TOEFL Writing 2026: Email and Academic Discussion Tips

Since January 2026, the TOEFL iBT writing section has three short task types and lasts about 23 minutes. The long integrated and independent essays are gone. Speed, accuracy and clear communication matter more than length.

1. Build a Sentence (about 6 minutes, about 10 items)

You see the start of a short conversation and put word tiles in order to complete a reply. Each item is right or wrong.

What to check:

• subject and main verb first
• indirect questions use statement order: Do you know where it is? (not where is it)
• adverbs like still, only, already go before the main verb
• every tile is used exactly once

2. Write an Email (7 minutes)

A short academic or social situation with three points to cover.

Plan (1 minute): read, number the three points. Write (5 minutes): greeting → purpose → one or two sentences per point → closing. Check (1 minute): names, tense, politeness.

Useful polite language: Would it be possible to…? / I'd be grateful if… / Thank you for your understanding.

3. Write for an Academic Discussion (10 minutes)

A professor asks a question; two students reply. You add your own post. Aim for at least 100 words.

A simple plan:

1. Your opinion in the first sentence.
2. Refer to one classmate by name: I see Kai's point, but…
3. Add a new reason or example that neither classmate gave. This is what raters look for.
4. One concluding sentence.

That repeats Kai's idea. Add something new:

Timing tips

• Don't spend more than 40 seconds on a Build a Sentence item; move on and come back if you can.
• In the email, all three points matter more than elegant style.
• Leave one minute at the end of the discussion to fix small errors.

Practise: Build a Sentence sets, email tasks and academic discussions.