Let's talk about how to begin the essay.
Typically in an introduction, you have a choice of using a hook or not one. What is a hook? It is a way to catch the reader's attention. For the TOEFL and most academic essays, you don't need to create a hook your audience (the people reading it) are paid to read it. You don't have to make it interesting.
So with the TOEFL, you are writing a test and because of the time limitations and the audience is paid to read it, you don't want to begin with a hook. It doesn't need to be interesting and the audience doesn't expect it to be because you have such a limited time. You only have 30 minutes to write your entire essay and you don't want to spend lot of time writing the introduction. You want to do it well but fast as in about 3 minutes.
So how can you begin?
You can begin with an explanation:
An explanation can be a definition, a description or specific facts about the idea. One of the easiest ways to begin is with a description because it is more natural and because you often have to do it for the Independent Speaking Task.
Let's give an example of using a description for the Independent Writing.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? It is much easier to learn in a small class than in a large one. Use specific examples and reasons to support your answer.
1.Pick the word or phrase that is the most sophisticated.
So for this I will pick small class.
2.Now describe it.
Small classes range in size from 5 to 10 students.
3.Add your 2nd sentence by using cohesion at the beginning. In other words, repeat what is at the end of the sentence before you add more information. Why do you do it? It is the way to connect and to get more specific about one idea instead of adding a second idea.
In these classes, students can easily ask the teacher questions or get immediate feedback. (You can write anything: just use cohesion and describe what they do).
4.Add your thesis statement: I agree that it is must easier to learn in small class.
Sample introduction:
Small classes range in size from 5 to 10 students. In these classes, students can easily talk to the teacher and ask questions. In my opinion, I think that it is must easier to learn in a small class. OR I agree that it is much easier to learn in a small class.