Complete TOEFL Essay Templates (2023 Update)

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 _____. 
• While the author of the article argues that ____, the lecturer disputes the claims mentioned 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 _____.
• This lecturer challenges this argument.
• He claims that _____.
• Additionally, he points out that ______.

–

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

–

• Finally, the author puts forth the idea that _____.
• The author contends that _____.
• In contrast, the lecturer’s stance is  _____.
• He says that _____.

You don’t need a conclusion.

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

Writing for Academic Discussion (Writing Question Two)

Here’s a template that focuses on expanding on and challenging the points mentioned by the other students.

• This is a challenging topic, but I think that [respond directly to the question].
• I strongly agree with [student]’s idea that [mention one point made by the student]. 
• I’d add that [expand on the point with your own idea].
• While [other student] raised the relevant point that [mention one point made by the other student], he/she didn’t mention that [challenge that point].
• For example [elaborate on your challenge with your own ideas].

Here’s a template that focuses on giving an entirely new answer and ignoring the other student responses.

• While I appreciate the points mentioned by both STUDENT 1 and STUDENT 2, I think that…
• [elaborate on your idea for a few sentences]
• Remember that [elaborate on your point], so [elaborate on your point].
• Some people may feel that [mention a potential challenge], but [respond to this challenge].

Your response should be a little more than 100 words.  You can also check out my collection of sample questions.

Demonstration Video

Further Reading – Need More Help? Need Speaking Templates?

We also have in-depth guides to the academic discussion and integrated writing tasks.  Check them out!  We also have TOEFL speaking templates.