I used the following format for all writing essays. I don't recommend that it be used by everyone; please make your own choice - but this format is what I use - whether it is for an issue/argument or a general descriptive passage.

1. Introduction

2. Pro-paragraph one

3. Pro-paragraph two

4. Counter-paragraph

5. Conclusion


This makes the passage seem organized and clearly thought about.
Each passage will have minimum - 3 and maximum-5 lines.

* The 'Introduction' will have 3 lines on either the issue stated or the idea that you are going to talk about.
* 'Pro-paragraph one' will start with:
" The main reason ............"
"The main point ..............."

* 'Pro-paragraph two' will start with:
"Added to the above point, ............"
"Also, ..........."
"Another reason/point was ..........."

* 'Counter Paragraph' --
"I agree that there is a possibility, ......"
"Maybe ......."
"It is possible that ........"

* 'Conclusion'
"Therefore, I think/believe/suggest......"

Simple, isn't it ? Well, whoever said TOEFL is dificult.
It is safe to say that this has helped me in all writing sections to score in the range of (4-6) out of 6.
It works even if you have no clue on what you are going to write. At least the passage is organised and easy to understand.
Following this format also takes out time spent on organising the passage - since the organization is already decided upon. All that this then needed is to fill in the relevant points.