2017-11-16 TOEFL: ind writing practice

Greg Malivuk
[email protected]
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk - notes from all classes
---
Oxford handout - Listen and take notes, then answer the questions.
1 d
2 d
3 a (b and c are basically the same, so they’re both wrong)
Do the same with the conversation (p. 371)
1 c
2 b
3 b
4 c
5 b
---
Writing Section: Fourth and final section on the test. Two tasks:
1 integrated: 3 minutes to read a text, listen to a lecture about the same topic, 20 minutes to write about the points from the lecture and how they relate to points from the text
2 independent: read a prompt (a choice question), 30 minutes to prepare, write, and revise a short essay answering the question
---
Integrated - point-by-point format:
1 introduce the topic and explain the main idea of the reading and listening
2 summarize the first point from the reading and listening and explain how they relate
3 summarize the second point from the reading and listening and explain how they relate
4 summarize the third point from the reading and listening and explain how they relate
block format:
1 introduce the topic and explain the main idea of the reading and listening
2 summarize the main points from the reading
3 summarize each point from the lecture and explain which point from the reading it relates to and how
---
Independent: make sure your response sticks closely with the prompt (If the prompt is about the information on the Internet, then e-commerce, social media, and entertainment aren’t relevant.)
---
What are some points that could support the opposite position on last week’s writing?
(“access to so much information creates problems")
- a lot of the information is incorrect
- so much information can distract you from other things like work and social life
- without a librarian or someone to help you, sorting through the information online can take as long or longer than going to a library
---
Organization of an independent writing response: usually a five-paragraph essay
1 Introduction: (general background/“hook”), explain the options you’re choosing between, state your choice, (lead-in)
2 first supporting point, details/examples to show the point is true, details/examples to show how the point relates to your thesis.
3 second supporting point, details/examples to show the point is true, details/examples to show how the point relates to your thesis.
4 third supporting point, details/examples to show the point is true, details/examples to show how the point relates to your thesis.
5 Conclusion: restate your opinion and summarize your reasons, generalize with a recommendation, prediction, or plan that the reader can take away
---
If you’re worried about timing, write your thesis statement (opinion) and main supporting points first, on separate lines. Then go back and add details and examples to your supporting points (in paragraphs). Finally, add background to your introduction and write your conclusion.
---
BREAK
---
Writing Practice: Independent writing about happiness and computer games.
When you are finished, email your responses to me
---
For the task that was easier for you, what made it easier?
Remember: nobody cares about your opinion on the TOEFL. Pick a position for which it’s easy to think of supporting reasons, whether or not you actually agree with any of those reasons.
---
Tomorrow: sample responses to one of today’s writings, speaking task