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

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.

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

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

Give three examples of transition words that signal contrast.

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

Give three transition words that signal cause and effect.

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

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.

Name three cohesive devices that connect sentences.

Reference words (it, this, they), conjunctions/transitions (however, therefore), and lexical repetition or synonyms of key terms.

What is the purpose of an introduction in a TOEFL writing response?

To orient the reader by stating the topic and the overall point—e.g., the reading-lecture relationship (Integrated) or your position (Discussion).

What should a conclusion do, and is it required on TOEFL Writing?

It briefly restates the main point/relationship. It is helpful but optional; a strong Integrated response can end after the final body point if time is short.

What is the score range for each TOEFL Writing task as rated by scorers?

Each task is scored on a 0-5 rubric scale; the two raw scores are then converted to a scaled section score of 0-30.

On the 0-5 Integrated Writing rubric, what characterizes a top (5) response?

It successfully selects the important information from the lecture and coherently and accurately presents it in relation to the reading, with only minor language errors that do not obscure meaning.

What typically caps an Integrated response at a 3 rather than higher on the 0-5 rubric?

It conveys some relevant connection between lecture and reading but is vague, imprecise, omits or misrepresents a key point, or has language errors that occasionally obscure meaning.

What would earn a 1 on the 0-5 Integrated Writing rubric?

The response provides little or no meaningful or coherent content from the lecture, or copies the reading with little relevant connection to the lecture.

When is a TOEFL Writing response scored 0?

When it merely copies the prompt, is off-topic, is in a foreign language, consists of random keystrokes, or is blank.

For the Academic Discussion rubric, what does a top (5) response demonstrate?

A relevant, well-elaborated contribution to the discussion with clear, consistent language control; effective word choice and syntax; few if any lexical/grammatical errors.

How should you allocate the 20 minutes in the Integrated Writing task?

Briefly organize notes (1-2 min), write the body pairing each point (about 15 min), and reserve roughly 2-3 minutes to proofread and correct errors.

Why is time-boxed planning recommended before writing?

A quick plan (mapping each point pair or your position + reasons) ensures complete coverage, logical order, and prevents running out of time mid-idea.

What should you check for during the final proofreading minutes?

Subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, articles, plurals, spelling/typos, punctuation, and that every required point is addressed clearly.

Name three frequent grammar errors TOEFL writers should watch for.

Subject-verb agreement errors, incorrect verb tense/forms, and missing or wrong articles (a/an/the); also singular/plural and preposition errors.

What is a run-on sentence and how do you fix it?

Two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation/conjunction. Fix by splitting into two sentences, adding a comma + coordinating conjunction, or using a semicolon.

What is a sentence fragment and why should it be avoided in TOEFL writing?

An incomplete sentence lacking a subject, verb, or complete thought. It weakens grammatical accuracy, which lowers the language-use score on the rubric.

Why is accurate spelling important even though TOEFL focuses on ideas?

Frequent spelling errors can obscure meaning and count against the language-use criterion of the rubric, lowering the score even when content is good.

What does 'synthesizing without personal opinion' mean for the Integrated task?

Combining and relating information from both sources objectively—reporting what each says and how they connect—without inserting your own judgment or outside facts.

Should you add outside information not found in the reading or lecture in the Integrated task?

No. Use only information from the two provided sources; outside content is irrelevant and is not credited.

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

The reading states/claims/argues/asserts; the lecture/professor counters/refutes/challenges/points out/explains. Using such verbs clarifies which source said what.

How can you ensure logical flow between body paragraphs?

Order paragraphs to mirror the source's point sequence and link them with transitions that signal each new point and its contrast (e.g., 'Another claim...', 'The lecturer further refutes...').

What is an effective strategy when you don't fully understand one lecture point?

Write clearly about the points you did understand (paraphrasing accurately) and make your best paraphrase of the rest; partial accurate coverage scores better than vague guessing across all points.

In the Academic Discussion task, what are good ways to support your stated position?

Provide specific reasons, a personal or hypothetical example, a cause-effect explanation, or a comparison—concrete support rather than general assertions.

What does 'reading the professor's prompt carefully' help you avoid in the Discussion task?

Going off-topic or failing to answer the actual question; you must directly address what the professor asked, not just the topic in general.

How does paragraphing improve a TOEFL writing response?

Grouping related ideas into distinct paragraphs (one main point each) makes the structure visible and the argument easier to follow, supporting coherence.

What is the best way to state a clear position in the Academic Discussion task?

Make your stance explicit early (e.g., 'I believe that...' or 'I agree with [name] that...'), then dedicate the rest of the response to supporting it.

Compare the writer's goal in the Integrated task versus the Academic Discussion task.

Integrated: objectively summarize and relate two sources with no opinion. Discussion: take and defend your own clear opinion while engaging with peers' posts.