TOEFL iBT Writing Section

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The Writing section measures test takers' ability to write in an academic environment. In English-speaking academic situations, students need to present their ideas through clear, well-organized writing.

• Often students need to write a paper or response on an exam on something they are learning about in their classes. They need to combine information they have heard in their class lectures and read about in their textbooks or other reading materials. This type of writing can be referred to as integrated writing. In this type of writing students need to be able to

• take notes on what they hear and read and use them to organize information before writing
• summarize, paraphrase, and cite information from the source material accurately
• write about the ways the information they listened to relates to the information they read

For example, in an academic course, a student might be asked to compare and contrast the points of view expressed by the professor in class and in the assigned reading material. The student must successfully draw information from each source to show the contrast.

• Students also need to write essays that express and support their opinions based on their own knowledge and experience. This type of writing can be referred to as independent writing. In this type of writing, students need to be able to express an opinion and support it based on their own knowledge and experience.

For example, a student may be asked to write an essay about a controversial issue. The student uses personal experience to substantiate his or her position.

In all types of writing, it is helpful for students to
• identify one main idea and some major points to support that idea
• plan how to organize the essay (e.g., with an outline)
• develop the essay by using reasons, examples, and detail
• express information in an organized manner
• use effective linking words (transitional phrases) to connect ideas and help the reader understand the
flow of ideas
• use a range of grammar and vocabulary for effective expression
• use grammar and vocabulary accurately; use idiomatic expressions appropriately
• follow the conventions of spelling, punctuation, and layout