What do the TOEFL Independent Writing Questions Look Like

What do the TOEFL Independent Writing Questions Look Like Most students have a pretty good understanding of what the two TOEFL writing questions require them to do. Everyone knows that the TOEFL independent writing question asks them to write an essay that describes their personal opinion about a given topic. Moreover, they all know that the integrated writing question asks them to compare an article about an academic topic to a lecture about the same topic. If they are smart, they even know that the lecture always opposes the reading.But do you know that ETS (the makers of the test) use some really common patterns when designing the questions every week? That these questions have really predictable forms and structures? Today I want to talk about some of the forms that ETS uses when designing the independent essay question.If you can learn these structures before taking the test your job might be a bit easier on test day. At the very least you will avoid being surprised by what you get. Oh, and dont worry. Ill talk about the integrated ess ay in a few days time. It is also super predictable.Obsolete Question StylesBefore I actually describe the question styles you will get on the test, I want to talk about a few styles that arent actually used anymore. A problem a lot of students face is that even the Official Guide to the TOEFL mentions several styles that ETS has eliminated in recent years.First of all, you likely wont get a compare and contrast question in the independent writing section. Heres one such question right from the Official Guide:Compare and contrast your life with that of your parents. Which do you think will be more satisfying for future generations.Yes, that is in the Official Guide (and some poorly written textbooks). However, you arent going to be asked to compare and contrast anything on the real test.Next up, you wont get a characteristics of question on the real test. Heres one from the Official Guide:Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a g ood neighbor.Nope! Youll never be asked to mention the characteristics, traits of features of anything!Third, you wont get a causes of question. Heres one of those again, from the official guide:In general, people are living longer these days. Describe the causes of this phenomenon.That sounds like a really interesting question, but it wont show up on the test. You will never be asked to talk about the causes of anything.Okay, those are the most popular obsolete styles. So what will you get on the actual test?Current Question Style #1: Agree/DisagreeThe most common question type in the independent writing section is the agree/disagree style question. In this type you are presented with a short statement and asked if you agree or disagree with it. Heres one:Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to follow strict rules set by their parents. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.Heres another:Do you agree or disagree with t he following statement? The widespread use of the Internet today has a positive effect on society. Use details and examples to support your opinion.Heck, heres one more:Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes it is better to not tell the truth. Use details and examples to support your opinion, dude.Simple, right? You are given a statement and asked if you agree or disagree with it. Just remember to actually pick a side. Dont support both sides!Current Question Style #2: PreferenceThe second most common question type is the preference style question. This type requires you to choose from between two opinions regarding some topic. Heres one:Some people feel that high school students should be required to do volunteer work in their free time. Others think that they should spend their free time studying and preparing for classes. Which do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.Heres another:Some students prefer to study for tests alone. Others prefer to study with some of their classmates. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.Do you see what I mean? You are presented with two opinions and you must choose which one you prefer or think is better.Current Question Style #3: Three ChoicesThe last question style is the three choices style. This one is pretty straightforward. You must choose from between three given choices. Heres one such question:In your opinion, which of the following strategies is the best way for a student to prepare for a successful career?-Studying specific academic subjects-Taking a part-time job-Getting to know other studentsUse specific reasons and examples to support your answer.Heres one more:When a person is deciding what subject to focus on at college or university, which do you think is the best source of advice?-their current classmates-their teachers and professors-their parentsUse specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Final ThoughtsAnd thats it. As far as I know, ETS only really uses those three question styles. If you get something different, though, please let me know. If you want to know how to actually write this essay you can check out my guide to the independent task.You got this.