Writing Task 1: Will the Lecture Always Oppose the Reading?

Probably.

The oppositional style of three points in the lecture that contrast the three points in the reading has been the trend in TOEFL over the past several years.

But, TOEFL likes to change from time to time.

Also, I’m not a psychic so I can't predict what will exactly happen on your test day.

I can’t predict when or if the TOEFL test will change. A long, long time ago, there were different relationships between the reading and lecture:

• The lecture supported the points made in the reading and provided specific examples to explain how each of the points worked.

• The lecture provided solutions to the problems presented in the reading passage.

Will the TOEFL test bring these structures back?

Maybe, but I can’t be sure.

My advice is to prepare for the oppositional relationship since this is most common.

If you'd like to practice a Writing Task #1 where the lecture contrasts the reading, click here.

If you’d like to get some practice with a Writing Task #1 Format where the lecture supports the reading, read