TOEFL Writing & Composition 3

Question 1

In a TOEFL Independent Writing essay, a student writes: "There are many reasons why remote work is beneficial. First, it saves time. Second, it is more comfortable. Third, it is good for the environment." What is the primary weakness of this body section?

Accepted Answer

The points are listed without development, evidence, or explanation—they are assertions rather than supported arguments.

Answer

TOEFL Writing scores require developed, supported points—not bare lists. Saying "it saves time" without explaining how, for whom, or with what evidence is an undeveloped assertion. Raters look for specific examples, data, or explanations that elaborate each claim into a substantive argument.

Question 2

Which revision of this sentence demonstrates improved academic style: "People in cities have a hard time because everything is too crowded and noisy."

Accepted Answer

Urban residents often experience significant challenges related to population density and noise pollution.

Answer

Option B replaces informal language ("have a hard time," "too crowded and noisy") with formal academic vocabulary: "urban residents," "significant challenges," "population density," "noise pollution." This revision maintains meaning while elevating register to academic level appropriate for university writing.

Question 3

In a TOEFL essay arguing that public transportation should be subsidized, which sentence provides the strongest support?

Accepted Answer

Studies in cities with subsidized transit systems, including Seoul and Singapore, show 30–40% reductions in private vehicle use and corresponding decreases in carbon emissions.

Answer

Strong academic support uses specific, concrete evidence: named cities, quantified outcomes (30–40% reductions), and causal connections (reduced private vehicle use → lower emissions). Vague statements ("many people," "is a good idea") provide no specific evidence and do not substantiate the argument.

Question 4

Which of the following demonstrates the best use of hedging language appropriate for an academic essay?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that heavy social media use may be associated with increased depressive symptoms in some adolescent populations.

Answer

Academic hedging uses language like "suggests," "may be," and "associated with" to express conclusions appropriately, acknowledging the limits of evidence. Option A overclaims ("definitely," "all"); Option C over-hedges with multiple uncertainty markers; Option D refuses all conclusion. Option B calibrates confidence to the evidence appropriately.

Question 5

A student uses the word "however" to connect two sentences in a body paragraph. When is this transition appropriate?

Accepted Answer

When the second sentence introduces a contrasting idea or qualification to the first

Answer

"However" is a contrast transition—it signals that what follows contrasts with, qualifies, or modifies the preceding statement. Using "however" to connect two supporting sentences that agree with each other is a misapplication. "Furthermore" or "In addition" should be used when adding aligned supporting points.

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Writing & Composition 3