Section 4: Writing

This section is only used on the CBT. If you are taking the paper test, you can request to take the TWE (Test of Written English). You should do so if the institution you want to attend requires an essay score. On the CBT you can choose to write or type your essay. You will have 30 minutes to complete one essay. The topic is provided for you. It will be marked out of 6. At least two people will read your essay. The scores that each reader gives you will be averaged. You will be evaluated on how well you can generate and support ideas. Your spelling, grammar, and style will also be evaluated. You are allowed to write down your thoughts and essay plan on a separate piece of paper during the test. This will help you to develop a more organized essay. You can download a list of practice topics from the TOEFL information bulletin.

Question types:

Which do you prefer?
Give your opinion
Discuss an issue
Personal experience
Pros and Cons
Compare and Contrast
Analyse a quote or statement

Example:

Read the example of a student's essay. When you are finished reading the example look at the checklist and find out why this student deserves a perfect score of 6.

Some people prefer to settle down and start a family in a rural area. Other people prefer the convenience of the big city. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Does this scenario sound familiar to you? A young couple meets and falls in love in the city. Later they get married and decide to move to a rural area. They plan to start a family. This may have been the case years ago, but today more couples are choosing to settle down in the city. In my opinion a city has more to offer a new family than a rural area. These things include jobs, institutions, and support systems.

There are more work opportunities for young couples in a city than in a rural area. Unemployment is much lower in urban centers. One reason for this is that many jobs in rural areas are seasonal. It is more common for large companies to be based in the city. Even though the cost of living is higher in the city than it is in a rural area, people who work in the city tend to have much higher salaries. Furthermore, financial stress is a leading cause of divorce and leads to the break up of families.

The city offers important institutions such as the best hospitals and schools that rural areas don't always have. For instance, people who get sick or have babies in rural areas often have to travel to the city for medical attention. This can lead to bills and transportation problems. While their parents have to commute to work, kids sometimes have to travel a long way on a bus to school. All of the travel takes away from family time. In addition, kids who grow up in rural areas are less likely to go to post secondary schools. Most have to go to the city to get a good education.

It is more likely that a young couple will have the support of friends and family in the city than in a rural area. When a young couple moves away from this support system, they often feel isolated. On the other hand, small communities are usually close and friendly. It doesn't take long to meet new friends in a small town. People look out for each other and the crime rate is much lower. Even still, you can never replace your best friends and relatives. Consequently, birthdays and holidays feel lonely without grandparents and childhood friends to join in the celebration.

Living in the city is a new trend for young families. This is partly because people are starting families later. I have already established my career and home in the city. My friends and family and all of the things I need are here. When I meet my future spouse I hope he agrees to settle down in the city.

Essay checklist
	Do I have an interesting introductory sentence?
	Do I have a thesis?
	Does my introduction state the topics that I plan to cover?
	Does each paragraph have a topic sentence?
	Do I use examples and reasons to support my points?
	Is my spelling and punctuation correct?
	Do I use simple grammatical structure that I am comfortable with?
	Do I use transitional phrases?
	Have I covered both sides of an issue fairly?
	Did I prove my thesis?
	Does my conclusion end with an interesting thought or idea?

Now read these 20 TOEFL Tips
Hints and advice to help you. Follow these essential tips to improve your TOEFL score.