TOEFL Writing Sample Questions and Responses

Please note: These practice sets align with TOEFL iBT tests administered on or after July 26, 2023.

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Integrated Essay Template (Writing Question One)

The Introduction

No matter what question style is used, write your introduction using the following template:

The reading and the lecture are both about _____. While the author of the article argues that ____, the lecturer disputes the claims mentioned in the article.His position is that _____.

The Body Paragraphs

Use the following templates for the body paragraphs:

According to the reading  _____.The article mentions that _____.This argument is challenged by the lecturer.He claims that _____.Additionally, he points out that ______.

Secondly, the author suggests ______.The article notes that _____.The lecturer, however, asserts that ______.He goes on to say that ______.

Finally, the author puts forth the idea that _____.The author contends that _____.In contrast, the lecturer’s stance is  _____.He says that _____.

You don’t need a conclusion.

Writing for Academic Discussion (Writing Question Two)

Here’s a template that focuses on expanding on and challenging the points mentioned by the other students.

This is a challenging topic, but I think that [respond directly to the question].I strongly agree with [student]’s idea that [mention one point made by the student]. I’d add that [expand on the point with your own idea].While [other student] raised the relevant point that [mention one point made by the other student], he/she didn’t mention that [challenge that point].For example [elaborate on your challenge with your own ideas].

Here’s a template that focuses on giving an entirely new answer and ignoring the other student's responses.

While I appreciate the points mentioned by both STUDENT 1 and STUDENT 2, I think that…[elaborate on your idea for a few sentences]Remember that [elaborate on your point], so [elaborate on your point]. Some people may feel that [mention a potential challenge], but [respond to this challenge].

Your response should be a little more than 100 words. 

Sample Questions, Tips, and Responses

Writing Practice Set 1 (Integrated)

Directions: Give yourself 3 minutes to read the passage.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

In an effort to encourage ecologically sustainable forestry practices, an international organization started issuing certifications to wood companies that meet high ecological standards by conserving resources and recycling materials. Companies that receive this certification can attract customers by advertising their products as “ecocertified.” Around the world, many wood companies have adopted new, ecologically friendly practices in order to receive certification. However, it is unlikely that wood companies in the United States will do the same, for several reasons.

First, American consumers are exposed to so much advertising that they would not value or even pay attention to the ecocertification label. Because so many mediocre products are labeled “new”or “improved,” American consumers do not place much trust in advertising claims in general.

Second, ecocertified wood will be more expensive than uncertified wood because in order to earn ecocertification, a wood company must pay to have its business examined by a certification agency. This additional cost gets passed on to consumers. American consumers tend to be strongly motivated by price, and therefore they are likely to choose cheaper uncertified wood products. Accordingly, American wood companies will prefer to keep their prices low rather than obtain ecocertification.

Third, although some people claim that it always makes good business sense for American companies to keep up with the developments in the rest of the world, this argument is not convincing. Pursuing certification would make sense for American wood companies only if they marketed most of their products abroad. But that is not the case—American wood businesses sell most of their products in the United States, catering to a very large customer base that is satisfied with the merchandise.

Directions: Read the transcript

Narrator: Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.