TOEFL Writing Tip

Your TOEFL writing score can easily increase if you use many action verbs, and avoid the passive tense almost completely. Although I realize none of you are small children, this video gives you a great list of action verbs to practice using in your writing.

TOEFL Action Verbs Video 

Nepal Turns Down Taiwan Aid (TOEFL Independent Essay Question)

The series of TOEFL independent essay questions about the events in Nepal continues today. As mentioned previously, the TOEFL independent essay won't have a reading to go with it. But, I thought I would list a news article here to help give you more information on the topic.

Read more: Nepal Turns Down Taiwan Asistance

Do you agree with this statement? Taiwan was turned down by Nepal because of China's good relations with Nepal. Give reasons to support your answer.

TOEFL Ind Essay Example #3 ( Nepal Earthquake)

Hello,

The Nepal earthquake images still continue to scatter across the news.  Today, I will change the wording  of another TOEFL Independent essay to let you use the Nepal Earthquake as a reference point. On the TOEFL, you won't  to read any additional information on the topic. But, I will share a popular FB post going around right now to help you write your essay.

Nepal Earthquake 2015.

For people abroad wanting to volunteer in Nepal right now. As a Nepali, I can say this is very heartwarming. Thank You !

But, please remember Nepal is still unstable at the moment. You want to help so you can make things better not worse.

We would hate to see you in danger because of us. We don't want to see stranded at an airport not knowing where to go, what to do. We don't want to see alone because we are not capable of hosting you right now. And also, we need to focus on rescuing the people who are in the country right now.

We appreciate your offer to help but right now, Nepal needs to organise from within. When things get calm, and we are better organized. When Nepali people living in Nepal need rest but still need to rebuild, PLEASE do come and help us.

Remember we want to reduce the stress not increase it. So, please stay safe where you are. You can help by updating people about the earthquake, rescue and medical camps, donating to organizations, sharing missing people's posts and sending Nepal lots of positive energy !

The author here encourages people to wait to volunteer for several different reasons. Do you agree that Nepal should not accept any volunteers from abroad yet? Give reasons to support your answer.

TOEFL Ind Essay ( Nepal Topic #2)

TOEFL Ind essay practice with Nepal Earthquake as a topic #2

I can't stop thinking about these people in Nepal. Here is another topic for you

You can watch this Nepal Earthquake video here to inspire your writing..

TOEFL Essay:

After a natural disaster, (earthquake, flood, tsunami, etc.) people volunteer for many different reasons. (for example, personal satisfaction, personal interest, career experience) Why do you think people will volunteer their time in Nepal after this earthquake?

TOEFL Writing Tip

The TOEFL Independent essay forces TOEFL students to come up with specific examples to support your personal examples.

This TOEFL Writing tips video explains a small part of the essay.

Some basic notes to go along with the video.

Two tips : 

Professional Examples/ Academic Example- TOEFL revolves around academic work. So, it is best to speak the test graders' language. Try to come up with these kinds of examples whenever possible

                  

True: Try to come up with a true example if you can. But, if you are good at making up a story, don't be afraid to do so.

How to learn to come up with example:

Take a TOEFL example question:

People attend college or university for many reasons. (for example: new experience, career preparation, etc.) Why do you think people attend university?

Your job: Come up with two keywords.

Example:  Social experience: make friends, personal experience

                  Career: Connections , learned how to teach