• TOEFL

TOEFL Writing Topics and Tips to Prepare for the TOEFL Exam

206 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Sep 01,2023 03:26 PM IST

TOEFL Writing is one of the four sections of the TOEFL Exam. Read more to learn about the types of TOEFL writing topics and tips to prepare for the TOEFL exam.

$toefl-writing-topics-and-tips-to-prepare-for-the-toefl-exam.webp$
TOEFL is one of the popular English language proficiency exams students take to study abroad. The TOEFL Writing Section is one of the four sections of the TOEFL Exam. While preparing for the TOEFL writing section, it is essential to know its format. This blog will provide knowledge about the types of TOEFL writing topics and how to score well in them.

TOEFL Writing Task

TOEFL writing includes two types of tasks. The first is TOEFL Independent Writing Tasks, and the second is TOEFL Integrated Writing Tasks. The independent writing task takes 30 minutes, while the integrated writing task takes 20 minutes. Following are the TOEFL syllabus topics students need to keep in mind while preparing for the exam.

TOEFL Independent Writing topics	TOEFL Integrated Writing topics
History	Child development
Environment	Digital advancements
Health	Culture
Science and Technology	Employment
Economy	Technology
Political issues	Print or Online
Current affairs	City or Countryside

Structure of Integrated Writing Task

The basic structure of the Integrated Writing Task is as follows:

Introduction

A. A General statement explaining the relationship between two things mentioned earlier in the listening and reading section.

B. Brief description of lecture structure.

Body

Paragraph 1: Paraphrase the points given by the professor in the lecture. Compare it with the reading passage. Give extra details on lecture points.

Paragraph 2: Paraphrase the second point of the lecture. Give extra details on lecture points.

Paragraph 3: Paraphrase the points for the third issue in the lecture. Give extra details on lecture points.

Conclusion

Give a summary of the relationship between the listening and reading sections.

Types of Questions in the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task

The TOEFL Integrated Writing Task includes the following types of questions:

• A lecture from a professor that is 2–2.5 minutes long.

• A reading passage of 250–300 words long.

• A writing task based on the lecture on reading passages in 150–225 words.

The best way to attempt this task is by taking notes after reading the passage. Candidates may write down the brief of each paragraph in 4-5 words. The same can be done while listening to the audio. At last, they can collect all the points and write them in a structured way. The students must divide the answer into four paragraphs. The first two paragraphs should be about the topic and passage, respectively. The third paragraph will be about the main points from the audio. The last paragraph must be concluded with three to four sentences.

The candidates may consider the following points:

• Write a short brief, ideally one word, to save time.

• If one has time at the end, then proofread the content grammatically.

Integrated Writing Task: Types of Questions

Following are the TOEFL writing topics to be considered for the integrated writing task:

Science and technology

• Use of technology in education.

• Impact of renewable energy sources on the environment.

Social Sciences and Culture

• Effects of urbanization on communities.

• Role of social media in modern society.

• Significance of traditional customs in different cultures.

History and Literature

• Influence of historical events on contemporary society.

• The interpretation of classic literature in modern contexts.

• The significance of famous figures from history or literature.

Environment and Sustainability

• Consequences of climate change on ecosystems.

• The significance of conservation efforts for endangered species.

Health and Wellness

• The benefits and drawbacks of different healthcare systems.

• The importance of physical fitness and mental health.

• The role of preventive medicine in public health.

Education and Learning

• The effectiveness of various teaching methods.

• The advantages of online education and e-learning platforms.

Structure of an Independent Writing Task

The basic structure of independent writing is as follows:

Introduction

• The candidate must write something interesting, introducing the topic.

• In the second line, the candidates must present a personal argument.

• Candidates must present their perspectives.

Body

• Candidates must write in two to three paragraphs in the content body.

• Candidates must explain any personal experience.

• Candidates must use a transitory sentence while sharing their personal experiences.

• Candidates must explain it in a subtle way.

• Candidates must give reasons in simple sentences.

Conclusion

• Candidates must write a short and simple conclusion.

• The candidate must mention the major point.

• Candidates should also give two reasons to support their idea.

Approach to the TOEFL Independent Writing Task

In TOEFL Independent Writing, candidates must explain their topic or opinion in 4-5 paragraphs, or 300–350 words. There are three types of questions in the TOEFL Independent Writing task, as follows:

• Agree or disagree: The candidate will be given an issue in this question. The candidate must pick one side of it and justify it with supporting statements.

• Explain both sides: In this question, the candidates will be provided with a topic, and they need to give the advantages and disadvantages of it with proper opinions.

• Pick the right one: This question will provide different possible answers, and the candidate is asked to choose the correct one.

Independent Writing Task: Types of Questions

Students must know about the TOEFL exam pattern and the type of questions in the exam. Following are the TOEFL writing topics that can be found in the independent writing task section:

• Your friend has decided to change careers but is confused about which one to choose. What advice would you give them? Give reasons to support your answer.

• Do you think public money should be used to build libraries or bus stations? Discuss the pros and cons of each option and state your own opinion.

• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to learn how to think critically than it is for them to learn how to memorize facts.

• Some people believe that the best way to learn a new language is to immerse oneself in the culture where the language is spoken. Do you agree or disagree? Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion.

• In many countries, there is a growing trend towards online education. Do you think this is positive or negative? Discuss the pros and cons of online education and state your own opinion.

How do I score high in the TOEFL Writing Task?

Following are some TOEFL preparation tips students can follow to ace the TOEFL writing section:

• Spelling Master: One should focus on writing the correct spelling of the word, as wrong spelling can confuse the examiner. The candidate must also use the correct verb. If the candidates do not know how to spell a particular word, they should use a different word.

• Correct Grammar: As the exam itself is to test the English proficiency of the individuals, the candidates should ensure that they are using correct grammar while writing sentences.

• Pay attention: The candidates should carefully listen to the lecturer as they repeat the important ideas of the passage. The candidates can make notes while reading and listening.

• Paraphrase: The score of a student can also drop due to plagiarism. To avoid this, the candidates should try to rephrase the sentences instead of using the exact wording of the passage or lecture.

Conclusion

This blog explained in detail the types of TOEFL writing topics and tips to excel in them. Now the students can easily prepare for the same and ace the TOEFL writing section. If they still need clarification, they can connect with Canamprep and get all their queries resolved.

Also read : TOEFL or IELTS : which test should you take to study abroad?

FAQ

How many tasks are there in the TOEFL writing section?

The TOEFL Writing Section contains two tasks: independent writing tasks and integrated writing tasks.

How can candidates practice TOEFL writing?

Candidates can practice TOEFL writing by familiarizing themselves with the TOEFL writing format and improving their writing skills.

What types of topics come up in an independent writing task?

The topics that come up in independent writing tasks are history, environment, health, economy, and many more.

What is the duration of the TOEFL Writing Task?

The total duration of the TOEFL writing task is 50 minutes.

What is a good TOEFL writing score?

Although it can vary according to the university and their courses in general, 27 is considered a good TOEFL writing score.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Confederation College - Lake of the Woods Campus (Kenora)

Ontario, Canada • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 12500-15000 / year

Academy of Art University

California, USA • 86 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 21000-35000 / year

George Brown College - St. James Campus

Ontario, Canada • 86 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 14000-18000 / year

Navitas Group - University of Canberra College

Australian Capital Territory, Australia • 85 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 25500-30500 / year

QS - Mercer University

Georgia, USA • 3 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

Clark University

Massachusetts, USA • 26 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 48500-48500 / year

Education Centre of Australia (ECA) Group - University of Canberra - Sydney Hills Campus

New South Wales, Australia • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 33000-33000 / year

EDUCO - Rochester Institute of Technology

New York, USA • 152 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 30000-53000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop

Study in Canada

14th Sept to 24th Sept • 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Hybrid Event

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop - Virtual

Study in Canada

03:00PM

Virtual Event

Study Abroad Application Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, NewZealand, Germany • Application Days

Multiple Location • 10:30AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

How to work in Canada after Graduation

After completing their studies, many students choose to live in Canada only because there are a lot of job opportunities in Canada for Indian st...

Updated on • Sep 23,2023 04:23 PM IST • Study Abroad

DLI: List of Canadian Designated Learning Institutions

Canada has become very popular among students who wish to pursue higher studies and give a kick-start to their careers. Canada also houses a large num...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 05:23 PM IST • Study in Canada

Study Abroad Options for Commerce Students after 12th

After taking up a particular stream in their intermediary classes, students often get confused regarding their further education options in the...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 05:16 PM IST • Study Abroad

Requirements for Studying in New Zealand

A country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, owning two major islands, New Zealand has emerged as an amazing study destination. The B...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 05:12 PM IST • New Zealand

Requirements for Getting Student Visa for USA

Out of all the prime international education destinations USA holds the number one position and there are number of factors responsible for thi...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 04:55 PM IST • USA

Reasons to Study in New Zealand

A country with highest biodiversity rate, a number of small islands, mesmerizing beauty, and a well-developed education system, New Ze...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 04:45 PM IST • New Zealand

Reasons to Study in Glasgow

If you are looking to study abroad, then Glasgow has some of the most picturesque landscapes, and it is also the home to some of the b...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 04:41 PM IST • UK

Reasons to Study In Canada

Having some of the top-ranked universities and colleges of the world makes Canada the most popular international education destination. Canada...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 04:38 PM IST • Study in Canada

Part-Time Jobs For Students In New Zealand

New Zealand is a very popular study abroad destination for students from all over the world. With each passing year, New Zealand enrol...

Updated on • Sep 22,2023 04:36 PM IST • New Zealand

How Moving to Canada For Education Can Change your Life?

Moving to a new country can be a tough choice, but it is beneficial in the long run for a better life and a brighter future. Canada ha...

Updated on • Sep 21,2023 05:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

September Intake Canada 2024: Timeline, Universities & Admission Requirements

Canada is one of the top study-abroad destinations for Indian students. Apart from India, students from countries like China, Brazil, South Korea, Vie...

Updated on • Sep 21,2023 05:11 PM IST • Study in Canada

MBA in Healthcare Management- University, Courses, Eligibility, and Admission Process

The Healthcare Management covers courses related to the management/ administration of various functions in hospitals and allied areas. Students underg...

Updated on • Sep 20,2023 04:17 PM IST • Study Abroad

BBA in the UK: Universities, Admission Process, Eligibility, Scholarship, Jobs

Bachelor of Business Administration is a globally recognized degree that imparts students the skills and expertise required to excel in business secto...

Updated on • Sep 20,2023 01:16 PM IST • study in the UK

Engineering in UK: Universities, Eligibility, Admissions Process, Documents and Scope

Whether a candidate is fond of big city thrills or requires a relaxed atmosphere for concentration, universities and colleges in the UK have eve...

Updated on • Sep 20,2023 11:59 AM IST • UK

Common Reasons College Applications Get Rejected

The process of preparing for IELTS, moving abroad, staying away from family, all of this can be pretty dreadful, but what's more dreadful is knowing t...

Updated on • Sep 19,2023 01:53 PM IST • Colleges in Canada

New Zealand as an emerging education destination

Know why Study in New Zealand is Emerging as a Success A moderate student population of India nowadays prefers to study in New Zealand, a...

Updated on • Sep 18,2023 05:17 PM IST • New Zealand

Leading the way with Masters of Business Administration

An MBA degree is considered to be something that gives you an image of the corporate world. It may not always be about the flowcharts or board m...

Updated on • Sep 18,2023 05:14 PM IST • Study Abroad

Insurance Every Student Needs While Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada involves a lot of factors to be looked upon. Out of which, the most important for a student is to take insurance. The stu...

Updated on • Sep 18,2023 05:12 PM IST • Study in Canada

How to Make it Through Exam Season?

The season of final exams brings stress, anxiety, and mixed emotions. But if you are feeling any of this, you are not the only one. Ma...

Updated on • Sep 18,2023 05:06 PM IST • Education

Germanys Most Popular Jobs

When it comes to well-educated scientists, philosophers, psychologists, and economists, Germany has been at the top for centuries. It...

Updated on • Sep 18,2023 05:01 PM IST • Study in Germany

TOEFL Writing Topics and Tips to Prepare for the TOEFL Exam

Table of Contents

TOEFL Writing Task

Structure of Integrated Writing Task

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

Types of Questions in the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task

Integrated Writing Task: Types of Questions

Science and technology

Social Sciences and Culture

History and Literature

Environment and Sustainability

Health and Wellness

Education and Learning

Structure of an Independent Writing Task

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

Approach to the TOEFL Independent Writing Task

Independent Writing Task: Types of Questions

How do I score high in the TOEFL Writing Task?

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams