Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Citation preview
Improving Your
Writing Skills on
the TOEFL iBT César Maldonado
TOEFL iBT Outreach Officer
MA in Applied Linguistics
Writing Section Characteristics
Clarity, accuracy and good organization
For All Task Types:
Main idea, some major points
Outlining/planning
Reasons, examples, and details
Organization
Connecting ideas
Grammar and vocab for effective expression
Spelling, convention and layout
Paraphrasing
Summarizing
1.) Integrated writing (Read>Listen>Write)
Reading (3 min) and 2 min. recording>Reading passage appears: prompt with 20 min.
2.) Independent writing (Essay)
Essay of usually 300 words: 30 min for prep, writing and revision
Development
Organization
Support
Clear and accurate
Formal writing tasks
Purpose and audience
Prewriting- brainstorming, reading and
analyzing
Drafting- record ideas
Revising- improving from feedback (2, 3)
Editing- mechanical errors
Publishing- turning in assignment
Writing based on reading
and listening
Practice finding main
points.
30 sec. recordings -
- summarize
Replay recording-check summary
Mark sections
Review accuracy:
Teacher or friend
listen to recording again and identify problem areas
Read two short articles or
essays that take related or
opposite views on the same
topic or issue.
Outline and
compare main
points
Write summary and
check
Write: Relationship
and differences,
supporting info.
Read one lengthy article in
English from a magazine or a
website each day.
Outline article
Write summary in
English as quickly
as you feel
comfortable
Review grammar,
vocab, and
accuracy
Combine related
ideas -- more
lengthy, complex
sentences
Read short but interesting
academic articles in
magazines and on websites
in your own language each
day.
Translate into complex, accurate sentences in English
Review translations for accuracy of content, vocabulary and grammar
Learn to recognize common errors you make so you can correct these on your own
Practice combining
information that you have
heard and read in a written
summary.
Read a text before
listening to a talk
on the same
subject:
List similarities and differences
Read an editorial
on a subject:
Talk about it with someone
Write summary of different views
Get a book that teaches the
different types of connecting
words. These expressions
show the relationship
between sentences and
paragraphs.
Know expressions
that show:
reasons
Know expressions
that show:
reasons (because, since)
Know expressions
that show:
reasons (because, since)
results
Know expressions
that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
Know expressions
that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples
Know expressions
that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples (for example, such as)
Know expressions
that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples (for example, such as)
comparisons
Know expressions
that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples (for example, such as)
comparisons (in contrast, on the other hand)
Know expressions that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples (for example, such as)
comparisons (in contrast, on the other hand)
a process or list
Know expressions that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples (for example, such as)
comparisons (in contrast, on the other hand)
a process or list (first, second, then)
Know expressions that show:
reasons (because, since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples (for example, such as)
comparisons (in contrast, on the other hand)
a process or list (first, second, then)
conclusions
Know expressions that show:
reasons (because,
since)
results (as a result, so, therefore)
examples (for example, such as)
comparisons (in contrast, on the other hand)
a process or list (first, second, then)
conclusions (in conclusion, in summary)
Writing based on knowledge
and experience
Pay attention to how ideas
support a position and
practice generating ideas to
support a position.
Read articles and essays that express opinions about an issue (social, environmental or educational issues)
Identify the writer's opinion or opinions
Notice how the writer addresses possible objections to the opinion, if they’re present.
Outline the article and note the ways the writer supports the ideas.
Write response to article or essay in English, taking the opposite viewpoint Outline your response.
Note the methods you use to support your ideas
Reread what you have written Make sure your
supporting ideas are clearly related to your main point
Make sure you have developed each of your points in detail. Is there anything more
you could have said to strengthen your points?
Pay attention to how you
organize ideas and think
about how a reader who
isn’t familiar with your topic is
going to be able to follow
the information you want to
present.
Spend time planning and thinking about how to organize your ideas.
Your reader
Have a friend or a teacher outline your essay so that you can see if others can recognize your method of organization.
Make sure you use the words to connect ideas and supporting information in the way you want your reader to understand them Reader doesn’t
know what you know or what you intend. (Consider revisions)
Ask teacher to check your use of topic sentences, paragraphs, and connecting words, phrases, and sentences.
Think about who will be
reading your writing. In some
situations you need to write
in a formal manner and your
sentence structure,
vocabulary use and general
style should reflect that.
Work to expand the types of
sentences you write and
increase your vocabulary.
Create your own
dictionary of
English words
Use those words in
your own writing
Try writing longer
and more complex
sentences instead
of short, simple
sentences.
Make your writing clear by
avoiding grammatical
mistakes.
No vague words and phrases
Focus on a different aspect of English grammar each week
Read article or essay in English in a magazine or on a website each day
Summarize and respond to it in English
Proofread and revise
Ask your teacher to review your writing
Read a lot in English. This will
help you recognize good
writing styles.
Your suggestions?
What has worked for you?
