Read this conversation. Is something strange?

Person A: I went downtown yesterday, how about you, what did you do?

Person B: I don’t like shopping downtown, it’s too busy and the shops are really expensive.

Person A: Yes, that’s true, but I enjoyed myself, so what did you do?

Person B: I have to go downtown next week to meet my friend, but I think we’ll just go to a restaurant.

Do you feel a little bit frustrated with person B? Why

Person B is not listening carefully to the question person A is asking. B has taken one word from A’s comment, and started a conversation that is ‘off the point’ we can see the connection, but it is still not answering the question. This is a common problem in TOEFL essays, because when people are under pressure in an exam situation they often do not read or listen as carefully or as well as they do at other times.

1. Support one point of view

Some people believe that all children should stay at school until the age of 18, others believe they should be able to leave earlier and get a job if they do not plan to go to university. Which point of view do you agree with Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

• Do you need to explain both points of view No
• Should you choose a point of view to support even if you are undecided Yes
• Should you argue strongly in support of the point of view you have chosen Yes
• Does it matter if the examiner reading your essay has a different point of view No!

Useful language:

2. Compare two points of view and agree with one

Some people believe that weekend sports and physical activities should be compulsory for children from a young age. Others believe that children should be able to choose how they spend their leisure time. Compare these two points of view, and state which you agree with and why.

• Do you need to explain both points of view No
• Should you choose a point of view to support even if you are undecided Yes
• Should you argue strongly in support of the point of view you have chosen Yes
• Does it matter if the examiner reading your essay has a different point of view No!

Useful language:

3. Describe

Imagine you have been given the task of creating a new, luxury hotel and holiday resort, what facilities and services would you include Use specific details and examples to explain what you would include and why.

• Should you be creative Yes
• Should you attempt the question even if you are not inspired Yes
• Do your ideas have to be completely original No
• Can you borrow ideas from holidays you have been on, hotels you have stayed in or seen advertised Yes

Useful language:

• Materials metal, glass, wood, cotton, silk, flesh, fur, rock… Adjectives for things enormous, miniscule, colorful, intricate…
• Adjectives for people vivacious, introverted, arrogant, awkward…
• Adjectives that evaluate comfortable, useful, appealing, desirable…
• Adjectives of sense salty, bright, deafening, aromatic, smooth…

4. Agree/Disagree

Money is the most important ingredient of a happy life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement Use specific examples to support your opinion.

• Do you need to explain arguments for both disagreement and agreement No
• Should you choose agreement or disagreement even if you are not sure Yes
• Should you argue strongly to support the agreeing or disagreeing view you have chosen Yes
• Does it matter if the examiner reading your essay agrees or disagrees No!

Useful language: