Description / Explanation

Overview

In the TOEFL exam, you may encounter essay questions that require you to provide a description or explanation of a given topic. This type of question aims to test your ability to provide clear and detailed information about a subject and to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts. When responding to description/explanation essay questions, it is important to provide accurate and organized information while maintaining a logical structure in your response.

To effectively address this type of question, start by carefully reading and understanding the prompt. Identify the key terms and instructions that will guide your response. Take note of any specific aspects or details that need to be covered in your description or explanation.

When writing your essay, begin with an introduction that provides an overview of the topic and sets the context for your discussion. Clearly state the main points or aspects that you will be addressing in your response. This helps to provide a clear roadmap for the reader and sets the tone for your essay.

In the body paragraphs, focus on providing a comprehensive description or explanation of the topic. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas. Organize your paragraphs logically, dedicating each paragraph to a specific aspect or subtopic. You can use a combination of factual information, examples, and supporting evidence to enhance the clarity and depth of your description or explanation.

Ensure that your essay is well-structured and coherent. Use appropriate transitions to guide the flow of ideas between paragraphs and sections. This helps to create a smooth and cohesive essay that is easy to follow and understand.

In the conclusion, summarize the main points of your description or explanation. Restate the significance or relevance of the topic and provide a concise closing statement that reinforces the key ideas discussed in your essay.

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In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the question.

If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice. Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honor a famous person in your country. Who would you choose? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

Describe a custom from your country that you would like people from other countries to adopt. Explain your choice, using specific reasons and examples.

A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

What discovery in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in your country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why these qualities are important.

People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.