Reading Task Summary

How to Read 

Read the the ​first sentence of every paragraph 

● Read the question first​ approach. 

● ​Do not read the answer​ choices; 
● ​Read the​ corresponding ​passage. 

Don't get stuck. 

Breaking Down Long Sentences 

Recognize  Academic  Find verbs   Adjective Clauses  Prepositional phrases 

important details  Wordiness  beginning phrases 

Names, dates and  Don't focus on the  Subjects and  Relative adverbs  Refers to the sentence right 
locations.  embellishments  objects to reduce  ● where, when,  after it. 
  the text.  why, how, 
Information that  whether 
is mentioned in   
the questions.  Relative Pronoun 
● that, who, whom, 
whose, which 

Question Categories

Reference 

Definition  Techniques  Variations/Strategies 

In a ​"Reference"​ question,  Understanding   

you are asked what the  Elimination 
● A ​pronoun only ​can  Two sentences separated by a  One sentence separated by a 
highlighted word refers to.​ If  period   comma  
refer to something 
it's a pronoun then you need 
that comes ​before it. 
to identify ​what word the  Substitution  If the pronoun is a​ subject  In this structure, the sentence is 
pronoun is replacing.  ● look for the words  pronoun like "it" or "they​", the  usually a ​complex sentence 
that will make more  pronoun​ refers to the subject of  which consists of an ​independent 
sense in the passage.  the previous sentence​. However,  clause and a dependent clause. 
  if the previous ​sentence is using  The strategy is simple: Look for 
  "It is .. that S + V" ​structure, the  the​ subject before the comma. 
pronoun refers to the subject​ in 
the​ "that clause​(same phrase)" 

If the ​pronoun is a demonstrative   

pronoun such as ​"these", "those", 
"this", "that",​ the pronoun ​refers 
to the idea of the previous 
sentence.  
 

 
 
 
 
 
  

Vocabulary  Inference 

Definition  Techniques  Definition  Techniques 

You are asked what a word  Connect to words you already  In an "Inference" question,  Use Keywords 
or phrase is ​closest in  know  you will see the question  ● Summarize the passage 
meaning.   ● Connect the unknown  phrased something like the  with keywords. 
word with a word in   
Understand the ​meaning of  following: In paragraph 5, 
the same sentence  Eliminate incorrect choices. 
the word as it is used​ in the  that you do know.  what does the author imply   
passage.  Understand through context  about ….?​ or ​What can be   
● Read the passage to  inferred​ from paragraph 5?   
find the meaning  ● The a​nswer is not 
through context.  directly stated in 
Type of Word  the reading 
● Check if the word is 
passage 
an ​adjective, adverb, 
verb, or noun.  ● Requires you to 
● Use this strategy to  draw conclusions 
eliminate incorrect  based on 
choices only.  information that is 
given in the 
passage.  
● You need to find 
out the correct 
conclusion from 
the choices.  

Purpose  Negative Factual Information 

Definition  Techniques  Definition  Techniques 

Understand ​why the author  ● Read the passage ● You can recognize  ● Read the question
has ​included ​pieces of  twice. a negative factual  carefully
information.   ● Read the question. information  ● Eliminate incorrect
● The​ answer is not  ● Locate the ​phrase question by either  choices. 
directly stated in the  needed to answer the word ​“NOT” or   
reading ​passage.   the question. “EXCEPT”​ in the   
● Understand the main  ● Read the ​phrases question. The   
poin​t of the paragraph  sorrounding it. question can 
and how the  ● Eliminate the appear like the 
referenced  incorrect following: 
information is related  ● Find the answer. According to the 
to the main point of  passage, ​which of 
the paragraph.   the following is 
● You will see the  NOT true​ of X? 
question phrased 
something ​like ​the 
following: ​Why does 
the author mention 
XXX in paragraph 2? 
 Essential Information  Detail 

Definition  Techniques  Definition  Techniques 

● Choose ​which of  Understand the type of passage ● Detail questions  ● Read the question
the 4​ answer  ● Explanation Sentence ask you about  carefully
option sentences  ● Cause and Effects information that’s  ○ Scan for
is equal to the  ● Conditional specifically stated  synonyms
highlighted  Find Synonyms and Keywords in a small part of  and keywords
sentence.  ● Paraphrase the the passage.   ● Eliminate incorrect
● The ​correct  prompt sentence ● They generally  choices.
sentence​ will be  (make it simpler) focus on the ​“who,”   
paragraphed so i​t  ● Compare and “what,” “when,” 
is different than  Contrast​ all answers. “where,” and “why” 
the highlighted  as explained by the 
one, but still  author. 
convey​ all the 
important 
information.  

Sentence Insertion  Complete the Summary 

Definition  Techniques  Definition  Techniques 

In an "Insert a Sentence"  Find the Anchor Phrase ● You are given a  If an answer choice is a main idea 
question, you will be asked  ● Focus on the new summary 
to​ decide where a new  sentence. statement of the  ● Restates the main idea​ of 
sentence best fits​ into the  Guess reading​ passage  a paragraph or multiple 
reading passage.   ● Find ​linked words. and 6 answer  paragraphs. 
● Tests your  ● General-specific​ or options.  ● The main idea of a 
understanding of  vice versa. ● Drag and drop ​3  paragraph is usually 
the logic​ in the  ● Sharing or answers that  found in ​the first two 
passage.   contrasting​ ideas. represent major  sentences of the 
● It also tests your  Scan ideas​ or contain  paragraph. 
ability to  ● Test in the other important 
understand the  sentences to make information from  If the answer choice is a detail
grammatical  sure you got the right the passage. 
connections​ from  question  
one sentence to  Check
another.  ● Check the passage to
see if it the passage
make sense

Complete the Table 

Definition  Techniques 

You will see 2 or 3  Find evidence

categories in an empty table.  ● If you find evidence
From the options provided,  that you are confident
you ​must select which ones  about, choose that
correctly belong to each  options immediately.
category.   Eliminate incorrect information
● You will be  ● Don't waste time
categorizing  finding evidence for
minor details  an incorrect answer.
instead of major  Move on to choices
ideas.   that you think are
correct.
 Toefl Speaking Tasks Summary

15 seconds to prepare

45 seconds to speak.

Task 1 Question Styles:

● Personal experience
○ Share past experiences, or asks you to talk about things you like
■ What is the most memorable experience you have had while on vacation? Why was this
experience so memorable? Include details and examples to support your explanation.
● Giving advice
○ You will be given a situation and will then be asked to offer advice for it.
■ Your friend is studying engineering and has room for one extra course in her schedule.
What sort of course would you recommend she take and why?
● Three choices
○ Three choices' question is to pick only one choice and talk about it. ​DO NOT talk about all three
options​ because you won't have enough time to do that.
■ Which of these methods do you think is the best way to prepare for a test :1) studying
alone 2) studying with friends 3) asking a teacher for help?
● Stating opinions
○ You are asked to state your opinion on a certain topic 
■ Your university has decided to reduce the amount of money it spends to support sports 
activities. What is your opinion and why?

How to Structure a Response

Main Idea Supporting Idea 1 Supporting Idea 2 Conclusion

How to write it Rephrase the question Support for your main Support for your main Rephrase the opening
idea idea sentence

Vocabulary
First Of All In addition Therefore

First Besides Hence

To begin with Furthermore So

Moreover So for this two

reasons
Also
To wrap Things up
Additionally
To Sum up

● It's more important to have 2 slightly developed supporting ideas with a short conclusion then it is to have
only 1 supporting idea.

 
 Task 2 Question Styles:

Agree or Disagree 

Example Question  Vocabulary 

Do you agree or disagree that students  ● I agree/disagree that 

should bring their cellphones to school?  ○ I agree that​ students should bring their cellphones to 
Use details and examples to support  school. 
your explanation.  ● I agree/disagree with the idea that 
○ I agree with the idea that​ students should bring their 
cellphones to school. 
● I agree/disagree with S + Verb-ing 
○ I agree with students bringing​ their cellphones to 
school. 
● Some people believe that …, but I disagree 
○ Some people believe that​ students should bring their 
cellphones to school, b
​ ut I disagree​. 

Preference 

Example Question  Vocabulary 

Do you prefer finding information by  ● I prefer to ___ (V + O). 

reading books or searching the  ○ I prefer to​ find information by reading books. 
Internet? Use details and examples to  ● To me, ____(X) is far preferable to ____(Y) 
support your explanation.  ○ To me​, eating at restaurants i​ s far preferable to​ eating 
at home.  
● I prefer ____(X) to/over ____(Y) 
○ I prefer​ having a higher-paying job with longer hours t​ o 
having a lower-paying job with shorter hours. 
● I would rather ____(V + O) than ___ (V + O) 
○ I would rather​ work in a team ​than​ work alone. 

Here in the third sentence, many students use "than" instead of "to" as in the following 
sentence Incorrect! I prefer having a higher-paying job with ​longer hours than having a 
lower-paying​ job with shorter hours.  

That is wrong! Remember the pattern: "prefer X to Y" or "prefer X over Y".  

correct! I prefer having a higher-paying job with longer hours to having a lower-paying job 
with shorter hours.  

If/Imaginary 

Example Question  Vocabulary 

If you had a small amount of money,  ● Conditional Sentence Type 2 

would you spend it right away or save   
it? Use details and examples to support  ○ If + Subject + simple past, Subject + would/could/might 
your explanation.  + verb  
■ If we all recycled more, there would be a lot less 
waste in the world.  
■ If I had ____ I would. 
 
○ When using pronoms use were instead of was. 
■ If I w
​ ere​ you, I w
​ ould. 
 
 Description or Explanation 

Example Question  Vocabulary 

Should using cell phones be permitted  ● In my opinion, _____ 

while driving? Use details and examples  ○ In my opinion​, not all university students should be 
to support your explanation.  required to read the same book before entering their first 
year of study. 
● I strongly/firmly believe that _____ 
○ I firmly believe that​ the use of cellphones should be 
prohibited while driving. 
● In my view, _____ 
○ In my view​, bicycles will become obsolete due to the 
emergence of other means of transportation 
● As far as I am concerned, _____ 
○ As far as I am concerned​, the most important benefit that 
an employer can offer to make sure employees are happy 
and healthy is a great health care package. 
● It is my belief that _____ 
○ It is my belief that​ it should not be a requirement that all 
college students take at least one philosophy class. 

Advantage or Disadvantage 

Example Question  Vocabulary 

Should universities allow students to  ● Advantages and disadvantages 

watch TV in their dormitories? What is  ○ Living in a small city has a
​ dvantages and 
your opinion and why? What are the  disadvantages 
advantages and disadvantages of  ● Upsides and downsides 
watching TV in dormitories? Include 
○ Living in a small city has u​ psides and downsides 
reasons and examples to support your 
● Benefits and drawbacks 
response. 
○ Living in a small city has b ​ enefits and drawbacks​. 
● pros and cons 
○ Living in a small city has p ​ ros and cons​. 
● Positive aspects and negative aspects 
○ Living in a small city has p ​ ositive and negative aspects​. 
● Advantage Vocabulary: 
○ Our company h ​ as an advantage over​ our competitors. 
○ Our company i​ t at an advantage over​ our competitors. 
○ Our company h ​ as a competitive advantage​ over google. 
■ You can ____ an advantage: 

➔ Gain ➔ Win ➔ Develop   

■ You can t​ ake advantage. 

 
 The TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task 3 

Structure of the question 

read a passage about  Next, you will hear a  Example of question: 

campus announcement​ or a
​   conversation between two 
student's letter.  students discussing their  ● The man expresses his opinion 
opinions on the passage you just  about the announcement. State his 
read.   opinion and explain the reasons 
that he gives for holding that 
opinion. 

How to Answer 

Take Notes  Organize your answer 

  30 seconds (preparation) 
● use this time to organize the notes you took from the reading and the 
two columns one for each  listening. 
speaker) 
15 seconds 
  ● Summarize the main point of the reading passage and state the 
student's opinion. 

20 seconds 
● Present the first reason of the student. 

20 seconds 
● Present the second reason of the student. 

5 seconds 
● restate the student's opinion again as a conclusion. (optional) 

Example Responses 

  Agree  Disagree 

Synonyms   ● agree with   ● disagree with  

● support    ● oppose 
● be in favor of  ● be against  
● to approve of  ● be in opposition to 
● be opposed to 

Main  The man/girl agrees with the  The man/girl disagrees with the 
Idea/Student's  announcement/letter/article, which is  announcement/letter/article, which is about  
Opinion  about  

Introduction of  There are two reasons why the man/girl  There are two reasons why the man/girl 
Supporting Ideas  supports the  opposes the announcement/letter/article  
announcement/letter/article  

First Reason  One reason is that   One reason is that  

Second Reason  Another reason is that   Another reason is that  

Conclusion  Therefore, these reasons are why the  Therefore, these reasons are why the man/girl 
man/girl believes that ... is a good idea.  believes that ... is not a good idea. 
 
 The TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task 4 

Structure of the question 

read a passage about an  short lecture from a  Example of question: 

academic topic  professor to explain the 
topic further. and provide  ● Using the main points and examples 
one or two examples.  describe the Audience effect. 

How to Answer 

Take Notes  Organize your answer 

● Takes notes on the  ● Describe the academic topic combining the textbook passage and the 
main idea of the  lecture.  
reading passage.  ○ Explain the topic 
○ Use your own words to explain the examples given in the 
  lecture. 

● Take notes on the 

examples of the  Example Answer 
Lecture. 
Reading Passage  From the reading passage, X is described as... 

Lecture  The professor illustrates/demonstrates X by 

giving one/two examples. 
 

Examples  ● In the first example,... 

● In the second example,... 

Conclusion  (Optional) In summary/So/Therefore, .....these 

examples demonstrate/show X 
 

The TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task 5 

Structure of the question 

listen to two people talking  explain with  Example of question: 

about a problem that one of  reasons which 
the speakers has  solution you  ● The two people talk about the man's problem. 
would  Describe the problem then state which of the two 
recommend.   solutions you prefer and why. 

How to Answer 

Take Notes  Organize your answer 

● When you take notes  ● Describe the problem the student is facing and the two suggested 
on a conversation,  solutions. 
use a ​two-column  ○ The man's problem is that ​he accidentally deleted his research 
approach​.   paper. 
○ The man has a problem with​ his research job. He accidentally 
deleted his research paper. 
○ The problem the man faces is that​ he accidentally deleted his 
research paper. 
 ● Provide one to three sentences of explanation.  
○ His professor wants the student to email the paper that night, 
but the man is not able to make that. He doesn't know what he 
should do. 
○ He has two solutions.​ O ​ ne solution​ is to call the technical 
department to retrieve his work from the computer. A ​ nother 
solution is to​ call the professor in the morning to explain his 
situation. 
● State which solution you prefer. 
○ In my opinion, the man should​ contact the technical 
department for help. 
○ I think the man had better​ contact the technical department for 
help. 
○ The best solution for the man is​ to contact the technical 
department for help 
● Provide reasons why you choose this solution. (come up with you own 
reasons) 
○ Comparison 
■ Compared to Verb-Ing, Verb-ing 
● Compared to talking to the professor, contacting 
the technical department won't be embarrassing for 
the man. 
■ In comparison to Verb-Ing, Verb-ing 
● In comparison to talking to the professor, 
contacting the technical department won't be 
embarrassing for the man. 
○ Consequence 
■ If + then 
● "If the man can get his paper back, then his 
professor won't even know that anything bad 
happened."  

How to organize your timing 

● 20-25 seconds 
○ Describe the problem the student is facing and the two 
suggested solutions 

● 10 seconds  
○ State which solution you prefer 

● 20-25 seconds 
○ Provide reasons why you choose this solution 

Example Answer 

Description  The man's/woman's problem is that he/she... 

Solutions  He/She has two solutions.  

One solution is... 
The other solution is... 

Preference  ● I think the man/woman should... 

Reasons  One reason is that... 

Another reason is that... 
 
 The TOEFL Integrated Speaking Task 6 

Structure of the question 

Lecture from a professor  short lecture from a  Example of questions: 

professor to explain the 
topic further. and provide  ● lectures where two different aspects or 
one or two examples.  subtopics of a bigger topic are discussed:
 
○ Using the main point and examples 
from the lecture, describe the two 
ways of discovering an invention. 
● explain the concept mentioned in the 
lecture together with the two examples 
provided by the professor: 
○ Using two examples from the lecture, 
describe camouflage. 

How to Answer 

Take Notes  Organize your answer 

● Take notes on the  ● The explanation of the topic 

main idea  ● The first example or the first concept 
● Take notes of the  ● The second example or the second concept 
examples   ● A conclusion 

you are discussing an academic topic and not an opinion. 

avoid using sentences like “I think…” or “In my opinion...” 

Example Answer question Type 1 (describe using your own words) 

Main Topic  ● Rephrase the question 

○ The lecture is about  
○ The professor talks about two 
adaptations 
○ The professor talked about two 
adaptations 
○ The lecture is talking about _______and 
mentions two examples for this”.  

First Example  The first adaptation_______ 

Second Example  The second adaptation ______ 

Conclusion  Therefore / So 

Example Answer question Type 2 (describe using the examples of the lecture) 

Main Topic  The lecture is about... and the professor uses two 
examples to demonstrate...  

First Example  In the first example,...  

Second Example  In the second example,...  

Conclusion  ● In summary 
● Therefore 
● Ultimately,... 
 
 
 TOEFL Writing Task Summary

Writing Task Details

Integrated Writing Task ● You are given 3 minutes to read an academic

passage.
● Listen to a lecture on the same topic.
● Write an essay summarizing the lecture and the
reading passage and showing the relationship
between them.
○ Do not express your own opinion or
bring in any information form outside
the passage and the lecture.

Independent Writing Task You read a prompt (a topic)

express your opinions in your response.

Writing: 30 minutes

How ETS rates your writing responses.

● How well you ​address the topic.

● How well you ​develop and support your ideas.
● How well you ​organize the essay and connect your ideas.
● How well you use the English language, including ​grammar, vocabulary, and writing conventions​.
○ "Writing conventions" are the special rules of writing in English, including spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Task criteria

● How well you ​select important information from the lecture.

● How well you ​relate the lecture points to the reading points.

● How well you ​organize the essay and provide details.

● How well you use the English language, including ​grammar, vocabulary, and writing conventions.

Technique and preparation to improve your writing skills

● compare your essay with high-scoring essays.

● listening,
● note taking,
● paraphrasing,
● expressing different types of relationships in your essay.
 TOEFL Integrated writing task.
Types of Scenarios
1. Contradiction
2. Supporting with examples
3. Problems/Solutions

Tips on taking notes

1. Attention for the main point of each paragraph.
2. Transition words.

Contradiction

Intro Body Paragraphs Conclusion

● Paraphrase the question Each body paragraph ​adds detail and Summarize the intro (don't forget to
● Present the ​points​ used in shows the relation​ between the paraphrase​).
the lecture to ​cast doubt​ on reading and the lecture.
the reading.

Template

The reading and the lecture are both about ________.

Whereas the author of the reading states that ________ , the lecture suggests that _____.

The lecturer casts doubt​ on the main points made in the reading by providing two/three reasons.

First of all, according to the reading ________. ​However, the lecturer disputes​ this point.
He says that ________.
(Optional) Furthermore he/she mentions that _______.

Secondly, the reading states that _______. ​Nevertheless, the lecturer refutes this argument.
He/She argues that __________.
(Optional) In addition he/she points out _________.

Finally, the reading claims that _______. ​On the other hand, the lecturer believes that ​____.
He/She thinks that _________.
(Optional) Moreover he/she feels that _________.

In conclusion, although the reading and the lecture are about ________, the two/three main ​points made in the reading
are effectively challenged by the lecturer.

Support with details

Intro Body Paragraphs Conclusion

● Present the main point of the Each body paragraph ​covers one Summarize the intro with ​different
reading and the lecture. main point from the listening and words.
● Paraphrase the question explains in detail how it support the
adding the two/three points main points of the reading.
detailed in the body
paragraphs.

Template

The reading and the lecture are both about ………….. The reading states that …….. . ​The lecture builds upon those
same ideas to give a more comprehensive picture with two/three examples.
 First of all, according to the reading, …… . ​Supporting this idea, the lecturer explains that​ ….. (Optional) Furthermore,
he/she mentions that .....

Secondly, the reading states that ….. ​The lecturer then goes on to explain that​ ……….. (Optional) In addition, he/she
points out …

Finally, the reading claims that ….. ​In support of this idea, the lecturer brings up the point that​ ………... (Optional)
Moreover, he/she feels that ...

In conclusion, although the reading and the lecture both discuss ___, ​the two/three main points made in the reading are
effectively supported by the lecturer.

TOEFL independent writing task

● you will be asked a question.
● plan and write an essay in response to this question.

High scoring essay structure.

High scoring essay structure

Introduction Body A/B/C Conclusion

General ​background information​ about Each body paragraph is used to Summarize each of your key points.
the essay topic explain one key point.

Thesis statement​ that includes your A high scoring essay has 3 ​body Restatement of the thesis statement
main opinion on the essay topic​ and a paragraphs, but if you find yourself you wrote in your introduction
preview of your key points running out of time, you can just write
2.

Brief summary​ of your main ideas.

Question Types

Agree or Disagree

Description Sample Question How to address

Give you a ​statement of opinion​ and Do you agree or disagree with the ● Issue that affects people in
ask you whether you ​agree or disagree following statement? All students general or a specific group​ of
should be required to study art and people.
music in secondary school. Use ● Your reasons should not all
specific reasons to support your be personal.
answer. ● Focus on what is true for the
group of people being asked
about, not just what is true
for you.

Support or Oppose

Description Sample Question How to address

Support or oppose a situation. I has recently been announced that a Focus on the ​pros and cons​ of the
new restaurant may be build in your situation.Use ​more pros​ in your
neighborhood. Do you support or reasoning ​if you support​ and ​more
oppose this plan? cons if you oppose.
 Preference

Description Sample Question How to address

Choose between two options and Some people prefer to live in a small Use your ​personal experience and
answer what do you prefer. Use town. Others prefer to live in a big city. reasons​ to support your answer.
specific reasons and examples to Which place would you prefer to live
answer it. in? Use specific reasons and details to
support your answer.

If Imaginary

Description Sample Question How to address

Give you a hypothetical situation and Imagine that you are preparing for a Choose something that is easy to write
ask what you would do or choose. trip. You plan to be away from your about.
home for a year. In addition to clothing Use modals as ​"would"and "could".
and personal care items, you can take
one additional thing. What would you
take and why? Use specific reasons
and details to support you choice.

Description or Explanation

Description Sample Question How to address

Describe a certain type of person How do movies and television Focus on ​characteristics.
(good qualities) influence people's behavior? Give
Choose or be given something to reasons and examples to support your
explain. answer.
Explain the reasons or effects of
something.

Compare and Contrast

Description Sample Question

● Give you two subjects and ask you to

○ Compare and contrast them.
○ Show the similarities and differences Variation 1
between them.
○ Compare the advantages and It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained
disadvantages of only one subject in books". Compare and contrast knowledge gained from
○ State your personal opinion or preference experience with knowledge gained from books. In your
opinion, which source is more important? Why?

Variation 2

Some young children spend a great amount of their time

practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.

Compare aspects of two subjects Compare the advantage and disadvant

subject.

Introduction Gives an overview of comparison and Gives an overview of advantage and

your personal opinion if the question disadvantage and your personal
asks you. opinion if the question asks you.
Body A Compare and contrast both two subject Discuss the advantage of the subject.
in one aspect.

Body B Compare and contrast both two subject Discuss the disadvantage of the
in another aspect. subject.

Conclusion Give a summary of comparisons Summarize the advantage and

between two opinions and restate your disadvantage, and include a
personal opinion if the question asks reinstatement of your personal opinion
you. if the question asks you.

● When the question is ​asking you to compare aspects​ of ​two subjects​,​ each body paragraph compares and
contrasts​ two subjects ​in one aspect​.
● When the question is ​asking you to compare pros and cons of one subject​, your ​first body paragraph
discusses the advantage​ and ​your second body paragraph discusses the disadvantages.

Introductory Paragraph Structure

General Background Information Thesis Statement

● Brief history of the topic. ● It's the most important sentence

● Why this subject is controversial or important. of the essay.
● Other people opinions on the topic. ● Main opinion on the essay topic.
● May include a preview of your key
points.
● Don't copy and paste the question
you must ​paraphrase​ it.

Sample Question
Developing an industry is ​more important than​ saving the environment for​ endangered animals.​ Do you agree or disagree 
with the statement? Use specific details and examples to support your viewpoint. 

General Background Information 

How to organize The ​debate​ on the competition between economic development and the protection of endangered 
species has been going on for decades. 

Technique Begin with two sides of opinions on the essay topic. 

● There are different views on​____ . ​Some argue that​____ ​While others point to​___. ​In 
my opinion​ ______. 
● People take/hold different views on​____. ​Some people​ ____ ​Other people​ ___. ​As far 
as I am concerned​ _____. 

Begin with the general public’s opinions 

● Society generally holds the idea tha​t______ 
● It is generally believed that​____ 
● There is a widely held perception that​______ 
 

Introduce a fact that raises a question about the essay topic 

● _____ ​this raises the question of whete​r____ 
● _____ ​many people begun to question whete​r____ 

Introduce a debate on the essay topic 

● There is much debate over whether or not 
● The debate on ​_____ ​has been going on for___ 

Mention the advantage or disadvantage of a subject as a way to contrast your main opinion on the 
subject. 
● While there are negative consequences of​ _____ ​it's also true that they can bring many 
benefits. 
Example I disagree with the statement that developing industry should​ take precedence over​ saving the 
environment for ​endangered species​ because I firmly believe that destroying the environment will 
eventually take its toll on humans in the long run. 
 
 

Technique  
Types of Thesis Statements 

Broad Thesis Statement:  Explicit Thesis Statement: 

Doesn't​ offer a ​preview​ of your ​keypoints:  Offer an ​overview​ of ​your keypoints: 

   
There are ​three main reasons​ why people  I believe that​ all high school students 
attend college.  should have to study art and music 
because it is ​good for their brains,​ good 
for ​their personalities​, and good for their 
cultural understanding. 
 

Language Expressions 

Agree or Disagree  I agree/disagree that___. 

I agree Disagree to the idea/statement___. 
I agree/disagree with S + Verb-ing 
I take and opposing stance on 
 
In my opinion,____ 
I (strongly/firmly) believe that____ 
In my view, ______ 
As far as I am concerned, ____ 
It is my belief that ______ 
From my point of view, 
From my perspective, 

Support or Oppose  I support the plan/idea 

I approve of the plan/idea 
I am in favor of the plan/idea 
I offer support to the plan/idea 
 
I oppose/am opposed to the plan/idea 
I disapprove of the plan/idea 
I am against the plan/idea 
I hold an opposing view on the plan/idea 

Preference  I prefer to ____ (V + O). 

To me, _____(X) is far preferable to _____(Y) 
I prefer ____(X) to/over _____(Y) 
I would rather _____(V + O) then _____ (V + O) 
I would choose X. 
 
(Note that X and Y are nouns. V is the Verb. O 
is the object). 

If Imaginary  Use type 2 conditionals: 

If + Subject + simple past, Subject + 
would/could/might + verb 

Description or Explanation  In my opinion,____ 

I (strongly/firmly) believe that____ 
In my view, ______ 
As far as I am concerned, ____ 
It is my belief that ______ 
From my point of view, 
From my perspective, 
 Compare and Contrast  Depending on what the question is asking, 
the language expression used is the thesis 
statement varies. 

Body Paragraph Structure

Transition statement Topic sentence Supporting sentences

● Connects your thesis statement to ● Summarize the body ● Are used t​o explain in
the body's paragraph. paragraph’s purpose. detai​l the main idea
○ Use ​transition words. ● Create clear topic ● Reasons, examples, and
sentences ​early in the even personal
writing process, experiences.
○ Use ​transitions
between
supporting
sentences.

How to Write a good Topic Sentence 

● Make sure your topic sentence is ​concise 

● Make sure your topic sentence gets ​right to the point 
● Avoid using facts​. ( Facts are better used in your supporting ideas) 
● Avoid talking about the what.​ Don’t just talk about the “what” –​ talk about the “why”​ as well. That is, don’t just 
think about the effect, but it’s ​cause. 

Examples of transitions words

Listing ● First/Second/Third 
● Firstly/First of All/Secondly/Thirdly/Lastly 
● In the first place/In the second place/Finally/Lastly 
 
More examples of Starters: 
● To begin with 
● To start with 
● For Starters 
 
Emphasize points: 
● First and foremost (first key point as the most important) 
● Last but not least (show the last point is as important as the others.) 

Addition ● In Addition 
● Furthermore 
● Additionally 
● Also 
● Next 
● Moreover 
● What's more 
● On top of that 

Summary ● In summary 
● To conclude 
● In closing 
● All in all 
● All things considered 
● Overall 
● Taking everything into consideration 
● In a nutsheel 
● To sum up 
● In Conclusion 

Contrast ● Conversely 
● On the contrary 
● By Contrast 
● By way of contrast 
● On the other hand 
  
Concession​ (not expected contrasting idea) 
 
● Nevertheless 
● Nonetheless 
● However 
 
Prepositional phrases  
 
● Pure contrast 
○ In contrast to 
○ As opposed to 
○ Contrary to 
 
● Surprise 
○ In spite of 
○ Despite 
○ Although 
○ Even though 
○ Where as 
●  
 
 
 

Compare ● Compare​ ____ ​with​ ____. 

● Make comparison between​ ____ and ____ 
● He ​compared life to a journey.  
● We can ​compare ​______ ​to​ _____ 
● Her singing ​can be compared​ to Whitney Houston's. 
● Her singing ​is comparable​ to Whitney Houston's 
● Her singing ​compares with/to​ Whitney Houston's 
● He says skiing is fun but ​doesn't compare to​ snowboarding. 
● Compared to/with​ astronomy, cosmology is a young science. 
● In comparison to/with​ astronomy, cosmology is a young science. 
● In comparison to​ the languages spoken around the world, Mandarin 
is spoken by the most number of people. 
● Compared to today’s​ internet speeds, telephone internet 
connections are extremely slow. 
● Europe contains a group of separate nation states, ​so compared to 
the USA and Japan, it could be considered a lot. 
 
Comparative adjectives 

● Developing countries are ​more​ reliant on alternative energy 

production ​than​ developed countries (are). 
● Picasso’s art is ​better than​ Van Gogh’s (art).   
● The contribution of the electronic light to human welfare is 
greater than​ any other invention (is). 
● Solar energy is ​cheaper than​ any other source of energy (is). 
● I study ​harder than​ John (does). 
● Computers impact human life ​more profoundly than​ cellphones. 
● Western countries ​consume more oil than​ the Middle East 
(does). 
● East Asia ​produces more notebook computers than​ any other 
area (does) in the world. 
● Solar power ​accounts for less​ total energy production ​than​ gas 
or coal (does). 
● Big cars that use a lot of petrol ​are less popular now than (they 
were) twenty years ago. 
● It is easier to travel to a different place ​now than (it was) thirty 
years ago. 

Using quantifiers 

● The contributions of the electronic light to human welfare is ​far

greater than​ those of any other invention.
 ● His salary as an online tutor ​is slightly higher than​ that of a
teacher.
● Western countries ​consume two times more oil than​ the
Middle East.
● Solar power accounts for ​far less total energy production than
gas or coal.
● It is ​much easier​ to travel to a different place now ​than (it was)
thirty years ago.
● I am ​a bit more interested in music than (I am interested in)
sports​. 

Quantifiers showing a big Quantifiers showing a small

difference difference

● A lot of/lots of ● A little

● Far/far greater than ● A bit of
● Much ● A few
● Any ● None
● Plenty of ● Not any
● Several ● Slightly
● Significantly ● marginally
● Considerably

Quantity expressions

● The contribution of the electronic light to human welfare is​ as

great as those of ​any other invention.
● I studied ​as hard as​ he did.
● Western countries consume ​as much oil as​ the Middle East.
● It is ​as easy to travel to different place now as third years
ago.

 
 

Similarity ● Similarly 
● Likewise 
● By the same token 
● Along similar lines 
● In a similar way to 
● In a similar fashion to 
 

Cause and Effect (Result) ● Because 

● Because of 
● Since 
● Owing to 
● Consequently 
● As a consequence 
● As a result 
● Result in (almost instant) 
● Lead to (steps between cause and effect) 
● Contribute to (part of several factors) 
● Give rise to (unexpected change) 
 
Words that show cause  Words that show effect 

Combination with adjectives:  Combination with adjectives: 

● Primary cause  ● Have a significant 
● Leading cause  effect/impact on 
● Underlying cause (root  ● One effect/on 
cause)  ● Negative effect/impact 
● Main cause  ● Positive effect/impact 
 ● Major cause  ● Adverse effect/impact 
● Main reason  ● Beneficial effect/impact 
● Primary reason   
● Critical factor  Detailed results: 
● Key factor  ● Result (direct cause) 
● Crucial factor  ● Outcome (what is likely to 
● Contributing factor  happen) 
 
Used as a verb 
● Causes 
● Is caused by 
● To factor in (consider 
something important) 
●  
 
 

Generalizing ● Generally 
● On the whole 
● In most cases 
● In general 

Reformulation Use if you want to say something in a different way. 

 
● That is 
● In other words 
● To put it simply 
● That is to say 
 

Highlighting Use if you want to draw attention to something among many other things. 
  
● In particular 
● Specifically 
● Particularly 
● Namely 

Giving Examples ● For example, 

● For instance, 
● Take “something”, for example, 
● To give a clear example. 

Alternatives ● Alternatively 
● As another possibility 
 

Conclusion Paragraph Structure

● a restatement of the thesis statement you wrote in your introduction
○ Because of the _____ I oppose/support the idea of _______
○ As I have tried to show _______
○ In conclusion, ________
● a brief summary of your ​main ideas.