Writing Topics in TOEFL

Students or matured people with skills are often required to write some sorts of compositions, essays, reports, etc. Information from any resources can be systematically arranged in a form of notes for their future use. The note-taker requires the ability to recognize and extract the main points and to be able to set them down clearly using minimum number of words. Therefore, a strict discipline must be kept to ignore all inessential details. These following points are offered to students as a guide to note taking.

1. Read each sentence and paragraph attentively, and write down all main points / facts at the end of each paragraph;

2. Number all the main points;

3. Write down any relevant details under each main point;

4. At the end of a chapter/paper/article, write down a title, which clearly shows the subject matter. Underline it.

5. Arrange all the points systematically in order of importance so that they can be easily read and understood.

6. Transform each point of your notes into sentences

7. Use logistics and transitional phrases and connectives to unite your sentences into paragraphs;

8. Edit each paragraph, making it easier to read and understand;

9. Enjoy your piece of writing or do it again.

Exercise № 1. Go backwards to any unit of this workbook and prepare notes based on the information, develop them respectively. Write an essay on this matter.

Exercise № 2. Have some practice in writing essays on suggested topics below:

1. When choosing a place to live, what do you consider most important: location, size, style, number of rooms, or other features. Use logic reasons and details to support your answer.

2. Films can tell us about the country in which they were made. What have you learnt about American from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

3. Because of developments in communication and transportation, countries are becoming more and more alike. How is your country becoming more similar to other places in the world? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

4. People attend colleges or universities for many different reasons (for example, new experience, career preparation, increased knowledge and etc.) Why do you think people attend colleges? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

5. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

6. If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

7. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific examples and details to support your response.