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TOEFL Writing Task 1
A sample response for our TOEFL writing task 1 is provided below. Study the sample essay, and then look at the teacher’s comments in the next section.
TOEFL – Writing Task 1 Sample Essay
The lecture states that the Pilgrims went to Amsterdam in 1608 and spent a few years there. In 1617, they decided to leave to go to America, but they did not have enough money to do so.
That is because many of them were farmers who were poor and poorly educated. In spite of having some disputes among themselves, they finally got financing from Thomas Weston, who was a prominent London businessman.
The lecture concluded by stating that the Pilgrims got on board a large ship called the Mayflower on September 16, 1620.
The reading text emphasizes that the Pilgrims spent 65 days at sea before they reached America. They arrived near Boston in Massachusetts and established the town of Plymouth on December 21, 1620.
They had many hardships during their first winter and many of them died. The survivors worked hard and created their own government by writing the Mayflower Compact.
The reading text concludes by discussing some important people in Plymouth. John Alden and William Bradford were very influential and held the first public offices in Plymouth. Miles Standish, who was a political adviser, was also an important person in the community.
TOEFL – Comments on the Essay
The essay includes the important dates, names, and facts.
It uses a good variety of sentence structures.
It also demonstrates that the student has a good level of academic vocabulary.
You may also want to try our free exercises.