TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills are essential for students aiming to earn high scores on the TOEFL exam. In this guide, you’ll learn what the Integrated Writing Task involves, how to approach it strategically, and what specific skills you need to develop to score higher than 24 out of 30 points. You'll also see a sample task, response, and feedback analysis to help you write like a high-scoring test taker.                                                                                                                                                   

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What Is the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task?

The TOEFL Integrated Writing Task is the first of two writing tasks on the exam. You will read a short academic passage (around 250-300 words) and then listen to a lecture (about 2 minutes) on the same topic. The lecture typically challenges or contradicts the key points made in the reading.

You’ll then write a 150–225 word academic response summarizing how the lecture responds to the reading.

Key Skills You Need:

• Summarizing

• Paraphrasing

• Comparing/Contrasting ideas

• Avoiding personal opinions

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Example TOEFL Integrated Writing Task

Reading Passage (excerpt)

Many universities are considering replacing printed textbooks with e-books. E-books are cheaper, more portable, and environmentally friendly. They reduce costs for students, are easy to update, and limit paper waste. For these reasons, e-books should completely replace printed textbooks in academic settings.

Listening Script (excerpt)

While e-books have their advantages, replacing printed textbooks entirely would create several problems. First, reading on screens can cause eye strain, especially during long study sessions. Second, printed books don't rely on batteries or software, which means they are more reliable in the classroom. Finally, some studies show that students retain information better when reading physical books.

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Sample TOEFL Integrated Writing Response (excerpt)

The reading states that e-books should replace printed textbooks because they are cheaper, portable, and environmentally friendly. However, the lecture disagrees with this idea and explains why printed books are still necessary.

First, the reading mentions that e-books are less expensive, but the lecturer argues that the hidden costs of devices and repairs may cancel out these savings. Second, the passage claims that e-books are convenient, but the speaker says that long screen time causes eye strain. Finally, while the reading says e-books reduce paper waste, the lecturer notes that printed books are more effective for comprehension and do not require charging or software updates.

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Why This Response Scores High

This sample would likely earn 26–28/30. Why?

It accurately summarizes the main points of both the reading and the lecture
It uses paraphrasing instead of copying
It organizes information clearly (point-by-point structure)
It avoids personal opinions
It uses transition words like “however,” “first,” and “finally”

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️ TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills You Need to Score Over 24

Reading Skills

• Identify the main idea and key points in the passage

• Understand academic vocabulary and tone

• Annotate key ideas quickly (highlight, take notes)

Listening Skills

• Focus on contrasts, disagreements, and examples

• Listen for signal words (e.g., “however,” “in contrast,” “on the other hand”)

• Take effective notes on each counterpoint

Writing Skills

• Use clear academic language

• Maintain a formal tone (no personal stories or opinions)

• Paraphrase instead of copying word-for-word

• Organize your response into 3–4 logical paragraphs

Note-Taking Skills

• Divide your notes into two columns: Reading Points and Listening Responses

• Use abbreviations and symbols to write faster

• Circle or underline key verbs and transitions

Vocabulary Skills

• Use synonyms for common words (e.g., “says” → “states,” “explains,” “mentions”)

• Know academic verbs and connectors (e.g., “illustrates,” “argues,” “demonstrates”)

• Avoid repetitive phrases

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Strategies to Improve Your TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills

1. Practice with real TOEFL materials
   Use official TOEFL prep books or websites that include integrated writing practice tasks.

2. Use a point-by-point structure
   Align each paragraph around a reading point and the lecture’s response to it.

3. Practice paraphrasing daily
   Choose a paragraph from an academic article, rewrite it in your own words, and check your accuracy.

4. Record and analyze lectures
   Listen to TED Talks, academic podcasts, or TOEFL lectures. Write a summary afterward to practice integrating listening and writing.

5. Get expert feedback on your writing
   The best way to grow fast is through expert feedback. Our TOEFL Speaking and Writing Feedback Service at BetterTOEFLScores.com gives you detailed scoring and comments from a TOEFL mentor with 30+ years of experience.

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Develop Your TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills Over Time

Here are some activities to include in your weekly study plan:

Want personalized feedback? Join our TOEFL Speaking and Writing Feedback Service at BetterTOEFLScores.com. It’s affordable, fast, and you’ll get expert advice that targets your weaknesses.

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Final Thoughts: Reach Your Dream Score

Scoring above 24 on the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task is possible if you build strong TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills. Focus on improving your ability to connect reading and listening material clearly in writing. Don’t just practice — practice with feedback.

With the right strategies and expert guidance, you'll get the score you need to reach your academic or professional goals. Visit BetterTOEFLScores.com today and let a trusted TOEFL mentor help you level up.

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Want personalized feedback on these 10 TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Tests? Join our TOEFL Speaking and Writing Feedback Service at BetterTOEFLScores.com. It’s affordable, fast, and you’ll get expert advice that targets your weaknesses. Scroll to see the listening script below each practice test.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 1

Tip: Focus on identifying the three key points in the reading and how the lecturer directly challenges each one. Structure your response with one paragraph for each contrasting point.

Reading Passage: One of the most debated topics among ecologists is the decline of bee populations. There are several proposed explanations for this phenomenon. First, many researchers believe that the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture is the main cause. These chemicals are known to interfere with the bees' nervous systems, making it difficult for them to navigate and forage effectively. Second, some scientists argue that the loss of natural habitats due to urban development and agricultural expansion is to blame. As more land is converted for human use, bees lose access to the diverse plants they rely on for food. Third, the increasing prevalence of parasites, particularly the Varroa mite, is also cited as a major contributing factor. These parasites attach to bees and weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease. TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: While these concerns are valid, recent studies suggest that the decline in bee populations cannot be attributed solely to the factors mentioned in the reading. First, although pesticides do have some effect on bee health, many areas where pesticide use has been reduced or banned still report declining bee numbers. This suggests that pesticides may not be the primary cause. Second, regarding habitat loss, researchers have observed that bee populations are also shrinking in areas where habitats remain largely untouched. This indicates that other, less obvious factors might be involved. Finally, although Varroa mites are indeed harmful, bee populations were already declining before these parasites became widespread. Therefore, blaming the decline on mites alone does not fully explain the situation. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 2

Tip: Always use transition phrases like "The lecturer casts doubt on..." or "In contrast to the reading..." to make your writing more cohesive and clear.

Reading Passage: Many historians believe that the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia developed early forms of renewable energy. The first point in support of this is that there is archaeological evidence of windmills that were used for grinding grain. These devices harnessed wind power, making them a form of renewable energy. Second, Mesopotamians are said to have used passive solar design in their architecture, with buildings oriented to capture sunlight during the winter and remain cool in the summer. Third, records suggest that water wheels were used to irrigate crops, taking advantage of river currents to reduce manual labor. TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: Although these claims about Mesopotamian renewable energy are intriguing, many scholars question their accuracy. First, the supposed windmills might have actually been ceremonial structures. There is little definitive evidence that they functioned as energy-producing tools. Second, while it is true that Mesopotamian buildings were oriented in particular directions, there is no indication that this was done for solar efficiency. It is more likely that these orientations were based on religious or cultural beliefs. Third, the water wheels mentioned in historical records appear to have been powered by animals rather than river currents, which means they were not harnessing renewable energy after all. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 3

Tip: Keep your language simple and clear. TOEFL scorers value clarity over complex vocabulary that may be misused.

Reading Passage: The Voynich Manuscript, a mysterious book filled with unknown symbols and illustrations, has puzzled scholars for decades. Some believe that it is a lost language yet to be deciphered. First, the consistent structure and grammar-like patterns in the text suggest it may be a real language. Second, the illustrations of plants and constellations point to a detailed understanding of botany and astronomy, implying scholarly content. Third, carbon dating has shown the manuscript is centuries old, lending credence to the idea that it was meant to serve a genuine academic purpose. Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: Despite appearances, many experts believe the Voynich Manuscript may be an elaborate hoax. First, while the symbols are consistent, computer analysis has shown that the patterns could be generated randomly, not by any real language. Second, the plant illustrations do not match any known species, suggesting they were invented rather than based on scientific observation. Third, although the manuscript is old, that does not prove its content is meaningful; people have created fake documents throughout history, so its age alone doesn’t validate its authenticity. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 4

Tip: Don't copy exact sentences from the reading or the lecture. Paraphrasing shows that you understand the material.

Reading Passage: Mirror neurons are a special type of brain cell that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action. First, some scientists argue that these neurons are the basis for empathy, allowing people to "feel" what others feel. Second, mirror neurons are believed to help in learning motor skills through imitation, such as when children learn to tie their shoes by watching adults. Third, researchers suggest that mirror neurons play a role in language acquisition, as early language learning often involves mimicry. TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: Although mirror neurons are fascinating, their role in human behavior may be overstated. First, empathy is a complex emotion involving many brain regions, not just mirror neurons. Patients with damaged mirror neurons can still exhibit empathy, which casts doubt on their central role. Second, imitation in motor learning may depend more on practice and feedback than on simply watching others. Mirror neurons may be active during learning, but they are not the main driver. Third, language acquisition involves auditory processing, memory, and grammar learning, which are handled by different neural systems, not mirror neurons alone. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 5

Tip: Time yourself! You only get 20 minutes on test day, so practicing with a timer builds speed and confidence.

Reading Passage: It is widely believed that the domestication of dogs began when early humans tamed wolves. First, archaeological remains show early human settlements with dog skeletons nearby, suggesting companionship. Second, genetic studies show that dogs and wolves share a high percentage of DNA, indicating a common ancestry. Third, cave paintings depict humans hunting alongside canines, providing visual evidence of early domestication. Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: While it's true that dogs and wolves are closely related, the domestication story may be more complex. First, the presence of dog skeletons near human settlements could mean the animals scavenged human leftovers, not necessarily that they were pets. Second, high genetic similarity doesn’t confirm domestication; it only means the species are related. Third, the animals shown in cave paintings are not clearly identifiable as dogs—they could be wild wolves, or even symbolic images, so they don’t serve as concrete proof of domestication. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 6

Tip: When taking notes during the lecture, divide your paper into three sections — one for each point in the reading. This helps you align contrasts more effectively.

Reading Passage: Phototropism is a plant's growth in response to light, and scientists have long debated its mechanisms. First, it is thought that phototropism occurs because light stimulates plant cells to grow more quickly, causing the plant to bend toward the light source. Second, some researchers believe specific plant hormones, such as auxins, move to the shaded side of the plant and cause faster growth there. Third, it is commonly accepted that phototropism improves a plant’s ability to perform photosynthesis, thus enhancing its growth and survival. Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: Although phototropism is widely studied, recent research suggests the traditional explanations are incomplete. First, not all light stimulates growth evenly—blue light, in particular, affects bending, not just overall growth. So it's not accurate to say all light simply speeds up growth. Second, while auxins are involved, studies now show they don’t just move to the shaded side but also trigger changes in gene expression that are more complex than once thought. Third, although phototropism can help photosynthesis, it doesn’t always result in more growth. In some cases, bending too much can expose the plant to wind or pests, which actually harms it. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 7

Tip: Avoid personal opinions in your response. Stick closely to what’s mentioned in the reading and the lecture.

Reading Passage: Tattoos in ancient cultures were more than decoration; they had significant cultural meaning. First, tattoos were believed to have spiritual power, protecting the wearer from evil spirits. Second, tattoos indicated social status, with different designs marking rank or tribal roles. Third, some scholars think that tattoos were used as a form of early medicine, possibly to relieve pain or treat illness. TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: Although these theories are popular, recent evidence suggests they may not be entirely accurate. First, while spiritual beliefs were part of ancient cultures, there’s no solid evidence that tattoos were thought to have protective powers; this is based mainly on modern interpretations. Second, tattoo distribution across social classes wasn’t consistent—some commoners had elaborate tattoos while some leaders had none, challenging the idea of tattoos as status symbols. Third, while some tattooed areas align with known pressure points, there’s no clear proof they were applied for medical reasons rather than aesthetic or symbolic ones. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 8

Tip: Start your response with a sentence that clearly summarizes the lecturer’s main opinion.

Reading Passage: The theory of continental drift, proposed in the early 20th century, suggested that continents moved across the Earth’s surface over time. First, the matching shapes of continents, such as South America and Africa, seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces. Second, similar fossils found on separate continents suggested these lands were once connected. Third, geological formations like mountain ranges appear to align across continents now divided by oceans. Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: While continental drift is now widely accepted, early support for the theory had significant flaws. First, the fit of the continents was not precise; adjustments had to be made, making the puzzle-piece analogy unreliable. Second, the presence of similar fossils could be explained by similar environments evolving independently, not necessarily continental connection. Third, while some mountain ranges align, others do not, and the theory did not initially explain how such large landmasses could move, making it hard to accept at the time. TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 9

Tip: Use phrases like "According to the lecture" and "The reading states that" to stay organized and avoid mixing up information.

Reading Passage: Memory formation in the brain has traditionally been explained by synaptic strengthening—the idea that repeated activation of connections between neurons leads to stronger memories. First, repetition has been shown to enhance learning, supporting this model. Second, brain scans often show increased activity in specific areas during memory tasks. Third, experiments with animals show that disrupting these neural connections impairs their ability to remember tasks. Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: Although synaptic strengthening is a useful concept, recent findings challenge its dominance. First, repetition alone doesn’t always lead to strong memories—context and emotion play major roles. Second, increased brain activity doesn’t always indicate stronger memory formation; it might just reflect effort. Third, while disrupting connections impairs memory, it’s unclear whether the effect is due to losing the memory or losing the ability to retrieve it, which are different processes. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 10

Tip: Don’t forget to check your grammar and punctuation. Even strong ideas can lose points if the writing is hard to follow.

Reading Passage: The number zero is considered one of the greatest inventions in mathematics. First, it allowed for the development of place-value number systems, which revolutionized calculations. Second, zero made it possible to represent nothingness and perform complex algebraic operations. Third, the use of zero spread rapidly through trade and commerce, improving accounting practices across civilizations. Audio Player . . . . . . . . . Lecture Transcript: While zero is undeniably important, some claims about its impact are overstated. First, place-value systems existed before zero and could function with placeholders like dots or spaces. Second, while zero helps in algebra, many early mathematicians avoided using it due to confusion, so it didn’t immediately simplify operations. Third, trade records show that many merchants used practical methods that didn’t rely on zero, so its influence on commerce might not have been as direct as often claimed. Writing Prompt: Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they challenge the specific points made in the reading passage. TOEFL Integrated Writing Skills