TOEFL Writing
TOEFL Writing Practice — 2026 Format
The updated TOEFL Writing section has three task types:
- Build a Sentence — arrange words or phrases to form a correct sentence or question.
- Write an Email — respond appropriately to a situation and cover the information requested in the prompt.
- Write for an Academic Discussion — contribute and support your own relevant idea.
Build a Sentence practice
A real item from a free YourTOEFLPrep practice test. Click the tiles to build the sentence, then check your answer.
Build a Sentence
Real questionThe train arrives after the visitor desk closes.
Click the word tiles below to build the sentence.
Some items include a tile you do not need.
Write an Email practice
A real Email task from a free practice test. In the full test you would write your response here; on this page, read the task and try planning your answer.
Write an Email
Real questionYou ordered a required textbook from the university bookstore and paid for faster shipping because your class begins using it on Monday. It was supposed to arrive within five days, but the tracking information has not changed for over a week.
To: bookstore@university.edu · Subject: Delayed course book delivery
In your email, make sure to:
- Describe your order and the delivery problem.
- Explain why you need the book soon.
- Ask what the bookstore can do so you have access to the book by Monday.
A strong response should:
- address the purpose of the email
- cover the important information requested
- stay relevant
- use clear grammar and vocabulary
- use language appropriate for the situation
Academic Discussion practice
A real discussion task from a free practice test. Read the professor's question and the two student posts, then think about the post you would write.
Write for an Academic Discussion
Real questionProfessor
This week our discussion focuses on how technology is changing higher education. Many universities now offer some classes fully online. Some students love the flexibility, while others feel they learn less than they would in a classroom. In your opinion, are online classes a good option for most students, and why?
Daniela
I think online classes are an excellent option. I can study at my own pace and rewatch the lectures whenever I need to, which really helps me understand difficult topics. The flexibility also lets me fit my studies around work and family without having to travel to campus every day.
Marcus
For me, online classes are harder to learn from. Without classmates and a teacher in the room, I get distracted easily and lose motivation. I also miss the spontaneous discussions and questions that happen in a real classroom, which often help new ideas truly stick in my mind.
Write a post responding to the professor's question. State and support your opinion in your own words. An effective response will contain at least 100 words.
The goal is to contribute your own relevant idea and support it with explanation or details. Students may refer to classmates' ideas — a direct reply to another student is not required.
Frequently asked questions
- What tasks are in TOEFL Writing in 2026?
- The Writing section includes Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion.
- Is there an official word-count target for Write an Email?
- No. ETS does not publish an official word-count target for the Email task, so focus on covering everything the prompt asks for.
- How long should an Academic Discussion response be?
- The official guidance says an effective response contains at least 100 words.
- Does YourTOEFLPrep give an official TOEFL score?
- No. YourTOEFLPrep provides an educational practice estimate.
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YourTOEFLPrep provides unofficial educational practice estimates. YourTOEFLPrep is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS, and practice scores are not official TOEFL scores.