5 Step Guide – Raise Your TOEFL Writing Task 2 Score

Get a 5 on the TOEFL independent writing task

Get 5 score on TOEFL independent writing task?  The TOEFL INDEPENDENT essay is the very last task on the TOEFL ibt, and it can be one of the most challenging. Because of this we spend a lot of time at English Simple working with our students to perfect this part of the test.  The following are 5 things that every TOEFL student should know to raise their score on the TOEFL independent writing task.

1)  HAVE A SOLID OUTLINE:

If you were to build a house, would you just start nailing pieces of wood together?  No. You would start with a plan, written on paper, for each step of the process.

Note-taking is the NUMBER ONE most important skill for the entire TOEFL ibt, and the Independent writing task needs a great outline.  In the English Simple course, we explain the details for a good Independent essay outline, but the basic format should have some ideas and details for your introduction, main body paragraphs, and your conclusion.  Your outline SHOULD NOT be too detailed, though.  You don’t want to spend too much time writing the outline, then not have enough time to write the actual essay.

2)  INTERESTING OPEN

In life, people always remember the very first time they meet someone.  This “first impression” stays with us and it is how we always think about that person.  Your Independent essay is the same way.  Because of this, how you BEGIN your essay is how the reader (TOEFL GRADER) is going to view your essay in its entirety.  Beginning with a strong and INTERESTING opening sentence/paragraph is KEY to starting the TOEFL grader on a good path to grading your essay.  Get access to this and other lessons with the full TOEFL writing course here.

3)  PLAN YOUR TIME

30 minutes is all you have for this writing task, and often it isn’t enough.  Timing is always one of our student’s biggest complaints on the TOEFL.  We have developed a number of techniques to manage time FOR EACH SECTION of the test in the full English Simple online course.  For the Independent essay, you can generally follow this time format for your essay:

1) Essay BRAINSTORMING and OUTLINE – 5 Minutes

2) INTRODUCTION paragraph – 5 Minutes

3) MAIN PARAGRAPHS (2-3) – 15 Minutes

4) CONCLUSION – 2 Minutes

5) REVIEW and PROOFREADING – 3 Minutes

These are suggested times, and of course you might find one area goes a little longer than another.  Having these in mind, however, when you practice your essay and then when you take the test will make sure you don’t run out of time at the end.

4)  KEEP IT SIMPLE

This is the “unofficial motto” of the English Simple TOEFL program 😉  The TOEFL test can seem to be OVERLY complicated sometimes.  With English Simple, we feel that if you can simplify the test, you can avoid a lot of the panic and frustration that many students experience.

When you go to write your essay, keep your sentences simple and “to the point”.  There is a difference between what is considered good writing in English and good writing in other languages.  English essay writing requires concise and focused sentences that express specific ideas.

GOOD EXAMPLE:

“I believe that studying at a four year university is the best option for getting a good job.”

BAD EXAMPLE:

“At times the idea of getting a job in life can seem difficult, and almost out of reach, which is why the very best option is to attend a four year university to study first. “

5)  PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

If you talk to any professional writers and ask them how they became successful, they will all say the same thing: write every day.  Writing, whether it’s for an essay, or for creative reasons, is all about practice.  In a way, writing is like a muscle.  The more you exercise your writing muscle, the better, and faster you will become.  In preparing for your TOEFL exam, you should be writing at least 4-5 essays per week.

The English Simple program has full Integrated and Independent writing practice tests.  We also offer full expert writing feedback with scores. It is our goal to help you get 5 score on TOEFL independent writing task.

Here are 5 Independent writing tasks to get you started.  Be sure to check out the online program for more help, and of course contact us with any TOEFL questions you might have!

1. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

2. People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer.

3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, e-mail, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

4. Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

5. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.