The TOEFL iBT test writing section aims to evaluate the test taker’s ability to write their ideas, opinions, and thoughts in the English language in academic settings. Writing is an important component of communication that we build with others.
This section is the final part of the TOEFL iBT exam, and test takers are graded on the basis of their content, organisation, and grammar. In this blog, we have discussed the TOEFL writing section, including formatting, types of tasks, marking system, and prep tips.
Table of Contents
TOEFL Writing Section: An Overview
- The TOEFL writing section consists of 2 tasks- an integrated writing task and writing for an academic discussion.
- These tasks are aimed at evaluating the test takers to synthesise the information from the prompts, articulate their ideas clearly, and develop well-organised essays.
- The writing section of the TOEFL exam remains the same for both the centre and home editions.
| Features | TOEFL iBT Exam (Centre & Home Edition) |
|---|---|
| No. of Tasks | 2 |
| Types of Tasks | Task 1- Integrated Writing Task (20 minutes) Task 2- Writing for an Academic Discussion (10 minutes) |
| Word Count | Task 1- 150-250 words Task 2- 100 words |
| Text Sources | Academic subjects Contemporary topics |
| Total Duration | 29 Minutes |
TOEFL iBT Test Writing Section: Task 1- Integrated Writing (Opinion-Based)
- The integrated writing task of the TOEFL iBT test is the first task to complete.
- In this task, a short academic article of about 300 words is presented to test takers on their computer screen
- Next, they hear a short lecture on that topic
- Finally, test takers have to write an essay of about 150-250 words
Reading
- The article length is 300 words
- Test takers are provided 3 minutes to read it
- The article can be on any topic (topics on history, plants, and animals are mostly relevant)
Lecture
- The duration of a short lecture is 2-3 minutes
- It will be played once
- The lecture presents the counter-arguments to the reading topic
Writing Essay
- Test takers are provided 20 minutes to write an essay that compares the reading and lecture.
- They are required to summarise the key points of the differentiation in about 150-250 words.
| Description | Time Allocation |
|---|---|
| Reading- 300 words | 3 minutes |
| Lecture | 2-3 minutes |
| Writing Essay- 150-200 words | 20 minutes |
TOEFL iBT Test Writing Section: Task 2- Academic Writing
- The academic writing task of the TOEFL iBT test involves test takers writing a response in contrast to a question asked by the university professor on any given topic/subject.
- The minimum word length of the response should be at least 100 words.
- The time duration of the response is 10 minutes.
- Test takers are required to present their opinions with reasons and examples.
What Skills Are Evaluated in the TOEFL Writing Section?
The TOEFL iBT writing section assesses the following skills in a test taker.
- Critical thinking
- Analytical reasoning
- The organisation of ideas and thoughts
- Argument development
- Grammar & sentence structure
- Vocabulary & word choice
- Paraphrasing
- Summarisation
- Coherence
How is TOEFL Writing Scored?
- The TOEFL writing section is scored between 0-30.
- The writing section score is then added up with the rest of the section’s scores to derive a final total score, which is between 0-120.
- The writing section has five proficiency levels.
- Where a test taker’s score falls within that range, it tells their proficiency for that skill.
| Reading Section Score | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| 0-6 | Below Basics |
| 7-12 | Basics |
| 13-16 | Low Intermediate |
| 17-23 | High Intermediate |
| 24-30 | Advanced |
Preparation Tips for TOEFL iBT Test Writing Section
Below, we have presented some useful preparation tips for the TOEFL iBT test writing section that will help test takers achieve their desired score in the exam.
Firstly, go through the pattern and format of the TOEFL writing section.
- Work on your grammar and vocabulary every day.
- Write 1 long essay every day on an unfamiliar topic and get it checked by an experienced TOEFL tutor.
- Learn paraphrasing and summarising techniques and apply them while writing the essays.
- Practice with the official TOEFL ETS Guide and practice papers.
How to Write on Topics During the TOEFL Exam?
Before starting writing on prompts, test takers must follow the techniques below, which will help them stay organised and save time.
- Go through the important instructions.
- Understand the pattern of the TOEFL writing section
- When task 1 begins, pay full and undivided attention to the reading passage
- Take out the central theme of the topic by reading the passage and noting down important details
- When the lecture begins, hear it with full concentration
- Note down the important details
- Compare the points derived from reading and listening
- Craft unique insights, points, and opinions and present them with concrete examples.
- For task 2, read the passage
- Read the response provided
- Compare them constructively and derive your unique opinions
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The TOEFL writing section is the last part of the test that requires candidates to showcase their writing skills by completing two tasks. The first task involves reading a passage, listening to an audio lecture, and then writing an essay.
The second task requires test takers to read the lecture transcript of a university professor and present their opinions. Collectively, these tasks evaluate critical thinking and the ability to organise thoughts and articulate them in words.
FAQs
How long is the TOEFL writing section?
The duration of the TOEFL writing section is 29 minutes, which is divided into 20 minutes for task 1 (integrated writing) and 9 minutes for task 2 (academic writing).
What is the syllabus of the TOEFL iBT test writing section?
There is no fixed syllabus for the TOEFL iBT test writing section. However, the topic is generally derived from academic materials such as university books, journals, and research articles.
What is a good score for the TOEFL writing section?
A score between 17-30 is generally considered good for the TOEFL iBT test writing section, which strongly demonstrates the candidate’s high proficiency in writing skills.
What is the scoring system for the TOEFL writing section?
The scoring system of the TOEFL writing section is divided into 0-30, which is then added up with the rest of the section’s scores to derive a final total score between 0-120.
How many years is the TOEFL valid for?
The validity of the TOEFL score is 2 years from the day of the result declaration.
