TOEFL Writing Task 1 [Integrated Task] – Practice Test #008

This TOEFL Writing Task 1 (Integrated Writing) practice test provides an authentic experience with a real reading passage and a corresponding audio lecture. Follow the instructions carefully to simulate the exam and assess your skills accurately.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Detailed Instructions

Read the passage: You will read an academic passage on a topic, usually about 3 minutes.
Listen to the lecture: After reading, you will hear a lecture on the same topic, presenting a different perspective or additional information. You will not be able to see the reading passage while listening.
Take notes: While reading and listening, take notes on the key points and main ideas. Most of your focus should be on the lecturer since the passage is already available for reference.
Refer back to the reading: You can review the reading passage after the listening portion is complete.
Stay objective: Avoid adding personal thoughts, agreeing or disagreeing with the speaker, or evaluating the quality of their arguments. The key is to remain neutral and accurately report what each source says. Think of yourself as a reporter: your task is to explain what each side claims, how their points relate to each other, and how the lecture challenges the reading.
Organize clearly and have a plan: Use clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Personally, I prefer writing a concise introduction that presents both sides and briefly states their main reasons, followed by three body paragraphs, each focusing on one point and discussing it from both perspectives. If done properly, there’s no real need for a conclusion, especially since this isn’t a personal or opinion-based essay.
Write your response: Summarize the main points from the lecture and explain how they relate to or challenge the points in the reading passage.
Stay within the word limit: Your response should be 150-225 words.
Proofread: Ensure your grammar, spelling, and sentence structure are accurate.
Submit your writing: Use the form below to privately submit your writing for review, or post it publicly in the comment section at the bottom of the page.
Feedback (optional): Order detailed written analysis or a video session to review your response using the official TOEFL writing criteria and identify specific areas for improvement.

Reading Passage

Spartacus, the rebel leader who led an army of escaped slaves in a revolt against the Romans, is one of the most renowned figures in ancient Roman history. Spartacus organized his followers to resist their Roman captors, achieving several victories against Roman forces. However, despite these early successes, Spartacus and his army were eventually defeated and executed. His story continues to captivate both historians and the public today. Several elements of his life make him a particularly compelling hero.

First, Spartacus’ original goal is something many can sympathize with—he simply wanted to return home. Spartacus and his men had been captured and taken from distant lands by the Romans. Their initial motivation in fighting was to go back to the places from which they had been uprooted. This longing to return home is a sentiment that resonates with many people.

Second, Spartacus’ early victories against the formidable Roman army have earned him admiration for overcoming overwhelming odds. His army was relatively small and poorly equipped, while the Roman forces were large, well-funded, and highly trained. Spartacus’ ability to challenge the Romans in battle is a testament to his military genius, which has made him a hero in the eyes of many.

Lastly, Spartacus also sought to free all Roman slaves, which has earned him respect as a pioneer for human rights. Before his final battle, a Roman general offered Spartacus a deal: if he stopped fighting, he would be made a senator, and his men would be freed. However, Spartacus refused the offer because it did not address the abolition of slavery as a whole.