TOEFL iBT Writing Tasks
The revised TOEFL iBT Writing section has three task types, Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion, with about 12 items in roughly 23 minutes. It feeds a section score on the 1 to 6 scale.
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Level: B2. The TOEFL iBT was revised in 2026, and Writing changed the most. The long Integrated Writing summary and the independent essay are no longer part of the test. You now meet three shorter, more practical tasks. This page explains them, shows sample answers, and points you to the right prep.
By the end of this page you can…
…name the three current Writing task types, know how many items and how long to plan for, understand how the section is scored, and practise each task with a model answer.
What the Writing section looks like now
The Writing section measures how clearly and effectively you communicate in written English, using the kinds of writing students actually do today (ETS). You type your answers on a computer keyboard.
| Detail | TOEFL iBT Writing |
|---|---|
| Number of items | about 12 |
| Approximate base time | about 23 minutes |
| Task types | three (below) |
| How you answer | you type on a keyboard |
| Score | a section score on the 1 to 6 scale |
Allow about two hours for the whole test (section times exclude directions); the test adapts, so timing and items may vary (ETS).
The three Writing task types
ETS lists these Writing tasks for the current test:
- Build a Sentence — you arrange words or phrases into a complete, grammatical sentence or question. This checks your grasp of English sentence structure.
- Write an Email — you write an email for an academic or social situation, such as making a request, giving information or proposing a solution. This checks that you write clearly, stay on topic and follow basic writing conventions.
- Write for an Academic Discussion — you contribute to an online classroom discussion by stating and supporting your opinion. This checks that you develop ideas, respond to other people’s viewpoints and write in an academic tone.
No specialist background knowledge is needed, and ETS says scoring focuses on how clearly and effectively you communicate your ideas — not on writing a perfect first draft.
How it is scored
You receive four section scores and an overall score on the 1 to 6 scale; the overall is the average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest half band (ETS). For a two-year transition period after January 2026, ETS also reports a comparable overall on the older 0 to 120 scale.
Sample answers (illustrative)
These are our own model answers, written to show what each task calls for — not official TOEFL answers.
Each sample answers the prompt, keeps to the right register, and responds to the situation — the email is polite and specific, and the discussion post reacts to a classmate before adding its own view.
Example: useful task phrases
Play each line and read it aloud. These are reusable openers and moves for the email and discussion tasks.
- I am writing to ask whether I could reschedule our meeting.A clear email opening with its purpose.
- Could you let me know if that works for you?A polite request for a reply.
- Thank you for your time and help.A courteous email close.
- I agree with Sara that the deadline is too tight.React to a classmate in the discussion task.
- However, I would add that cost is also a problem.Add your own point after agreeing.
- In my view, the second option is more realistic.State an opinion clearly.
- For instance, many students already work part-time.Support the opinion with an example.
- That said, I understand the opposite argument.Acknowledge the other side politely.
- To summarise, I support the change with one condition.Close a discussion post neatly.
- Please find the details in the note below.A useful email linking phrase.
How to prepare with this course
Short, timed writing with the right register is the skill to build:
- Learn email structure and tone in Writing Business Emails in English and Formal Writing and Emails — both map straight onto the Write an Email task.
- Drill timed writing and planning with the Writing Practice guide.
- Keep sentences accurate for the Build a Sentence task with the grammar lessons at your level.
- Reach for precise words with the vocabulary sets.
Quick visual recap
Quick recap before the quiz.
Practice
TOEFL Writing practice
Try each one, then press Check. No sign-up, nothing is sent anywhere — it all runs in your browser.
Hint: see the overview table
Show answer
12 — ETS lists about 12 items for Writing.
3 Match each task to what it checks.
- Build a Sentence
- Write an Email
- Academic Discussion
- Overall score
Show answer
- Build a Sentence → sentence structure
- Write an Email → clarity and register
- Academic Discussion → developing and responding to ideas
- Overall score → average of four sections
Each task targets a different writing skill.
4 Order a strong academic-discussion post.
Show answer
respond to a classmate state your own opinion add a supporting example close with your position — React, give your view, support it, then close — in a few sentences.
Hint: the top of the new scale
Show answer
6 — The revised TOEFL iBT uses the 1 to 6 scale.
Quiz
TOEFL Writing quiz
12 questions · pick an answer and you'll see straight away if it's right.
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Show answer
Three — The current Writing section has three task types.
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Write for an Academic Discussion — Write for an Academic Discussion is one of the three current tasks.
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about 23 minutes — ETS lists an approximate base time of about 23 minutes.
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12 — ETS lists about 12 items for Writing.
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your grasp of English sentence structure — You arrange words or phrases into a complete, grammatical sentence or question.
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Show answer
make a request, give information or propose a solution — The email task covers requests, information and proposals in academic or social situations.
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Show answer
developing ideas and responding to others' viewpoints — You state and support an opinion and respond to other viewpoints in an academic tone.
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Show answer
Typed on a keyboard — You type your responses on a computer keyboard.
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Show answer
how clearly and effectively you communicate — ETS says scoring focuses on clear, effective communication, not a perfect draft.
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Show answer
The average of all four sections, rounded to the nearest half band — The overall is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
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Show answer
A comparable overall on the 0 to 120 scale — ETS reports a comparable 0 to 120 overall for a two-year transition.
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Show answer
Practise clear, polite emails with the right register — Timed emails with a clear purpose and correct register match the task.
Recap cheat-sheet
| Item | TOEFL iBT Writing |
|---|---|
| Tasks | Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Write for an Academic Discussion |
| Items / time | about 12 / about 23 minutes |
| Gone | Integrated Writing, independent essay |
| Score | section score, 1 to 6 (0 to 120 in transition) |
Next
- Nail email register: Writing Business Emails in English
- Drill timed writing: Writing Practice guide
- Compare the exams: English Exams hub
- New here? Start with Start Learning English Here
All English exams topics
Vocabulary, pronunciation, phrases, practice and exam help, ordered by level. Pick a topic and go straight to it. New lessons go live every day, so topics marked Coming soon fill in over the next weeks.
Exams
A2 1 topics · 1 ready
B1 6 topics · 6 ready
B2 12 topics · 12 ready
- 08 IELTS Reading: Format & Strategies
- 09 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
- 10 IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)
- 11 IELTS Speaking: Parts 1-3
- 12 TOEFL iBT Overview: Format & Scoring
- 13 TOEFL Reading Strategies
- 14 TOEFL Listening Strategies
- 15 TOEFL Speaking Tasks
- 16 TOEFL Writing (incl. Integrated) You are here
- 17 B2 First (FCE) Overview
- 18 Exam Essay & Writing Skills
- 19 Exam Speaking Strategies