TOEFL iBT Writing Overview

TOEFL iBT Writing OverviewTOEFL iBT Writing Overview

SectionSection ContentContent TimeTime WordsWords ScoreScoreWriting Integrated:

read, listen, and write

Independent:knowledge and experience

20 minutes

30 minutes

150─225

300

/30

2. Integrated Writing Task2. Integrated Writing Task• Reading Passage

You have three minutes to read and take notes on a 250─300 word academic passage.

Usually has three main points. After you read the passage, it will disappear but will re-appear when you hear the question and begin to write.

3. Integrated Writing Task3. Integrated Writing Task• Listening passage

two to three minutes developed with three main points

• You will only hear the lecture once.

Take complete and accurate notes.

4. Integrated Writing Task4. Integrated Writing Task• Writing your essay

20 minutes

• Question: Summarize main points and show how they support the

reading; OR Summarize main points and show how they cast doubt on

the reading.

5. Text Tools5. Text Tools• Copy: copies highlighted text• Cut: cuts highlighted text• Paste: pastes copied or cut text• Undo: Undoes last action • Redo: Redoes action you just undid• Word count: shows number of words written• Enter (twice): starts new paragraph

6. Top Score Features6. Top Score Features• The essay is on topic and addresses both parts of the

question.• The essay:

summarizes listening and reading content. relates reading to listening. is written in a logical order (coherent) with sufficient detail

(progression). includes transitions to make it cohesive. contains a range of vocabulary and grammar.

7. Independent Writing Task7. Independent Writing Task• Plan, write, and edit in 30 minutes.• State opinion. • Give reasons, details, and examples to support

opinion.

8. Top8. Top Score Features Score Features• The essay is on topic and answers all aspects of the

question.• The essay

is coherent: written in a logical order. shows evidence of progression: main points are supported

with sufficient detail. is unified: every sentence relates to the thesis statement. is cohesive: ideas connect with transitions. includes range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

9. Scoring9. Scoring• Essay is scored from zero to five.• Essays are scored by four ETS raters.• The final writing score is out of 30.

10. Example Independent Writing10. Example Independent WritingScoring RubricsScoring Rubrics

• on topic and responds to the task• logically organized with main

points, details, and examples• everything relates to the thesis

statement• proper language used consistently• range of grammatical constructions • appropriate vocabulary and idioms• may contain the occasional error

5