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TOEFL Writing: Integrated & Academic Essays
TOEFL Writing has 2 tasks — integrated (read + listen + write) and academic discussion. Here are templates for both and how to hit high scores.
TOEFL Writing: the two tasks
Integrated Task: you read a passage (3 minutes), listen to a lecture (2–3 minutes), then write a 150–225 word summary of how the lecture relates to the reading (20 minutes). Academic Discussion Task: you read a discussion prompt and 3 student posts, then contribute a response (100–150 words, 10 minutes) that fits the discussion tone and conventions.
Integrated essay template
Introduction (the general topic and the reading's main point), Lecture summary (what the professor says), Connection (how the lecture challenges, supports or expands the reading), Details (1–2 examples from the lecture and reading). Keep it under 225 words. Avoid personal opinion; focus on the relationship between the sources.
Academic Discussion Task template
Opening (acknowledge the discussion and the previous posts), State your view (agree, disagree, or nuance the discussion), Reasons (1–2 specific points from the discussion or your own experience), Closing (invite further discussion or summarise). Use a tone similar to the student posts — not overly formal, but clearly written.
Planning in your 10–20 minutes
Integrated: spend 2–3 minutes planning (outline the reading, jot lecture notes during listening, plan your 3–4 main points before you write). Academic Discussion: spend 1–2 minutes re-reading the prompt and posts, noting key themes, then write. Time management is critical — do not spend too long planning.
Grammar and vocabulary priorities
For Integrated: use complex sentences to show you understand the lecture-reading link. For Academic Discussion: write conversationally but correctly (avoid fragments, use clear subjects and verbs). Both tasks reward varied vocabulary and accurate grammar — but clarity over complexity.
Avoiding the integrated-task trap
Do not just summarise the reading or lecture separately — examiners want to see how you synthesise the two. Do not insert personal opinion in the integrated essay. Do not forget to support your points with details from the sources.
Frequently asked questions
- How much of my TOEFL score is Writing?
- Writing is one of four skills, each out of 30, so 25% of your total 120-point TOEFL score.
- Can I use the word 'disagree' in academic discussion?
- Yes, but soften it with nuance. Instead of 'I disagree,' try 'While I see that point, I think...' which is more conversational and shows critical thinking.
- What is a good TOEFL Writing score?
- Scores of 24–30 (out of 30) are competitive for most universities; scores of 28–30 are strong. The Writing score often matters less than Reading and Listening for most programmes.