The document provides tips for improving TOEFL writing skills. It emphasizes that the introduction is the most important part of the essay and should include a general statement, narrowing the focus, restating the question, stating an opinion, and providing two specific reasons. Well-developed topic, organization, and clarity are more important than minor grammar or vocabulary mistakes. Sample essay introductions are given on choosing dormitory or off-campus housing and on the importance of a teacher's ability to relate to students versus their subject knowledge. The document advises that providing a reasoned opinion is important when answering sample TOEFL questions.

1. How to Improve Your TOEFL
Writing
(Independent)

2. 1
Start Strong!
• Your introduction is the most important part of
your essay.
“There’s no second chance for the first impression.”
• When raters get the impression that your
introduction is weak, chances are the rest will
suffer from the same impression.

3. It’s NOT really about grammar, vocabulary, or
spelling. (As long as the mistakes are only minor
ones)
What Really Matters?
MAJOR or BASIC mistakes
can KO you, though!

4. What Really Matters?
It’s MORE about:
• clarity
• topic development
• organization

5. The Perfect Intro
Give a general statement
Narrow it down
Restate the question
State your opinion
and provide two specific reasons
(THESIS STATEMENT)

6. College life is a very important stage for
students’ development. This development is
strongly influenced by the environment. Living
in a dormitory or off-campus are two
environments that students must choose. In
my opinion, living in a dormitory is a better
choice because it is more practical and gives
new students more time to interact with and
learn from their seniors.

7. Sample Question 1:
Do you agree or disagree with the following
statement?
A teacher’s ability to relate well with students is
more important than excellent knowledge of the
subject being taught.
Now your opinion does matter!

8. Sample Question 2:
Do you agree or disagree with the following
statement?
The best way to improve the quality of education at
university is to increase the salary of teachers.
Now your opinion does matter!

9. Adapted from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFTtn4y5-RY&list=PLo8HPysuqfKg6Uzr-
YSlWJqaq_zL02ukg&index=4