What raters look for
- Task fulfillment: You answered the question and covered all key points.
- Organization: Clear structure, logical flow, strong topic sentences and transitions.
- Language use: Accurate grammar and vocabulary, varied sentence structures, precise word choice.
- Recommended length: Integrated 180–230 words; Independent 320–420 words. Quality over length.
Part 1: Integrated Writing (reading + lecture summary)
Goal Summarize how the lecture challenges or supports the reading. Focus on the lecturer’s points while using the reading for context. No personal opinions.
Time plan (20 minutes)
- 2 minutes: Plan (map reading vs. lecture)
- 14 minutes: Write
- 4 minutes: Revise
Note-taking and mapping
- During reading (3 minutes): Identify 3 main claims (A, B, C).
- During lecture: Match each spoken counterpoint to A, B, C. Write short phrases, not sentences.
- Keep paragraph order aligned with the reading (Point 1, 2, 3).
Integrated essay template
- Introduction
- General topic (1 sentence)
- Thesis: The lecture challenges the reading’s claims and explains why.
- Template: The reading argues that [overall claim]. However, the lecturer disputes these points, providing reasons that undermine the article’s argument.
- Body paragraph 1 (Reading Point A vs. Lecture Point A)
- Reading claim (paraphrased in one sentence)
- Lecture counterpoint with key details/examples
- Connector idea: While the text maintains that…, the lecturer counters this by explaining that…
- Body paragraph 2 (Point B)
- Reading claim
- Lecture counterpoint with key details/examples
- Body paragraph 3 (Point C)
- Reading claim
- Lecture counterpoint with key details/examples
- Optional closing line
- Overall, the lecture systematically challenges the article’s claims.
High-utility language for Integrated
- Neutral reporting verbs (reading): claims, maintains, asserts, proposes, suggests
- Critical verbs (lecture): challenges, disputes, contradicts, refutes, casts doubt on, undermines
- Contrast connectors: however, in contrast, on the other hand, nevertheless, yet, whereas, while
- Precision: specifically, notably, in particular
Paraphrasing and summarizing for Integrated
- Change structure: The article argues X → According to the article, X is argued.
- Switch parts of speech: The protection of forests is essential → Protecting forests is essential.
- Use concise synonyms: crucial → vital; evidence → data; likely → probable
- Combine and compress: Merge long sentences; remove examples that don’t support the main point.
- Keep essential technical terms and numbers. Do not copy long phrases from the passage.
- Avoid opinion or evaluation; be objective and accurate.
Self-check for Integrated
- Did I include all 3 major points and the lecture’s response to each?
- Is the lecture’s viewpoint emphasized?
- Are transitions clear? Is the tone objective?
- Any unnecessary details or personal opinions? Remove them.
Part 2: Independent Writing (opinion/argument essay)
Goal Take a clear position and defend it with reasons and specific examples.
Time plan (30 minutes)
- 4 minutes: Plan (choose side, outline, examples)
- 22 minutes: Write
- 4 minutes: Revise
Independent essay template
- Introduction
- Paraphrase the prompt
- Clear thesis (choose one side)
- Roadmap with 2–3 reasons
- Template: Although some people believe [counterview], I contend that [your view] because [Reason 1], [Reason 2], and [Reason 3].
- Body paragraph 1 (Reason 1)
- Topic sentence stating the reason
- Explanation (why it matters)
- Specific example (personal, academic, or real-world)
- Mini-conclusion linking back to thesis
- Body paragraph 2 (Reason 2)
- Topic sentence
- Explanation
- Specific example
- Mini-conclusion
- Optional Body paragraph 3 or a Counterargument + Rebuttal
- Concede briefly (Admittedly, …), then rebut with stronger logic or evidence
- Conclusion
- Restate thesis (fresh wording)
- Synthesize main reasons and add a broader takeaway or implication
High-utility academic connectors
- Sequencing: first, second, finally; to begin with; subsequently
- Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition, also
- Contrast/concession: however, nevertheless,