TOEFL Academic Writing & Argumentation 3

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a topic sentence in a TOEFL Writing body paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea of that paragraph and connect it to the thesis

Answer

To provide a specific example that supports the thesis

Answer

To summarize everything discussed in the essay so far

Answer

To present a counter-argument before refuting it

Question 2

Which transition signal is used to show CONTRAST between two ideas in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Nevertheless

Answer

Furthermore

Answer

Therefore

Answer

For instance

Question 3

In the TOEFL Integrated Writing task, approximately how long should your response be?

Accepted Answer

150–225 words

Answer

50–100 words

Answer

100–150 words

Answer

300–400 words

Question 4

What is the best way to show strong argumentation in a TOEFL Academic Discussion post?

Accepted Answer

State a clear claim and support it with a specific, developed example

Answer

Use first-person pronouns frequently to show personal investment

Answer

List as many reasons as possible without explanation

Answer

Begin by explaining why other students are wrong

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses the passive voice in an academic writing context?

Accepted Answer

The results were analyzed by the research team after the experiment concluded.

Answer

The researchers were studying the effects of climate change.

Answer

The research team analyzed and they found the results to be significant.

Answer

Having been analyzed, the research team presented the results.

Question 6

In TOEFL Academic Writing, what is the function of a 'hedging' expression such as 'it could be argued that'?

Accepted Answer

To soften a claim and acknowledge it may not be universally true

Answer

To express absolute certainty about a claim

Answer

To avoid making any claim at all

Answer

To indicate that the claim comes from a cited source