Preparing for TOEFL – Explaining the Integrated Writing Rubrics
Submitted by: Kimi
The TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is scored based on your proficiency in the four categories of the English language: Speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Each of these categories is weighed equally in regards to your final score: each section is worth 30 points each for a grand total of 120 points. However, each of these categories is judged in different ways. In previous articles, I explained how the Speaking Tasks are judged and what is expected from you, the student. I have also explained the marking scheme for the Independent Writing Task, which is your personal essay. Here I will explain what is expected in order to get a high grade in the Integrated Speaking Task. This Task involves reading a short passage (approximately 230-300 words in length) from an actual university, academic text. You then listen to a university course lecture conducted by a legitimate professor, which lasts for around two minutes, maybe longer. These reading and listening passages come directly from real life university courses and are not just a creation of somebody’s imagination. The task lasts for a half an hour and requires you to write approximately 225 words – or a half a page – however there are no punishments for writing more than that. Here is a breakdown of what is expected from you when you write your Integrated Writing Task.
Rubrics are sets of defined grading scale based on your performances.
Grade descriptions
Your grade for your Integrated Writing Task is based on your ability to identify and summarize the main ideas of the text and lecture, your ability to convey your ideas in an organized manner so that the judge can read it with ease, and finally, your ability to use grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary to illustrate your opinions. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to have a background in the subject of the lecture and text; all of the information you need is contained in the lecture and text. This Task is designed so that you can prove that you understand what has been told to you and your ability to explain it.
The grading scheme for the Integrated Writing Rubrics ranges from zero to five, with five being the highest grade possible. This result is then added to your grade in the Independent Writing Task (the personal essay) and then adjusted for a grade out of 30.
Zero
A grade of zero on your Integrated Writing Task is given if you simply fail to write your Task. you will also get a zero if you just copy sentences or key phrases from the text itself, or if you did not answer the question directly. For example, if the question asks you to illustrate the difference between A and B, and your answer explains why A is better, you have failed to answer the question directly; therefore you will receive a zero.
One
An essay that receives a score of one is characterized by a low language skills level with grammar and spelling mistakes that directly change the meaning of your essay. Also, your essay probably did not properly address the question nor did you express your ideas in a clear and coherent way. The judges struggled to understand your train of thought; therefore you failed to adequately convey your ideas.
Two
A grade of two on your Integrated Writing Task illustrates that you have successfully addressed the question directly as well as showing examples and details to support it. However, you have significant grammar and vocabulary mistakes that made it difficult to understand your ideas. Furthermore, a grade of two will be given to an essay that does not provide adequate support or if you failed to link the main points of the lecture. Also, you may have forgotten some key points of the lecture, issues that are paramount to the overall issue. Even if you have made proper connections, your ideas are skewed thanks to poor grammar and an inability to articulate your ideas.
Three
A grade of three on your essay shows that you can absorb and then summarize information given to you both in oral and written form. A grade of three contains one or all of the following mistakes: your details and examples are too vague to illustrate that you fully understand the concept; you omitted one or more of the key facts and issues contained in the lecture; you connected two ideas that really do not share anything in common; your examples are inaccurate and do not represent the true nature of the major issues; or you have a significant amount of grammatical and spelling errors which made it difficult for your ideas to be conveyed.
Four
A score at this level shows that you have a strong understanding of the lecture and the text and that you have successfully conveyed those ideas with proper connections and links between each thought. Your examples and details are accurate and your grammar has limited to no mistakes. You have made enough details to show your ideas that there is no room for misinterpretation or vagueness. Even if you have minor grammatical mistakes, such as syntax, verb conjugation, or usage of conjunctions and prepositions, you may still receive a grade of four if those mistakes do not hinder the judge’s ability to understand your essay.
Five
A score of five on your Integrated Writing Task is given if you have fully understood the question and that you answered it directly with perfect grammar, sentence structure, and proof of a vast vocabulary. You have included all of the necessary information and supported each main point with specific examples and details from the text and lecture. Also, a score of five is given if you have linked each of your main points with proper transition so that the judge can easily read through your short essay and be able to identify each point plus their details without any difficulty. You may also receive a score of five if you have minor grammar errors that do not affect the judge’s comprehension of your work.
Latest Articles about: TOEFL
1: Preparing for TOEFL – Building your English speaking skills2: Preparing for TOEFL – Explaining the Integrated Writing Rubrics
3: Preparing for TOEFL – Explaining the Independent Writing Rubrics
4: Preparing for TOEFL – Explaining the Speaking Rubrics
5: TOEFL Test Score: How the test is scored
Word Count: 1072 Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2011 Time: 2:35 AM
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