TOEFL iBT Writing Practice
The TOEFL iBT writing section as redesigned in January 2026: Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Academic Discussion tasks, timed, with model answers.
Build a Sentence about 6 min · 10 items
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B1Build a Sentence
Campus Conversations (Set 1)
Ten word-order items in the 2026 TOEFL format: put the words in order to complete a reply in a short campus conversation.
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B2Build a Sentence
Questions and Replies (Set 2)
Ten harder word-order items: indirect questions, passives, conditionals and relative clauses in everyday academic replies.
Write an Email 7 min · 3 points to cover
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B2Write an Email
Asking a Professor for an Extension
Write a polite email to a professor in seven minutes, covering three required points, as in the 2026 TOEFL Write an Email task.
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B2Write an Email
Problem With a Group Project
Email a classmate tactfully about a problem in your group project and propose a solution, in seven minutes.
Academic Discussion 10 min · 100+ words
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B1Discussion
Study Alone or in Groups?
Join an online class discussion about whether students learn more alone or in study groups, giving a reason and an example.
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B2Discussion
Should Internships Be Required?
Read a professor's question and two student posts, then add your own contribution with a clear opinion and support.
Questions people ask
How this part of the exam works
The new writing section (from January 2026)
The long essays are gone. The section now has three short task types, about 23 minutes in total, in a fixed order:
- Build a Sentence: put mixed-up words and phrases in the right order to make a correct sentence, often a question or a reply. Each item is scored right or wrong.
- Write an Email: read a short academic or social situation and write an email that covers three given points. You have about 7 minutes.
- Write for an Academic Discussion: read a professor's question and two students' posts, then add your own contribution. You have about 10 minutes; at least 100 words is recommended.
The email and discussion tasks are scored with a rubric that looks at content, organisation and language use.
Read first
How long is the TOEFL writing section?
About 23 minutes: roughly 6 minutes for Build a Sentence, 7 for the email and 10 for the academic discussion.
How many words should I write in the Academic Discussion?
Official guidance suggests at least 100 words. 120–150 words is enough to explain your view and give an example.
How formal should the email be?
It depends on the reader. Write semi-formally and politely to a professor or an office; you can be more relaxed with a classmate. Always cover all three points.