写好新托福作文就必须在文章结构上下一番功夫，尤其是议论文，更注重条理的清晰和结构的工整。
在2010年新托福议论文写作中,通常遵循introduction- body-conclusion(引言段-主体段-结论段)的三步曲。Body(主体)段落提供了论证观点的理由,是整个文章的主体,在评分中占有很大的比重。例如一篇满分的作文(9分)必须presents a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas。这里的fully extended / well supported,必须通过主体段来体现。新2010年托福的满分作文(5分)也要求is well organized and well developed, using clearly appropriate explanations, exemplifications, and/or details,同样必须通过主体段落发展来实现。
一般来说,一篇议论文必须包含至少两个主体段。每个主体段都必须有明确的主题句topic sentence和若干支持句supporting sentences。他们共同组成文章的理由段,对全文的论点提供理由支持。建议初学者在练习议论文写作时,必须遵循理由段发展的几个简单原则,这对迅速完成理由段、构建连贯和理由充分的议论文大有帮助。这几个简单原则包括：
1. Write a topic sentence for each paragraph you plan to write. Each topic sentence should relate to your thesis statement and introduce what the paragraph will be about. If you find that the topics you want to discuss do not support the thesis statement you have written, revise your thesis statement or reconsider your topic sentences.
(每个主体段都必须有一个明确的主题句)
2. Write ideas that support your topic sentences. The topic sentence for each paragraph tells the reader what the paragraph will be about. The ideas stated in the rest of the paragraph should all relate to the topic sentence.
(支持句必须围绕主题句展开)
根据第2条的原则,我们来看看下面这个主体段：
Hobbies are important for many reasons. First, a hobby can be educational. For example, if the hobby is stamp collecting, the person can learn about the countries of the world and even some of their history. Second, engaging in a hobby can lead to meeting other people with the same interests. A person can also meet other people by going to the school. Third, a persons free time is being used in a positive way. The person has no time to be bored or get into mischief while engaged in the hobby. Finally, some hobbies can lead to a future job. A person who enjoys a hobby-related job is more satisfied with life.
这段话的topic sentence很明显-Hobbies are important for many reasons,之后的支持句从三方面阐述hobby的重要性(first, second, third),但段中这句话A person can also meet other people by going the school与hobby重要的原因没有关系,因此削弱了整个段落的连贯性与统一性,应该被去掉。
3. Add details. To write a more fully developed paragraph, you need to add details to your supporting ideas. Your details can be facts, examples, personal experiences, or descriptions.
(需要用多种方式提供细节展开段落)
根据第3条的原则,我们来看下面这个段落
The Smithsonian Institution is worth visiting for a number of reasons. The Smithsonian Institution comprises various museums that offer something for everyone. These museums include the National Museum of History and Technology, the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, the National Collection of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Natural History, and several others. A person can do more than just look at the exhibits. For example, in the insect zoo at the National Museum of Natural History, anyone who so desires can handle some of the exhibits. The museums provide unforgettable experiences. In climbing through the Skylab exhibit at the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, I was able to imagine what it would be like to be an astronaut in space. Movies shown at regular intervals aid in building an appreciation of our world. In the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, there is a theater that has a large screen. When the movie is shown, it gives the viewer the feeling that he or she is in the movie itself, either floating above the Earth in a hot-air balloon or hang gliding over cliffs.
这是一个成功的主题段,请注意这段话段落细节展开的几种形式-提供事实、举例、个人经历和描述。我们把这个段落拆分后进行分析：
Topic sentence(主题句)
The Smithsonian Institution is worth visiting for a number of reasons.
Supporting idea 1(支持理由1)
The Smithsonian Institution comprises various museums that offer something for everyone.
Details – facts(细节展开-提供事实)
These museums include the National Museum of History and Technology, the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, the National Collection of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Natural History, and several others.
Supporting idea 2(支持理由2)
A person can do more than just look at the exhibits.
Details – examples(细节展开-举例)
For example, in the insect zoo at the National Museum of Natural History, anyone who so desires can handle some of the exhibits.
Supporting idea 3(支持理由3)
The museums provide unforgettable experiences.
Details – personal experience(细节展开-个人经历)
In climbing through the Skylab exhibit at the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, I was able to imagine what it would be like to be an astronaut in space.
Supporting idea 4(支持理由4)
Movies shown at regular intervals aid in building an appreciation of our world.
Details – description(细节展开-描述)
In the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, there is a theater that has a large screen. When the movie is shown, it gives the viewer the feeling that he or she is in the movie itself, either floating above the Earth in a hot-air balloon or hang gliding over cliffs.
