The Integrated Writing task gives you a short reading passage, then a lecture on the same topic — and here’s the catch: the lecture almost always challenges the reading. Your job is not to give your opinion. It’s to explain, point by point, how the lecture responds to what the reading claimed. Get that one idea right and you’re already ahead of most candidates.
Step one: read and note the three points
Find the structure
The reading will make a main claim supported by three points. Note them quickly — just keywords. You’ll have the passage on screen while you write, so don’t over-copy; you mainly need the skeleton.
Step two: listen for the counterarguments
Match each point
The lecture will address those same three points and explain why each one is wrong, doubtful, or incomplete. As you listen, line up each lecture point against the matching reading point. A two-column note — reading claim on the left, lecture response on the right — makes this almost effortless.
Details are everything
The high scores go to people who capture the lecturer’s specific reasons, not just “the lecturer disagrees.” Push yourself to note the example or explanation, because that’s what you’ll write about.
Step three: structure your response
A four-paragraph shape
Open with one sentence saying the lecture casts doubt on the reading. Then write three body paragraphs, one per point: state what the reading claimed, then explain how the lecture responds. No conclusion is needed — just cover all three points clearly.
Use reporting language
Phrases like “The reading states that…”, “However, the lecturer argues…”, “She points out that…” do a lot of quiet work. They keep your answer organised and make the contrast between the two sources obvious to the grader.
The mistake to avoid
Don’t add your own opinion, and don’t just summarise the reading on its own. The whole task is about the relationship between the two. Keep every paragraph focused on how the lecture answers the reading, and you’ll hit exactly what the rubric rewards.