TOEFL STUDY GUIDE PART 5 Writing Section (Essay Question) Essay Writing Tips 67 - 70 Essay Writing Tip 67 The COMPUTER-BASED test has a required essay section you must complete it within 30 minutes. Use the essay section on our website for practice. Choose your side of the story. Remember, ETS does not care which side you choose. The choice of handwriting or typing is offered; the tutorial shows you how to use the word processing program; after taking the tutorial, you can still choose to handwrite if you prefer. If you choose to handwrite the essay, you will be given paper during the 10-minute break between Structure and Reading. All test takers will be given paper to outline their essays or make notes. The essay topic is randomly selected. TIP 68 Write an outline. You will be allowed to make notes on paper the test center will provide. These notes will not be included as part of your score. You can handwrite the essay or type it on the computer screen. Spend about 5 minutes planning your essay. Your essay should contain: m An introduction (why not repeat the statement and state whether you agree or disagree. m Two reasons to support your opinion. m Your conclusion, in which you summarize everything you've already said. TIP 69 Start writing Write legibly Make sure it's at least 200 words long (remember you have only 30 minutes and the computer will stop after that time) Indent your paragraphs Keep your sentences short and simple Use grammatical structures you are comfortable with Only use words you know Only use words you know how to spell Watch your punctuation TIP 70 Check your work. Spend the last five minutes rereading what you've written to look for mistakes. m Grammar, m spelling, m punctuation, m diction (word choice) Getting Ready for the Test TIP 71 Taking a Practice Test You will need: l A quiet room l A CD player l A Stopwatch or a watch with a second hand l Approximately one hour and forty-five minutes of uninterrupted time THEN: l Adjust the volume on your CD before the actual questions begin. l Use only the amount of time actually allotted for each section. l Do not stop and start; take the entire test section in one sitting. l Do not mark in the test booklet. l Do not forget to mark your guessing letter for any question you've left blank at the end of each section. You must mark one answer for every question. TIP 72 Getting Ready for the Test As you practice, do not just look at your final score. Pay attention to what you got right and what you got wrong. This will help you improve the next time you practice. TIP 73 Getting Ready for the Test MISTAKES: l Look up vocabulary words you don't know. l Stupid mistakes: answer sheet fumbles l Impatience - didn't bother to read through all of the answer choices before choosing the answer. l Misunderstanding the question - you may have to read a question 2 or 3 times before understanding it. l Lucky guesses - Process Of Elimination (POE) but next time, use the reasons you chose the answers you did. l Other wrong answers - try to discover if you could have eliminated an answer or two l Pacing Problems - m do not fall behind on the Listening Section l do not forget the Two-Pass System l do not get stuck on any one question in reading comprehension TIP 74 ONE WEEK BEFORE THE TEST Be prepared: l Know exactly where the test center is and how to get there. l Be sure to allow enough time to reach the center before the exam begins. l Some people have trouble writing exams; some are very nervous; here are some techniques for calming yourself down: m breath deeply a few times, m close your eyes, m some people find it helpful to mentally picture yourself in a location that is calming. l In your last week before the exam, stay well rested and continue to practice with the test-taking tips and reminding yourself of your two major priorities - pacing and process of elimination. l The night before the exam, plan to eat a light meal, don't study, be well rested for the morning. l Be sure to double check your alarm and perhaps have a back up plan (a friend to call to make sure you are ready) TIP 75 The Day of the Test - Good Luck l Wear comfortable clothes, l eat breakfast, l allow yourself lots of time to get to the exam location, l make time to do some "warm-up" questions of each type, l be sure you have the following items before you leave for the test: m Identification: Check for a list of acceptable forms of identification. m Your admission ticket. . TOEFL STUDY GUIDE PART 5 Writing Section (Essay Question) Essay Writing Tips 67 - 70 Essay Writing Tip 67 The COMPUTER-BASED. The COMPUTER-BASED test has a required essay section you must complete it within 30 minutes. Use the essay section on our website for practice. Choose