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TOEFL Sample Test – Writing Task 1
Read the information on this page to complete our TOEFL sample test for writing task 1. Writing task 1 is an integrated task. “Integrated” means that you need to listen to a lecture, than read a passage, and then write a summary about what you have learned.
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TOEFL Sample Test – Writing Task 1 Instructions
Instructions: Listen to the lecture and take notes. Then read the academic text on the same topic. You will have 20 minutes to write a summary on the topic. Your summary should be at least 150 word long.
TOEFL Sample Test – Writing Task 1 Recording
TOEFL Sample Test – Writing Task 1 Text
After they spent 65 days at sea, the Pilgrims reached America. Plymouth, a town about 35 miles southeast of Boston in the New England state of Massachusetts, was established by the Pilgrims on December 21, 1620. Even though the early days of their new lives were filled with hope and promise, the harsh winter proved to be too much for some of the settlers. Nearly half of the pilgrims died during that first winter, but those who lived went on to work hard and prosper.
The pilgrims also created their own government by writing the Mayflower Compact, a document which is commonly believed to be the first basis of written law in America. This new government had many influential leaders. John Alden, who came to America on the Mayflower, signed the Mayflower Compact and held various public offices. William Bradford helped to establish the town of Plymouth and was the governor of the Plymouth Colony for more than 30 years. Miles Standish worked as a political adviser and was also a valued member of the Plymouth community.
When you have finished writing your essay, look at the sample response on the next page.