• TOEFL

TOEFL Writing Topics and Tips to Prepare for the TOEFL Exam

6071 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.

Navitas Group - Murdoch University - Dubai Campus

Dubai, UAE • 81 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AED 0-0 / year

Global University Systems (GUS) - The University of Law - Chester Campus

England, UK • 3 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 11000-18000 / year

Trebas Institute - Toronto Campus

Ontario, Canada • 2 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 16000-19000 / year

Keyano College

Alberta, Canada • 24 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 13500-48000 / year

Vancouver Premier College

British Columbia, Canada • 15 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 11500-26000 / year

University at Albany - State University of New York

New York, USA • 215 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 29000-30000 / year

SRH Universities - Berlin Campus

Berlin, Germany • 50 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 9450-11000 / year

Lester B. Pearson School Board - West Island Career Centre

Quebec, Canada • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 10000-48500 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, France

New Delhi • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visits - Murdoch University

Study in Dubai • University Visit

Chandigarh • 02:30PM

In-Person Event

Navitas - UK, Canada, Australia

Study in Canada, UK, Australia • University Visit

Bangalore • 12:00PM

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.

Top scholarships for Indian students to study in the Canada

Beginning the journey of higher education, many bright minds from India set their sights on Canada—a land of academic promise and cultural diversity...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:50 PM IST • Scholarships

MBA Finance in Australia: Universities, Eligibility, Scholarships and Job Opportunities

MBA in Finance in Australia is a 1.5 to 2-year long program offered at multiple institutes across the states of Australia. The program takes the stude...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:46 PM IST • Australia

GMAT vs GRE : Key differences between the tests

The pursuit of a master's degree is an exciting journey, but this path comes with many other difficult choices to be made. One of those choices is sel...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:40 PM IST • Education

Facts to Know Before Studying in Australia

When you decide to pursue your studies in Australia, there are so many things that you should know before actually moving to the country. Kn...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:19 PM IST • Australia

Countries to study MBA abroad in 2024 : Eligibility, Fees, Exams for Indian Students

For ambitious Indian students, an MBA abroad isn't just a degree, it's a way to a global career. MBA is a popular course in the modern world as it ope...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 12:16 PM IST • Study Abroad

Bachelor's Degrees in the UK- Universities, Courses, Eligibility, and Admission Process

Higher education in the UK is sought after not only by residents of the UK but people around the world. In the UK, the first degree is a bachelor’s ...

Updated on • Apr 28,2025 11:49 AM IST • study in the UK

A Guide to calculating CGPA to percentage to study abroad

Assessing one’s academic performance is essential for determining the future course of action. One of the primary reasons to measure this performanc...

Updated on • Apr 26,2025 03:47 PM IST • Study Abroad

SAT Exam 2025: Dates, Registration, Eligibility, and Preparation Tips

Are you dreaming of studying at the top universities in the USA? If yes, then you should definitely know about one important exam, which is the SAT. I...

Updated on • Apr 25,2025 10:39 AM IST • Education

Ireland Student Visa Process 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide & Requirements

Wondering why to study in Ireland?. We will give you numerous reasons to head in that direction. Apart from being one of the most preferred study dest...

Updated on • Apr 19,2025 03:30 PM IST • Ireland

ACT vs. SAT: Which One to Choose?

Many colleges and universities require students to submit scores from the SAT or ACT- both recognized standardized exams as part of the admission proc...

Updated on • Apr 14,2025 01:46 PM IST • Study Abroad

Five Types of IELTS Essays

Love giving opinions? Welcome to IELTS writing task 2. In this task, you get different types of essays, one of which is an opinion essay. There are fi...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 05:53 PM IST • IELTS

Backlog Certificate: A Complete Guide

What is a backlog?In an academic context, a "backlog" refers to a course or subject that a student did not pass on their first attempt during their re...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 01:47 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Apr 09,2025 05:37 PM IST • PTE

Master's in Computer Science in the USA

Silicon Valley in the United States of America has been the global mecca of technology and invention. Every significant technological advancement has ...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 05:59 PM IST • USA

MBA is one of the most sought-after courses worldwide and consistently tops the list of preferred study abroad courses for Indian students. Now, wheth...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 04:47 PM IST • Study Abroad

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 05:50 PM IST • IELTS

How to Get a Job in USA in 2025

USA is not just a great destination for studying abroad, but also for pursuing a full-time job. That’s why the internet is filled with queries like ...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 03:19 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some yea...

Updated on • Apr 01,2025 05:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Student Life in Ireland in 2025

“World-Class Standards, Warmest of Welcomes”. The tagline highlights the ideal balance of a high-quality education and a tremendous, hospitable cu...

Updated on • Mar 29,2025 05:50 PM IST • Ireland

Top Public Universities in Germany

It’s a notion that studying abroad is expensive, but there is one country that is breaking this notion. Germany, also known as the land of ideas, of...

Updated on • Mar 26,2025 04:33 PM IST • 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