Useful Expressions for the TOEFL iBT Integrated Writing

Challenge
The lecture challenges the readings claim that winds are beneficial as we can breathe fresh air provided by
them.
Refute
The lecture presents the negative sides of growing pet tarantulas, refuting the readings general claim that
tarantulas provide great learning opportunities.
Cast doubt on
The professor says ring tones can be annoying in public places. It casts doubt on the claim presented in the
reading that ring tones are fun and entertaining.
Question
The professor asserts that sunlight does us more good than harm, which questions the harmful effects of sunlight
mentioned in the reading.
Confront
The lecture says parents should be careful about their childrens early language education. This confronts the
readings claim that the earlier children start learning a foreign language, the better.
Run against
The professor mentions that only a couple of clinical cases have been reported on the light therapy. This runs
against the readings idea that light therapy is the best treatment for depression.
Back up
The professor says the Impressionists preferred to paint real people and scenery. This backs up the readings
claim that they chose everyday scenes as their subject matter.
Support
The lecture talks about how the ability to grow helps some creatures such as anglerfish and toadstools to support
the reasons given in the reading for why certain creatures produce light.
Bolster
The professor explains that English words have been expanded over time. This bolsters the readings claim that
English words have increased due to borrowed words from other languages such as French and German.
Give credence to
The lecture gives credence to the readings idea that studying English regularly is essential, as it mentions that
participating in a study group is a great way to improve our English.
Give support to
The professor talks about the healing capacity of sunlight to give support to the readings claim that people
should get sufficient sunlight to stay healthy.
Lend some detailed support to
The professor lends some detailed support to the readings claim that habitat protection is crucial for endangered
animals, mentioning the increased number of bald eagles in an animal preserve.
Suggest
The reading talks about negative side effects of desertification. The lecture suggests that we use nature itself to
stop desertification such as building green walls of trees.
Recommend
To prevent the problem of computer addiction among teenagers, the professor recommends that parents limit the
time their children spend on the computer by setting a timer.

Advise
The reading discusses the edible water shortage problem in Africa, while the lecture advises that more wells
should be dug to secure sufficient water for everyday living.
Address
The reading talks about the obesity problem among Americans. According to the professor, the problem can be
addressed by changing their diet, which involves reducing sugar and fat intake.
As a solution
The reading talks about how electromagnetic waves affect us. As a solution, the professor mentions some recent
inventions such as special plug-ins to protect us from those waves.

[TOEFL iBT ACTIVATOR Writing Advanced, YBM Si-sa 2007]