The contents of this page contains detailed information on the structure of TOEFL writing syllabus. Read on more to know each and every section in TOEFL writing syllabus.

TOEFL Writing Syllabus

Writing section in TOEFL aims at measuring the standard of students to write in English in an academic milieu. This is where the potential of a student to write in Standard English format with fundamental grammar rules become important. The TOEFL Writing syllabus elaborated below has been compiled keeping in mind the complete TOEFL writing test structure and format. Read this to get an idea of what kinds of tasks are given in TOEFL writing section and how best to prepare for it in order to score good marks.

Complete TOEFL Writing Syllabus

TOEFL writing Essay writing syllabus is divided into two parts according to the writing section in TOEFL namely:

1. Integrated Writing Syllabus

  • Integrated writing syllabus consists of a reading passage from an academic topic and a recorded lecture which is to be listened to, on the same topic.
  • The total timing for the integrated task is 20 min. In this task, a student has to combine information from reading source and from the recording, in order to show how those two passages are related.
  • The questions in this part of writing syllabus require answers which contain the key facts and main ideas that relate both the texts.
2. Independent Writing Syllabus
  • Independent writing syllabus consists of a common issue or an experience which is familiar to students.
  • In this part of writing syllabus students should provide their personal views, and opinions on the issue. And while providing their opinions they should substantiate with supporting examples or instances.
  • The questions in this task do not require an expertise on the subject matter. Answers to these questions should consist a clear progression of ideas and personal viewpoints.

Hence writing is a product obtained from listening to the sources around and processing the information, there are certain purposes upon which questions in writing syllabus are based. They are listed and defined as the following:

  • Combine Information from Two Different Sources - This is a method where information from two different sources should be synthesized to find what the aspects are which relates those two sources. The questions in integrated task require answers of this kind.

The answers should contain the main idea and purpose of the passage in the introductory paragraph. And the body of the essay should have a clear progression of key facts, and the cause of events. These events need to be categorized according to the order of events.

  • Processing View Points - Students have to form their personal views on an issue or experience. When a general question is asked, they should express their opinion on the situation explained there. Starting from this point, they have to develop the topic and they have to write an essay which contains their ideas, and if they should support those ideas with examples.
  • Language Usage - A good usage of standard grammar and variety of vocabulary helps in scoring high. Students should get familiar with unknown words and should use it while speaking and writing. Raters always expect for a good usage of grammar and vocabulary. While giving answers to a question in the form of an essay rich language is very important.
  • Topic development of an Essay – An essay should have a clear order of facts, ideas, number of words, tone and conclusion.
  • Delivery of an Essay - The structure of an essay should have an interesting and relevant introduction, well progressed body and a conclusion which gives the viewpoint of a student (independent) or the inference from the author’s point of view (integrated).
In writing section of TOEFL people get carried away by one specific topic and forget that there is a time limit. According to TOEFL writing syllabus, the number of words for an integrated essay ranges from 150 to 225 words while it might be up to 300 words for an independent essay.


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