Templates for the TOEFL Essay Introduction
Posted: Thursday, December 30, 2010
by William Sullivan
Cz-Training
When students look for templates for the TOEFL introduction, they are usually looking for a short paragraph they can memorize for use in all their TOEFL essays. For example, they might use something like this:
Whether or not + [ESSAY SUBJECT] + is a highly controversial issue. This issue is important because + [REASON]. In my opinion, + [YOUR OPINION].Yes, it is important memorize phrases and vocabulary for the TOEFL essay; however, it is also important to realize that these memorized phrases cannot be used in every essay. Why not? Well, let’s say the TOEFL topic is about owning a pet. A student might write this:
Whether or not dogs make better pets than cats is a highly controversial issue. This issue is important because many people have a hard time choosing a pet. In my opinion, it is better to have…See the problem? Owning a dog or a cat is definitely not "a highly controversial issue." Nor is it "important." The student has simply followed the template without thinking about meaning, so the writing sounds ridiculous. Moreover, this sort of TOEFL template signals that the student is not really writing at all: it is easy to see that the student is simply repeating a memorized formula.
There is one other problem with using templates in TOEFL essay introduction. The raters are familiar with them: so many students have tried to use these TOEFL templates that it is virtually impossible to surprise the rater with a new template. Raters have seen the same formulaic TOEFL introductions again and again and again. Here’s one of the more popular ones:
Some people think that + [ESSAY TOPIC]. Others disagree. If asked both groups would have logical reasons to support their stance. I personally think that + [YOUR OPINION]. Let me show you what I mean.Looks like a great introduction! But imagine you are the TOEFL rater: How would you rate this “writing”? Would you give the student a high score? How would you feel if you realized the student was trying to “trick” you by using a TOEFL template in the introduction?
Rather than memorizing long TOEFL introductions or impressive-sounding templates, it is best to build real writing skills by focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and essay organization. Even the Official Guide warns students not to memorize “long introductory and concluding paragraphs.” If that is not reason enough, consider one more thing: as soon as the rater sees that you are using a TOEFL essay template, you can kiss your high score goodbye.
For more TOEFL writing help: TOEFL Essay Practice
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