Integrated Writing Template One of the most daunting sections of the TOEFL for many people (including me) is the 20min Essay which is also called Integrated Writing. In this section of the test you read a text and listen to a related lecture. You have to quickly scramble notes from both the reading and listening passages and then proceed to writing the essay. I personally have struggled with the time aspect of this task. I just couldn't complete it in time due to the fact that I had no structure to use. Then one of my tutors suggested using a template and I gave it a try. Even though it’s always better to come up with new and original sentences all the time, speed is vital here. So this is the template I used, note that it’s not the best but at least you can complete the task in time. Also, adjustments may be required if the information in the template doesn't match the reading and listening passages. 20-min Essay Introduction: The listening and the reading passage share the same topic, but present it from two different perspectives. While the reading states that … (topic), the listening gives strong arguments in favor of the opposite. 1st Argument To begin with, it can be inferred from the text that ….. (1-2 sentences). However, in the lecture it is argued that ….. (1-2 sentences). 2nd Argument What is more, the reading passage claims that …… (1-2 sentences). In contrast, in the listening it is implied that …… (1-2 sentences). 3rd Argument *not always Last but not least, the reading states that ….. (1-2 sentences). Nevertheless, the professor casts doubt on this by saying that …… (1-2 sentences). Conclusion: All in all, the reading and the listening passages both discuss the same topic, giving opposing arguments in favor of their point of view. I would like to point out again that this is NOT the end-all be-all template but if you are struggling with this task, this can set you on the right track.
The Reading-Listening-Writing Integrated Task New Template Introduction The article discusses the topic of [name the topic], and bases its argument on the fact that [describe the topic]. The professor discusses article’s theory/argument and casts doubts on its validity. First paragraph First, the reading passage states that [x]. In contrast, the professor provides information that [y]. Hence, he/she casts doubts on the idea that [not x]. Second paragraph Second, the article pushes forth the idea that [x]. However, the speaker contradicts the idea by [y]. Consequently, we can argue that indeed [not x]. Third paragraph Finally, the professor mentions that [x]. However, the lecturer again contradicts the claim as [y]. Conclusion In summary, the points made in the lecture contrast with the reading. The professor demonstrates that [point made]. Therefore we can say that the passage fails to describe [main topic]. Independent Writing Task New Template Introduction Some people think that [opinion1]. Others think that [opinion2]. The issue is a controversial one, but in my opinion a closer examination reveals that [take position] for several reasons. I will explain my position providing examples to support my point of view. First paragraph One reason is [reason 1]. For example, [example 1]. Clearly, [restate position]. Second paragraph Another reason is [reason 2]. To illustrate this point, I can write about how [example 2]. Therefore, [restate position]. Third paragraph On the other hand, some may argue that [reason other opinion]. For example [examplex other opinion]. However, [cast doubt other opinion]. Conclusion In summary, while there are arguments to be made for both sides, it is clear that it is better to [opinion1/opinion2], because all the reasons mentioned above.
The Integrated Writing Section Template The following TOEFL iBT Integrated Writing template is the template, which I used when I answered the question: “Summarize the points made in the lecture you just heard, explaining how they cast doubt on the points made in the reading.” Paragraph I In this set of materials, the reading passage mentions/describes/explains the theory/research result/....................... that ......................................................................... . On the other hand, the lecturer is not sure/doubtful with the theory/research result/................. . Paragraph II According to the reading passage, the theory/research result/............... states that ............................................................................................................................................. by giving three reasons as follows: (1)..................................................................................................................................................................... (2)..................................................................................................................................................................... (3)...................................................................................................................................................................... Paragraph III On the other hand/However, the lecturer/the professor in the listening passage is not sure with the theory/research result mentioned in the reading passage by describing three reasons as follows: (1)...................................................................................................................................................................... (2)...................................................................................................................................................................... (3)...................................................................................................................................................................... Clues: - The First paragraph is only the opening. So, just write it in brief. - In the 2nd paragraph you summarize the reading passage content, but do not copy and paste it to your writing. You should paraphrase it (use other words but it is still the same meaning as the reading). You can also change the structure of the sentence, for example if the statement in the reading is “active voice” you can make it in the “passive voice”. Again, just for your attention! Do not “copy paste” unless you want to get zero score. And, do not type it too much here. - In the 3rd paragraph you should elaborate the reasons why the lecturer/the professor is not sure with the theory/the research result. Here, you should also connect the professor reasons with the reasons in the reading passage. Focus and give more elaboration here. Based on my experience, I elaborate more the professor explanation here, and I got the “Good” score in the Integrated Writing task. So, my conclusion (correct me if I am wrong) is that the test rater gives more weight in this paragraph.
