TOEFL Writing Section: Tips and Strategies for Effective Preparation

TOEFL: The TOEFL exam is one of the reputed tests for your road to acquiring admission in an English-speaking country’s renowned university. The administrators have made it mandatory for all non-native English users to clear this exam so that the students are ready to adjust and succeed in their academic endeavours. In this article, we will cover TOEFL exam 2025 writing section tips and strategies to get high TOEFL scores.

This Story also Contains

1. TOEFL Writing Section 2025: Tips and Strategies for Effective Preparation
2. TOEFL- Writing Task 1 – Integrated Writing Task:- (TOEFL Writing technique)
3. The TOEFL Preparation Writing Section Task 2- (TOEFL Writing Technique)
4. Independent Writing Task
5. Types of Questions in the TOEFL Writing Section
6. Preparing the Plan: (TOEFL Writing Tips)
7. Ten Awesome Tips for the Writing Section of the TOEFL Test 2025
8. TOEFL 2025 e-Books for all Sections

TOEFL Writing Section 2025: Tips and Strategies for Effective Preparation

In today's article of careers360, you will be able to grasp a lot of strategies of the TOEFL Writing section. As TOEFL writing preparation is a bit tedious task, involving the presence of both reading and listening integration, if one follows the right way TOEFL writing would become easy to score.

TOEFL- Writing Task 1 – Integrated Writing Task:- (TOEFL Writing technique)

Note: In the TOEFL writing preparation, Task 1- Passage and listening audio (lecture) will be related in a disagreement or will cast a doubt, the listening lecture is played only once so you must stay focused. You will have 20 minutes to finish the entire task.

Strategy: (TOEFL Writing Tips)

In this TOEFL writing prep, think like a reporter because you have to counter the points of the lecturer that he does for the reading passage.

· The passage will normally talk about opinions/theories/observations about a topic

· Also, it might mention the solutions

· Look, for the main idea of the passage, basically, it will be in the last sentence of paragraph 1.

· Look out for the main points along with their details.

· Then, listen to the lecture.

· While listening, the speaker will disagree and cast doubt on whatever is mentioned in the passage.

· Understand the counter idea

· Understand the counterpoints and add in additional detail.

Structure:

In the TOEFL writing preparation- An integrated writing task should take 20 minutes, and should have a minimum of 150 words to a maximum of 225 words, the ideal word length is 180- 190 words.

Preparing the plan:

· After making notes with the reading passage and the listening audio, you should take around 2-3 minutes to make the plan

· Plan your writing having 1/3rd of the reading passage having all the reasons stated in the passage

· Plan 2/3rd of the writing part from the listening audio listing all the negative counterpoints.

Now follow the 3 steps:

· start with the introduction of the topic

· Introduce the authors' opinion

· Introduce the speaker’s opinion

Template:

• The article introduces the topic of (topic) which is …. (meaning)

• The writer says (main points)

• However, the lecture disagrees by claiming (counterpoint)

• Be careful with making appropriate reasons for the passage and how it counters in the lecture.

• Conclusion: As you can see the author and lecturer hold very different views on… (topic)

The TOEFL Preparation Writing Section Task 2- (TOEFL Writing Technique)

Independent Writing Task

The TOEFL writing practice task 2 – essay writing should be attempted in a minimum of 300 words, the ideal word limit should be around 350-370 words. This task should be completed in 30 minutes.

Important Points for the Essay:

1. Development of the essay: The essay should have reasons, details of the reasons along with an example.

2. Organization of the essay: The essay should have a logical flow, and candidates must use cohesive devices and paragraphing.

3. Language: The candidate should have accuracy in grammar (concepts like subject-verb agreement, articles and parts of speech), spelling, variety in grammar range, precision, style (use of idioms and phrases)

Types of Essays:

1. Opinion-based: This is one of the most frequently asked question types, candidates must either agree or disagree on a given topic.

2. Choice: In this type of essay the candidate is required to select a preference.

3. Describe and explain: Here, the candidate is expected to describe the topic in detail along with supporting points as explanations and also give examples.

Structure: Remember that the plan and structure of each type of essay is similar.

Types of Questions in the TOEFL Writing Section

Before we start the TOEFL writing preparation, let's analyze the TOEFL writing question types. There are 2 tasks to be attempted.

1. Integrated Writing Task

· Must be completed in 20 minutes

· Involves reading passages and listening to audio analyses

· Must read the given passage in 3 minutes

· Listen to the lecture (2-3 minutes)

· Listening audio is not repeated

· Reading passage will be visible again after the audio ends

· You are required to summarize the points of the audio lecture and show its relation with the points in the passage

· Showcase your ability to communicate in an academic written format.

2. Independent Writing Task

· Essay writing (Argumentative or Descriptive essay)

· Must be completed in 30 minutes

Preparing the Plan: (TOEFL Writing Tips)

You have 3 main parts to plan, that is, the introduction, the body paragraphs and the conclusion.

Tip 1: For the introduction:

· Read the question statement again

· Brainstorm your idea for the question

· Think Why am I writing this?

· Paraphrase the question statement

· Write the outline of the essay

Tip 2: For the Body paragraphs:

· Must plan 2-3 body paras

· Each para should have one main point

· Each body para should have the sub-points of the main point as an explanation and then these sub-points should be supported with examples

· While planning the body paras, First think of suitable main points

· Once the main point is decided, think of reasons to support the main point. For this, you should first think of some focus questions related to your main point, so that you are able to reason the main point strongly.

· In your plan, also mention the different connecting words you will use in all the paras.

Tip 3: For Conclusion:

· Summarize and restate the thesis statement (outline) mentioned in the introduction and body para.

· One long sentence of conclusion is also enough

Time Management:

Remember that you just have 30 minutes to complete, so plan the essay in 15 minutes, 7-

8 minutes for typing the essay and left-over time to re-check the essay.

Ten Awesome Tips for the Writing Section of the TOEFL Test 2025

The students have to write two complete essays in 30 minutes which seems impossible.

Some top TOEFL writing tips will help you feel confident on test day.

The first five tips are for the TOEFL integrated writing question, task one. The last five tips are for the TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion question, task two.

10 Essential Tips for Mastering the TOEFL Writing Section Are:

1. Understand the Contradictions Between Reading and Listening
   Be attentive while reading, as the listening passage often refutes points made in the reading.

2. Practice Precise Note-Taking for Listening
   Since you can only hear the listening passage once, develop your skill in taking concise, accurate notes.

3. Paraphrase Instead of Copying
   Use your own words when referencing the passage, as directly copying can result in a zero score for that section.

4. Use Connective Phrases for Clarity
   Employ transitional phrases and connecting words to clearly develop and link your ideas in the essay.

5. Master Time Management
   Practice crafting a 250-word essay in 20 minutes to ensure you can complete the task within the time limit.

6. Avoid Repetition
   Refrain from repeating ideas or points from the reading and listening passages in your responses.

7. Stick to Simple Verb Tenses
   Use straightforward verb tenses to maintain clarity and avoid grammatical errors.

8. Expand Sentences with Clauses
   Include multiple clauses in your sentences to create varied and well-developed responses.

9. Always Edit Your Work
   Allocate time for proofreading and editing to ensure your essay is polished and free of errors.

10. Practice Regularly and Seek Feedback
    Write essays at home or in class, have them scored by your TOEFL trainer, and work on improving your weaknesses.

TOEFL 2025 e-Books for all Sections

Beyond exam preparation, TOEFL books also contribute to overall English language proficiency. They introduce vocabulary in context, model good grammar usage, and improve comprehension skills through extensive reading and listening exercises.