section flashcards for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

25 of 50 cards from the Writing Section deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. How many tasks are in the TOEFL iBT Writing section, and what are they?

   Two tasks: (1) the Integrated Writing task (read-listen-write) and (2) the Writing for an Academic Discussion task (discussion-board response).

2. What is the total time allotted for the TOEFL Writing section?

   About 29 minutes total: 20 minutes for the Integrated task and 10 minutes for the Academic Discussion task.

3. In the Integrated Writing task, in what order do the reading and listening occur?

   You read a short academic passage first, then listen to a lecture on the same topic, and finally write your response.

4. How long do you have to read the passage in the Integrated Writing task, and is it visible while you write?

   You read for 3 minutes; the passage disappears during the lecture but reappears on screen while you write.

5. How long is the lecture in the Integrated Writing task, and can it be replayed?

   The lecture lasts roughly 2 minutes, cannot be replayed, and you may take notes while listening.

6. What is the recommended word-count range for a strong Integrated Writing response?

   Approximately 150 to 225 words; accurate coverage of points matters more than raw length.

7. What is the recommended minimum word count for a strong Academic Discussion response?

   At least 100 words, written in 10 minutes; effective responses are often 100 to 200 words.

8. What is the central relationship between the reading and the lecture in the Integrated task?

   The lecture almost always challenges, casts doubt on, or contradicts the reading passage; it rarely supports it.

9. How are the points in the reading and lecture typically structured in the Integrated task?

   The reading presents three main points, and the lecture responds with three corresponding counter-points, one for each.

10. What is the single most important skill being tested in the Integrated Writing task?

    Accurately summarizing and connecting information from two sources (reading and lecture), showing how they relate, not giving your own opinion.

11. How should you identify the relationship between the reading point and the matching lecture point?

    Pair each reading claim with the specific lecture point that rebuts it, noting the reason or evidence the speaker uses to undermine it.

12. What signpost language signals that a lecture is contradicting the reading?

    Phrases like 'however,' 'but,' 'the problem is,' 'this isn't necessarily true,' 'contrary to what you might read,' and 'in fact.'

13. What is an effective overall structure for the Integrated Writing response?

    An introduction stating the general relationship, then three body paragraphs each pairing one reading point with the lecture's counter-point.

14. What belongs in the introduction of an Integrated Writing response?

    A 1-2 sentence overview stating the topic and that the lecturer disputes (or supports) the claims made in the reading.

15. How should each body paragraph of the Integrated response be organized?

    State the reading's point, then explain how the lecture responds to or refutes it, emphasizing the lecture's reasoning and evidence.

16. Should you include your own opinion in the Integrated Writing task?

    No. The Integrated task requires objective reporting of the sources; personal opinions and outside information lower your score.

17. Why is avoiding personal opinion critical in the Integrated task but not the Discussion task?

    The Integrated task scores accurate source summary, so opinion is off-task; the Discussion task explicitly asks you to state and defend your own view.

18. What reporting verbs help attribute ideas to the sources in the Integrated task?

    Verbs like 'states,' 'argues,' 'claims,' 'asserts,' 'points out,' 'contends,' 'counters,' and 'casts doubt on.'

19. What is a common mistake regarding the reading passage in the Integrated response?

    Copying the reading word-for-word instead of paraphrasing; copied sentences are not counted and signal weak language skills.

20. In the Integrated task, which source should you give slightly more attention to and why?

    The lecture, because it usually contains the key counter-arguments; the reading is given for context and should be summarized concisely.

21. What is the prompt format of the Writing for an Academic Discussion task?

    A professor poses a question on an online discussion board, and two students post short responses; you add your own contribution to the discussion.

22. What must your Academic Discussion response accomplish?

    State a clear position on the professor's question and support it with reasons and specific examples, ideally engaging with the students' posts.

23. How can you effectively engage with the students' posts in the Discussion task?

    Briefly acknowledge or build on a classmate's idea (agree, extend, or respectfully disagree) before developing your own well-supported point.

24. What is a strong structure for a 10-minute Academic Discussion response?

    State your position, give one or two clear reasons with specific examples, optionally reference a classmate, and end with a short concluding thought.

25. In the Discussion task, is it acceptable to disagree with the professor or the students?

    Yes. There is no 'correct' position; you are scored on how clearly and convincingly you state and support your own view.

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