TOEFL Integrated Writing: the template that always works

The skeleton

1. P1 · Set up the contrast. One sentence: "The reading and the lecture address X. The reading argues A; the lecture argues B."
2. P2 · First contrast. Reading's first point + lecture's counter to that point.
3. P3 · Second contrast. Reading's second point + lecture's counter.
4. P4 · Third contrast. Reading's third point + lecture's counter.

Why it works

The TOEFL Integrated Writing rubric explicitly awards points for: (a) accurately presenting the reading, (b) accurately presenting the lecture, (c) showing how they oppose. The skeleton forces all three into every paragraph.

Phrasing that doesn't sound canned

• "The lecturer, however, challenges this by noting that..."
• "In direct contrast, the professor explains that..."
• "The lecture refutes this claim by pointing out..."

Rotate three phrasings — you have three contrast paragraphs. The point isn't to sound elegant; the point is to make the contrast structure visible to the rater within the first 5 seconds of reading.

Want to see this scored? Take the diagnostic, switch to a TOEFL mock, write the integrated essay. Our scoring report shows you which rubric line you nailed and which you missed.