The TOEFL Integrated Writing Task – Free Practice!

 

If you're preparing for the TOEFL exam, one of the tasks you'll need to be ready for is the Integrated Writing Task. It’s a part that many students find challenging because it requires more than just writing—it tests your ability to combine information from reading and listening. Whether you're practicing on your own or considering TOEFL Classes in Ahmedabad, understanding how this task works can make a big difference in your performance. The good news is, with a clear method and regular practice, you can build confidence and improve quickly.

What is the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task?

In this section of the test, you will be presented with:

A short reading passage (about 250–300 words)

An audio lecture discussing the same topic from a different perspective

Your job is to write an essay of around 150–225 words that explains how the lecture responds to the reading. This could mean showing how it supports, contradicts, or adds new information to what you read.

Why is It Important?

This task helps measure your ability to:

Summarize key points from two different sources

Compare and contrast ideas effectively

Write in a clear, structured, and concise way

Strong academic writing skills are important for university success, and this part of the TOEFL shows that you’re ready to handle complex material in both reading and listening formats.

How to Approach the Task – Step-by-Step

1. Reading (3 minutes):

 Start by reading the passage and identifying the main idea and the supporting points. Focus on the overall argument rather than small details.

2. Listening to the Lecture:

 While listening, take quick notes. Pay attention to how the lecturer responds to the points made in the reading—especially where they disagree or offer a new angle.

3. Planning Your Essay:

 Take a minute or two to plan. Think about how to organize your essay. Usually, each paragraph will discuss a point from the lecture and show how it relates to the reading.

4. Writing Your Essay (20 minutes):

Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and describe the connection between the reading and the lecture.

Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one key point from the lecture, linking it back to the corresponding idea in the reading.

Conclusion (Optional): You can end with a short summary of how the lecture changes or challenges the understanding presented in the reading.

Practice Task Example

Reading Passage (Summary):

 Some researchers believe that solar energy is the best way to meet the growing global demand for power. It’s renewable, reduces environmental damage, and has become more affordable due to modern technology.

Lecture (Summary):

 The speaker disagrees with this view. He explains that solar energy has serious weaknesses—it depends on weather, has high energy storage costs, and may not be reliable enough for large-scale power systems.

Your Task:

 Write an essay explaining how the points made in the lecture challenge the arguments presented in the reading passage.

Tips to Improve Your Score

Paraphrase ideas instead of copying word-for-word from the reading or lecture.

Use linking words like “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in contrast” to clearly show the differences or support between the two sources.

Focus more on the lecture than the reading, as the lecture is usually the source that provides the challenge or new viewpoint.

Final Thoughts

The TOEFL Integrated Writing Task may seem demanding, but once you understand the format and develop a method for tackling it, your confidence will grow. The key is to practice combining information from two sources in a clear, logical way. Take notes, plan your response, and focus on being accurate rather than overly detailed. With time and effort, this task will become much easier to manage.