✍️ TOEFL Writing Cheat Sheet

Master both writing tasks with proven strategies, templates, and insider tips

2 Writing Tasks
30 Minutes Total
0-30 Score Range
50% Each Task Weight

📊 Quick Task Comparison

Feature Integrated Writing Academic Discussion
Time 20 minutes 10 minutes
Word Count 150-225 words 100+ words (aim for 150-180)
Input Materials Reading passage + Lecture audio Professor question + 2 student responses
Task Type Summarize and compare sources Express and support your opinion
Personal Opinion ❌ No - stay objective ✅ Yes - required!
Key Skill Synthesis & paraphrasing Argumentation & examples

Integrated Writing

⏱️ 20 min 🎯 150-225 words

📚 What to Expect

  1. Phase 1 (3 min): Read a 250-300 word academic passage
  2. Phase 2 (2-3 min): Listen to a lecture that challenges/contradicts the reading
  3. Phase 3 (20 min): Write an essay explaining how the lecture opposes the reading
💡 The Golden Rule:

Your job is to be a reporter, not a writer. You're explaining what the lecture said and how it challenges the reading. Never add your personal opinion ("I think," "In my opinion"). Focus 100% on accurately reporting the lecture's counterarguments.

1 Reading Phase Strategy (3 minutes)

  • First 30 seconds: Read ONLY the first paragraph to understand the main topic
  • Next 2.5 minutes: Quickly identify the 3 main arguments (usually paragraphs 2, 3, and 4)
  • Take notes: Write ONE sentence per argument - you don't need details, just the main point
  • Don't memorize: The reading passage comes back during writing phase!
⚠️ Common Mistake:

Students waste time taking detailed notes from the reading. Save your energy - you can see the reading again while writing! Focus on understanding the 3 main points, not memorizing them.

2 Listening Phase Strategy (2-3 minutes)

💡 The Lecture Pattern Hack:

99% of lectures follow this exact structure: Brief intro + Point 1 challenges reading paragraph 2 + Point 2 challenges reading paragraph 3 + Point 3 challenges reading paragraph 4. Listen for transition words: "First," "Second," "Finally," "However," "Actually."

  • Listen for: Specific examples, studies, data, or reasons that contradict the reading
  • Note-taking template: Draw 3 boxes labeled "Point 1," "Point 2," "Point 3"
  • Focus on: WHAT the professor says (evidence/examples) and WHY it opposes the reading
  • Don't worry about: Perfect spelling or complete sentences - abbreviations are fine!

3 Writing Phase Strategy (20 minutes)

✅ Aim for 200-220 words (sweet spot for score 5)

150-180 = possible score 4 | 220-250 = possible score 5 | Under 150 = automatic score penalty

  • 0-2 min: Plan your 4 paragraphs (intro + 3 body = ~50 words each)
  • 2-16 min: Write at steady pace - don't rush, but don't overthink
  • 16-19 min: Proofread for major grammar errors and missing words
  • 19-20 min: Quick final check - do you have 150+ words?

🎯 High-Scoring Essay Template

PARAGRAPH 1: Introduction (40-50 words)

The reading passage claims that [main topic of reading]. However, the lecture challenges this view by presenting evidence that contradicts each of the reading's main points.

PARAGRAPH 2: First Counterargument (50-60 words)

First, the reading states that [reading point 1]. The lecturer challenges this by arguing that [lecture counterargument]. According to the lecture, [specific example or evidence from lecture]. This directly contradicts the reading's claim.

PARAGRAPH 3: Second Counterargument (50-60 words)

Second, the reading argues that [reading point 2]. However, the professor disputes this by pointing out that [lecture counterargument]. The lecture provides evidence that [specific example], which undermines the reading's position.

PARAGRAPH 4: Third Counterargument (50-60 words)

Finally, the reading suggests that [reading point 3]. The lecture casts doubt on this by explaining that [lecture counterargument]. According to the professor, [specific example or evidence], which contradicts what the reading claims.

🔗 Essential Transition Phrases

To Introduce Reading:

• The reading passage claims/states/argues that...
• According to the reading...
• The article suggests/proposes that...

To Introduce Lecture:

• However, the lecture challenges/contradicts...
• The professor disputes/questions this by...
• The lecturer casts doubt on/undermines...

To Show Contrast:

• This directly contradicts...
• In contrast to the reading...
• Unlike the reading's claim...

Sequence Words:

• First/Second/Third/Finally...
• Additionally/Furthermore...
• Moreover/In addition...

⚠️ Top 5 Mistakes That Kill Your Score

1. Adding personal opinion: "I think the lecture is more convincing" → Never do this!

2. Copying exact sentences: Paraphrase both reading and lecture in your own words

3. Only summarizing: You must show HOW lecture opposes reading, not just list both

4. Missing specific details: Use concrete examples from lecture, not vague summaries

5. Under 150 words: This triggers automatic score penalty - always check word count!

📊 What Graders Look For (Score 5 Requirements)

✓

Content Accuracy

All 3 lecture points correctly explained

✓

Clear Connections

Shows HOW lecture opposes reading

✓

Organization

Logical 4-paragraph structure

✓

Paraphrasing

Own words, not copying

✓

Grammar

Minor errors OK, meaning clear

Academic Discussion

⏱️ 10 min 🎯 100+ words (aim 150-180)

📚 What to Expect

You're participating in an online class discussion. A professor poses a question, two students (Student A and Student B) share their opinions, and you need to add your own thoughtful contribution.

Think of it like: Writing a smart comment on a discussion board that adds something new to the conversation.

💡 The Golden Rule:

Unlike Integrated Writing, here you MUST give your personal opinion with specific reasons and examples. The best responses take a clear position, acknowledge the other students' ideas, and add something new to the discussion (a reason, example, or perspective they didn't mention).

1 10-Minute Battle Plan

  • 0-2 min: Read professor's question + both student responses carefully
  • 2-3 min: Choose your position and brainstorm 2 reasons/examples (use scratch paper)
  • 3-8 min: Write your response (aim for 150-180 words for score 5)
  • 8-10 min: Proofread for grammar errors and add 1-2 sentences if under 140 words

✅ 150-180 words = sweet spot for score 5

100-120 = likely score 3 | 130-150 = possible score 4 | 150+ with good content = score 5 range

🎯 High-Scoring Response Formula

PARAGRAPH 1: State Your Position (30-40 words)

While [Student A/B] makes a valid point about [their idea], I believe that [your position] because [brief preview of your reasoning]. [Optional: I agree/disagree with [Student A/B] for the following reasons.]

PARAGRAPH 2: First Reason + Example (50-60 words)

First, [your first reason]. For example, [specific personal example, observation, or scenario that illustrates your point]. This shows that [connect example back to your main position].

PARAGRAPH 3: Second Reason + Example (50-60 words)

Additionally, [your second reason]. In my experience, [another specific example]. [Optional: This is different from what [Student A/B] mentioned because...]. This demonstrates why [restate your position].

Optional PARAGRAPH 4: Conclusion (20-30 words)

In conclusion, while both perspectives have merit, I believe [restate position] because [brief summary of main reasons].

💡 What Makes a Great Example?

✅ GOOD Examples (Specific & Concrete):

  • "When I was in high school, our teacher used tablets for interactive science simulations..."
  • "My friend works remotely and mentioned that she struggles with..."
  • "Research from Stanford University found that students who..."
  • "In my country, the government implemented a policy that..."

❌ WEAK Examples (Too Vague):

  • "People generally think that..." (Who? Where? When?)
  • "Technology is important" (Too general, no concrete detail)
  • "Some students prefer online learning" (No specific scenario)

2 How to Engage with Other Students

💡 The Engagement Hack:

You don't have to agree OR disagree with the other students. The best responses often take a middle position or add a new angle they didn't consider. This shows sophisticated thinking!

  • Strategy 1: Build on their ideas: "While [Student A] correctly points out [X], I'd like to add that..."
  • Strategy 2: Respectful disagreement: "I see [Student B's] point, but I think we also need to consider..."
  • Strategy 3: Balanced view: "Both [Student A] and [Student B] raise valid concerns. However, I believe..."
  • Strategy 4: New angle: "Neither student mentioned [new aspect], which I think is crucial because..."

🔗 Essential Discussion Phrases

Stating Your Opinion:

• In my opinion/view...
• I believe/think that...
• From my perspective...
• Based on my experience...

Agreeing:

• I agree with [student] that...
• [Student] makes a valid point about...
• Like [student], I believe that...
• As [student] mentioned...

Polite Disagreement:

• While I understand [student's] point, I think...
• I see things differently because...
• I respectfully disagree with...
• Although [student] raises a good point...

Adding Examples:

• For instance/example...
• In my experience...
• To illustrate this point...
• A clear example of this is...

Sequencing Ideas:

• First/Firstly/To begin with...
• Additionally/Furthermore/Moreover...
• Finally/Lastly...
• In conclusion...

Showing Consequence:

• This shows/demonstrates that...
• As a result/Consequently...
• Therefore/Thus...
• This is why...

⚠️ Top 5 Mistakes That Kill Your Score

1. Too short (under 120 words): Even with good ideas, you'll max out at score 3-4

2. Only repeating what students said: You must add NEW reasons or examples

3. No specific examples: Vague generalizations = lower scores. Be concrete!

4. Not actually answering the question: Make sure you directly address what professor asked

5. Too informal: Avoid slang, emojis, or casual texting language. Stay academic but personal.

📊 What Graders Look For (Score 5 Requirements)

✓

Relevant Contribution

Directly answers the question

✓

Well-Elaborated

Specific examples and explanations

✓

Syntactic Variety

Mix of simple and complex sentences

✓

Precise Vocabulary

Academic but natural language

✓

Almost No Errors

Minor mistakes OK if meaning clear

✓

Advances Discussion

Adds something new and meaningful

🌟 Universal Tips for BOTH Tasks

✍️ During Writing:

  • Type at a steady pace - rushing causes more errors
  • Use transitions between paragraphs for flow
  • Vary your sentence length (mix short and long)
  • If you make a typo, fix it immediately
  • Check word count every 5 minutes

📝 Grammar Priority:

  • Subject-verb agreement (he/she works, not work)
  • Article use (a/an/the) before nouns
  • Verb tenses (past vs. present consistency)
  • Plural forms (child → children, not childs)
  • Run-on sentences (use periods!)

⏱️ Time Management:

  • Always save 2-3 minutes for proofreading
  • If running out of time, write a quick conclusion
  • Better to have complete essay than perfect intro
  • Use computer timer or test interface clock

🚫 What NOT to Do:

  • Don't use contractions (don't → do not)
  • Don't use casual language or slang
  • Don't write a memorized essay (obvious & penalized)
  • Don't leave blank spaces - always finish!

📊 Score Conversion Chart

Each task is scored 0-5, then converted to 0-30 scale. Your final Writing score is the average of both tasks.

5.0
= 30/30
4.5
= 28/30
4.0
= 25/30
3.5
= 22/30
3.0
= 20/30
< 3.0
< 20/30

Example: If you score 4.0 on Integrated (25/30) and 4.5 on Discussion (28/30), your final score is 26-27/30

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