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Can you write effective text messages?

Of course! Short-forms, exclamation marks, emoticons -- you know the works, and you know them well. When someone texts you – you’re quick, clever, and you’ve always got the answer:

Omg really? No way!

Ok, c u soon!

Busy, ttyl?

But does your mobile phone prowess mean you can produce an effective Prompt Writing Essay?

Now, that’s a good question.

Can you write effective text messages?

Of course! Short-forms, exclamation marks, emoticons -- you know the works, and you know them well. When someone texts you – you’re quick, clever, and you’ve always got the answer:

Omg really? No way!

Ok, c u soon!

Busy, ttyl?

But does your mobile phone prowess mean you can produce an effective Prompt Writing Essay?

Now, that’s a good question.

Like all other languages, written English is complex: it has grammatical rules and stylistic preferences; it requires organization, proper sentences: fully developed ideas.

Writing a good English essay within 30 minutes is hard. You’re not alone on this. Even native speakers have trouble putting their thoughts on paper.

So before you clam up, and text your troubles to your best friend (ARGH!! So hard! How to pass??), take a deep breath. Now, let it out.

Writing in English is manageable. With practice and hard work, anyone can put together a polished, well-executed essay for Prompt Writing. 

Especially a college-bound star like you.

But before you put your typing skills to the test, read through these 3 steps:

1.) You are not psychic! So you’ll never know the question you’re going to get – it’s true. But that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare in advance! TOEFL Prompt Writing is designed to make you think, and think hard. But guess what: you already have what they are seeking out -- opinions. That’s right, TOEFL examiners want to read about your views. This means you can expect a question that requires you to agree or disagree on some issue. So basically, you are required to write about yourself, to some degree. And who knows you better than, well, you!

Make a list of current topics you feel strongly about. Do you think technology has negative effects on society? Do you think countries should implement more policies to protect the environment? Should universities separate their classes by gender?

When you approach these issues, take a strong stance. This will be good practice for the TOEFL exam, where you will have to voice your opinion, loud and clear, in the Prompt Writing section.

2.) Your next step is to start actively thinking about your beliefs and your reasons for holdings those beliefs. Start discussions with your friends, teachers, and family. Get into the practice of taking a side, and then persuading others of it. This exercise will put you on the spot, and require you to think fast – skills that are essential for Prompt Writing!

You can also make a list of current topics you feel strongly about. Then, outline 3-4 reasons for your opinion. This is a good amount for your Essay. Try to be as specific as possible. Remember: to make a sound argument, you have to have solid explanations.

“I don’t think universities should separate genders because I like to sit by my boyfriend in class” is not going to cut it.

3.) But you’re not through yet! The key ingredient to a perfect essay? Examples! You must cite one specific instance for every reason that you provide: “Mobile phones are important tools of communication, but they can be dangerous to our health. For example, the radiation in a cell phone can lead to cancer.”

It’s not enough to say that cell phones are hazardous – you need to cite an instance that you know of, to back up your point. TOEFL Examiners look for examples in your essay because they want to know that you are knowledgeable; that you can apply information well, and think of relevant details.

Can’t think of a smart, worldly example? No worries: personal examples are also effective to use in your essay.

Here’s a good way to incorporate a personal example:

“I think that motivation is a greater tool for success than professional experience. This has certainly been the case in my life. When I applied for my first internship at the BluDot Company, I had no previous experience. But I was hardworking and ambitious, and that’s why my boss hired me over other candidates. I was very motivated, and I worked long hours. I ultimately succeeded when my boss offered me a permanent position in the company.”

These details are impressive to TOEFL Examiners, because they show that you can apply your own life to your opinions.

Ultimately then, you want to create a good confident stance, list 3-4 solid reasons, and provide specific examples -- be they descriptive or personal.

This advice has brought our students the marks they needed to achieve their goals; and it will certainly take you a long way!

Best of luck and remember – don’t sweat it! Just Get it Write!