Current TOEFL Writing: Complete Guide

Introduction to TOEFL Writing

English Grammar

Complete List of NEW TOEFL Writing Question Types (With Examples)

Build A Sentence

You see one intact sentence followed by scrambled words and phrases from a second sentence. The two sentences form an exchange between speakers. You must arrange the words/phrases to create a grammatical sentence that appropriately responds to the first sentence.

What It Measures:

• Command of English sentence structures
• Understanding of grammatical word order
• Ability to form contextually appropriate responses
• Knowledge of how words and phrases combine correctly

Sample Question 1

First sentence: “What was the highlight of your trip?”

Words:
were
the
was
old city
showed us around
who
tour guides
fantastic

Sentence: The _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________.

Explanation: This sentence requires understanding several grammatical concepts. First, you need to identify the subject (“tour guides”) and the main verb (“were”). The adjective “fantastic” serves as the subject complement after the linking verb “were.” Tour guides were fantastic.

The relative clause “who showed us around the old city” modifies “tour guides.” The article “the” introduces the subject. The correct structure is: Article + Noun + Relative clause + Verb + Adjective. Common errors include placing “was” instead of “were” (subject-verb agreement with plural “guides”), or incorrectly ordering the relative clause elements. The sentence appropriately responds to the question by identifying what made the trip memorable.

Click here to learn about relative clauses.

Answer: The tour guides who showed us around the old city were fantastic.

Sample Question 2

First sentence: “How did you prepare for your final exam?”

Words:
study group
formed
classmates
I
a
with
three
of my

Sentence: _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________.

Explanation: The correct sentence structure is: Subject (I) + Verb (formed) + Direct Object (a study group) + Prepositional Phrase (with three of my classmates). This task tests understanding of basic sentence elements and prepositional phrase construction. The determiner “a” must precede “study group,” and the prepositional phrase “of my” must correctly modify “classmates.” Common mistakes include separating “study group” or placing “three” incorrectly. The response directly answers the question about exam preparation with a complete, grammatically correct statement about collaborative studying.

Answer: I formed a study group with three of my classmates.

Sample Question 3

First sentence: “Why are you interested in studying environmental science?”

Words:
always
protecting
passionate about
natural resources
I’ve
been
our planet’s

Sentence: _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________.

Explanation: This sentence requires assembling a present perfect continuous construction with the correct word order. The structure is: Subject (I’ve = I have) + Adverb (always) + Past Participle (been) + Adjective Phrase (passionate about) + Gerund Phrase (protecting our planet’s natural resources). The contraction “I’ve” combines subject and auxiliary verb. “Has always been” is a common present perfect phrase showing duration. The phrase “passionate about” requires a gerund (“protecting”) as its complement. The possessive “our planet’s” must directly modify “natural resources.” This response appropriately explains motivation for the field of study with sophisticated grammatical structures.

Answer: I’ve always been passionate about protecting our planet’s natural resources.

Write an Email

You’re presented with a scenario (academic or social setting) and must write an email to achieve a specific communicative purpose, such as making a recommendation, extending an invitation, describing a problem, or proposing a solution. Click here for an in-depth guide with authentic sample questions and explanations.

What It Measures:

• Ability to achieve designated communicative goals
• Appropriate elaboration with clear, coherent content
• Use of proper social conventions (politeness, register, organization)
• Accurate use of grammatical structures and vocabulary
• Following mechanical conventions of English

Sample Question 1

Scenario:
A new poetry magazine has asked its readers for submissions, and you decided to submit two of your poems. However, you had a problem using the online submission form, and you are not certain that your submissions were received.

Task:
Write an email to the editor of the magazine. In your email, do the following:

• Tell the editor what you like about the new magazine
• Describe the problem you experienced
• Ask about the status of your submissions

Write as much as you can and in complete sentences.

Sample High-Level Response (Score 5):

To: editor@sunshinepoetrymagazine.com
Subject: Problem using submission form
Email:

Hi Editor,

I hope you are well! I wanted to say that I really love the new Sunshine Poetry Magazine. It’s refreshing to see such a diverse range of voices, and the layout is very engaging. However, I had some trouble with the online submission form when I tried to submit two of my poems. After I uploaded the files and hit submit, the page just kept loading and loading, and eventually, I wasn’t sure if my poems were successfully sent. Could you please confirm if you received my submissions? I’m really excited to be a part of your magazine and would appreciate any help you can provide to fix this issue. Looking forward to your response.

Best regards.

Explanation: This response scores highly because it

• Achieves all communicative goals: Compliments the magazine (“refreshing…diverse range of voices”), describes the technical problem clearly (“page just kept loading”), and requests confirmation of submission status
• Demonstrates appropriate elaboration: Provides specific details about what was liked (diverse voices, layout) and the exact technical issue encountered
• Uses proper social conventions: Opens with friendly greeting, maintains polite and professional tone, closes appropriately
• Shows language facility: Uses varied sentence structures, appropriate vocabulary (“refreshing,” “diverse range”), and transitions naturally between topics
• Minor errors only: “Engageing” (should be “engaging”) and “can sucessfully sent” (should be “were successfully sent”) are typical errors under timed conditions but don’t impede understanding

Sample Question 2

Scenario:
Your university’s International Student Office is organizing a cultural festival next month. They have invited students to participate by presenting aspects of their home culture through food, music, dance, or art. You are interested in participating but want more information about the event.

Task:
Write an email to the International Student Office coordinator. In your email, do the following:

• Express your interest in participating in the cultural festival
• Ask specific questions about how to participate
• Suggest what aspect of your culture you would like to present

Write as much as you can and in complete sentences.

Sample High-Level Response (Score 4-5):

To: internationaloffice@university.edu
Subject: Cultural Festival Participation Inquiry
Email:

Dear International Student Office Coordinator,

I am writing to express my strong interest in participating in the upcoming cultural festival next month. As an international student from Mexico, I would love the opportunity to share aspects of my culture with the university community.
I would like to ask a few questions about participation. First, what is the deadline to register for the event? Second, are there any specific requirements or guidelines for presentations? Finally, will the office provide any equipment or materials, or should participants bring everything themselves?
I am considering presenting traditional Mexican folk dancing, specifically dances from my home state of Jalisco. I could perform with a small group of friends who are also from Mexico, and we could wear traditional costumes. Alternatively, I could set up a booth featuring Mexican folk art and handicrafts that I have collected.
Please let me know what would work best for the festival format. I look forward to hearing from you and being part of this exciting event.

Sincerely,
VN

Explanation: This response would score 4-5 because it

• Fully achieves all goals: Clearly states interest, asks three specific logistical questions, and proposes two concrete cultural presentation ideas
• Well-elaborated and organized: Each paragraph has a clear purpose (introduction/interest, questions, suggestions, closing)
• Appropriate social conventions: Uses formal email conventions (Dear…, Sincerely), professional tone suitable for university office communication
• Strong language facility: Demonstrates sentence variety, appropriate formal vocabulary, clear transitions (“First, Second, Finally,” “Alternatively”)
• Accurate grammar and mechanics: No significant errors that impede communication
• Goes beyond requirements: Offers alternative presentations showing flexibility and genuine engagement

Sample Question 3

Scenario:
You recently attended a lecture by a visiting professor in your department. You found the topic fascinating and would like to learn more. You want to ask the professor if you could meet briefly to discuss potential research opportunities or independent study options related to the lecture topic.

Task:
Write an email to the visiting professor. In your email, do the following:

• Mention what you found interesting about the lecture
• Explain your academic background and interests
• Request a brief meeting to discuss research or study opportunities

Write as much as you can and in complete sentences.

Sample High-Level Response (Score 4-5):

To: dr.dre@university.edu
Subject: Meeting Request – Research Opportunities
Email:

Dear Dr. Dre,

I hope this email finds you well. I attended your lecture yesterday on sustainable urban architecture, and I was absolutely fascinated by your research on green building materials. Your discussion of how recycled plastics can be transformed into durable construction components was particularly eye-opening.
I am currently a junior majoring in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Architecture. Throughout my studies, I have become increasingly interested in how engineering solutions can address climate change, and your work seems to bridge my two areas of interest perfectly. I have taken courses in materials science and sustainable design, and I recently completed a project analyzing the carbon footprint of different building materials.
I would be very grateful if you could spare 15-20 minutes to meet with me in the next few weeks. I would love to learn more about your research methodology and discuss whether there might be opportunities for me to get involved, either through independent study or as a research assistant. I understand you are visiting for a limited time, so I am happy to work around your schedule.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you.
Best regards,
VN

Explanation: This response demonstrates characteristics of a score 5

• Achieves all communicative goals effectively: Identifies specific aspect of lecture that was interesting (green building materials, recycled plastics), explains relevant academic background thoroughly, and makes a clear, respectful meeting request.
• Excellent elaboration: Provides specific course examples, mentions relevant project, explains connection between lecture and student’s interests
• Strong social conventions: Very appropriate professional tone for professor communication, acknowledges professor’s time constraints, shows respect and genuine interest
• Advanced language use: Sophisticated vocabulary (“eye-opening,” “methodology,” “carbon footprint”), complex sentence structures, smooth transitions
• Well-organized: Logical flow from lecture reference → background → request → closing
• Minimal errors: Virtually error-free writing under timed conditions

Complete List of NEW TOEFL Email Writing Tasks

Academic Discussion

In the July 2023 TOEFL update, a significant change was introduced to the Writing section with the addition of the Writing for an Academic Discussion task. In this new format, you are required to contribute to an ongoing academic discussion by writing a concise and well-structured response to a prompt within 10 minutes. The task focuses on your ability to present clear, logical arguments supported by relevant examples. This is a shift from summarization to engaging with a debate, making it essential to respond thoughtfully, demonstrate critical analysis, and maintain clarity under time pressure. This task has remained unchanged and is still a part of the TOEFL test after January 2026.

In this task, you participate in an online class discussion forum. A professor posts a question about an academic or social topic, and two students provide different perspectives. You must contribute your own position, supporting it with reasoning, examples, or personal experience.

Time Limit: 10 minutes
Minimum Length: At least 100 words
Note: this is the minimum word count. You can, and should, write a longer response for a perfect score.

What It Measures:

• Ability to state and support an opinion clearly
• Responding to arguments and using information from provided texts
• Providing adequate, relevant support for your position
• Creating clear, cohesive academic writing
• Using appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures
• Following mechanical conventions

This “Do and Don’t” guide will help you effectively navigate the new format by offering practical advice on how to structure your response, avoid common pitfalls, and improve your writing to meet the TOEFL scoring criteria.

TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Task: Strategies, Tips & Tricks, and Secrets for Success

DO!

1. Understand the Prompt and Classmates' Responses ✔️

Before writing, make sure you thoroughly understand both the professor’s question and your classmates’ responses. Your job is to contribute to the discussion, so you need to know what points have already been made and how they are argued. This way, you can provide a relevant and thoughtful response. If you misinterpret the prompt or the responses, your contribution might seem out of place or irrelevant.

Example:
Incorrect: The professor asks about improving skills for current jobs, but you write about job satisfaction instead.
Correct: If the professor asks about skill development, respond by discussing specific skills, such as leadership or technical abilities.

2. Contribute New Ideas to the Discussion ✔️

Your response should either build on existing ideas or introduce something new. This might mean agreeing with one classmate and adding further support, or disagreeing and providing counterarguments. Always ensure that your contribution moves the conversation forward, rather than simply repeating points that have already been made.

Example:
Incorrect: “I agree that employees should focus on future skills.” (This is too vague and doesn’t add anything new.)
Correct: “I agree that future skills are important, but I also think it’s crucial to refresh rarely used skills from our current jobs. For example, updating coding skills can keep employees competitive in their current roles.”

3. Be Concise and Stay on Topic ✔️

Since you only have 10 minutes to write, it’s important to stay focused. Avoid going off on tangents or adding irrelevant details. Keep your response centered on the professor’s question and your classmates’ points. A well-organized and focused response will be clearer and more effective than one that tries to cover too much.

Example:
Incorrect: “While it’s important to learn new skills, employees also need more vacation time to prevent burnout.” (This introduces a different topic.)
Correct: “While new skills are essential for career growth, focusing only on future skills can leave employees unprepared for their current roles.”

4. Use Clear and Simple Language ✔️

Your response needs to be easy to understand. Don’t use overly complex vocabulary or sentence structures that might confuse the reader. Instead, focus on communicating your ideas clearly and logically. Simple, precise language is much more effective in timed writing tasks.

Example:
Incorrect: “In this multifarious and ever-evolving occupational ecosystem, one must incessantly ameliorate one’s capabilities.”
Correct: “In today’s fast-changing job market, it’s important to continually improve your skills.”

5. Address Both Sides of the Argument (if relevant) ✔️

Sometimes the professor’s question will have two sides, and it’s useful to acknowledge both in your response. If your classmates have different opinions, consider addressing both sides before stating your position. This will make your contribution more balanced and comprehensive.

Example:
Incorrect: “We should only focus on future skills because that’s what will matter in the long run.”
Correct: “While future skills are important, focusing solely on them could mean neglecting current responsibilities. It’s important to balance both.”

DON'T!

1. Don’t Simply Agree Without Adding Value

It’s not enough to simply say you agree or disagree with a classmate. You need to explain why and add new information to the conversation. This shows the ability to think critically and develop ideas further.

Example:
Incorrect: “I agree with Angel. Employees should focus on their future skills.” (This adds nothing new.)
Correct: “I agree with Angel’s point about future skills. However, I would argue that focusing on industry-specific skills will help employees stay competitive in the job market.”

2. Don’t Include Only Personal Opinions or Experiences

Although you’re participating in a discussion, this task still requires you to maintain an academic tone. Avoid personal anecdotes or overly subjective opinions, as the focus should remain on the topic, not your personal experiences. Your goal is to contribute to an academic discussion, not share personal stories.

Example:
Incorrect: “In my experience, learning new skills helped me get a promotion.”
Correct: “Learning new skills can lead to career advancement, as many industries prioritize candidates with up-to-date knowledge.”

3. Don’t Overcomplicate Your Writing

While it’s good to show that you can use varied vocabulary and grammar, overly complex sentences can reduce clarity. If your response becomes too difficult to follow, it could hurt your score. Stick to clear, straightforward sentences that express your ideas effectively.

Example:
Incorrect: “The manifold exigencies of the contemporary workplace necessitate a plethora of capabilities.”
Correct: “Today’s workplace requires employees to have a variety of skills.”

4. Don’t Ignore Grammar and Sentence Structure

Even though you’re writing quickly, grammatical accuracy and clear sentence structure are important. Mistakes that make your writing hard to understand will negatively impact your score. After writing, if you have time, review your work to catch any obvious errors.

Example:
Incorrect: “The companeis need to give all employees chance to attend trainings, this will improve future skills and current skills. But some employees they don’t want.”
Correct: “Companies should provide all employees with training opportunities. This will improve both their future and current skills, even for those who may be reluctant at first.”

New TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Task

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