Writing 1: General Introduction
Objectives • Understand the two question types in the TOEFL iBT Writing section . • Self-evaluate strengths and challenges for writing under timed conditions.
Introduction Before we dive into the TOEFL iBT Writing tasks, take a moment to think about your current strengths and challenges with writing by reflecting on the following questions . • On a typical day, how much writing do you do in the language you feel most comfortable with? What types of things do you write (for example, notes, emails, texts)? This could include writing by hand, typing, or texting . • Imagine you need to write a 3-page (typed) essay for school or university on a topic you’re familiar with . What would be your first step? How long do you think it would take to complete the essay? • Why do you think some writers create an outline before they start writing? • How often do you use a full keyboard (laptop, computer, or tablet)? How many words per minute do you type? How fast do you type in English? In this lesson, you’ll learn about the TOEFL iBT Writing section, take a quiz to show your understanding about it, and then do some reflection on the process of typing a response under timed conditions.
The TOEFL iBT Writing Section
Instructions • Read the description of the Writing section, which includes two tasks: the Integrated task and the Writing for an Academic Discussion task . Integrated task: You will first be shown a reading passage, always on an academic topic. You have 3 minutes to read. You may wish to make notes on the main idea and supporting points as you read. Then the text disappears, and you will hear a lecture excerpt (about 2 minutes long) on the same topic. You should take notes on the lecture, again capturing the main idea and supporting points (you may want to practice doing this on a sheet of paper, since this is how you can take notes on test day). Then you will be given a question asking you to summarize the lecture and relate it to specific points in the reading passage. At this point, the reading passage will reappear. The writing clock will then start a countdown for 20 minutes of writing time, during which time you type your answer. It is suggested that you write a minimum of 150 words. The reading passage and the question stay on the screen for the whole time . Some common phrases that are used in the question are “cast doubt,” “challenge,” or “oppose.” It is important to understand what these phrases mean before test day. A writing question for the Integrated task will never ask you to give your own opinion in your response . Writing for an Academic Discussion task: The Writing for an Academic Discussion task presents a question from a professor written in an online discussion, and contributions to the discussion from two different students . Your task is to write your own answer to the professor’s question. The structure of the professor’s question is often similar to the Paired Choice question in the Speaking section. The topic is always related to an academic subject. As you write your
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