Ch4. TOEFL Writing — Integrated Task & Academic Discussion

TOEFL Writing Overview

Task	Time	Type
Task 1: Integrated	20 min	Read + Listen → Compare/summarize
Task 2: Academic Discussion	10 min	Add your opinion to an online discussion
Total	29 min	Score: 0–30

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Task 1: Integrated Writing

Format: Read 250–300 word passage (3 min) → Listen to lecture (lecture ALWAYS contradicts or qualifies the reading) → Write comparison summary (150–225 words, 20 min)

Key rules:

• Center on the lecture’s counterarguments (not the reading)
• Do NOT include your own opinion
• Do NOT copy sentences verbatim from the reading

High-Score Template

Paragraph 1 (Introduction, 2–3 sentences):
"The reading passage discusses [topic], arguing that [main reading claim].
The professor in the lecture, however, challenges/qualifies these points, 
contending that [main lecture claim]."

Paragraph 2 (First point, 4–5 sentences):
"First, the reading claims that [reading point 1].
The professor, however, argues that [lecture counterpoint 1].
According to the lecture, [specific explanation/example]."

Paragraph 3 (Second point):
"Second, the reading states that [reading point 2].
The professor challenges this by noting that [lecture counterpoint 2]."

Paragraph 4 (Third point):
"Finally, the reading argues that [reading point 3].
The lecture suggests, on the other hand, that [lecture counterpoint 3]."

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Task 2: Academic Discussion

Format: Two students have already posted opinions; add your own unique contribution (10 min, 100+ words minimum)

Scoring priorities:

• Your own new idea (don’t just agree/disagree with existing posts)
• Specific reasons and examples
• Minimum 100 words (aim for 150+)

High-Score Template

Opening (1–2 sentences — your position):
"In my view, [position]. While both [Student1] and [Student2] raise valid points, 
I believe [your core argument]."

Reasoning + Example (4–5 sentences):
"One key reason is that [reason]. For instance, [concrete example]. 
This suggests that [implication]."

Conclusion or additional angle (2–3 sentences):
"Furthermore, [additional idea]. Therefore, [final conclusion]."

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Academic Vocabulary for Writing

Reading vs. Lecture Comparison Phrases

Phrase	Context
contradicts	Lecture directly opposes reading claim
challenges	Lecture questions reading’s validity
casts doubt on	Lecture weakens reading’s credibility
supports/confirms	Lecture adds evidence for reading
elaborates on	Lecture expands on reading’s point

Academic Discussion Advanced Phrases

• “It stands to reason that…”
• “One could argue that…”
• “Empirical evidence suggests…”
• “Drawing on personal experience…”

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Common Errors & Corrections

Error	Fix
Copy-pasting reading sentences	Always paraphrase
Omitting the lecture’s arguments	Lecture is the PRIMARY focus
Response too short	Task 1: min 150 words; Task 2: min 100 words
Inserting personal opinion in Task 1	Strictly prohibited in Integrated Writing

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Chapter 5 Preview

The final chapter: Full TOEFL Mock Test & Exam Day Strategy — integrated practice and the complete exam-day playbook.