TOEFL Writing Section- Things You Should Know

Before getting into the intricacies of the TOEFL writing section, you should learn more about the basic examination as a whole. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is accepted globally by leading universities for admissions. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) or PBT (Paper-Based Test) are the two modes in which the test is conducted. 35 million+ individuals have already been selected to take the examination for showcasing their proficiency in the English language. The TOEFL writing section is only a part of the examination which has four sections. The scores in the examination are accepted for immigration, working in foreign countries and higher education.

Parts of TOEFL

Before understanding more about the TOEFL writing part, you should know more about the components of the examination itself. There are four sections in the examination: 

1. TOEFL Reading Section
2. TOEFL Listening Section
3. TOEFL Speaking Section
4. TOEFL Writing Section 

Here is an in-depth look:

TOEFL Writing Section in Detail

The TOEFL Writing Section aims at helping candidates enhance their abilities to write in the English language and within an academic framework. The TOEFL iBT will have you taking the TOEFL writing test online. You will have two tasks to complete in this section: 

1. Integrated Writing Task- 20 minutes- The TOEFL integrated writing structure involves reading a small passage and listening to a brief lecture before writing your response accordingly. Write 280-300 words. 

Independent Writing Task- 30 minutes- This is one of the types of TOEFL writing questions. You will have to write an essay, giving your own opinion or taking your personal experience into account. This will be a response to a given topic. Write 380-400 words in total.

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Guides for TOEFL Writing Section 

You can always check out various TOEFL writing samples online and find TOEFL writing topics to help you practice. Here are some basic tips to sharpen your TOEFL writing skills for each section- 

Integrated Writing Section

1. One of the biggest TOEFL writing tips for this section is to avoid copying parts of the passage or audio clip into the essay that you finally write. This will not demonstrate your own English proficiency. Keep rewriting core concepts by yourself and using your own words. 
2. One of the effective TOEFL writing strategies for Integrated Writing is to keep taking notes while listening to the audio clip. This is essential for writing good answers afterwards. 
3. Always be attentive to differences between data in the audio clip and the passage that you see. They can often constitute a crucial part of your final response. 
4. Do not impose your opinion in these pieces. Only talk about the statements made by the passage and audio clip. Your own opinion is not required in this task. 

Independent Writing Section

You will find several TOEFL independent writing examples online. However, here are some tips that will still be of help: 

1. Be bold with creating your arguments. Express your opinion and take sides depending on the question. You should not hold back from expressing yourself in this section. 
2. Always show your opinion clearly in the first essay paragraph in order to leave no doubts about your thoughts on any particular topic. 
3. The minimum length is 300 words for this essay (as per recommendations). If you still have time and points to add, you should go ahead. However, do not get into the 500-600 word territory with your essay. Longer essays are not always better ones. You should aim for a crisp and well-written essay instead, that is ideally between 380-400 words on average. 

These tips will help you ace both parts of the TOEFL writing examination with ease. You should focus on the material you have in hand and also the topic allotted to you. And always remember that spelling and grammar matter immensely in every section of the TOEFL.

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