Students preparing for the TOEFL often ask something like:
Should I mention the lecture first in each body paragraph? ETS wants me to mention the lecture first, right? That’s what the instructions say!
My answer is always no. You can do that if you want, but it isn’t mandatory.
I’m not sure where this misconception came from, but the truth is that ETS doesn’t prefer that test-takers mention the lecture first in each body paragraph. In the past, I’ve suggested that students check out the Official Guide to the TOEFL and the two Official TOEFL iBT Tests books where the examples usually mention the reading first in each body paragraph.
Check out the screenshots from the new Official Prep Course for the TOEFL sold by ETS.
Note how the ETS material specifically recommends mentioning the reading first in each body paragraph. Note how the template suggested by ETS does the same.
You can mention the lecture first if you like (as is noted at the end of the second screenshot), but don’t assume that ETS prefers it that way.
If you can afford it, the ETS course is a helpful product. It dispels some other weird urban legends, which I might highlight here in the days ahead.