Welcome to TOEFL Academic Writing! As a beginner, you need to master two types of essays. The Integrated Writing task gives you 20 minutes to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and write a summary showing how they relate. The Independent Writing task gives you 30 minutes to express your opinion on a topic with supporting examples. Both require clear structure and good English skills.
The first and most crucial step is understanding exactly what the task requires. For Integrated Writing, carefully read the passage and identify the main points, then listen for how the lecture relates to these points. Usually, the lecture will challenge or contradict the reading. For Independent Writing, make sure you understand the question type and choose a clear position you can support with examples.
Planning is crucial for success. Never start writing immediately! For Integrated Writing, create a simple outline: introduction stating the relationship, body paragraphs discussing each point from the reading and how the lecture addresses it, and a brief conclusion. For Independent Writing, brainstorm your position and choose 2-3 strong supporting points you can develop with examples. A good outline saves time and ensures clear organization.
Now write your essay following your outline. Start with a clear introduction that states your main point or the relationship between reading and lecture. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence and use transition words like 'However,' 'Furthermore,' or 'In contrast' to connect ideas smoothly. For Integrated Writing, clearly show connections using phrases like 'According to the reading' and 'The lecturer argues.' End with a conclusion that summarizes your main points without introducing new information.
The final step is crucial: always review and edit your essay! Check that you've answered the prompt completely and your ideas flow logically. Look for grammar errors, spelling mistakes, and awkward sentences. Make sure you've used appropriate academic vocabulary and varied your sentence structures. Verify you meet the word count requirements. Remember, regular practice under timed conditions is the best way to improve. Read high-scoring sample essays and seek feedback from teachers to develop your skills.