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TOEFL iBT WRITING

TOEFL writing:
three tasks, three plans.

In short: Build a Sentence asks you to put words and phrases in the right order to form a grammatical reply in a short exchange. Write an Email gives you 7 minutes to write to someone for a clear purpose, covering each point in the task. Write for an Academic Discussion gives you 10 minutes to post your opinion in a class forum, responding to the professor and classmates; ETS notes that an effective response contains at least 100 words.

Updated 26 October 2026 · Trestle editorial team, Qoodly

Key takeaways

Build a Sentence

You see one complete sentence and a reply with words in the wrong order. Move them to make a grammatical, appropriate reply. Method: find the verb, then the subject, then attach the clauses.

ETS sample

"What was the highlight of your trip?" → The tour guides who showed us around the old city were fantastic.

Write an Email (7 minutes)

  1. Read the bulletsThe task lists what to do (for example: say what you like, describe a problem, ask a question). Each one is scored.
  2. Open with purposeGreeting and one sentence saying why you are writing.
  3. One short paragraph per bulletConcrete details: dates, what happened, what you need.
  4. Close politelyThank them, say what you expect next, sign off.
  5. CheckSpelling, punctuation, capital letters; they are part of the score.

Write for an Academic Discussion (10 minutes)

  1. Read the professor’s questionKnow exactly what you are asked to decide.
  2. Skim the two student postsPick one to agree or disagree with.
  3. State your position"While I see Andrew’s point about…, I believe…"
  4. Support itOne main reason, explained, with a specific example from experience or knowledge.
  5. FinishA one-sentence conclusion that answers the question. Aim for 100+ words.
Use your own words

Repeating the student posts doesn’t add to the discussion. Add a new reason or example.

Questions

How long is the TOEFL Write an Email task?

7 minutes, according to ETS.

How many words for the TOEFL Academic Discussion?

ETS notes that an effective response contains at least 100 words. You have 10 minutes.

How do I practise Build a Sentence?

Practise word order in questions, indirect questions and relative clauses, and rebuild jumbled sentences daily until the patterns are automatic.

TOEFL iBT STUDY PLANHow to study for TOEFLA study plan for the updated TOEFL iBT: learn the new task types, build grammar and vocabulary for Complete the Words and Build a Sentence, practise adaptive Reading and Listening, time your Writing and Speaking, and review mistakes daily.TOEFL iBT SPEAKINGTOEFL speaking tasksThe updated TOEFL iBT Speaking section: Listen and Repeat (seven sentences, 8–12 seconds each) and Take an Interview with a simulated interviewer. How the tasks work and how to practise them.TOEFL iBT · WHAT CHANGEDNew TOEFL format (2026)What changed in the TOEFL iBT in January 2026: a shorter test, multistage adaptive Reading and Listening, new task types such as Complete the Words and Listen and Choose a Response, and 1–6 band scores. Tips for every reading and listening task.IELTS WRITINGWriting Task 2How to write an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay: the five question types, a four-paragraph structure, a 40-minute plan, what examiners score and a checklist for band 7.

Sources

Formats and scores can change. Confirm the details for your test date with the test maker before you book.

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