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TOEFL Writing Section

Writing Task Types Explained

TOEFL 2026 features three distinct writing tasks, each testing a different aspect of academic communication. Here's everything you need to know about each one.

🔡
Writing Task 1

Build a Sentence

You're given a set of words or phrases in scrambled order and must arrange them into a grammatically correct, coherent sentence. Tests your knowledge of syntax, word order, and basic sentence structure.

Time Limit
8 min
Band Score
Band 0–5
Credits Used
50 cr
Foundational

What to Expect

  • 5–8 words or phrases to arrange into a sentence
  • Clear context clues about the intended meaning
  • Focus on academic vocabulary and formal register
  • Multiple valid orderings may exist for some items

Top Tips

  • Identify the main verb first — it anchors the structure
  • Look for subject-verb agreement markers
  • Place time/frequency adverbs before the verb
  • Academic English prefers active constructions

Band Score Rubric (0–5)

5
Perfectly ordered, natural phrasing
4
Correct order, minor awkwardness
3
Mostly correct, 1 structural issue
2
Partial credit, meaning preserved
1–0
Incorrect order, meaning lost
✉️
Writing Task 2

Email Writing

Write a short email (around 100–150 words) in response to a given academic or professional scenario. Tests your ability to communicate clearly, formally, and appropriately in writing.

Time Limit
10 min
Band Score
Band 0–5
Credits Used
150 cr
Intermediate

What to Expect

  • A scenario requiring a specific response (request, complaint, inquiry, etc.)
  • Guidance on tone — formal, semi-formal, or professional
  • Prompt specifying key points to address
  • Word count suggestion (typically 100–150 words)

Top Tips

  • Open with an appropriate greeting (Dear Professor / Hi [name])
  • State your purpose clearly in the first sentence
  • Use formal vocabulary — avoid contractions and slang
  • Close with a polite sign-off and your name

Band Score Rubric (0–5)

5
Purpose clear, tone perfect, all points addressed, natural fluency
4
Purpose clear, mostly appropriate tone, minor omissions
3
Purpose identifiable, some tone/vocabulary issues
2
Partially addresses prompt, noticeable errors affecting clarity
1–0
Off-topic, incomprehensible, or too short
💬
Writing Task 3

Academic Discussion

Read a prompt from a professor and two student responses, then write your own contribution to the discussion in about 100–120 words. Tests argumentation, coherence, vocabulary range, and the ability to build on existing ideas.

Time Limit
11 min
Band Score
Band 0–5
Credits Used
200 cr
Advanced

What to Expect

  • A professor's question on an academic topic
  • Two sample student posts with different viewpoints
  • Your task: add a meaningful third perspective or develop an argument
  • Word count suggestion (100–120 words minimum)

Top Tips

  • Reference the discussion — acknowledge what others said
  • Take a clear position — avoid vague 'both sides' responses
  • Use academic hedging language (it could be argued, one perspective suggests...)
  • Back your view with one specific example or reasoning

Band Score Rubric (0–5)

5
Clear position, coherent argument, rich vocabulary, engages with the discussion
4
Clear position, mostly coherent, good vocabulary, minor errors
3
Position identifiable, some coherence issues, limited vocabulary
2
Unclear position, multiple errors affecting meaning
1–0
Off-topic, insufficient length, or incomprehensible

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