• 1st) Right, so the Integrated Essay begins with a reading that's about 4 paragrahs, or 250-300 words long (it's not short), and you have 3 minutes to read it. Remember to take notes while you read, and speculate the key points that will relate to the listening and be asked in the question.

• TIP As an example, if the reading discuses using plastic bags and recycling, note down the arguments, vocabulary and structure used in the text related to these themes.

• 2nd) When the reading time has expired, you will listen to a lecture on the same topic. The audio will last for about 2-3 minutes and use a lot of the vocabulary from the reading, as well as either oppose or support some of the points made. Again, make sure to take notes!

• TIP Start connecting and comparing the supportive and contrasting points of the reading and listening. This will help you greatly to start off your writing.

• 3rd) After the listening has finished, the reading text will reappear on your screen, along with a 20 minute timer and test question. Here, the question might be something along the lines of, "Summarize the points given in the lecture, being sure to specifically explain how they support points made in the reading passage." Write between 150-225 words.

• TIP Do not give your personal opinion! You are wasting your time and throwing away points by giving your personal thoughts for the integrated essay. All you should do is what the question asks – and that will always be summarize and compare the supporting or opposing points from the reading and audio exercise.

More advice? Watch these videos from TOEFL Resources, NoteFull, and EngVid.

The Independent Essay

How is the independent essay different from the integrated essay? The independent essay asks about familiar topics and gives you the opportunity to express your own opinion. No reading a long text, no listening, just writing what you think! Let's take a closer look

• 1st) The type of question you'll find for the independent essay is similar to the type of question you're asked in speaking question 2 – explain why you support or oppose the question topic / why you prefer one thing instead of another. An example question might look like, "Some people prefer to travel with a friend or relative. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which option do you prefer and why?"

• 2nd) You will have 30 minutes to prepare and write your essay, and it's recommended to write at least 300 words

• TIP Because you are expressing your opinion, it is very important to clearly state your stance on the question being asked. If you support something, clearly write what you are in favor of, and what supporting evidence you will be using to make your argument. The same goes for evey other type of argument you try to make (disagreeing, opposed to something, giving your preference, etc.).

To perfect the writing skills necessary to get a high scoring independent essay, watch these videos from TOEFL Resources, NoteFull, Magoosh, and EngVid.

Want some general writing advice for the TOEFL essays?

If you've already studied the essay questions but want to improve specific writing strategies to score higher, these videos from EngVid and TOEFL Resources will do just that.