Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Writing Tutorial Workbook
Writing Tutorial Workbook
(3-4 minutes) Review new words or grammar from yesterday. Speak out loud and
make a few spontaneous sentences.
Js Million-Dollar Tip
a. Controlled Conditions: After looking at the lessons, finish the practice material
in the workbook.
b. Exam Conditions: After about 1 week of controlled conditions, you should test
yourself in conditions that are similar to the TOEFL exam. This means:
i. you need to carefully monitor your time;
ii. you shouldnt use a dictionary or any websites to help; and
iii. you should limit your distractions by logging out of Facebook and
turning off your phone.
www.JaimeMiller.com
2
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
Page 5
Page 6
JaimeMiller.com/how-to-learntoefl-vocabulary
Improve my spelling
Page 7
Page 44-45
www.JaimeMiller.com
3
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
THINGS I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH ON THE INTEGRATED WRITING
Location of information
The Basics what happens in the integrated writing?
Page 10 and 12
Page 15 through 18
Uncountable Nouns
Past Guesses
Email
info@jaimemiller.com
to request your free copy.
Video in OTW
Pages 13 and 14
Pages 15 through 18
www.JaimeMiller.com
4
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
THINGS I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH ON THE INDEPENDENT WRITING
Location of information
The Basics what happens in the independent writing?
Page 20 and 24
Pages 22 and 23
Pages 25 through 27
Page 28 and 29
Pages 30 and 31
Page 32 through 37
Page 39-43
Uncountable Nouns
If sentences
Email
info@jaimemiller.com
to request your free copy.
Video in OTW
Page 38
www.JaimeMiller.com
5
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
2 ____Introduction
3 ____Thesis
4 ____Body paragraphs
9 ____To edit
5 ____Conclusion
6 ____To make a typo
7 ____Punctuation
www.JaimeMiller.com
6
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
WPM
(Words Per Minute)
www.JaimeMiller.com
7
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
. , ; : !
( ) /
Punctuation is annoying, but its extremely important for your writing. If your punctuation is
bad, then your writing looks chaotic and childish. Good punctuation makes your writing look
professional and adult.
Improving your punctuation is one of the easiest ways to improve your TOEFL writing score.
Can match the concepts below with each symbol?
.
1
,
2
a slash
a period
quotation marks
:
3
;
4
a colon
parentheses
a comma
( )
7
!
8
/
9
a semi-colon
an apostrophe
an exclamation mark
This paragraph
has 6 lines.
www.JaimeMiller.com
8
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
5.00
4.75
4.50
4.25
4.00
3.75
3.50
3.25
3.00
2.75
2.50
2.25
2.00
1.75
1.50
1.25
1.00
0
30
29
28
27
25
24
22
21
20
18
17
15
14
12
11
10
8
0
www.JaimeMiller.com
9
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
WHAT HAPPENS?
The writing section happens first / second / third / last at the TOEFL iBT test. The integrated
writing is the first essay task on TOEFL. I have ______ minutes to read the academic text. The
text is about __________ words long. I should / dont have to take notes during that time. Next,
Ill listen for ______ minutes. I can listen to the lecture ______ time. I should / dont have to
take notes during that time. After that, I will see a prompt on the computer screen. The prompt
isnt always the same but it will sound something like, ____________________________________
______________________________. Ill have ______ minutes to write my summary. My target
is between _______ and _______ words. If I write more than that, there is / isnt a penalty.
____(#) TOEFL graders will evaluate my essay. They will give me a score with a number
between _____ and _____. After, they take the average of those numbers and convert it a score
between 0 and 30. There are 3 criteria that TOEFL graders analyze in my writing: (1) ________
_____________________, (2)____________________________________________________________,
and (3) ____________________________________________________________________________.
www.JaimeMiller.com
10
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION:
I would like to thank my student, Mohamed Abdel-Moamen for his
keen observation that there are actually 3 types of phrases (even though
ETS divides them into 2 groups):
Partial contradiction -- The professor agrees slightly with the
passage but also contradicts each point with some kind of data.
Complete contradiction -- The professor has a totally different
view for each point.
No contradiction at all The professor agrees totally and
supports the passage in every point.
www.JaimeMiller.com
11
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
12
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
13
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
The speaker
The professor
The lecturer (person)
The lecture (thing)
SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIP
... , too.
also claims / says / states
supports
reinforces
backs up the claim that...
agrees with
Similarly, ...
reflects...
Js Million-Dollar Tip
Put this page of phrases on
the wall near your
computer so that you see
them every time you sit
down to write. It will speed
up your progress.
CONTRADICTORY RELATIONSHIP:
questions if
is skeptical about whether or not
contradicts / challenges the idea that
explains / argues that is not so effective/good/useful.
PHRASES TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS IN THE READING:
contends that
demonstrates
explores
shortcomings (plural noun)
www.JaimeMiller.com
14
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
15
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
The professor argues that The Chevaliers memoir is an accurate and reliable historical
document even though the reading tries to poke three holes in the original authors credibility.
The first area of dispute was The Chevaliers wealth. This man had lots of assets that were both
liquid and fixed. His liquid assets likely paid for his lifestyle. However, if he wanted to get
more money, he had to convert his property into cash. During that waiting period, the
professor argues that he might have borrowed money from various sources. When his
transaction came through, he could repay the loan. Because of this, The Chevalier was not
necessarily poor, like the text argued.
Another controversial issue was The Chevaliers reported conversation with Voltaire. Friends
and servants who lived with The Chevalier later in life confirmed that he used many notes and
journals while writing his memoir. The professor is convinced that he took decent notes of his
talks with Voltaire, and then later referred to them. Again, this means that The Chevaliers
memoir might be more accurate than the text claims.
The final issue is that of his escape from prison. According to the professor, The Chevalier
didnt have as many political allies as other prisoners in the Venetian jail. In theory, those other
prisoners could also have escaped by bribing the guards yet they didnt escape. Only The
Chevalier escaped, and that makes his tale of digging a hole through the ceiling more
believable. Furthermore, the professor cites an old official Venetian document that details
repairs for the ceiling of a jail cell The Chevaliers jail cell. However, the text ignores these
potential explanations.
In sum, the lecture explains why scholars today can trust the veracity of The Chevaliers
memoir. The professor has reasonable explanations for all of the issues raised by the reading.
www.JaimeMiller.com
16
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
Apparently theres been some historical debate about whether dinosaurs were reptiles or
endotherms (mammals or birds which maintain constant body temperature). The professor
tries to convince her class that dinosaurs were not actually endotherms, despite what they read
from the author.
First is the issue of dinosaur fossils being found in Antarctic zones. The professor explains it
was quite natural for dinosaurs to be in these regions because, so long ago, those regions were
actually warm. She says that even non-endotherms were there, and so dinosaurs could have
been among them, and when the weather got colder, they simply migrated like modern
animals. In other words, there are rational explanations for the presence of fossils in those
regions, and dinosaurs didnt have to be endotherms.
Second is the issue of skeletal structure. Animals with their legs under their skeletons (rather
than on the side, like crocodiles) are typically endothermic. The professor argues that dinosaur
skeletons evolved to support heavy creatures, and this is the reason that their legs are under,
rather than on the side, of their hips. The authors interpretation of the facts is not shared by
many scholars in the field.
Finally the professor addresses dinosaur bone structure. Modern reptiles bones show growth
rings and thickening both of these indicate that at certain times, the animal grows very slowly,
and then very rapidly. True endotherms, like humans, do not have these growth rings.
However, dinosaur bones have similar rings. Because of this, the professor refuses to accept the
authors claim that Haversian canals are proof of being an endotherm.
Basically, the professor illuminates the ongoing scholarly debate about dinosaurs as reptiles or
endotherms.
www.JaimeMiller.com
17
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
The professor asks us to question the effectiveness of anti-smoking campaigns by analyzing all
of the available statistics, instead of jumping to conclusions. This is because the text promotes
the idea that anti-smoking campaigns end teen smoking forever because the author overlooks
critical data from the end of the research period.
The professor describes full research which compared two surveys: one that was conducted at
the end of the anti-smoking campaign, and one that was done three months later. Both surveys
asked participants to (1) describe their level of awareness of the anti-smoking campaign, and (2)
think about the chances of them smoking in the future. The first survey had very positive
results. More than 50% of students said they had heard of the campaign or seen brochures and
advertisements, and 40% of students guessed they would smoke in the future. However, three
months later, the results were quite different. Less than 30% of students remembered the
brochures and advertisements and 58% guessed they would start smoking. In other words, the
anti-smoking campaign was not as effective as the author would like to believe. The text just
summarized the optimistic results of the first survey and highlighted the importance of
spending money on anti-smoking campaigns.
When the statistics from the second survey are considered, the professor says that more
accurate conclusions can be made.
www.JaimeMiller.com
18
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
The professor claims that music should be seriously considered as a way of increasing profits in
a business. This supports the theory described in the text that music is just one of many ways
that businesses can influence consumer behavior.
The first study that the professor describes occurred in restaurants. In one group of restaurants,
slow music was played, and in the other group, fast music was played. The profits and length
of time that patrons stayed in the restaurant was compared. On average, diners who listened to
slow music stayed 15 minutes longer and spent $4 per person more than those who heard fast
music. This confirms the texts claim that a good music system is a sound business investment.
The other study tracked college students as they shopped for clothing. When stores played pop
music, shoppers had a better perception of the store and tended to stay and browse longer.
However, stores that played older music didnt do as well with the same age group of shoppers.
Again, the reading confirms this by saying that stores can do a lot to influence the shoppers.
Neither the professor nor the author claims that a customers mood can be completely
controlled inside a store or restaurant. Rather, they both cite examples that indicate that
customers will spend more money if they are happier from listening to appealing music.
www.JaimeMiller.com
19
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
WHAT HAPPENS?
The writing section happens first / second / third / last at the TOEFL iBT test. The integrated
writing is the second essay task on TOEFL. I have ______ minutes to finish it. During that time
I should write about my opinion. My tone should/nt be formal.
My target is between _______ and _______ words. If I write more than that, there is / isnt a
penalty. ____(#) TOEFL graders will evaluate my essay. They will give me a score with a
number between _____ and _____. After, they take the average of those numbers and convert it
a score between 0 and 30. There are 3 criteria that TOEFL graders analyze in my writing:
(1) __________________________________________________________, (2)____________________
______________________________________, and (3) ______________________________________.
www.JaimeMiller.com
20
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION:
Even though it seems like TOEFL is separating the prompts into
different types, do not be confused! My high-scoring students always
follow the structure I recommend on the following pages and
organization when they answer any of these 3 styles of prompt. Ill
teach you how to write an impressive complex style essay each time.
21
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
22
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
What are your hobbies? Which sports or musical instruments do you play?
What interesting life lessons have you learned from your hobbies?
What interesting life lessons have you learned from your family / parents / children?
What are the 3 most important things that have happened in your life? Why?
What life lessons have you learned because you are learning English?
What do you think is the biggest problem your country faces? How could it be solved?
What is the biggest problem the world faces? How could it be solved?
www.JaimeMiller.com
23
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
What do you know a lot about? (This could be about your career, or your hobby.)
What debate is happening in your country right now? What do you think about it?
What issue is your city struggling with right now? What is your opinion?
What is something you wish you could change about your city or country? Why?
What is something positive you would like to share with the world about your country? Why?
Is English changing your countrys local culture? Do people complain about it, or do they
accept it? What do you think?
Is technology totally changing the people in your life? How do you feel about all these new
gadgets?
Was there a time when you gave up on something? Alternatively, have you persisted with
something even when it seemed crazy? What happened? What were the results for you?
How does your country protect (or not protect) the environment? What do you think about
that?
www.JaimeMiller.com
24
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
25
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
EXERCISE 1
Prompt: In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this
is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
Reasons for teens to have a job
EXERCISE 2
Prompt: In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details
and examples in your answer.
Behaviors & qualities of a good boss
www.JaimeMiller.com
26
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
EXERCISE 3
Prompt: What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
The change we need is
Reasons we need this change
(current problems)
EXERCISE 4
Prompt: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All students should be
required to study history in high school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your
opinion.
Reasons (specific group of people) should
study history in high school
www.JaimeMiller.com
27
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
EXERCISE 5
Prompt: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of
money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
EXERCISE 6
Prompt: It has been said, Not everything that is learned is contained in books. Compare and
contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your
opinion, which source is more important? Why?
www.JaimeMiller.com
28
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
Weak Thesis
You cant rely on luck to succeed
in life; hard work is more
important.
www.JaimeMiller.com
Super-Specific Thesis
(This writer is a student)
For students, studying and
working hard is a huge factor in
success; being lucky in a
classroom or library is rarely a
reason that students succeed.
(This writer is a doctor)
When healthcare professionals
are successful, it is often
because of their knowledge, and
professionalism. Such
information and behavior were
learned over a long time they
didnt result from random luck
alone.
(This writer is American and
lives in another country)
After living in a small town in
Northern California, its clear
there are many advantages of
living in a city like Istanbul, which
is one of the biggest cities in the
region.
29
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
30
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
Score-Maximizing Thesis
Mothers of toddlers typically prefer indirect
ways of communicating with their friends.
What did we change? We eliminated I and talked about the group (mothers of young
children) in general. We also replaced my with their.
What did we change? Again, we eliminated I and you and used people or they
instead. Also, we changed many of the if you sentences to a sentence style that is great for
making generalizations: verb-ing subject + verb (Example: Spending time with friends can
create good memories.)
www.JaimeMiller.com
31
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
PRACTICE ELIMINATING I AND YOU:
Look at a few of your recent essays and rewrite the problematic sentences to eliminate I and
you phrases. If youre not comfortable making verb-ing generalization sentences, practice
the relevant pages from the Ultra-Targeted TOEFL Grammar Guide (get it free by emailing
info@jaimemiller.com and requesting it nicely).
www.JaimeMiller.com
32
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
33
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
Although / Comparison / Example: Its true that taking care of a newborn baby isnt
really the same as having a vacation. However, the new parents will spend a lot of time
at home and its certainly a break from routine. Hopefully he and the mother will have
time to play with the baby and make memories.
Wrap-up: When a new father has some time off, it will help him return to work with
fresh energy and the company could ultimately benefit from that.
www.JaimeMiller.com
34
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
PROMPT 1:
Do you agree or disagree? Students should be allowed to grade their teachers.
SUPER-SPECIFIC THESIS:
BODY PARAGRAPH #1:
www.JaimeMiller.com
35
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
PROMPT 2:
Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do
some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
SUPER-SPECIFIC THESIS:
BODY PARAGRAPH #1:
NOTE! Be careful not to talk about I too much. Use your life, but hide yourself (review pages 24-25).
Topic Sentence: One of the reasons for this is because
Wrap-up: When
www.JaimeMiller.com
36
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
PROMPT 3:
Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or
clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved.
Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
The resource that needs to be saved in my country / region:
SUPER-SPECIFIC THESIS:
BODY PARAGRAPH #1:
NOTE! Be sure to make specific generalizations about your place. You can create useful statistics or facts.
Topic Sentence: The first reason for this is that
IF YOU STILL LACK CONFIDENCE WITH THIS, CONTINUE THE SAME ACTIVITY
WITH 3-5 MORE PROMPTS. DO A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR ETS TOEFL WRITING
PROMPT.
www.JaimeMiller.com
37
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
38
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
One of the reasons that [refer to the prompt] is because [main reason from brainstorming].
Another reason for [refer to the prompt] is because [main reason from brainstorming].
First, this is true / obvious / clear / necessary because [main reason from brainstorming].
It is also clear / obvious that [topic] is [main reason from brainstorming] because
REASON / EXAMPLE SENTENCES
Make generalizations and explain scenarios that happen to people in the group.
IF SENTENCES
Even if
Otherwise
Js Million-Dollar Tip
Put this page of phrases on the wall near your
computer so that you see them every time you sit
down to write. It will speed up your progress.
ALTHOUGH / COMPARISONS
WRAP-UP SENTENCES
When [rephrase the reason from the topic sentence] [result]
These are some of the reasons that [rephrase the topic sentence].
Because of this, its best if its clear that its necessary to
www.JaimeMiller.com
39
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM REVIEWING THE REAL MODEL ESSAYS:
First, choose an essay and read it -- either #1, 2, 3 or 4. After that, ask yourself the following
analysis questions. Keep notes in a digital document, or in your notebook.
ANALYTICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT E ACH MODEL ESSAY :
1. What kind of mistakes did the writer make? (Hint: See the color code below.)
2. Whats the writers thesis?
3. What are the writers two main reasons? (Hint: Search for the topic sentences in each
body paragraph.)
4. In the first reason paragraph, which example does the writer use to play devils
advocate?
5. In the second reason paragraph, which example does the writer use to play devils
advocate?
6. What phrases does the writer use to wrap up each body paragraph? Does that wrap up
sentence clearly link back to the paragraphs topic sentence?
7. How can you ensure that your writing emulates this essay?
www.JaimeMiller.com
40
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
41
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
42
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
43
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
www.JaimeMiller.com
44
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
TRICK 2:
This is especially useful if you use Flashcards Deluxe (from Trick 1). However, even if you
dont have that app, you can still make a free account at www.quizlet.com to study vocab and
make instant quizzes. Then change your settings on Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox so that
when you open a new internet window, a set of pages are automatically opened. Include
Quizlet.coms website so that you are reminded to study every day.
TRICK 3:
If you have a smart phone, take advantage of the lock screen
(the constant picture that displays a photo when you enter
your password to open your phone). Change the image to
something that you want to remember. If youre improving
your pronunciation, choose a few words that use all the time
for TOEFL and put them on the lock screen.
1.
Go to www.jaimemiller.com/images/stickynote.jpg
and download or save the picture of the sticky note.
2.
Open it in a program like PowerPoint, where you can add text and then save it all as a
new image.
3.
Transfer the picture to your phone, and set it as your lock screen photo. You are
guaranteed to look at it at least 20 times a day!
Note: For maximum effect, change the image once a week because its human nature to stop
seeing things become routine. You have to trick your brain into noticing new information.
www.JaimeMiller.com
45
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
TRICK 4:
This trick is similar to the phone lock screen advice in Trick 3. Instead here, change your
computers desktop background to something that you want to remember.
TRICK 5:
After 1-2 weeks of studying a variety of TOEFL topics, make 3-4 different review sheets. Each
review sheet should be just one page, and might include important TOEFL vocabulary,
important grammar rules that you keep forgetting, messages for yourself about important
TOEFL information, or strategies for reading, note-taking, speaking or writing.
1.
Hang one list on your bathroom mirror. Stare at it while you brush your teeth or dry
your hair.
2.
Hang another list in your kitchen above the hot water kettle. Stare at it while you make
a cup of tea.
3.
Put another list in your car. Check it out at safe moments while youre commuting, or
right before you start driving, or immediately after you arrive somewhere, if you have 1
or 2 extra minutes.
4.
Put the final list in another place that would be useful for you.
Note: For maximum effect, rotate the lists through locations at the end of every week because
its human nature to stop seeing things that are routine.
www.JaimeMiller.com
46
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
It makes you look more professional and people will take you more seriously.
Second, if another person with your first name already sent them an email, the
recipient might accidentally send your email to the other person with your name.
Example of the same message expressed in a polite way, Hello! Can you please
tell me where I can find the information about financial aid on your website? I
tried searching but I cant seem to find it. Thanks so much for your help. Jaime
www.JaimeMiller.com
47
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
Dont use all lower-case letters because it looks unprofessional. Use proper punctuation.
Also, its wrong to use a lower-case I (Example: im writing because i want to ask
for your help.)
Dont use things like u when you write you or 4 if you really mean for.
Those abbreviations are slang they are only acceptable in casual situations, or if you
know the speaker very well.
www.JaimeMiller.com
48
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
POLITE, EFFECTIVE PHRASES FOR INTRODUCTORY EMAILS
1. Start the email by acknowledging the recipient.
If youre writing a casual email, then start with Dear his/her first name then
put a comma.
If youre writing a professional email, then start with
If you dont know the persons gender: Dear + his/her first name
2. Mention who you are. Just type, Im (first name). or My name is (first name). not
This is (first name). because you should only use that on the telephone.
The recipient will remember you better if you give your name. In many situations, it is
an advantage if they know who you are.
Also, help them pronounce your name. This is only important if your name is spelled in
a way that usually confuses Americans. Trust me, the recipient will be so grateful for
the pronunciation tip! Here are some examples:
In Japan, her teachers taught her to write Rie but its actually pronounced with
an L so she could write My name is Rie but it sounds like Lee-ey.
My name is Xueliang but it sounds like Zoo-lee-ang.
If you write your last name here, please be very clear that its your last name. In some
countries, its common to write the surname and then the first name. However,
Americans always expect to see a first name FIRST. Ive had a few confusing situations
where a writer changed the order they told me their name in every email, and I became
very confused.
www.JaimeMiller.com
49
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
Im not sure if youre the right person to ask at your company, but Im hoping to
find out
I would really appreciate your help with something. (Extra explanation)
Im interested in
Id like to
Its not always appropriate, and it depends on the situation, but you might want to write
some hints that help the recipient understand if you are male or female. This can make
it easier to respond to your email and it makes a clearer picture of who you are, so you
are more memorable.
Example: Im planning to apply to your MBAs 2015 cohort for the Fall term. I
need some information about financial aid because my wife isnt working right
now and things are a bit tight. (The reader understands the writer is a man.)
Example: I need to finish my certification as soon as possible because Im giving
birth in July. (The reader understands the writer is a woman.)
4. At the end of your email, thank the person for his/her time or patience with you. Here
are some options:
Thanks for your time and patience!
Thank you for your help.
I appreciate your time and patience with me!
Im sorry about all the questions, and I appreciate you being patient.
5. Close the email with a standard phrase like
Best wishes,
Cheers, (note: thats mostly British)
Best regards,
Regards,
6. Type your name. I recommend writing your first name again, but you might also
include your last name here. The choice is yours.
www.JaimeMiller.com
50
24+ Writing: 13 Self-Study Lessons for TOEFL iBT
HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE COMPLAINT
If someone offended you, it will be difficult for him/her to hear your complaint if you are rude.
If you want to be taken seriously, then being polite is more effective.
1. Of course, start your email with the phrases I mentioned in 1 and 2 on the previous
page.
2. Acknowledge the persons difficult situation. If you start this way, they will listen to
your complaint more quickly. Here are some options that make the recipient feel like
you see him/her as a human:
I can imagine that youre really busy because (empathize).
It seems like youre really busy Im sure youre pretty stressed, as well.
Its clear that youre really busy, and I appreciate that its difficult for you right
now because (empathize with him/her).
3. Then, express your complaint.
I hate to add more pressure but (explain your problem / issue).
That said, I am upset because (explain your problem / issue).
With all due respect, (something) is a problem.
4. Tell them what you need, or what will make you happy.
Please consider
Would it be possible for you to ?
5. Apologize for any inconvenience and thank them for their time.
Given the circumstances, I really appreciate your time and energy.
I hope this doesnt cause you too much trouble, and that we can resolve this as
soon as possible.
6. Close your email with the phrases and tips from the previous page.
www.JaimeMiller.com