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gmatissimple · 2009 October 26th, 06:48 PM

I am going to take my TOEFL very soon. I am in a fix about the writing. I have some questions about the writing section. Would any expert answer my questions?

1. In case of independent writing, should I take a side? Meaning should I completely agree or disagree? I may debate on the topic. There may have both the sides strong in an issue. And if I discuss both of the sides, and finally conclude that both the sides have merit and on the basis of the factors discussed in the essay, one can't totally say that this one or the other one is better.

2. Should I use idioms and phrases very often? Is it detrimental for the essay if I use more idioms and phrases?

3. In case of integrated writing, should I conclude in my own way?

Thanks for the reply.

Englishraven · 2009 October 27th, 02:44 AM

I'm a bit pressed for time at the moment, but I'll do my best to give some answers to your questions :-)

1. It is definitely better to take one side (even if personally you find both sides appealing) and develop a good set of arguments around that position. However, you can show a sense of balance by inserting some concession statements and clauses in your arguments.

For example:
I think it is better to have only a few close friends because they tend to be more helpful. While of course a large number of acquaintences might bring you assistance in unexpected ways, personally I find that a few close friends know me better and usually have the best solutions and advice to give me. For example...

One of the main reasons I advise against pursuing both arguments is that you simply don't have enough time to elaborate on them both in any sort of detailed way, and it can end up making you look vague and indecisive. Some experts recommend a complete paragraph at the start or the end presenting the other side of the argument, but I don't particularly recommend this method. It can waste a lot of your writing time and end up looking like you've just argued both arguments without forming a definite and well-supported opinion of your own.

2. Idioms and advanced expressions will certainly be helpful for a high score, but don't overdo them and make sure you can use them properly and in the right way at the right time. Don't focus on idiomatic expressions at the expense of developing a clear, well-supported argument.

3. The integrated writing task is a reporting task - not an opinion task. There is absolutely no need for a conclusion in this task, and considering the time limit, I think it is better to focus on reporting and integrating the information - not trying to draw your own extended conclusions based on it.

Hope that all helps - good luck with your TOEFL writing!

~ Jason

2009 October 26th, 06:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
gmatissimple Have 760+ in GMAT Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 660	Please advise! I am going to take my TOEFL very soon. I am in a fix about the writing. I have some questions about the writing section. Would any expert answer my questions? 1. In case of independent writing, should I take a side? Meaning should I completely agree or disagree? I may debate on the topic. There may have both the sides strong in an issue. And if I discuss both of the sides, and finally conclude that both the sides have merit and on the basis of the factors discussed in the essay, one can't totally say that this one or the other one is better. 2. Should I use idioms and phrases very often? Is it detrimental for the essay if I use more idioms and phrases? 3. In case of integrated writing, should I conclude in my own way? Thanks for the reply.

2009 October 27th, 02:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
Englishraven Within my grasp! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 103	I'm a bit pressed for time at the moment, but I'll do my best to give some answers to your questions :-) 1. It is definitely better to take one side (even if personally you find both sides appealing) and develop a good set of arguments around that position. However, you can show a sense of balance by inserting some concession statements and clauses in your arguments. For example: I think it is better to have only a few close friends because they tend to be more helpful. While of course a large number of acquaintences might bring you assistance in unexpected ways, personally I find that a few close friends know me better and usually have the best solutions and advice to give me. For example... One of the main reasons I advise against pursuing both arguments is that you simply don't have enough time to elaborate on them both in any sort of detailed way, and it can end up making you look vague and indecisive. Some experts recommend a complete paragraph at the start or the end presenting the other side of the argument, but I don't particularly recommend this method. It can waste a lot of your writing time and end up looking like you've just argued both arguments without forming a definite and well-supported opinion of your own. 2. Idioms and advanced expressions will certainly be helpful for a high score, but don't overdo them and make sure you can use them properly and in the right way at the right time. Don't focus on idiomatic expressions at the expense of developing a clear, well-supported argument. 3. The integrated writing task is a reporting task - not an opinion task. There is absolutely no need for a conclusion in this task, and considering the time limit, I think it is better to focus on reporting and integrating the information - not trying to draw your own extended conclusions based on it. Hope that all helps - good luck with your TOEFL writing! ~ Jason _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ Jason Renshaw TOEFL Mentor: http://www.english-itutor.com/TOEFL_iBT.html Blog: http://jasonrenshaw.typepad.com/ibt_speaking_writing/

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