The TOEFL Integrated Writing Task

The TOEFL Integrated Writing Task is one of the more demanding parts of the exam because it combines reading, listening, and writing all in a short time frame. Many test-takers, including those exploring TOEFL Coaching in Ahmedabad, find this section challenging at first. But with a good approach and consistent practice, it becomes much easier to handle effectively.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the Integrated Writing Task involves and provide easy-to-follow steps to help you prepare and improve your performance.

What is the Integrated Writing Task?

This is the first of two writing tasks in the TOEFL exam. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You’ll read a short academic passage within 3 minutes

  • Then you’ll listen to a lecture on the same topic, about 2 minutes long

  • After that, you’ll write an essay explaining how the lecture relates to or challenges the reading

You have 20 minutes to write an essay of about 250–300 words. Your goal is to summarize the main points from both the reading and the lecture and explain their connection or difference, without including your own opinions.

What Skills Are Tested?

This task measures your ability to:

  • Understand and summarize information from both reading and listening sources

  • Identify key points and how they relate or contrast

  • Organize your writing clearly and logically

How to Approach the Task

Try this simple approach:

1. Read the Passage

Spend 3 minutes focusing on the main idea and three important points. Take brief notes.

2. Listen to the Lecture

The lecture often disagrees with or adds to the reading. Listen carefully and note how it addresses each point.

3. Plan Your Essay

Take 2–3 minutes to organize your ideas. A good structure includes:

  • Introduction: State the topic and summarize the reading and lecture

  • Body Paragraphs: Three paragraphs, each discussing one point from the reading and how the lecture responds

  • Conclusion (optional): A brief summary of how the two sources relate

4. Write Clearly

Use clear and formal language. Connect your ideas with words like however, in contrast, and on the other hand. Always paraphrase instead of copying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Copying words directly from the reading or lecture

  • Adding your personal opinion

  • Skipping the planning step

How to Practice Effectively

You can improve by:

  • Practicing official TOEFL writing tasks with a timer

  • Listening to academic lectures and taking notes

  • Reading short academic articles and summarizing their key ideas

  • Paraphrasing sentences in your own words

  • Writing sample essays and reviewing them for clarity and grammar

Conclusion

While the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task might seem tough at first, consistent practice and a clear plan will make it easier. Good note-taking, organizing your essay, and writing clearly will help you improve your score and build confidence for test day.

FAQs

1. How long should my essay be?

Aim for 250–300 words, focusing on clarity rather than exact length.

2. Can I include my own opinion?

No. Your job is to summarize and compare the reading and lecture only.

3. How much time do I have?

You get 20 minutes total for reading, planning, and writing.

4. Will grammar mistakes affect my score?

Minor mistakes are acceptable, but too many can reduce your score.

5. How can I improve paraphrasing?

Practice rewriting ideas in your own words while keeping the original meaning.