TOEFL Writing & Composition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the structure of a well-organized TOEFL Independent Writing essay?
- A single paragraph listing all supporting points without elaboration
- An introduction with a clear thesis, two or three body paragraphs each developing one main point with details and examples, and a conclusion that restates the thesis (Correct answer)
- A series of loosely connected ideas without paragraph structure
- An extended personal narrative without a stated thesis
Correct answer: An introduction with a clear thesis, two or three body paragraphs each developing one main point with details and examples, and a conclusion that restates the thesis
A well-organized TOEFL Independent essay follows the standard academic essay structure: introduction (with thesis), body paragraphs (each with a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and explanation), and conclusion (restating the main argument). This structure is rewarded by TOEFL writing raters.
Question 2: A student is writing a body paragraph for a TOEFL essay. The topic sentence is: "Access to technology significantly improves educational outcomes." Which sentence would best follow this topic sentence?
- Many people use technology today in their everyday lives.
- For example, a study by UNESCO found that students in technology-equipped classrooms scored 20% higher on reading comprehension tests than those without access. (Correct answer)
- Technology is a very important invention that has changed the world.
- However, some people think technology is distracting in classrooms.
Correct answer: For example, a study by UNESCO found that students in technology-equipped classrooms scored 20% higher on reading comprehension tests than those without access.
After a topic sentence making a claim, the next sentence should provide concrete evidence that supports the claim. Option B provides a specific, credible example (a UNESCO study with a quantified result) that directly supports the topic sentence's assertion about educational outcomes.
Question 3: In TOEFL Writing, what is the primary function of a conclusion paragraph?
- To introduce new evidence that strengthens the argument at the last moment
- To restate the thesis in different words and briefly summarize the main points, providing a sense of closure (Correct answer)
- To express uncertainty about the argument presented in the body paragraphs
- To list all the sources consulted during writing
Correct answer: To restate the thesis in different words and briefly summarize the main points, providing a sense of closure
A conclusion should bring the essay to a logical close by restating the thesis (in different words) and summarizing the main supporting points. Introducing new evidence in the conclusion is a structural error; expressing uncertainty undermines the argument; source lists are not part of TOEFL essays.
Question 4: Which paragraph best demonstrates coherence in academic writing?
- Technology helps students. Many people own smartphones. Television was invented in the twentieth century. Libraries have books.
- Technology improves access to educational resources. Students can use e-readers to access textbooks instantly, reducing costs significantly. Furthermore, online educational platforms allow learners in remote areas to attend university-quality courses. (Correct answer)
- Technology is useful. It has many advantages. People use it. Education is also important.
- Some people like technology and some do not. It depends on the person. There are many factors.
Correct answer: Technology improves access to educational resources. Students can use e-readers to access textbooks instantly, reducing costs significantly. Furthermore, online educational platforms allow learners in remote areas to attend university-quality courses.
Coherence requires that sentences in a paragraph be logically connected and develop a single idea. Option B presents a clear topic (technology improves educational resource access), supports it with two specific, connected examples, and uses a transition ("Furthermore"). The other options lack focus and logical connection between sentences.
Question 5: Which error does the following TOEFL essay sentence contain: "Despite the government taking many measures, but the poverty rate has not decreased significantly."
- The verb tense is incorrect.
- The sentence incorrectly combines a subordinating conjunction ("Despite") with a coordinating conjunction ("but"), making it grammatically redundant and incorrect. (Correct answer)
- The subject does not agree with the verb.
- "Poverty rate" is used incorrectly in this context.
Correct answer: The sentence incorrectly combines a subordinating conjunction ("Despite") with a coordinating conjunction ("but"), making it grammatically redundant and incorrect.
"Despite" is a preposition that introduces a concessive clause without needing "but"—the conjunction is already implied. Using both "despite" and "but" in the same clause is redundant and grammatically incorrect. The correct forms are either "Despite the government's measures, the poverty rate has not decreased" or "The government took many measures, but the poverty rate has not decreased."
Question 6: A TOEFL essay prompt asks: "Do you agree or disagree: University students should be required to study abroad for at least one semester." Which introductory paragraph best sets up a strong, well-organized essay?
- Studying abroad is something many students want to do. There are many reasons. I will discuss them in this essay.
- In today's interconnected world, studying abroad offers transformative educational experiences. However, mandatory requirements risk excluding students who face financial or personal constraints. For this reason, while encouraging study abroad is valuable, making it mandatory would be inequitable and counterproductive. (Correct answer)
- I think studying abroad is a good idea because it is very fun. Students should do it if they want.
- Studying abroad is good and bad. It has advantages and disadvantages that I will explain.
Correct answer: In today's interconnected world, studying abroad offers transformative educational experiences. However, mandatory requirements risk excluding students who face financial or personal constraints. For this reason, while encouraging study abroad is valuable, making it mandatory would be inequitable and counterproductive.
Option B opens with a relevant general statement, acknowledges the counterargument (equity concerns), and states a clear thesis with an opinion and reason (mandatory requirement is inequitable and counterproductive). This structure signals a well-organized, nuanced essay that TOEFL raters reward.
TOEFL Writing & Composition 2
Which of the following best describes the structure of a well-organized TOEFL Independent Writing essay?