Q: 可不可以使用前人的模板(templates)来写作?
A: 那要看你怎么定义"模板"这个词。如果"模板"指的是段落结构和文章结构，那没有任何问题，比如"五段式结构"可能会一直是TOEFL文章最好的写法。但如果"模板"是指背下来的，可以不加思考就可以套到任何题目上的段落内容，那就千万不要这样做。
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."
"I think you could use it as long as it is on topic."
Q: 阅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.
Q: 5分和4分最大的区别在哪里?
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: 词汇和句式是不是越复杂越好?
A: 词汇和句式需要一定的复杂性。
"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."
但是，不是越复杂越好。
就词汇而言，关键是表达的准确性。The writer does not use high-level vocabulary, but word choice is correct throughout。
就句式而言，关键是表意准确、流畅且能够变化。但为了达到变化或者准确表达复杂意思的目标，出现一些复杂的句式是很正常的。但一味追求复杂是没有意义的。