TOEFL/IELTS Writing Module:

Two assignments usually known as:

Task 1: A pictorial question is given to you. It may contain pie-chart(s)/ bargraph(s)/ table/ flow chart/cycle.
Given Time= 20 min
Write a report of at least 150 words
Task 2: Essay writing section
A topic is given for you.
Given Time: 40 min
You need to write an essay on that topic.
Word length: at least 250 words

1. What is essay writing?

2. What is difference between subjective writing and objective writing?
3. What types of essays are given in TOEFL/IELTS exam?

Persuade

Common essay types frequently asked in TOEFL/IELTS exam:

Argumentative essay
Problem: cause and solution essay/ causes only/ solutions only/ effects only
Advantage and disadvantage essay
Opinion essay
Descriptive essay
Preference Essay
Classification

Types of essays:
1. Argumentative: there are two types of argumentative essays.
I.
Taking position and proving it
II.
Analyzing both views/ sides and presenting opinion

1.I. Pre- writing strategies for argumentative (taking one position and proving it)
essay:
Analyze the prompt: read it carefully
Know the issue/ debate
Take a position/ side: you have three possibilities
Totally agreeing
Totally disagreeing
Qualifying the prompt
Generate few logics to justify your position
Brainstorming technique
Questionnaire technique
Contextualizing technique
Think about the specific examples and details to justify your logics

1.
2.
3.

\Sample questions:

1. City centers are better places for the children to grow up. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
2. Universities should accept equal numbers of men and women in every subject. To
what extent do you agree with this statement?
3. Parents make the best teachers.
Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Use specific examples and reasons to
explain your answer.
4. Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on children.
Do you agree or disagree?
5. College years are the best time in a persons life. Do you agree or disagree?

Taking Position/ Side = totally agreeing

Brainstorming:
R1. Better education
Various in types
Suitable for disable too
Interested in sports to get such institutions
R2. Health requirement
More hospitals
Emergency

R3. Safety issue

Rural areas full of risk
Urban relatively secure

Essay Template:

Introduction:
Hook
+
Thesis Statement
The ways of creating hook: Argumentative taking one side essay
I.
Paraphrasing the given statement and mentioning the issue/ debate
II.
Starting with counter argument
III.
Starting with surprising fact/ shocking information
IV.
Presenting the anecdote and switching to the topic
V.
Starting with quotation
VI.
Starting from question

The way of developing the thesis:

i.
Seeking a generic term or phrase so that you can link your points to it
ii.
Presenting all points in the same statement

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic sentence/ 1st argument that supports your position

+
Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts

E= Example
R= Reasons
Body paragraph 2:
Linking word + 2nd

argument that supports your position

+
Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons

Body paragraph 3:
Linking word + 3rd

argument that supports your position

+
Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons

Other body paragraphs should be developed likewise.

Conclusion:
Concluding marker
+
Summary of all points
+
Restating your position

Sample essay (agree or disagree: taking one position)

Q. City centers are better places for the children to grow up.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The countryside obviously is much better than a city when it comes to fulfilling a number of
functions such as for agriculture and animal husbandry. For the proper development of a
growing child, however, the city has distinct advantages over the country.
Cites are usually better equipped with facilities that meet the educational needs and
health requirements of a growing child both essential for proper development. Since
such conveniences are not only much higher in number but also a lot more in variety in
urban areas, children can, in fact, immensely benefit from the choices at their disposal. In
the academic front, for example, cities often provide options that satisfy the varying needs
and abilities of almost all kinds of children; while a child with a disability can find an
appropriate school designed for special-needs children, a child with a unique talent in
football can find an institution that gives special priority to the particular sport. The ease of
access to health centres also makes a huge difference, especially when a child needs
emergency treatment.
Of course, cities are often criticized for higher rates of crimes of violence, prompting
skepticism concerning the safety of children who grow there. This view, however, ignores
the fact that the country too does not stand a fairer ground in this aspect. Attacks by wild
animals, including snake bites, are very much a danger. Possibility of an unattended childs
drowning in a nearby pond or a river is very real. In addition, the country is much more
vulnerable to natural calamities such as landslides and floods. Threats are, after all, threats,
no matter in what form they appear. In fact, a city equipped with advanced security
apparatus does deserve the benefit of doubt in handling issues that concern child safety.
In conclusion, although where one spends ones childhood is more a chance than a choice,
because of the necessary amenities at disposal, the advantages rest with the city for this
purpose.

1. II. Writing strategies for argumentative (Analyzing both views/ sides and
presenting opinion) essay:

Note: this type of essay falls under argumentative/ discursive essay. The given
instruction mentions: either discuses both these views and give your opinion or
analyze both views and give your opinion. So, be critical and think both sides of
the debate/ what is presented in the prompt.

1. II. Pre- writing strategies for argumentative (Analyzing both views/ sides and
presenting opinion) essay:
Analyze the prompt: read it carefully
Know the issue/ debate
Think one logic from the side of people who are in For side
Think one logic from the side of people who are in Against side
Now, decide your position: you can agree with for side or against one.
Then, develop your own reason for taking this side ( you should have
different logic to do so)
Generate logics using following techniques:
Brainstorming technique
Questionnaire technique
Contextualizing technique

 Think about the specific examples and details to justify the logic of For Side :
why do they say/ think so , Against Side: why do they say/ think so and Of
your logic/ position side: why do you think so.

Sample Questions:

1. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be

encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather
compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and give your
opinion.
2. Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of
crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstance of an individual crime,
and the motivation for committing it, always be taken into account when
deciding on the punishment.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
3.

It is generally believe that some people are born with certain talents, for
instance for sports or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes
claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or
musician.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

4. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of
society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

5. Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in
other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others
think it is unfair.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Brainstorming:
R1. One reason of FOR: why do some people think/ say so
To honor the contribution of players
Vigorous training
Mounting pressure
Sacrifice of personal life
R2. One reason of Against: why do others think/ say so
To respect other professionals contribution
Service of doctors and engineers
Contribution of teachers and social workers

R3. Your position and a reason to justify your position

(You have three options: tilting to FOR or Tilting to AGAINST or synthesizing both)
Make everyone feels valued, appreciated and appropriately compensated

 Respect all vocations

Essay Template:

Introduction:
Hook
+
Thesis Statement
(Note: thesis is not obligatory in such essay)
The ways of creating hook: Argumentative taking one side essay
VII.
Paraphrasing the given statement and mentioning the issue/ debate
VIII. Starting with counter argument
IX.
Starting with surprising fact/ shocking information
X.
Presenting the anecdote and switching to the topic
XI.
Starting with quotation
XII.
Starting from question

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic sentence/ one reason of FOR: why do some people think/ say so
+

Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons

Body paragraph 2:

Contrasting marker + One reason of Against: why do others think/ say so

+
Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons
Body paragraph 3:

Your view marker + one reason argument that supports your position
+
Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons

Conclusion:
Concluding marker
+
Summary of all points of both sides
+
And end it focusing your position

Sample Answer: Argumentative (discuss both these views and give your opinion) essay

Q. Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other
important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
The world of sports is a multimillion dollar industry. Around the globe, people flock to sporting
events or watch their favourite teams faithfully each week on television. As a result, professional
sports athletes receive huge salaries well above, for example, those of doctors, lawyers,
teachers or social workers. There is some debate about whether such outrageously high salaries
are justified.
On the one hand, sport is viewed as a professional career, in which the top players should rightly
earn high salaries. Athletes train rigorously from an early age to become peak performers in their
field. They face tremendous pressure in each and every game, match or competition. Their
personal lives are compromised and they lose all privacy. At the same time, their strong

achievements bring honour and attention, not only to themselves, but also to their teams, schools,
cities or countries.
On the other hand, various professions contribute to making our world run smoothly. Doctors put
in at least ten years of grueling study and internship; their work saves lives. Teachers educate and
inspire young people to be responsible citizens: their efforts produce the citizens of tomorrow.
Social workers rescue individuals facing physical, mental and psychological challenges: their
intervention creates safer societies.
Yet, professionals in the fields above usually struggle to get by, despite their meaningful and
critical contribution to the world.
In my view, paying enormous salaries to sportspeople is unnecessary. We need to reconsider our
social priorities and eliminate the great disparity in income received by diverse professionals. By
doing so, we can build societies in which each one feels valued, appreciated and appropriately
compensated for their own vocation or specialization.

Advantages and disadvantages essay:

There are two types of advantage and disadvantage essay;
1.1.
1.2.

Discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages

Do advantages over weigh disadvantages

Sample Questions:
1. We have been living in the nuclear age now for over half a century.
What are the benefits and risks associated with use of nuclear
energy?

2. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel

for a year between finishing high school and starting university
studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who
decide to do this. Give reasons for your answer and include any
relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
3. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the
following as media for communicating information. State which
you consider to be the most effective.
Comics
Books
Radio
Television
Film
Theater
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from
your knowledge and experience.
4. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning
a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

1. 1. Pre- writing strategies for advantages and disadvantages essay:

Analyze the prompt: read it carefully
Know the issue/ what I need to discuss: Advantages of what? And
disadvantages of what?
Making Colum, generate/ note-down the list of advantages and
disadvantages
Generate logics using following techniques:
Brainstorming technique
Questionnaire technique
Contextualizing technique
Think about the specific examples and details to justify the each point

Brainstorming:

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year
between finishing high school and starting university studies.
Q.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Advantages
1. Refreshment
2. Development/ growth in multiple
layers
Personal
Cultural

Disadvantages
1. Distracted from study
2. Wrong influence
Attracted by money
Long run effect in future

Intellectual
Exposure to outer world
professional

Essay Template:

Introduction:
Hook
+
Thesis Statement
(Mention both advantages and disadvantages in
crux )
The ways of creating hook: Argumentative taking one side essay
i.
Paraphrasing the given statement and mentioning the
issue
ii.
Starting with surprising fact/ shocking information
iii. Presenting the anecdote and switching to the topic
iv. Starting with quotation

v.

Starting from question

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic sentence/ one advantage or multiple advantages

+
Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons

Body paragraph 2:

Linking word + Second advantage

Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons
Body paragraph 3:

Contrasting marker + One/ multiple disadvantages

+
Supporting details
(SAFER)
S= Statistics
A= Anecdote
F= Facts
E= Example
R= Reasons

Conclusion:
Concluding marker
+
either
Synthesize both advantages and disadvantages
+
Make recommendation if required
Or
Vice versa

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year
between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Taking a gap year off between high school and university has become a popular
option among many young people. Some students use this time to travel around the
world, others volunteer and still others begin working. This time off, usually,
serves as a break after many years of formal study. More importantly, however,

the idea behind each of these activities is to do something hands-on and

refreshing, allowing young people to learn more about themselves and their
place in the world around them. However, some drawbacks are obviously
inevitable on such decision.
The benefits of taking a year off are plentiful. On a personal level, students who
travel away from home develop their independence and self-confidence. On a
cultural level, they learn about viewpoints, traditions and perspectives different
from their own. Professionally, students get a taste of diverse workplaces, which
might inspire a possible career interest. Intellectually, they examine their own
beliefs and ideas in relation to those of others in a new environment. All these
advantages combine to make a strong case for taking the one-year break.
Nevertheless, there are also dangers involved in taking such a long break.
Academically, the students can get sidetracked from their studies. A year is a long
time and students could lose the good study habits and sense of discipline they had
when they were in a formal academic structure. If they begin working, they could
also be deluded into thinking that theyre making a lot of money. They could lose
the benefit of college or university education and the chance to earn a higher
income all their lives.
In conclusion, whether to take a year-long break or not is an individual decision.
Each young person should consider his or her motivations carefully and decide on
whats most desirable. Time is a precious resource and people of all ages, including
young people, should treat it with respect assessing both merits and demerits.