Explain your position. The second most common Describe a characteristic. This prompt asks you to

WRITING 121 ■ uses correct grammar and makes appropriate word choices consistently ■ demonstrates variety in sentence structure and vocabulary 5 ■ addresses the essay topic, but responds to some parts more effectively than others ■ makes a thesis statement ■ gives details and examples to support its thesis ■ has an overall effective organization and develops ideas e.g., four or five well-developed paragraphs ■ uses correct grammar throughout most of the essay ■ demonstrates some variety in sentence structure and vocabulary 4 ■ addresses the essay topic, but does not respond to all of its parts ■ uses some details to support a thesis ■ is organized but does not use the most effective or logical approach ■ develops ideas adequately e.g., four developed paragraphs ■ includes grammatical and usage errors that may confuse meaning ■ demonstrates less variety in sentence structure and a more limited vocabulary 3 ■ does not have a clear thesis ■ has weak organization and development e.g., two or three short paragraphs ■ offers few or irrelevant details to support its thesis ■ uses words and phrases inappropriately ■ makes several grammatical errors 122 TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS 2 ■ lacks focus ■ gives few or no details ■ is disorganized and underdeveloped e.g., only two short paragraphs ■ makes serious and frequent grammatical errors 1 ■ is incoherent ■ is underdeveloped e.g., only one paragraph ■ makes serious and persistent grammatical errors ■ is blank ■ simply copies the essay topic but does not respond to it ■ addresses another topic ■ uses a language other than English ■ consists only of a series of random keystrokes KEEPING TIME ON THE ESSAY EXAM You have just half an hour to write a top-rated essay. Should you plunge right in or take time to plan your essay first? Even though time is limited, your chances of doing well increase if you organize your thoughts before you write. The writing process includes three important steps: planning, writing, and proofreading. To make time for each step, follow these guidelines during the writing test: 5–10 minutes plan choose a thesis, brainstorm, and outline your essay 15–20 minutes write 5 minutes proofread reread for errors or to adjust word choice = 30 minutes