Standard TOEFL essay form

In general, an essay is made up of three basic components: an introductory, a body, and a conclusion. The length of an essay may vary greatly, but because you only have 30 minutes in which to prepare, write, and proofread your TOEFL essay, you should aim for an essay containing a maximum of four to five paragraphs (unless you are a highly accomplished English writer). Your first paragraph, the introductory, will introduce the main topic of your essay to your reader, and it typically ends with your thesis statement (the most important sentence in your essay). The next part of your essay is the body. The body provides detailed support to prove your thesis. The body will be made up of the main subpoints of your thesis, each with its own paragraph. Thus, your body will most likely consist of 2-3 paragraphs. Your final paragraph is your conclusion. These three basic parts are outlined below and will be discussed in greater detail in our writing lectures.

I. Introduction

A. Hook (to capture your reader’s attention)

B. General information on assigned topic (no details)

C. Thesis (one-sentence statement of main idea plus viewpoint)

II. Body

A. Sub-Point One

l. Topic sentence

2. Details supporting topic sentence

B. Sub-Point Two

1. Topic sentence

2. Details supporting topic sentence

C. (Possible) Sub-Point Three

1. Topic sentence

2. Details supporting topic sentence

III. Conclusion

A. Paraphrase of thesis

B. Summary of viewpoint

C. General final statement/comment