經(jīng)過一年多的摸索，目前對新托�？荚�的很多理解和看法基本定形。本文通過綜合多個(gè)權(quán)威信息渠道的信息(Official Guide，Teacher’s Guide，Propell Workshop Manual，以及ETS高級專員Susan Hines的講解和對本人私下提問的回答等)，試圖為大家揭開新托福寫作眾多關(guān)鍵問題的答案。

本文分為三個(gè)部分：其中Independent Writing Task 9個(gè)問題，Integrated Writing Task 6個(gè)問題，以及牽涉全局寫作的3個(gè)問題。

Independent Task

Q: Independent Writing Task有沒有題庫？

A: 沒有，但是可以借鑒TWE的題庫。

"You will see topics very similar to these [TWE Topics] on the TOEFL iBT." [OG, P267]

Q: 準(zhǔn)備Independent Writing Task需不需要專業(yè)知識？

A: "None of the topics requires specialized knowledge. Most topics are general and are based on the common experience of people in general and students in particular." [OG, P267]

Q: 寫作的時(shí)候，觀點(diǎn)重不重要？

A: "It does not matter whether you agree or disagree with the topic; the raters are trained to accept all varieties of opinions." [OG, P267]

"I think test takers had better simply pick one side rather than straddle the fence." [Susan Hines, Dec. 2006]

"Creativity is not necessary." [Susan Hines, Dec. 2006]

Q: 是否可以通過增加深刻的邏輯和復(fù)雜的例子來掩蓋或者彌補(bǔ)語言能力的不足？

A: 不可以。

"If your language is hard to follow, your sentences are overly simple, and your vocabulary is limited, you may score no higher than 3 no matter how impressive your ideas may be." [OG, P260]

而且從例子的選擇上講，并不要求使用龐大、復(fù)雜的例子，盡管這些例子可能論證力更強(qiáng)。個(gè)人經(jīng)歷就是一種很好寫的例子。閱卷人并不依據(jù)論據(jù)的復(fù)雜性來看文章。

"Personal experiences are common." [Susan Hines, Dec. 2006]

Q: 可不可以使用前人的模板(templates)來寫作？

A: 那要看你怎么定義"模板"這個(gè)詞。如果"模板"指的是段落結(jié)構(gòu)和文章結(jié)構(gòu)，那沒有任何問題，比如"五段式結(jié)構(gòu)"可能會一直是TOEFL文章最好的寫法。但如果"模板"是指背下來的，可以不加思考就可以套到任何題目上的段落內(nèi)容，那就千萬不要這樣做。

Do not "memorize" long introductory and concluding paragraphs just to add words to your essay. Raters will not look favorably on wordy introductory and concluding paragraphs such as the following:

"The importance of the issue raised by the posed statement, namely creating a new holiday for people, cannot be underestimated as it concerns the very fabric of society. As it stands, the issue of creating a new holiday raises profound implications for the future. However, although the subject matter in general cannot be dismissed lightheartedly, the perspective of the issue as presented by the statement raises certain qualms regarding practical application."

"In conclusion, although I have accept that it is imperative that something be done about creating a new holiday for people and find the underlying thrust of the implied proposal utterly convincing, I cannot help but feel wary of taking such irrevocable steps and personally feel that a more measured approach would be more rewarding."

Likewise, raters will not look favorably on paragraphs like the following, which uses a lot of words but fail to develop any real ideas:

"At the heart of any discussion regarding an issue pertaining to creating a new holiday, it has to borne in mind that a delicate line has to be trod when dealing with such matters. The human resources involved in such matters cannot be guaranteed regardless of all the good intentions that may be lavished. While it is true that creating a new holiday might be a viable and laudable remedy, it is transparently clear that applied wrongly such a course of action could be calamitous and compound the problem rather than provide a solution." [OG, P259]

"I think you could use it as long as it is on topic." [Susan Hines, Dec. 2006]

Q: 閱卷人最主要看重文章的哪些方面？

A: Your ability

to respond directly to the question;

to take a clear position; and

to write an essay characterized by (1) good organization, (2) proper use of supporting examples, (3) sentence variety, and (4) correct sentence structures.

[Workshop Manual, P26]

Q: 5分和4分最大的區(qū)別在哪里？

A: "Those that receive a score of 4 also have clear, well-written essays, but there are more flaws and the ideas are less developed." [Teacher's Manual]

Q: 詞匯和句式是不是越復(fù)雜越好？

A: 詞匯和句式需要一定的復(fù)雜性。

"Raters will also judge your essay based on the complexity of sentence structures and on the quality and complexity of your vocabulary. If you use very simple sentences and very basic vocabulary, you will probably not be able to express very complex ideas." [OG, P260]

但是，不是越復(fù)雜越好。

就詞匯而言，關(guān)鍵是表達(dá)的準(zhǔn)確性。請參看OG第287頁的滿分范文1，評語中有這樣一句話：The writer does not use high-level vocabulary, but word choice is correct throughout.同時(shí)請參看Workbook第57頁的范文，同樣沒有big words，也是滿分。

就句式而言，關(guān)鍵是表意準(zhǔn)確、流暢且能夠變化。但為了達(dá)到變化或者準(zhǔn)確表達(dá)復(fù)雜意思的目標(biāo)，出現(xiàn)一些復(fù)雜的句式是很正常的。但一味追求復(fù)雜是沒有意義的。

Q: 文字是不是越正式(formal)越好？

A: 不是。Independent Writing Task并不偏好formal expressions。只要能把意思表達(dá)清楚，并把問題回答好了，就行了。參見OG第288頁滿分范文2，評語中這樣寫道：the writer consistently demonstrates command of language and English idioms, especially by using various informal expressions ("Let's assume," "we would all agree," "can make or beak," "come in very handy").

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