Mastering TOEFL Writing: Essential Essay Templates

Posted on Nov 8, 2025 in English Studies

Integrated Essay Writing Strategy

Structure of the Integrated Essay

The article (reading passage) and the lecture are structured the same way. The passage presents an introduction plus three body paragraphs, each containing a different argument. The lecture then refutes these arguments in the same sequential order.

Introduction Template

  • The reading and the lecture are both about _____.
  • The author of the reading feels that ______.
  • The lecturer challenges the claims made by the author.
  • He is of the opinion that _____.

Developing the Body Paragraphs (3 Total)

Body Paragraph 1 Template

  • To begin with, the author argues that _____.
  • The article mentions that ____.
  • This specific argument is challenged by the lecturer.
  • He claims ____.
  • Additionally, he says ______.

Body Paragraph 2 Template

  • Secondly, the writer suggests ______.
  • In the article, it is said that _____.
  • The lecturer, however, rebuts this by mentioning ______.
  • He elaborates on this by bringing up the point that ______.

Body Paragraph 3 Template

  • Finally, the author posits that _____.
  • Moreover, it is stated in the article that ____.
  • In contrast, the lecturer’s stance is _____.
  • He puts forth the idea that _____.

Note: You do not need to write a conclusion for the Integrated Essay.

Integrated Essay Example

The reading and the lecture are both about the collapse of the civilization on Easter Island. The author of the reading feels that there are three possible explanations for the collapse. The lecturer challenges the claims made by the author, since he is of the opinion that these explanations are faulty.

To begin with, the author argues that the collapse might have been caused by rats that ate the seeds of palm trees. The article mentions that this caused erosion and soil loss, which made it hard to grow food. On the other hand, the lecturer claims that even if deforestation occurred the people on the island would have had enough food. Additionally, he says that 60% of their diet came from the sea, and they also used rock gardens to grow potatoes in weak soil.

Secondly, the writer suggests that the collapse may have been caused by warfare. In the article, it is said that many curved blades used as weapons have been found on Easter Island. The lecturer, however, rebuts this by mentioning that the shapes of the blades suggest that they were not actually weapons. He elaborates on this by bringing up the point that they are neither sharp nor pointy, so they were probably just used as tools for cutting stone.

Finally, the author posits that the society on the island could have been destroyed by exposure to diseases brought by foreign visitors. Moreover, in the article it is stated that thousands died as a result of this. In contrast, the lecturer’s stance is that when contact with Europeans and South Americans began the population of the island was only about 3000. He puts forth the idea that, since the population was twenty thousand before contact, whatever caused the decline must have started long before then.

To sum up, both the writer and professor hold conflicting views about driverless cars. It’s clear that they will have trouble finding some common ground on this issue.

Independent Essay Writing Strategy

Introduction Structure (3 Sentences)

  • Sentence One: The Hook. This is an interesting sentence that introduces the general theme or topic of the essay.
  • Sentence Two: The Main Point (Thesis). This is your main argument and direct answer to the question. Use phrases like: “Personally, I believe…”
  • Sentence Three: The Transition. State clearly: “I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.”

Introduction Example

There are many different learning styles, and it is important that we find classes that match our academic preferences. Personally, I believe that it is extremely beneficial to take classes which are very interactive. I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

Body Paragraph 1 Structure

  • Sentence One: Topic Sentence. This summarizes your first supporting reason. Begin with “First of all…”.
  • Sentences Two to Four: Explanation. Explain what you mean, without talking directly about a personal experience.
  • Sentence Five: Transition. Use: “My personal experience is a compelling example of this.”
  • Sentence Six to End: Personal Example. An example from your life that illustrates this argument. This section should be longer than the explanation part.

Body Paragraph 1 Example

First of all, classes that include a lot of discussions develop our communication skills. Our long-term success depends on our ability to persuade others to accept our ideas and proposals, so it is critically important to seize opportunities to talk to a variety of people. If we do not practice this skill, we will never develop it. My personal experience is a compelling example of this. About ten years ago, I enrolled in a history class. At that time I had already taken many classes at university, but I was still very shy around strangers. However, after nine months of participating in debates, discussions, and presentations in that class, I came out of my shell and became a very confident public speaker. As a result, when I began my career following my graduation, I excelled in group work and was seen by my supervisors as a natural leader. For this reason, I was quickly promoted within my company. I have been very successful at my workplace, and I owe it all to that wonderful class.

Body Paragraph 2 Structure

Use a similar template for your second body paragraph, adjusting the transition:

  • Sentence One: Topic Sentence. This summarizes your second supporting reason. Begin with “Secondly…”.
  • Sentences Two to Four: Explanation. Explain what you mean, without talking directly about personal experience.
  • Sentence Five: Transition. Use: “For instance,”
  • Sentence Five to End: Personal Example. An example from your life (or someone else’s life) that illustrates this argument. Make it longer than the explanation part.

Key Writing Tips for Independent Essay Body Paragraphs

  • Use a mix of simple and compound sentences.
  • Emphasize the example. It is the easiest part to write, so make it about 60% (or more) of each body paragraph.
  • Avoid very short sentences (less than seven words) and very long sentences (more than 60 words).
  • Do not start sentences with coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
  • Use a variety of discourse phrases.

Conclusion Guidelines

Here is what you should keep in mind when writing the conclusion:

  • Paraphrase yourself. Do not copy and paste from above when you restate your ideas in the conclusion.
  • Do not introduce new ideas in the conclusion.

Final Thoughts on Essay Length and Timing

  • Aim for about 380 to 400 words. Write a bit more if you need a really high score.
  • Use two minutes to plan before you start writing and save two minutes for proofreading when you finish.