Sample TOEFL Integrated & Independent Writing Tasks (With Answers)

Useful Tips for the TOEFL Writing Test:

On the TOEFL, you will be given two writing tasks to complete. The first task is the integrated writing task in which you will read a short excerpt from a university level text and then listen to a lecture corresponding to the text. You must then write a response to a question asking about the main ideas and how the two sources of information relate. Your response should be between 150 and 225 words, although exceeding this amount is acceptable so long as the question is answered effectively. 

The second writing task is the independent writing task, which requires you to answer a question based upon your own personal experience. This may be asking if you agree or disagree with a statement and what reasons you have for thinking so. Responses for the independent writing task should be at least 300 words. 

The following reading passage and lecture are used for Writing Task 1. 
 
Reading Passage: Speaking Through Social Media 
The widespread phenomenon of mass communication through cell phones and the Internet has spurred enormous controversy. Many believe that people have become less able to build bonds with friends and family members. It is impossible to deny that social media is constantly changing the way that people interact with one another. With the advent of new technologies that allow for non-simultaneous and distant interaction, people all over the world are now able to build relationships in a way that was formerly not possible. Some might say that this is a negative trend, but this new development opens up unique and effective connections. 
People often feel estranged in their surroundings. There are so many hobbies and interests that people enjoy, that it can be difficult to find someone who shares the same passions. Social media is a huge benefit to these people as they are empowered with opportunity for connection to a widespread community and countless resources. Some may have always wanted to learn more about a topic without having an avenue to jump in. Social media has proven itself to be effective in educating people of all ages on a variety of subjects ranging from rollerblading to string theory. 
Moreover, the Internet is especially useful for helping people find a voice. Whereas the First Amendment protects our right to free speech, many people feel that they have lost their ability to be heard. Social media allows us all to find a new way to speak confidently and ensures that every person has the opportunity to be heard. 
 
Writing Passage 1: A Lecture By A Male Professor - Lecture Transcript
Male Professor: The effects of social networking come with far too many risks. Many consumers are targeted with phishing schemes that steal people’s money or even their identity. These risks do not only extend to adults, but also to children, who are targeted for bullying and manipulation. Children can easily pick up deficits from becoming too reliant on social media for communication. People these days already have a lack of social skills from looking at screens each day. This has already made a clear impact on family systems in America.
A new study by sociologists at Duke University and the University of Arizona adds more grist to this mill, noting that Americans in 2004 had smaller networks of people with whom they talk about matters important to them than they did in 1985. In 1985, the average American had three close confidants. In 2004, we averaged only two. The number of Americans who had no one with whom to talk about important matters almost doubled in 2004 to over 25%. Increasingly, most confidants are family: in 2004, 80% of people talked only to family about important matters, and about 9% people depended totally on their spouse.
This decrease in confidants is, in part, a result of the same trend that’s leaving fewer people knowing their neighbors or participating in social clubs or public affairs than in the past. We know a lot of people, but we don’t know them very well.
Left to our own devices and cultural trends then, we seem to be moving in an unpleasant direction. Communities are formed ad hoc, around specific shared individual interests. This wouldn’t be bad, of course, except that those communities seem to exist only within the constraints of those shared interests, and don’t develop into close and meaningful relationships. The transient and specific nature of many of our relationships today can keep us socially busy without building the lasting relationships and communities that we want.
 
1. Integrated Writing Task 
Prompt: Describe the risks discussed in the lecture and explain how they relate to the purpose of the reading passage. 
 

2. Independent Writing Task 
Prompt: Is it more important to have talent or hard work? Explain by connecting your answer to your own personal experience. 

Integrated Writing Task Sample Answer
Prompt: Describe the risks discussed in the lecture and explain how they relate to the purpose of the reading passage.
The lecture discouraged social networking by discussing how social networking has many risks. First, the lecture talks about how the Internet can be used to steal or to bully people, including both adults and children. The second point is the main point, however, which explains statistics about how people trusted fewer people with important matters. This suggests that relying on the Internet is causing people to be isolated and not spend as much time with people. Overall, the lecture suggests that social networking has too many risks and is leading our culture in a bad direction.
The lecture and reading passage have opposing views about the use of social media. The reading passage listed several positive qualities of using social media, such as how it helps people learn about hobbies and meet people with the same interests. It also encouraged social media use to help people find a voice. It says that people sometimes have a hard time finding people around them with the same interests, but that through social media, they can find friends.
The lecture and the reading passage both talk about the good and bad effects of social media. The two passages agree on almost nothing except to be careful with new technology. Whereas the lecture focuses mainly on risks, the reading passage focuses on convincing the reader that the rewards outweigh the risks.

Answer Explanation
This answer is a good response because it addresses the question directly. The first paragraph describes the lecture as requested and the second paragraph describes the reading passage so that the final paragraph can make good comparisons. The main purpose of each passage is given and it is explained how the two selections disagree completely on the outcome of the topic. Grammar is also a consideration in the grading of this selection. When responding, make sure you are using good grammar while also making sure to answer exactly what the question is asking.

Independent Writing Task
Prompt: Is it more important to have talent or hard work? Explain by connecting your answer to your own personal experience.
In my experience, having talent only gets you so far. When I first began running long distance, I was slower and became out of breath far before other runners my age did. It took me a surprisingly short amount of time to learn to breathe better and grow stronger in my running. In what seemed like no time at all, I was starting to keep up with my friends. The hard work was beginning to pay off.
Running was not something that I was very comfortable with. I had the wrong body type, and had never done running before. In all honesty, it probably took me more work than it would have for someone who was a natural-born, talented runner. Even though it was so difficult to start out, my determination allowed me to work hard and close the gap between me and those who were more talented. Talent had nothing to do with my success as a runner.

The natural runners that I would learn from had hardly any advice to give me because it came to them almost effortlessly. They would not eat well and would not practice working on their form, which led to them making smaller gains than I would. It seemed like all of my time practicing made me want to rest better and make sure my muscles were healed properly before practicing again. In short, running was so hard for me that I had to take it seriously to do well. That seriousness is what made me a better runner in the long run than the natural athletes.
Since my start at running, I have run several races and even won a few. I may still not be the fastest person alive, but my hard work and determination have paid off in ways that I cannot describe. Hard work has carried me through life far more than talent could ever have done.

Answer Explanation
This response is good because it answers the question directly from the start, which helps guide the reader in interpreting the personal experience given. The personal experience follows by telling a story of how hard work paid off more than having talent would have. Many responses may only tell how hard work is helpful, but neglect to tell how talent was not as helpful. Answers should try to cover both sides of the argument to be well rounded. There is no incorrect answer for a question like this, so long as the answer is clear and is supported well enough. After laying out all of the evidence, try to wrap the argument up by restating your answer. As always, answers should have strong grammar and overall good spelling.