Toefl exam Essentials

15–20 minutes
write
5 minutes
proofread (reread for errors or to adjust word
choice)
= 30 minutes

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WRITING
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CREATING A STRONG ESSAY
Planning is an essential part of good writing, even within the lim-
ited time frame of the writing test. Your prewriting process should
include formulating a thesis, brainstorming for supporting details,
and making a basic outline of what you will write.
To begin, carefully read the writing prompt. Make sure you
fully understand it. Then consider your answer to its question.
Your answer will be the main idea or thesis of your essay. A
strong thesis does not merely repeat or restate the question or
the essay prompt. A thesis statement should:
■
answer the question asked in the prompt
■
tell the reader what your subject is
■
let the reader know what you think or feel about the
subject
■
use active, clear language
Consider the following prompt:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? E-mail
(electronic mail) is a less personal form of communication than
letter writing. Use specific reasons and details to support your
answer.
The following sentences are not thesis statements:
■
E-mail is an easy, instantaneous kind of communication.
■
Many people like to use e-mail for their personal
correspondence.

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