Tips for the TOEFL Writing Section

1. Use present tense

For facts and observations
Cars are essential for life in the U.S.
Most people can benefit from higher education.
Opinions
I think (that) . . .
I believe (that) . . .
In my opinion . . .

To describe previous experiences
When I was in high school, . . .
My brother worked in a factory.

Guns should be banned from campus.
Cars can cause serious problems.

Most of the people who live in Utah need cars for their everyday lives.

I lived on campus, and it was easy to get around without a car.

Cars are important to most Americans.

The used car I bought was a bad investment.

When I moved off campus, I had to buy a car. Whenever I left my house to go shopping or run errands, I had to travel a great distance. My car was the only means of transportation because I lived too far from the bus stop.