Timed writing can take many forms, but the obvious unique factor of this type of writing is the fact that there is a limit on the amount of time you have to complete it. This most commonly occurs in an exam situation, where the tester is evaluating how well you understand a topic and/or can explain your thoughts without any external assistance. The amount of time and the expected length of your writing will vary based on the instructions.

Many international students seeking to study at English-speaking universities will take an English proficiency exam such as the TOEFL. The TOEFL exam includes a section to test students' ability to write in English. There are two distinct parts: the integrated writing task and the independent writing task. The integrated task determines whether students can synthesize two sources that they read and listened to. The independent task determines whether students can write about their own opinion with supporting detail.

In this textbook, you have learned how to write for general timed writing and integrated writing situations you will encounter in real-world situations. The two TOEFL writing tasks have a much more specific format and requirements than you learned for general real-world situations. Appendix C includes extra information and practice specific to the format and requirements needed to score well on the TOEFL. This is an optional bonus chapter for student-independent study or teacher-directed use.