TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 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 TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Integrated Writing Task

   4 topics

   • Reading-then-listening source handling
     • Identifying the reading's main claims
     • Noting how the lecture challenges or supports them
   • Synthesizing without personal opinion
   • Accurate paraphrasing of sources
     • Avoiding copied phrasing
     • Reporting verbs and attribution
   • Recommended length and structure (150-225 words)
2. 2

   Writing for an Academic Discussion Task

   4 topics

   • Reading the professor's prompt and peer posts
     • Understanding the discussion question
     • Responding to classmates' points
   • Stating and supporting a clear position
   • Adding new, relevant contribution
     • Examples and reasoning beyond the peers
   • Tone appropriate to online class discussion
3. 3

   Essay Mechanics and Organization

   4 topics

   • Paragraphing and logical flow
   • Topic sentences and transitions
   • Introductions and conclusions
   • Cohesion and coherence devices
4. 4

   Scoring and Revision

   3 topics

   • Understanding the 0-5 writing rubric
     • Development, organization, language use
   • Time-boxed planning and proofreading
     • Allocating prep, drafting, and review time
   • Correcting frequent grammar and spelling errors

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

25 of 51 cards from the Writing Section deck — real questions with worked answers.

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

   Two tasks: the Integrated Writing task (read-then-listen, then write) and the Writing for an Academic Discussion task (respond to an online classroom discussion board).

2. In the Integrated Writing task, in what order do you receive the reading and the lecture?

   You read the passage first (about 3 minutes), the passage disappears, you then listen to the lecture, and the reading reappears on screen while you write.

3. During the Integrated Writing task, is the reading passage available while you write your response?

   Yes. The passage is hidden during the lecture but reappears on screen for the entire writing period so you can refer back to it.

4. What is the typical relationship between the reading and the lecture in the Integrated Writing task?

   The lecture usually casts doubt on, challenges, or contradicts the points in the reading; occasionally it supports them. You must explain how the two relate.

5. What should you do during the lecture in the Integrated task since it is heard only once?

   Take focused notes on each main point and how it specifically counters (or supports) the corresponding reading point, since there is no replay.

6. In the Integrated Writing task, should you include your own opinion on the topic?

   No. You synthesize and report only what the sources say; you do not add personal opinions, agreement, or outside information.

7. What is the core job of the writer in the Integrated Writing task?

   To accurately summarize the lecture's points and explain how they relate to (usually challenge) the specific points made in the reading passage.

8. Define paraphrasing in the context of TOEFL Integrated Writing.

   Restating a source's idea in your own words and sentence structure while keeping the original meaning, rather than copying phrases verbatim.

9. Why is verbatim copying from the reading passage penalized in the Integrated task?

   It does not demonstrate your own language ability; high scores require accurate paraphrasing in your own words. Copied chunks may be disregarded by scorers.

10. Name three techniques for effective paraphrasing of a source.

    Use synonyms, change the grammatical structure (e.g., active/passive, noun/verb forms), and reorder clauses while preserving the original meaning.

11. What is the recommended length range for a high-scoring Integrated Writing response?

    About 150 to 225 words, though there is no strict limit; accuracy and completeness matter more than hitting an exact count.

12. What is an effective paragraph structure for the Integrated Writing response?

    A brief introduction stating the general relationship, then one body paragraph per lecture point, each pairing the lecture's claim with the reading point it addresses; a conclusion is optional.

13. How many main points does the Integrated task lecture/reading typically contain?

    Three main points in the reading, each rebutted (or supported) by a corresponding point in the lecture, giving three pairs to address.

14. In the Writing for an Academic Discussion task, what materials are you given to respond to?

    A professor's question/prompt on a discussion board plus two students' (peers') posted responses to that question.

15. What must your response include in the Academic Discussion task?

    A clear stated position on the professor's question, supported with reasons and examples, contributing meaningfully to the ongoing online discussion.

16. In the Academic Discussion task, should you simply repeat the two students' ideas?

    No. You should add a new, relevant contribution—your own perspective, reason, or example—rather than merely restating the peers' points.

17. What tone is appropriate for the Academic Discussion task?

    A tone suited to an online academic class discussion: respectful and somewhat formal but conversational; you may agree, disagree, or extend a classmate's idea politely.

18. How long do you have to write the Academic Discussion response, and what length is recommended?

    10 minutes; aim for a well-developed paragraph of roughly 100+ words (commonly 100-200) that fully states and supports a position.

19. How long do you have for the Integrated Writing task (writing time)?

    20 minutes to write, preceded by 3 minutes to read the passage and about 2 minutes to listen to the lecture.

20. What is one good way to reference peers in the Academic Discussion task?

    Briefly acknowledge a classmate's point (e.g., 'While [name] argues...') then build on, qualify, or counter it before developing your own supported position.

21. Define a topic sentence and its role in a paragraph.

    A topic sentence states the paragraph's main idea, usually at the start, telling the reader what the paragraph will be about and guiding its development.

22. Give three examples of transition words used to add or sequence ideas.

    Adding: moreover, furthermore, in addition. Sequencing: first, next, finally. (Others: similarly, also.)

23. Give three examples of transition words that signal contrast.

    However, on the other hand, in contrast (also: nevertheless, whereas, conversely).

24. Give three transition words that signal cause and effect.

    Therefore, consequently, as a result (also: thus, because, since).

25. What is the difference between cohesion and coherence in writing?

    Cohesion is the grammatical/lexical linking of sentences (transitions, pronouns, repetition). Coherence is the overall logical clarity and flow of ideas so the text makes sense as a whole.

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