TOEFL Writing & Composition 2 Flashcards

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

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.

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?

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.

In TOEFL Writing, what is the primary function of a conclusion paragraph?

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.

Which paragraph best demonstrates coherence in academic writing?

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.

Which error does the following TOEFL essay sentence contain: "Despite the government taking many measures, but the poverty rate has not decreased significantly."

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."

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?

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.