Frankenstein thinks the creature will hurt him. b. Frankenstein thinks the creature is dead.

K i n d s o f E s s a y P r o m p t s o n t h e T O E F L E x a m On one level, all of the essay prompts on both the computer-based test and the TWE exam are the same. Nearly every question will present you with a statement, situation, or scenario and ask you to take a position and support it. Here’s an example: AS usual, there are some important differences between the writing section of the computer-based TOEFL exam and the paper-based TWE exam. The types of prompts are the same, but the TWE exam is offered separately from the paper-based exam and at limited times. The computer-based test, on the other hand, requires all test takers to write an essay all on the same day. The table below compares the differences between the two writing tests. Source: Barron’s Passkey to the TOEFL ® , 4th ed., 2001. Computer-Based Test vs. Paper-Based Test – W R I T I N G – 1 0 9 Computer-Based TOEFL Exam The writing section is a mandatory part of the exam. Everyone taking the computer-based test must write an essay. The computer will randomly select an essay prompt for you. Other test-takers may have different topics. All of the possible writing prompts are listed on the TOEFL ® website and in the TOEFL ® Information Bul- letin see sidebar on page 108. You have the option of either handwriting your essay or typing it on the computer. The score for your essay is combined with your score for the Structure section. It counts as 50 of your total StructureWriting score see Chapter 6 for more details. Test of Written English TWE The TWE exam is offered only five times each year. If you need to take the TWE exam, you must to select a TOEFL exam test date when the TWE exam is also offered. There is no additional cost. All test-takers have the same essay prompt. There is no published list of TWE exam writing prompts. You must handwrite your essay. Your TWE exam essay score is reported separately from your TOEFL exam score. Some television shows are dramas, some are situation comedies, and some are “reality” shows that deal with real people in real situations. Which type of television show do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. As you can see, the topic is general enough for anyone to write about. There’s no right or wrong answer; the point is for you to state your preference and explain why that is your preference. While the essay prompts are all of this general “take a position” type, they can be organized into five more specific categories:

1. Agree or disagree with a statement.

This is probably the most common kind of essay prompt on the TOEFL exam. You will be presented with a statement and be asked to agree or disagree with that statement. Here are some examples: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes, you have to lose in order to win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do you agree that money is the root of all evil? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Schools should require students to wear uniforms rather than wear whatever clothing they desire. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. TIP: For example, you might answer the third prompt like this: “Students should not have to wear uni- forms, but there should definitely be restrictions on what kind of clothing students can wear.”

2. Take a position and explain it.

This is the second most common type of prompt. It asks you to state your position on a general issue. Often the prompt follows this formula: “Some people prefer X. Others prefer Y. Which do you prefer?” Here are some examples: Nowadays, communicating with others is faster and easier thanks to technology like email, cellular phones, and beepers. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Some people prefer to travel widely and live in faraway places. Others would rather stay close to home and live near family. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. – W R I T I N G – 1 1 0