TOEFL Writing
The TOEFL iBT Writing section tests integrated and independent writing. This page outlines structure, scoring, rubrics, and common weakness patterns.
On this page
Quick facts
- Format: Internet-based test
- Section length: 50 minutes
- Score range: 0–30 (section)
- Total score: 0–120 (four sections combined)
Structure
Writing consists of two tasks: one integrated (reading and listening) and one independent. Both contribute to the section score.
Integrated task
Read an academic passage (3 min), listen to a lecture that relates to it, then write a summary comparing the lecture to the reading. Time: 20 minutes. You write with the passage visible; the lecture is heard once.
Independent task
Write an essay stating and supporting your opinion on a given topic. Time: 30 minutes. No reading or listening input. Typical length: 300+ words recommended.
Scoring
Writing is scored by a combination of human raters and automated scoring (e-rater). Each task receives a raw score on a 0–5 scale. Raw scores are combined and converted to the 0–30 section score. Responses may be double-scored; discrepancies trigger resolution procedures.
ETS publishes rubrics for both tasks. The integrated rubric emphasises accurate selection of important points from reading and lecture and coherent presentation of how they relate. The independent rubric emphasises development, organisation, language use, and grammatical range. Minor errors typical of timed writing are tolerated; clarity and task fulfilment matter more than perfection.
See the Scoring page for section-level details.
Common candidate weakness patterns
Typical patterns observed in Writing:
- Integrated: failing to address both reading and lecture; omitting key points; copying large chunks from the passage
- Integrated: weak or absent notes during the lecture, leading to incomplete synthesis
- Independent: weak thesis or unclear position; tangential or generic development
- Independent: insufficient examples or support; underdeveloped paragraphs
- Time mismanagement: spending too long on the integrated task and rushing the independent essay
- Template overuse: rigid structures that do not fit the prompt or sound unnatural
- Grammatical and lexical errors that impede clarity; word count below recommended minimum
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