The TOEFL test has varied task styles but below are some of the most common. You need to get familiar with different question styles so that you understand what is expected of you.
Agree/Disagree.
With these types, choose a side and present views that support your stand. Usually some test takers with discuss both sides however, not that this is different from "to what extent do you agree or disagree". Instead of writing about both sides, an advanced writer will simply present a concession paragraph after supporting their side.
Agree/Disagree Style TOEFL Essays
These are the most common essay style.
1- Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? When doing research, it is better to use printed materials such as books and articles than it is to use the Internet. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
2- Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In my country, young people have better lives than their parents had when they were young. Use reasons and examples to support your answer.
3- Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People communicate with each other less than in the past because of the popularity of television. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
4- Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Nowadays, it is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a large city. Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
5- In twenty years there will be fewer cars in use than there are today. Do you agree or disagree?
SAMPLE TASK.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
Television is undoubtedly one of the most powerful means of communication in the history of humankind. Television, with its wide availability and rich media with image and sound, is difficult to ignore and even seductive in its appeal. However, I believe that, while television has been somewhat harmful in its effects, it has hardly destroyed communication among family and friends.
First off, people still love spending time with their families and friends even when watching television. Family and friends offer face-to-face interaction that is better than watching television. Sundry people are aware of the deleterious effects of too much television and thus either avoid excessive time watching television, or actually do not enjoy it. Face-to-face communication still carries an important part of people’s life because of the different aspects it involves, for example, physical discussions and arguments, facial expressions and instant feedback between people.
Suffice to note, there are multifarious other ways of communicating with family and friends, among which is use of mobile phones. Even when one watches television, it is common that they will often communicate with friends and family using phones if they cannot meet face-to-face. I am fond of calling my best friend and talk about a specific television show or soccer match I am watching at the moment. In this way, as we both watch on both ends, we still communicate and argue with each other about what we are watching at that time. In this way, televisions have enhanced communication between me and my friends because it is a source of topic of discussion.
Television is eminent in every sphere of our life and thus many spend almost as much time watching television at work, school and home, alienating them from the people around. Television is so rich in media that it requires full attention or is more attractive than communicating with people. Thus, the more time one spends watching television, the less time spent with her family and friends, dwindling the communication between people.
In sum, I do not agree that televisions have harmed communication among people because people still love communicating face-to-face and televisions are a source of communication topics.
The above is an example of a “do you agree or disagree” task style. Note that an introduction is developed, showing the side taken, then the main body starts with two paragraphs that support the writer’s side. However, the third main body is a concession paragraph. This can be developed or left out given the fact that the question asks whether you agree or disagree. In any case, it however shows maturity and advanced presentation. Then a conclusion.