TOEFL 2026 Writing
Grammar mechanics, practical emails, academic argument
What's New in TOEFL 2026
The old format tested integrated skills (reading and listening before writing). The 2026 format tests writing directly: can you arrange words grammatically (Task 1), communicate clearly in a professional context (Task 2), and argue a point in an academic discussion (Task 3)?
Old Format (Pre-2026)
- ✕ 2 tasks in 30 minutes
- ✕ Integrated Writing (read + listen + write)
- ✕ Academic Discussion (retained)
- ✕ Focus on academic essay structure
New Format (2026)
- ✓ 3 tasks in ~30 minutes
- ✓ Build a Sentence (grammar/syntax)
- ✓ Write an Email (practical communication)
- ✓ Academic Discussion (same format)
Understanding Your Score
Each task tests a different skill and uses a different rubric. Knowing what the graders look for helps you prioritize:
Auto-graded
- Scoring: 1 point per correct sentence
- Focus: Grammar accuracy only
- Partial credit: No
AI-graded (0-5)
- Task completion: All points addressed
- Register: Appropriate tone
- Format: Email conventions
AI-graded (0-5)
- Content: Meaningful contribution
- Engagement: Builds on others
- Language: Academic register
The 3 Writing Tasks
Task 1: Build a Sentence Grammar Focus
10-15 sentences | 30-60 sec each | Drag-and-drop
What You'll Do
Arrange scrambled word chunks into a grammatically correct sentence. This tests your understanding of English syntax, word order, and grammar rules. No writing required—just drag and drop words into the right order.
How It Works
Arrange into:
Difficulty Progression
5-8 words, simple S-V-O order
"The library is open today."
8-12 words, clauses and passive
"The data that was collected has been analyzed."
12-18 words, inversion and cleft
"Not only did the experiment fail, but it also wasted resources."
English Word Order Rules (What the Task Tests)
English is SVO: "The researcher conducted the study" not "Conducted the researcher the study."
Exception: Questions ("Did the researcher conduct...")
"The important discovery" not "The discovery important." Multi-adjective order: opinion-size-age-shape-color-origin-material.
Example: "A beautiful old Italian villa"
Clauses starting with "although," "because," "when," "if" can go at the start (with comma) or at the end.
"Although it rained, we continued" OR "We continued although it rained"
After "not only," "never," "rarely," the subject-verb order flips. This is tested in harder questions.
"Not only did the team succeed, but they also..."
- Putting articles in the wrong place ("library the" instead of "the library")
- Forgetting comma after introductory clauses
- Mixing up subject-verb agreement with complex subjects
- Placing adverbs incorrectly in the sentence
Practice this task: Our Build a Sentence practice gives you instant feedback and explains why your arrangement was correct or incorrect.
Start practicing Build a Sentence →Task 2: Write an Email Practical Writing
5-7 minutes | 75-125 words | Real scenarios
What You'll Do
Read a scenario and write an appropriate email response. You'll be given 2-4 specific points to address. This tests your ability to communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts.
Common Scenarios
- Requesting deadline extension
- Asking about missed class
- Clarifying assignment details
- Requesting recommendation
- Scheduling appointments
- Resolving issues
- Requesting information
- Making reservations
- Group project coordination
- Study group arrangements
- Sharing information
- Internship inquiries
- Interview follow-ups
- Networking requests
Email Structure (Why Each Part Matters)
Bad: "Question" | Good: "Request for deadline extension - Bio 201 essay"
Why: Recipients scan subjects to prioritize. Be specific.
Greeting: Dear Professor [Name], / Hi [Name],
Match formality to relationship. "Dear" for professors, "Hi" for peers/TAs.
Opening (1-2 sentences):
State who you are + why you're writing. Don't make them guess.
"I'm a student in your Tuesday lecture. I'm writing to ask about..."
Body:
Address each required point, then add 1-2 extra supporting details to strengthen your request.
Cover every bullet + add relevant reasons. Going beyond the minimum shows elaboration.
Closing:
Make the next step clear. What do you want them to do?
"Please let me know if you need any additional information."
Sign-off: Best regards, / Thank you,
Avoid "Cheers" or "Later" with professors. Keep it professional.
Sample Email:
Dear Professor Chen,
My name is Sarah Johnson, and I'm enrolled in your Marketing 301 class this semester. I recently learned that Marketing 201 is listed as a prerequisite, which I haven't completed.
However, I worked for two years as a marketing assistant at a tech company before returning to school. During that time, I developed campaigns, analyzed market data, and worked directly with clients. I believe this experience has given me the foundational knowledge the prerequisite would provide.
Would it be possible for me to remain in the course? I'm happy to provide more details about my experience or meet during office hours.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
Sarah Johnson
Why this works: Clear subject line, all points addressed (introduction, situation, experience, request), appropriate formal register, proper email format.
Register Guide
- "Dear Professor Smith,"
- "I am writing to inquire about..."
- "I would appreciate your guidance..."
- "Sincerely," / "Best regards,"
- "Hi Professor Chen," / "Hello,"
- "I wanted to ask about..."
- "Would it be possible to..."
- "Thanks," / "Best,"
- Missing one of the required points (big score hit!)
- Using "Hey" or texting language (too informal)
- Forgetting subject line, greeting, or sign-off
- Being too demanding instead of polite
- Writing way over or under word count
Practice this task: Our Email Writing practice includes real scenarios with AI feedback on register, completeness, and format.
Start practicing Write an Email →Task 3: Academic Discussion Critical Thinking
10 minutes | 100-150 words | Same as current TOEFL
What You'll Do
Read a professor's discussion question and two student responses, then write your own contribution to the discussion. This task remains unchanged from the current TOEFL—so any preparation you've done for it still applies!
Task Structure
Read Professor's Question
An academic topic with context and a specific question to discuss
Read Two Student Responses
Two different perspectives (~80-100 words each) you can agree with, disagree with, or build upon
Write Your Contribution 10 min
100-150 words that meaningfully contributes to the discussion
Response Structure (What Gets High Scores)
"I agree with [name] that... but would add..."
Why: Shows you read the others AND have your own view. Both matter.
Reason 1 with Support (2-3 sentences):
"[Your main reason]. For example, [specific evidence]."
Why: Reasons without examples are weak. Examples without reasons are random.
New Contribution (2-3 sentences):
Bring something the other students didn't mention.
This is what separates 4s from 5s. "Additionally, neither mentioned that..."
Conclusion (optional, 1 sentence):
Only if you have room. Better to develop ideas than add a weak conclusion.
Skip if over 130 words. The grader values substance over form.
Sample Response:
Topic: Should universities require online courses?
"I agree with Rachel that requiring an online course could benefit students, but I think
Daniel raises an important concern about subjects that can't be taught effectively online.
The key might be flexibility rather than a blanket requirement. Perhaps universities could
require online courses only for students in fields where remote work is common, like business
or computer science, while allowing exemptions for students in hands-on fields like nursing
or engineering.
Additionally, the quality of online courses varies dramatically. A poorly designed online
course might not prepare students for anything—it would just waste their time. Universities
should focus on developing high-quality online offerings before making them mandatory.
In short, the idea has merit, but implementation matters more than the requirement itself."
Why this works: Engages with both students, offers new perspective, provides reasoning, uses academic register, ~140 words.
Scoring Criteria
- Clear, well-supported position
- Original insight or reasoning
- Relevant to the topic
- References other responses
- Builds on the discussion
- Adds value beyond repetition
- Clear structure
- Good flow and transitions
- Coherent paragraphing
- Academic register
- Varied vocabulary
- Grammatical accuracy
- Simply restating what other students said
- Ignoring the other students' responses entirely
- Going off-topic from the professor's question
- Writing too much (over 200 words) or too little (under 80)
- Forgetting to actually state your position
Practice this task: Our Academic Discussion practice uses AI to evaluate your content, engagement, and language use—just like the real test.
Start practicing Academic Discussion →Your 3-Week Practice Plan
The three tasks require different skills. This plan helps you build each one systematically.
Week 1: Master Grammar & Format
Goal: Nail Build a Sentence and learn email format
- Days 1-2: Build a Sentence easy/medium questions (20-30 sentences)
- Days 3-4: Study email format, write 2-3 practice emails (untimed)
- Days 5-6: Build a Sentence hard questions, focus on clause order
- Day 7: Review grammar rules, memorize email template
Focus: Accuracy over speed. Get the patterns right first.
Week 2: Build Content Skills
Goal: Write better emails and discussion responses
- Days 1-2: Timed email practice (7 minutes each), 3 per day
- Days 3-4: Academic Discussion—study sample responses, write 2 untimed
- Days 5-6: Timed Academic Discussion (10 minutes), focus on engagement
- Day 7: Mixed Build a Sentence sets + review email/discussion feedback
Focus: Completing tasks within time limits. Addressing all required points.
Week 3: Full Section Practice
Goal: Build stamina for complete writing sections
- Days 1, 3, 5: Complete writing sections (all 3 tasks, ~30 minutes)
- Days 2, 4: Focus on your weakest task type
- Day 6: Final full simulation under test conditions
- Day 7: Light review, rest, build confidence
Focus: Consistency across all three tasks. Trust your preparation!
Ready to Start?
Our TOEFL 2026 writing practice includes all three task types with instant AI feedback.
Begin Week 1 TodayTest Day Essentials
Do This
- ✓ Read all required points before writing emails
- ✓ Budget time: 1 min plan, write, 1 min proofread
- ✓ Use the email template you memorized
- ✓ For Build a Sentence: look for clause markers first
- ✓ For Discussion: engage with both student responses
- ✓ Stay within word count guidelines
Avoid This
- ✕ Don't skip the subject line in emails
- ✕ Don't miss any required bullet points
- ✕ Don't use overly casual language with professors
- ✕ Don't just agree without adding new ideas
- ✕ Don't rush—proofread before submitting
- ✕ Don't write way over the word limit
Completeness beats eloquence. A clear, complete response with simple vocabulary scores higher than a half-finished response with impressive words. Check: Did I address every required point? If yes, then proofread. If no, keep writing.
Start Practicing
If grammar is your weakness, start with Build a Sentence. If organization is, start with Academic Discussion.