TOEFL Writing & Composition 2

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the structure of a well-organized TOEFL Independent Writing essay?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted 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.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To restate the thesis in different words and briefly summarize the main points, providing a sense of closure

Answer

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?

Accepted 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.

Answer

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."

Accepted Answer

The sentence incorrectly combines a subordinating conjunction ("Despite") with a coordinating conjunction ("but"), making it grammatically redundant and incorrect.

Answer

"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."

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Writing & Composition 2