TOEFL essay templates can help you to answer both of the TOEFL writing questions.  To write a strong TOEFL essay just fill in the blanks with the required information from your notes (in the integrated essay) or from your experiences (the independent essay). Note that we also have a set of TOEFL speaking templates. If you want more personalized help with your essays you can sign up for our TOEFL essay evaluation service.

Integrated Essay Template (Writing Question One)

The Introduction

No matter what question style is used, write your introduction using the following template:

• The reading and the lecture are both about _____.
• The author of the article feels that ______.  or: The author of the reading presents three theories about _____.
• The lecturer disputes the claims made in the article.
• His position is that _____.

The Body Paragraphs

Use the following templates for the body paragraphs:

• According to the reading  _____.
• The article mentions that ____.
• The lecturer challenges this specific argument.
• He claims that ____.
• Additionally, he points out that ______.

–

• Secondly, the author suggests ______.
• In the article, it is said that _____.
• The lecturer, however, asserts that ______.
• He goes on to say that ______.

–

• Finally, the author posits that _____.
• The author contends that ____.
• In contrast, the lecturer’s stance is  _____.
• He notes that _____.

You don’t need a conclusion.

Your TOEFL integrated essay should be about 280-300 words in length. To see this template in use, check out my collection of sample essays.

Independent Essay Template (Writing Question Two)

Paragraph 1 (Introduction)

• Sentence One: The “Hook”
  This is an interesting sentence that introduces the general topic of the essay.  Try something like:  “It is critically important that we VERB…“
• Sentence Two: The Main Point
  This is your main argument. Start with “Personally, I believe…“
• Sentence Three: The Transition
  Just use: “I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.”

Paragraph Two (Body 1)

• Sentence One: A Topic Sentence
  Summarize your first supporting reason. Try: “To begin with…“.
• Sentences Two and Three: The Explanation
  Explain what you mean, without talking directly about a personal experience.
• Sentence Four: The Transition
  Just use: “My personal experience is a compelling illustration of this.“
• Sentence Six to End: The Personal Example
  An example from your life that illustrates this argument. It should make up about 60% of the body paragraph.

Paragraph Three (Body 2)

• Sentence One: A Topic Sentence
  Summarize your second supporting reason. Begin with “Furthermore…“.
• Sentences Two and Three: The Explanation
  Explain what you mean. Shorten to one sentence if necessary.
• Sentence Four: The Transition
  Just use: “For instance,“
• Sentences Five to End: The Personal Example
  An example from your life that illustrates this argument. Again, it should make up about 60% of the paragraph.

Paragraph Four (conclusion)

• Sentence One: Restate the Thesis
  Paraphrase your thesis. Begin with “In conclusion, I strongly feel that…“.
• Sentence Two: Restate the Two Reasons
  Just use: “This is because ______, and _______.“

Your whole essay should be between 380 and 400 words. See this template in action by visiting our collection of sample essays.