All You Need to Know About the TOEFL iBT Test Writing Section
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What is in the TOEFL iBT Writing Section?
The TOEFL iBT Writing section measures your ability to write in English in an academic setting and present your ideas clearly and in a well-organized manner. The section consists of two tasks:
1. Integrated Writing Task
In this task, you will:
- Read a passage on an academic topic (3 minutes).
- Listen to a lecture on the same topic (2 minutes).
- Write a response based on what you read and heard (20 minutes).
Your response should be 150-225 words and must integrate both the reading and listening materials.
2. Writing for an Academic Discussion Task
In this task, you will:
- State and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion (10 minutes).
You’ll type your responses on a computer keyboard.
Test Duration and Scoring
- Total Test Time: Approximately 29 minutes.
- Scoring: Writing tasks are scored based on the Writing Scoring Guides (Rubrics) by a combination of AI scoring and certified human raters. Raw scores are converted to a scaled section score of 0–30.
How to Prepare for the TOEFL Writing Section
Tips and Advice
- Practice Regularly: Write essays and responses to practice questions to improve your writing skills and speed.
- Read and Listen Actively: Enhance your ability to summarize and synthesize information from different sources.
- Plan Your Responses: Spend a few minutes planning your essay before you start writing to organize your thoughts.
Practicing for the Test
- Use Official TOEFL Materials: Practice with materials from the official TOEFL website to familiarize yourself with the test format.
- Take Practice Tests: Simulate test conditions to build your confidence and improve your time management skills.
- Review Sample Essays: Study high-scoring essays to understand what is expected and how to structure your responses.
Questions and Answers About the Writing Section
General Information
- How long do I have to complete the writing section?
- You have 29 minutes in total: 20 minutes for the Integrated Writing Task and 10 minutes for the Writing for an Academic Discussion Task.
- Do I have to use the computer?
- Yes, for the TOEFL iBT, you will type your responses on a computer.
- Do I have a choice of topics?
- No, you will be given specific topics for both tasks.
Test Day Logistics
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I bring a phone or clock with me? | No. A clock will be displayed on the computer screen. |
| Can I bring a dictionary with me? | No. Dictionaries are not allowed in the test room. |
| What kind of pencils should I bring? | All necessary materials will be provided at the test center. |
| Can I bring paper with me? | No. Scratch paper will be supplied. |
| What happens to the notes I take? | They will be collected and discarded after the test. |
Essay Writing
- How long should the essay be?
- The Independent Writing Task essay should be around 300 words.
- What’s more important: organization or grammar?
- Both are important. Your essay should be well-organized and free of major grammatical errors.
- Do I need a title for the essay?
- It’s optional, but a title can help focus your essay.
- Do I need an introduction for my essay?
- Yes, an introduction sets the stage for your essay and provides a roadmap for your readers.
Structure and Content
| Paragraph | Content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduce the topic and your main idea. |
| Body Paragraph 1 | First main point and supporting details. |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Second main point and supporting details. |
| Body Paragraph 3 | Third main point and supporting details. |
| Conclusion | Summarize your points and restate your main idea. |
Common Concerns
- What if I can’t finish my essay?
- Focus on demonstrating your language skills. An incomplete essay is better than no essay.
- Is the essay a must?
- Yes, writing the essay is mandatory for the TOEFL iBT.
- What if I encounter technical problems?
- Test administrators will be available to assist you with any technical issues.
Final Tips for the TOEFL iBT Writing Section
- Stay Calm and Focused: Anxiety can affect your performance. Take deep breaths and stay calm.
- Proofread Your Work: If time permits, review your essays for any errors or unclear sentences.
- Practice Under Real Test Conditions: This helps you manage time effectively and reduces test-day anxiety.
Remember, the TOEFL iBT Writing section measures your ability to communicate ideas clearly and coherently in written English. Focus on expressing your ideas logically, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and staying within the word limits.
TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test – download⇓
