TOEFL Writing: Essay Structure, Topics, Preparation Tips, and Sample Papers

In July 2023, ETS announced changes in TOEFL exam format, timing, and scoring system. The updated TOEFL writing syllabus replaces the Independent writing task with writing for an academic discussion task. You should complete the writing tasks within 29 minutes. TOEFL writing section includes 2 tasks; an integrated writing task, and writing for an academic discussion task. TOEFL exam writing integrated task is 20 minutes long and the academic discussion task must be completed within 10 minutes. TOEFL writing tasks are scored using AI scoring and certified human raters. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, and achieving 24+ is considered an advanced level of proficiency. Focus on improving your vocabulary and maintaining the essay word limits for a higher TOEFL writing score.

TOEFL Essay Structure

You can use a defined outline to write your answers for TOEFL writing test. Try to include at least include 3 paragraphs while writing an essay in TOEFL writing section. You need to engage in TOEFL writing practice using the official resources available online. For structuring the essay you need to ensure to analyse the writing examples for both TOEFL writing task 1 and TOEFL writing task 2. You should be aware of TOEFL new pattern changes while practicing structuring the essay for both tasks. The following points summarise the structure that you can use in TOEFL writing test:

• Introductory Paragraph: Including an introduction will help highlight the context of the answer that will give an argumentative approach to the answer. Candidates should highlight major points and ideas of the answer.
• Body: Divided into two paragraphs, candidates can include well-organized sentences with logical reasons and examples to support their sentences.
• Conclusion: This paragraph should sum up the essay with appropriate supporting points.

TOEFL Writing Tasks Topics

TOEFL writing section requires candidates to write based on several academic, general, or current affairs topics. The TOEFL writing test includes the below-mentioned TOEFL writing topics:

TOEFL Integrated Writing Task Topics

TOEFL writing task 1 topics are based on academic settings and candidates can find relevant topics in TOEFL writing syllabus. Candidates can come across topics such as; lectures on history, classical literature, spending habits of consumers, scientific debates, and many more in TOEFL writing task 1. However, TOEFL integrated writing topics might also include modern topics like social media, the digital age, etc. You can refer to the list below to summarise TOEFL integrated writing test topics:

TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion TaskTopics

TOEFL writing task 2 topics cover areas such as education, technology, social media, the life of a university student, small towns vs. big cities, and many more. TOEFL independent writing task covers a wide range of topics. Test takers should undertake effective TOEFL writing prep to ensure a good TOEFL writing score. The below mentioned table summarises the TOEFL writing test topics: