How to Write a TOEFL Integrated Essay
Posted: Wednesday, August 19, 2009
by William Sullivan
Cz-Training
The TOEFL integrated writing is a little bit different from the indepent. For the integrated, there are two ways of organizing the essay:
The first is called the "block" format. It looks like this:
- Paragraph 1: Introduction
- Paragraph 2: All the main points from the reading
- Paragraph 3: All the main points from the listening
- Paragraph 4: Conclusion
The second is called the "point-by-point" format. Here it is:
- Paragraph 1: Introduction
- Paragraph 2: First main point from the reading + corresponding point from the listening
- Paragraph 3: Second main point from the reading + corresponding point from the listening
- Paragraph 4: Third main point from the reading + corresponding point from the listening
- Paragraph 5: Conclusion
But which format is better?!
Both formats are acceptable. In my opinion, however, the "point-by-point" format is the best-it is the only way to really "integrate" material from the listening and reading. Nevertheless, there are sometimes problems with this format. The biggest problem is that sometimes you do not have an equal number of points from the listening and reading. Another problem is that sometimes the points do not correspond to each other easily. In these situations, it is best to use the block format. One TOEFL book (Kaplan) book has a very good explanation of the point-by-point. Here's what it says:
"The point-by-point format requires a relatively equal number of key points, and the points must be easily paired or connected."
Both formats are acceptable. In my opinion, however, the "point-by-point" format is the best-it is the only way to really "integrate" material from the listening and reading. Nevertheless, there are sometimes problems with this format. The biggest problem is that sometimes you do not have an equal number of points from the listening and reading. Another problem is that sometimes the points do not correspond to each other easily. In these situations, it is best to use the block format. One TOEFL book (Kaplan) book has a very good explanation of the point-by-point. Here's what it says:
"The point-by-point format requires a relatively equal number of key points, and the points must be easily paired or connected."
How can I practice this?
If you want to improve your writing then the best thing to do is this: write, write, write! If you would like to have your essays corrected by a native speaker of English, there are websites for this. Here is one: TOEFL Essay Practice.
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