Integrated Writing task overview
The Integrated Writing task asks you to read a short academic passage, listen to a lecture on the same topic, and write a summary explaining how the lecture relates to the reading. The typical relationship is challenge: the reading presents positions or theories; the lecture counters with evidence or alternative explanations.
You are not asked for your personal opinion. You are reporting and synthesising two sources under time pressure.
Reading phase: capture three claims
You have about three minutes with the reading on screen. Identify three main claims or points — label them A, B, C in your notes:
- Claim A — often the broadest or first argument.
- Claim B — supporting or secondary argument.
- Claim C — implication, example category, or third factor.
Copy key nouns accurately — your essay will need them for alignment with the lecture.
Listening phase: capture rebuttals
As the lecture plays, map each segment to A, B, or C:
A → lecturer says evidence is outdated / sample too small
B → alternative cause proposed
C → field study contradicts prediction
Note how the lecture challenges — statistic, methodology flaw, counterexample — not just disagrees.
Essay structure (about 280–300 words)
Introduction (2–3 sentences)
- Introduce the topic.
- State the relationship: The lecture casts doubt on the claims made in the reading or The lecture supports the reading by providing additional examples.
Body (three paragraphs recommended)
Each paragraph follows reading claim → lecture response:
- The reading argues that…
- However, the lecturer contends that… / The professor points out that…
- One specific detail from the lecture.
Repeat for B and C. One point per paragraph keeps scoring transparent.
Conclusion (optional, 1–2 sentences)
Brief synthesis — Overall, the lecture undermines the reading's conclusions. Skip if time is tight; body coverage matters more.
Language for contrast relationships
Useful connectors:
- In contrast, On the other hand, Conversely
- The lecturer challenges this by arguing that…
- While the reading suggests…, the lecture demonstrates…
Vary reporting verbs: claims, asserts, maintains (reading) vs refutes, questions, casts doubt on (lecture).
Common scoring problems
| Problem | Result |
|---|---|
| Opinion paragraphs | Off-task development |
| Reading-only essay | Missing half the sources |
| Vague the professor disagrees | Low detail score |
| Copied phrases from reading | Possible originality flags; paraphrase |
| Misaligned points | Logic breaks — A matched to wrong rebuttal |
Paraphrasing under time pressure
You may not have time for elegant synonyms. Priority order:
- Accurate ideas first.
- Clear alignment second.
- Varied vocabulary third.
Simple correct prose outscores ornate inaccurate prose.
Timing plan (20 minutes typical)
- Reading + notes: 3 min (fixed by test)
- Listening + notes: 2 min (fixed)
- Outline: 2 min — A/B/C paired bullets
- Draft: 12 min
- Quick proofread: 1 min — subject-verb, tense consistency
Practice exercise
Take any short pro/con article. Record yourself giving a two-minute rebuttal. Write the integrated essay from your article notes plus rebuttal recording. Compare — did each reading paragraph have a lecture counterpart?
Official reference
TOEFL iBT format overview — About the TOEFL iBT test.