How to begin your TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS essay.

ScottsEnglish

What's the first sentence you should write in your TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS essay?

There is a way to begin your essay which we have suggested to students over many years that works every time.

Here's what you do: Begin your essay with a general statement about the topic.

Sounds easy - right?  All you need to do is identify the topic and then write a general statement about the topic to get started.

Take, for example, the following TOEFL topic:

Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

What is the topic or subject of the question?  The answer: food preparation.

So, what would be a general statement about food?  How about this one:

The topic of food preparation is widely discussed around the world today.

So we have a general statement about the topic to begin the essay.  Okay?  Here's another key to remember: A general statement is one that 100% of people would agree with therefore, it's NOT an opinion!

Why is it important to begin your essay this way? It shows the marker/examiner that you have been able to identify the subject of the question.  If you do not identify the subject of a particular question and write about another, different topic, you will lose points. 

Now, try this task:

1. Carefully read the question.
2. Identify the topic/subject of the question.
3. Write a general statement about the topic in the comments box below.

How do movies or television influence people’s behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

Click below for a sample answer:

The topic of television and its influence of human behaviour is widely discussed around the world today.

For more examples, go here.