TOEFL Writing - The Independent Task

Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice.

Every generation is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents' generation? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.       

These are 2 examples of the Independent Writing Task on the TOEFL. Here's how to answer them:

      1.  What does the task ask me to do?

• It asks you to state a preference or give your point of view (POV) on a topic
• You should then give reasons, make an argument, about why your preference or POV is correct
• These reasons must then be shown to be correct using evidence: facts, examples, details, personal anecdotes etc.

     

     2.  What do I do first?

• Choose a side or a preference that answers the question – your POV - write a sentence stating your POV - this is your thesis statement OR topic sentence
• Draw a plan
• Think of reasons, keywords or sub-topics to support your point of view
• Think of examples, facts, details, or personal anecdotes to support your reasons

      3.   When I finish "The Plan" how do I organize my essay?

• Use 5 paragraphs
• Paragraph 1 is the Introduction
• Paragraphs 2 to 4 are the Body Paragraphs
• Paragraph 5 is the Conclusion

     4.    The Essay - Paragraphs

           Introduction

• Give some background to the topic – why is it important
• Answer the question using a topic sentence or thesis statement
• Give three reasons, 3 sub-topics, why your point of view is correct
  
  
  

           Body Paragraphs

• Starts with a topic sentence, sub-topic 1, 2, or 3, linking it to your introduction
• Supports your topic sentence using facts, examples and details
• Links back to your thesis statement, showing how this evidence supports your point of view

           Conclusion

• Summarizes what you have written
• Shows how your evidence supports your point of view
• Give a final statement supporting your choice

    And that's all. I hope that helps you with your writing. You should learn the template first, before you start experimenting on your own.

Good luck with your test.

                     

New Diploma Courses at the Language Institute

Hi everybody,

I would first like to congratulate all the students who passed their Diploma Courses last term. Well done to everyone.

Now we have students studying in Levels 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a and 3a.

Levels 1 and 2 are mainly to do with conversation and listening practice, and also with building vocabulary and basic grammar skills.

Levels 3 and 4 have more to do with academic skills as well as speaking and listening. So, there will be more emphasis on reading and writing.

Good Luck to you all as you continue to study the Diploma.

Remember:

If you think you can't, then you are probably right.

However if you think you can, You probably can.