TOEFL Integrated Writing Exam Tips

Rationale:

The TOEFL Integrated Writing tests a candidate’s ability to 1) focus on two different formats of conflicting information; 2) process them; and 3) present them in the form of a short essay within a predefined time.

The task involves writing an argumentative essay in which the question has two parts - one part is a readable passage that sets the premise; and the second part (which includes an audio clip) contains a short discussion offering a different perspective on the premise given in the readable passage. Candidates are required to write a detailed summary amalgamating the two, by critically examining the arguments raised in the audio clip and setting them against the points in the written passage.

Question Structure:

Firstly, the candidates have to read a passage of approximately 300-500 words. The first reading corresponds to skimming, since very little time is given to form an idea about the context.

In the second part of the question, they will be directed to listen to a lecture or a conversation on the same topic, but offering a different or opposite perspective. The length of the audio will be between 2-3 minutes, approximately. Candidates are free to take notes from the audio as they listen. However, they will not get another chance to listen to the clip.

Thereafter, the written passage will be made available and candidates are required to write their answers. Mostly the answer will involve critically examining the ideas/arguments/premise in the passage in light of the audio they have heard (e.g. summarise the points in the lecture and write how they relate to the passage).

Time available to complete the answer is around 20 minutes and a minimum word count between 150-225 words must be typed in. There is no maximum limit.

Instructions/Dos & Don’ts
The key is to identify the main idea in the passage in the first reading and always have that in mind while listening to the lecture and taking notes. Generally, there will be a central idea and 3 supporting paragraphs. For question one, the Integrated Writing question, raters are looking for three main things – accurate development, organization, and language use. Paraphrasing is an important skill for this question. Vocab and synonyms.

Instructions/Dos & Don’ts

The key is to identify the main idea in the passage in the first reading and always have that in mind while listening to the lecture and taking notes.
Generally, there will be a central idea and 3 supporting paragraphs.
For question one, the Integrated Writing question, raters are looking for three main things – accurate development, organization, and language use.
Paraphrasing is an important skill for this question.
Vocab and synonyms.

Assessment Parameters for Articles/Essays
The Integrated Writing essays are scored on the basis of the following parameters: Development: Under this parameter, the way a candidate has responded to the topic in terms of ideating and organising is assessed. Also, it is important as to how well the candidate is able to select important and relevant information from the lecture, and clearly present it in context with the information from the written passage. This means the topic has to be well understood, and only then suitable arguments need to be identified from the audio to be adapted for elaboration. In the process, the candidate is expected to chalk out relevant logical details, support their points with examples and instances, and stay close to the core argument. Candidates will be penalised if they use multiple sentences that are redundant, or if they try to fill space with something irrelevant to the topic. Organisation: This parameter refers to readability and lucidity. The essay should be easy to read and must not confuse a reader in terms of arrangement of arguments or vocabulary. Clarity of thought, simple yet effective vocabulary, paragraph structure, and good transitions are assessed. Candidates will be penalised for repetition of ideas/arguments and redundancy. Language Use: This is the third criterion for scoring the essays and it involves assessment of sentence structure, choice of words and vocabulary, and grammar consistency.

Assessment Parameters for Articles/Essays

The Integrated Writing essays are scored on the basis of the following parameters:

Development: Under this parameter, the way a candidate has responded to the topic in terms of ideating and organising is assessed. Also, it is important as to how well the candidate is able to select important and relevant information from the lecture, and clearly present it in context with the information from the written passage.

This means the topic has to be well understood, and only then suitable arguments need to be identified from the audio to be adapted for elaboration. In the process, the candidate is expected to chalk out relevant logical details, support their points with examples and instances, and stay close to the core argument.

Candidates will be penalised if they use multiple sentences that are redundant, or if they try to fill space with something irrelevant to the topic.

Organisation: This parameter refers to readability and lucidity. The essay should be easy to read and must not confuse a reader in terms of arrangement of arguments or vocabulary. Clarity of thought, simple yet effective vocabulary, paragraph structure, and good transitions are assessed.

Candidates will be penalised for repetition of ideas/arguments and redundancy.

Language Use: This is the third criterion for scoring the essays and it involves assessment of sentence structure, choice of words and vocabulary, and grammar consistency.

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