Types of TOEFL Essays

1. Agree or Disagree ( Opinion Essay)

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All children should be required to take a foreign language class from the time they start school until they begin university. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

2. Advantages and disadvantages

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city versus living in a small town. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

3. Preference

Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer?

4. Explanation/Discription

Your school has received a gift of money. What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

After leaving school or university, young people should choose a job or career that they love, rather than one that pays the best salary. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

5. Cause and Effect Essay

What are the chief causes of divorce, and how does it affect the children of the couple?

6. Narrative/Descriptive Essay

What were the best classes you ever took? Give examples of at least two classes which you found outstanding, and explain why you chose these.

7. Compare and Contrast Essays ( Discussing Both Views )

A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either:

• to go on vacation
• to buy a car

Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend’s two choices and explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

8. If / Imaginary Essay

If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.