Academic Writing & Argumentation Flashcards
6 cards from real TOEFL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Academic Writing & Argumentation flashcards as text
In the TOEFL iBT Integrated Writing task, what is the primary relationship between the reading passage and the lecture?
Answer: The lecture typically challenges or complicates the reading's main points
In the Integrated Writing task, the lecture almost always challenges, casts doubt on, or complicates the main points made in the reading passage.
Which transition phrase is MOST appropriate for introducing a counter-argument in a TOEFL Academic Discussion post?
Answer: While [Student Name] suggests X, I would argue that...
'While [Student Name] suggests X, I would argue that...' is the most effective structure because it acknowledges the existing contribution and pivots to your own well-reasoned position.
What is the recommended minimum word count for a TOEFL Academic Discussion response?
Answer: 100 words
ETS specifies that Academic Discussion responses should be at least 100 words to be considered complete, though 150–200 words is typically needed to earn a high score.
In academic writing, which sentence structure best demonstrates parallel construction?
Answer: The study examined costs, benefits, and societal impact.
Parallel structure requires all items in a series to use the same grammatical form — here, three nouns: costs, benefits, and societal impact.
A strong thesis statement for a TOEFL Academic Discussion post should:
Answer: Present your specific position and briefly indicate your reasoning
A strong thesis states your specific position AND signals your reasoning, giving the reader a clear sense of where your response is headed.
In the TOEFL Integrated Writing task, it is most important to:
Answer: Accurately represent the lecture's points and how they relate to the reading
The Integrated Writing task scores you on how accurately and clearly you represent the lecture's arguments and connect them to the reading's claims — not on your personal views.