Students consider writing a TOEFL essay a challenging task, but we can assure you, there is a way to do it graciously and without too much effort. You should not go after your inspiration; you are not supposed to be exceptionally creative, it is not a NaNoWriMo contest. What you need to do is to follow the particular plan to the dot. In this article, you will find only entirely concrete tips and rules on TOEFL essay writing. Our writing experts will go into detail and show you what to write in almost any sentence, how to make them connected and how to conclude your writing to impress the committee. Here we go!
Step #1. Short Plan
First of all, students should pay attention to the main idea. This is the answer to the main question. Under the “main idea” we need to write two “arguments,” based which we agree with the “main idea.” They should not contain specifics, just basic provisions. However, they can not repeat each other and coincide. Under each of the two arguments, students write two “explanations.” This is a reality. “Explanations” are needed to explain the “arguments” and why these arguments are generally here. In addition, here you can insert examples from the life of the author, by which he confirms his “arguments.” Details should not contradict each other and disagree with the arguments that explain your main idea.
Step #2. Writing an Introduction
We teach students to divide essays for TOEFL Independent Writing into four parts. Then you get a reasonably voluminous essay, which, nevertheless, you can write on time for the time allotted for this part of the test.
Students of advanced enough levels can try to write an essay with five paragraphs.
The structure of the essay in four paragraphs:
- Paragraph-introduction
- Paragraph of the main text 1
- Paragraph of the main text 2
- Paragraph-conclusion
Let’s begin with the introduction To write the introduction, students should use a consistent technique, where each sentence has a specific function. Here’s how it looks:
- First sentence: “A Hook.” A sentence that does not contain the main idea of the essay, but carries an interesting thought. It is necessary to recall the question and “draw” the reader into an essay.
- The second sentence: a ьain idea. It should be expressed with a clear, competent proposal. It should not be too long. Brevity is the soul of wit!
- Third sentence: Transitional. Something like: “I think so because of this, and that’s why.”
- The fourth sentence: Summarizes your first argument. Start it with “First, …”.
- The fifth sentence: Summarizes your second argument. Start it with “Second, …”.
- Sixth sentence: Brief conclusion, confirming the main idea.
Step #3. Writing Your Main Text
Here you will finally have the opportunity to show how well you know the written language. For this part of the essay, we do not give specific schemes. But there are basic rules. Here they are:
- For each argument, make a separate paragraph. Do not combine different arguments into one section.
- Begin the first paragraph with a transitional word or phrase. For example: “First, …”, “First of all …”. The second paragraph is convenient to start with “Secondly, …”.
- At the beginning of each paragraph of the main text, give a clear argument. Do not write “enticing” proposals — be brief. Then describe the explanations, one by one, for each of them, select three or four sentences. Here you can, for example, give examples from your own life. We would even say it’s necessary.
- Try to use “transitional” phrases to complete one explanation and start another (“more,” “further,” “beyond that”).
Step #4: Writing a Conclusion
We believe that long final paragraphs are not needed — mainly because the essay for Independent Writing is generally short. Therefore, our technique for the conclusion is based on three sentences:
- First sentence: Remind your main idea. Start with a turnover like: “So …”.
- Second sentence: Remind both your arguments, starting with a transitional phrase, for example, “This is true, since …”.
- Third sentence: Give your main idea again, but this time, rephrase it.
Of course, you should thoroughly proofread what you have written after you are done. If you are afraid you won’t have time for it, proofread every sentence twice just after writing it. If you need TOEFL essay writing help from highly qualified academic writers, you can safely contact a trustworthy writing service designed for all students who need professional assistance. Good luck!
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