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TOEFL LESSON 1

NOVEMBER 9, 2014

THE INTEGRATED ESSAY IMPORTANT PHRASES FOR WRITING

Discussing other peoples opinions

How to talk about sourcesThe passage, the author of the passage, the writer of the passage, the recording, the professor, the

lecturer, the lecturer in the recording

Useful verbs 1

states, claims, argues, says, implies, suggests

EXAMPLES:

-The passage states that traditional education techniques are insufficient.

-The lecturer in the recording suggests that improving the education system will be difficult.

Useful verbs 2

explains, lists reasons, gives examples of

EXAMPLES:

-The writer of the passage explains why traditional education techniques are insufficient.

-The professor explains how computers were invented.

-The professor gives several reasons why animals hibernate.

-The professor gives several examples of important scientific discoveries.

Useful verbs 3

discusses, describes, talks about

EXAMPLES:

-The writer of the passage discusses the Japanese education system.

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-In the recording, the professor talks about Canadian politics.

Comparing and Contrasting

Introduction sentences: differencesThere are a number of important differences between X and Y.

X is different from Y in several respects.

X differs from Y in a number of important ways.

X contrasts with Y.

Introduction sentences: similarities

There are a number of similarities between X and Y.

Both X and Y are

X is similar to Y

X is comparable to Y.

Comparison and contrast phrases (between two sentences)

Similarly, likewise, in the same way

EXAMPLES:

-The passage argues that the education system is ineffective. Similarly, the professor believes that it needs

improvement.

By contrast, in contrast, on the other hand, however

EXAMPLES:

-The passage argues that the education system is ineffective. By contrast, the professor believes it is very

effective.

Cause and Effect

Causes

leads to, causes, results in, gives rise to

(may, might, can) lead to, cause, result in, give rise to

EXAMPLES:

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-Lack of protein may cause illness.

-Economic problems can give rise to political instability.

Effectsis caused by, results from, stems from

(may, might, can) be caused by, result from, stem from

EXAMPLES:

-Political instability may be caused by economic problems.

One sentence

because of, as a result of, as a consequence of

EXAMPLES:

-Many buildings were destroyed as a result of the earthquake. / As a result of the earthquake, many

buildings were destroyed.

-Many children become sick as a consequence of bad hygiene. / As a result of bad hygiene, many children

become sick.

Two sentences

For this reason, as a result, consequently

EXAMPLES:

-The earthquake was very powerful. As a result, many buildings were destroyed.

-The new business was very successful. For this reason, it hired many new employees.