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 argument is challenged by the lecturer.
• 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.

Independent Essay Template (Writing Question Two)

Paragraph 1 (Introduction)

• Sentence One: Background
  This is a broad sentence that introduces the general topic of the essay.  Try a generalization like:  “Most people in the world think that…“
• Sentence Two: The Main Point
  This is your main argument. Start with “Personally, I believe…“
• Sentence Three: The Transition
  Just use: “There are several reasons why I feel this way, which I will explore in the following essay.”

Paragraph Two (Body 1)

• Sentence One: The 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 example 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: The 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.

Writing for Academic Discussion (Starting July 26. 2023)

• In my opinion, [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].
• [Other student] raised the relevant point that [mention one point made by the other student], but he/she didn’t mention that [challenge that point].
• For example [elaborate on your challenge with your own ideas].

Demonstration Video

Further Reading – Need More Help? Need Speaking Templates?

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