Learning Outcomes
After studying this article, you will be able to identify when a TOEFL Integrated Writing task requires you to contrast lecture points with the reading. You will know how to recognize opposing arguments, extract key counterpoints from spoken material, and structure a writing response that explains how the lecture challenges or disagrees with the reading. You will practice clear note-taking and synthesis—key to high TOEFL Writing scores.
TOEFL iBT Syllabus
For TOEFL, you are required to understand the skills for answering Integrated Writing tasks that contrast the reading and lecture. When revising, focus on these syllabus points:
- Distinguish when the lecture supports versus opposes the reading.
- Identify specific points the lecture makes that contradict or cast doubt on key ideas in the reading.
- Take systematic notes from both the reading and listening materials (especially contrasting points).
- Summarize the lecture’s main counterarguments clearly and relate them directly to corresponding points in the reading.
- Write a well-organized essay that explains how the lecture challenges the reading, without giving your own opinion or extra information.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What is the primary difference between a TOEFL Integrated Writing task that requires contrasting and one that requires supporting?
- In an Integrated Writing task, what is your job if the question says “Explain how the lecture casts doubt on points in the reading”?
- True or false: You should always give your personal opinion in your Integrated Writing essay.
Introduction
The most common TOEFL Integrated Writing task asks you to summarize how lecture points challenge or disagree with arguments made in a reading passage. This kind of question usually uses phrases like "cast doubt on," "challenge," "disagree with," or "oppose" the reading. Your job is to report, not to argue. Clear note-taking and focused explanation are essential.
Key Term: Integrated Writing Task
A TOEFL Writing assignment requiring you to write an essay that combines information from a reading and a lecture, showing their relationship (often contrast).Key Term: Contradiction
An idea in the lecture that directly disagrees with, opposes, or disproves a point in the reading.
Structure of a Contrasting Integrated Writing Task
The passage will present a claim, argument, or explanation. The lecture then provides counterarguments, weaknesses, or alternative explanations. Your essay must show, point by point, how the lecture’s points challenge the reading.
Key Term: Synthesis
The reporting of information from multiple sources (reading and lecture) in a combined, organized manner.
Steps to Answer a Contrasting Task
- Read the passage, and take notes on its three main points (often supporting a claim). Use simple keywords.
- Listen to the lecture; focus on points that specifically challenge or cast doubt on the reading's main points.
- Outline your response. Each body paragraph should:
- Summarize one main reading point.
- Explain how the lecture casts doubt on it (citing evidence or reasoning from the lecture).
- Write your essay:
- Introduction: Summarize the topic and explain that the lecture casts doubt on the reading.
- Body 1–3: For each point, summarize the reading’s claim, then the lecture’s challenge.
- Conclusion (optional): Briefly restate that the lecture challenges the reading’s points.
Worked Example 1.1
A reading passage argues that alligators are harmful to Florida’s wetlands, citing three main reasons: they disrupt fish populations, they pose a danger to humans, and they damage water quality.
The lecture casts doubt on the reading for all three points. The lecturer explains that alligators protect fish by eating only sick or overabundant species; incidents with humans are rare and usually the result of irresponsible behavior by people; and water quality is actually improved by alligators stirring up nutrients.
Exam-style Question: Summarize the main points in the lecture, explaining how they challenge the points made in the reading.
Answer:
The lecture challenges the reading’s negative view of alligators. First, it states that alligators eat only certain fish, preventing overpopulation and disease, which actually benefits the ecosystem. Second, contrary to the reading’s claims, attacks on people are uncommon and typically result from humans feeding wild alligators. Third, the lecturer explains that by disturbing the soil, alligators improve nutrient cycling and water quality, not harm it. Overall, the lecture disagrees with the reading by providing contrary scientific evidence for each claim.
Worked Example 1.2
A reading proposes that online learning is not effective because it limits student interaction, reduces course quality, and is not recognized by employers.
The lecture disputes each point: It claims modern platforms use group work, peer review, and discussions to encourage interaction; course accreditation standards are the same as in-person programs; and many top companies now hire graduates with online degrees.
Exam-style Question: According to the information above, how does the lecture challenge the reading’s position?
Answer:
The lecture contradicts the reading’s view of online learning. It notes that online courses incorporate interactive group activities and communication tools. Quality is maintained through standard accreditation and monitoring. Finally, employers increasingly accept online credentials, as demonstrated by hiring trends at leading companies.
Worked Example 1.3
A reading passage asserts that zoos do not contribute to conservation because few animals are released, enclosures are too artificial, and resources are wasted.
The lecture refutes these: It points out successful reintroduction programs, that animals are better protected and bred for reintroduction in captivity, and funds support preservation in the wild as well.
Exam-style Question: Summarize how the lecture casts doubt on the reading’s arguments.
Answer:
The lecture rejects the idea that zoos fail to aid conservation. There are many documented cases of successful animal reintroduction. Animals in zoos are protected, bred, and adapted, which increases the chance of survival. Money raised by zoos is also used for habitat conservation programs outside the zoo.
Exam Warning
A frequent error is to summarize the reading and lecture separately, or only repeat the reading’s points. Remember, your response must directly explain how each lecture point relates to a specific claim in the reading.
Revision Tip
When taking notes, split your paper: left for reading points, right for each lecture counterpoint. Draw arrows to show the challenge. This visual helps you write logically organized, point-by-point paragraphs.
Summary
TOEFL Integrated Writing contrast tasks require you to identify, organize, and report how lecture points challenge the arguments or evidence in the reading passage. The best essays compare point-for-point, using direct phrases like “the lecturer counters this by saying…” and referencing only the provided information.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Explain what a contrasting Integrated Writing task is on the TOEFL.
- Identify when a question requires you to show how the lecture casts doubt on the reading.
- Take organized notes to align reading points with lecture counterpoints.
- Structure an essay in clear, focused paragraphs, each explaining a reading point and its direct challenge from the lecture.
- Avoid personal opinions—present only information from the reading and lecture.
- Practice matching lecture counterpoints to reading points for effective exam writing.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Integrated Writing Task
- Contradiction
- Synthesis