112 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS Quiz Answers 1. c. 2. d. 3. b. 4. a. 5. b. 6. a. 7. d. 8. c. 9. c. 10. b. 11. a. 12. d. 13. b. 14. b. 15. c. 16. a. Chapter 5 Writing C ollege success depends on your ability to express your- self clearly and accurately in written English. At the university level, you will receive numerous writing assign- ments—term papers, essay exams, lab reports—and you will need to show you can organize and develop your thoughts through writ- ing. The writing section is a required part of the computer-based TOEFL exam; everyone must complete an essay on the day of the test. The paper-and-pencil version of the TOEFL exam does not include a writing section. The writing test is a separate exam called the Test of Written English (TWE), which is offered in the United States five times a year. Both the writing portion of the TOEFL exam and the TWE exam test your ability to generate ideas and support them through details and evidence. They measure how effectively and logically you organize your thoughts, using correct grammar, appropriate word choice, and varied sentence structure and vocabulary. In both 113 114 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS tests, you will be given 30 minutes in which to compose a short essay (about four to five paragraphs long) about a given topic. The topics are designed to be general so that you do not need any spe- cialized knowledge to respond to them. COMPUTER TEST VS. PAPER TEST The writing section of the computer-based TOEFL exam differs from the paper-based TWE exam. Although the types of writ- ing prompts are the same, the TWE exam is offered separately from the paper-based TOEFL exam and at limited times, whereas the computer-based test requires that you write an essay on the same day as the rest of the TOEFL exam. Both tests give you 30 minutes to respond to one pre-selected topic. The following chart compares the two tests: Paper-and-Pencil: Computer Test: Test of Written English Writing (TWE) Mandatory part of the Separate test (not part of computer test. the paper-and-pencil TOEFL exam). Offered whenever the Offered only five times a computer test is given. year. If you need to take the TWE exam, select a TOEFL exam date when the TWE exam is also offered. (There is no additional cost.) WRITING 115 TYPES OF WRITING PROMPTS The computer test and the TWE exam use the same type of writ- ing prompt—a general topic and a question about that topic. Most prompts present a statement, situation, or scenario and ask you to take a position and explain it. They can be broken down into three parts: 1. a statement or situation to consider 2. a question 3. directions Note the three parts in this example: Essay topic randomly All test-takers respond to selected by computer. same essay topic. Other test-takers may have different topics. Essay topics posted on No published list of TWE www.toefl.org. exam essay topics. You may handwrite your You must handwrite your essay or type it on the essay. computer. Your writing score is com- Your TWE exam essay score bined with your score on is reported separately from the structure section. It your TOEFL exam score. counts as 50 percent of your total structure/writing score. 116 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS (1) Many people feel that American society is too competitive. (2) Do you agree or disagree? (3) Use specific reasons and examples to support your position. Some prompts skip the first part (statement/situation). Oth- ers incorporate the first part within the question. Here is an example of the latter: (1 and 2 combined) Do you agree that “honesty is the best pol- icy”? (3) Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Although all of the writing prompts fit the basic formula described above, they can be divided more specifically into five types: 1. Agree or disagree. The most common prompt on the TOEFL exam, this type asks you to agree or disagree with a statement. Here is an example: Test Time Saver Decide beforehand if you are going to handwrite or type your essay. If you are typing it, familiarize yourself with the word- processing software used on the TOEFL exam (you can do this at www.toefl.org). Handwritten essays must fit on two sides of a single page. Represent yourself in the best light by writing legibly and neatly. WRITING 117 Thomas Edison, the renowned inventor, once said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. 2. Explain your position. The second most common prompt, this type asks you to state your position on a general issue. Often prompts follow this pattern: “Some people prefer x. Others y. Which do you prefer?” Here are some examples: Some people prefer to live in the quiet of the country; others prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Who makes a better leader: someone who is loved, or someone who is feared? Take a position and explain your answer. 3. Describe a characteristic. This prompt asks you to identify an important characteristic of a person, place, or thing. Unlike the first two kinds of prompts that narrow your responses, this type allows you to choose the characteristic you want to discuss. What are some of the qualities of a good teacher? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. People define “success” in different ways. In your opinion, what one characteristic best defines success? Use specific reasons and example to support your choice. . following chart compares the two tests: Paper-and-Pencil: Computer Test: Test of Written English Writing (TWE) Mandatory part of the Separate test (not part of computer test. the paper-and-pencil. an essay on the day of the test. The paper-and-pencil version of the TOEFL exam does not include a writing section. The writing test is a separate exam called the Test of Written English (TWE),. paper-based TOEFL exam and at limited times, whereas the computer-based test requires that you write an essay on the same day as the rest of the TOEFL exam. Both tests give you 30 minutes to respond