TOEFL iBT Writing

The last section on the TOEFL iBT is Writing, for which you have a total of 50 minutes. This part measures your ability to communicate clearly in writing and compose well-organized essays using correct grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

You are given two types of writing tasks:

• Integrated
• Independent

In the integrated TOEFL writing section, you will be given a short reading passage and listening passage on the same topic. You can take notes during this time. Then you will be given 20 minutes to write an essay of about 150-225 words, explaining how the listening passage either supports the reading passage or contradicts the reading.

The second part of the TOEFL Writing section is the independent essay. You are given one topic, and you have 30 minutes to write an essay of about 4-5 paragraphs, or 300-350 words. For key transition words and essay strategies which can earn you a top score in the independent essay, check the Writing Skills section.