TOEFL Writing Templates 2026: Complete Guide to All Three Task Types
Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL writing section changes completely. The old Independent and Integrated Writing tasks are gone. In their place: three new task types testing practical communication skills. This guide provides proven templates for all three TOEFL writing tasks so you can achieve your target score. (See the visual summary infographic at the end for a quick reference.)
Watch: TOEFL Writing Tips for High Scores
Official overview of TOEFL writing expectations and scoring criteria
What Changed in TOEFL Writing for 2026?
Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL writing section looks completely different. For a comprehensive breakdown of all changes, see our complete TOEFL 2026 changes guide.
Key Changes at a Glance
OLD Format (Before Jan 2026)
- • Integrated Writing (20 min)
- • Independent Writing (30 min)
- • Total: 50 minutes, 2 tasks
- • Long essays (300+ words)
NEW Format (Jan 2026+)
- • Build a Sentence (~6 min)
- • Write an Email (~7 min)
- • Academic Discussion (~10 min)
- • Total: ~23 minutes, 3 tasks
The new format emphasizes practical, real-world communication over lengthy academic essays. You'll spend less time writing, but each task requires focused, efficient responses.
Task 1Build a Sentence Template (6 Minutes)
Task Overview
- Time: ~6 minutes total (4-6 items)
- Format: Rearrange scrambled words into correct sentences
- Scoring: Correct/Incorrect (no partial credit)
- Skills tested: Grammar, word order, sentence structure
What You'll See
Each item presents:
- A context sentence or question
- 6-8 scrambled words/phrases to arrange
- Your task: Create a grammatically correct response
Example Build a Sentence Item
Context: "What was the highlight of your trip?"
Words to arrange:
Correct Answer:
"The tour guides who showed us around the old city were fantastic."
Build a Sentence Strategy Template
- 1Find the subject - Look for nouns or pronouns (the, a, tour guides, students)
- 2Find the main verb - Identify the action word (were, was, showed, went)
- 3Check subject-verb agreement - Plural subjects need plural verbs
- 4Place modifiers correctly - Adjectives before nouns, relative clauses after
- 5Verify it answers the question - Read your sentence in context
For more detailed strategies, see our Build a Sentence complete guide.
Task 2Write an Email Template (7 Minutes, 80-120 Words)
Task Overview
- Time: ~7 minutes
- Word count: 80-120 words recommended
- Format: Professional email responding to a scenario
- Scoring: 0-5 rubric (content, format, tone, grammar)
The 5-Part Email Template
Every professional email follows this structure. Memorize it and you'll never struggle with format:
Professional Greeting
Choose based on recipient:
- •
Dear Professor [Name],- Academic - •
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],- Business - •
Dear Hiring Manager,- Job applications
Opening (State Purpose)
"I am writing to inquire about..." / "I am contacting you regarding..."
Body (Address All Requirements)
Address each task requirement in order. Be specific with details.
Closing (Gratitude + Action)
"Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response."
Sign-off + Name
Best regards, or Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Write an Email Example (Score 5)
Scenario: You submitted poems to a magazine but the online form had issues. Email the editor to: 1) Express what you like about the magazine, 2) Describe the problem, 3) Ask about your submissions.
Dear Editor,
I am writing regarding my recent poetry submissions to Sunshine Poetry Magazine. I was impressed by the diverse range of voices featured in your publication and the visually engaging layouts that make each piece stand out.
Unfortunately, I experienced technical difficulties with your online submission form. After uploading my two poems and clicking submit, the page continued loading for several minutes before refreshing to a blank form. I am uncertain whether my submissions were successfully received.
Could you please confirm if you received my poems? I would greatly appreciate any assistance.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Sarah Chen
Word count: ~115 words
For detailed templates for every scenario type, see our complete email writing guide.
Task 3Academic Discussion Template (10 Minutes, 100-150 Words)
Task Overview
- Time: ~10 minutes
- Word count: At least 100 words (aim for 100-150)
- Format: Discussion post responding to professor + 2 students
- Scoring: 0-5 rubric (position, reasoning, engagement, grammar)
What You'll See
The task presents an online classroom discussion:
- Professor's question - The topic you must address
- Student A's response - One perspective (often agreeing)
- Student B's response - Different perspective (often disagreeing)
- Your task: Write your own response engaging with the discussion
The 5-Part Discussion Response Template
- 1Position Statement (1 sentence)
"I believe that..." / "While I understand both perspectives, I think..."
- 2Acknowledge a Peer (1-2 sentences)
"I agree with [Name]'s point that..." / "While [Name] raises a valid concern..."
- 3Primary Reasoning (2-3 sentences)
Explain WHY you hold your position with logic or evidence
- 4Specific Example (1-2 sentences)
Concrete illustration: "For example..." / "In my experience..."
- 5Conclusion (1 sentence)
"Therefore..." / "For these reasons, I believe..."
Academic Discussion Example (Score 5)
Topic: Should high schools require volunteer hours for graduation?
Claire: Yes, it builds civic responsibility.
Andrew: No, students are already too busy.
While I understand Andrew's concern about limited free time, I believe mandatory volunteer hours would benefit high school students. I agree with Claire that volunteering helps develop civic responsibility, which is increasingly important in our interconnected world.
Schools could address time constraints by offering flexible options like weekend or summer volunteering. This way, students with part-time jobs could still participate. What's more, volunteering can actually provide a break from academic pressure, allowing students to engage in meaningful activities outside school.
For example, helping at a community garden is both fulfilling and educational. In conclusion, with flexible scheduling options, the benefits of required volunteering outweigh the concerns about student time.
Word count: ~130 words
For more strategies, see our Academic Discussion complete guide.
How Many Words for TOEFL Writing?
One of the most common questions about the new format. Here's the definitive answer:
| Task | Word Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Build a Sentence | N/A | You arrange given words; no writing |
| Write an Email | 80-120 words | Recommended range for full marks |
| Academic Discussion | 100-150 words | Minimum 100; 150 is optimal |
Unlike the old format that required 300+ word essays, the new TOEFL values concise, effective communication. Quality over quantity.
How is TOEFL Writing Graded?
Understanding the scoring rubric helps you know exactly what graders look for:
Build a Sentence: Binary Scoring
Each item is scored Correct or Incorrect. The sentence must be grammatically correct AND answer the context question appropriately.
Write an Email: 0-5 Rubric
- 5: All goals accomplished, appropriate register, clear organization, minimal errors
- 4: Goals achieved with adequate detail, generally accurate
- 3: Goals addressed with limited development, some errors
- 2: Inadequate development, frequent errors
- 1: Goals barely addressed, numerous errors
Academic Discussion: 0-5 Rubric
- 5: Clear position, strong reasoning, meaningful peer engagement, excellent grammar
- 4: Clear position with adequate support, engages with peers, good grammar
- 3: Position stated with basic support, some peer engagement
- 2: Weak position, limited reasoning, minimal peer engagement
- 1: Unclear position, poor reasoning, no peer engagement
How to Get 30 in TOEFL Writing: 7 Expert Strategies
Mastering TOEFL writing templates requires focused practice and strategy
1. Master All Three Templates
Know the structure for each task type cold. Templates free your mind to focus on content.
2. Practice Strict Time Management
Build a Sentence: ~1 min/item. Email: 5 min writing + 2 min review. Discussion: 7 min writing + 3 min review.
3. Match Register to Context
Professional tone for emails (Dear..., Sincerely). Academic tone for discussions (formal vocabulary, no contractions).
4. Always Engage with Peer Responses
In Academic Discussion, reference at least one student by name. This shows you read carefully and can engage in dialogue.
5. Use Specific Examples
"Helping at a community garden" beats "doing volunteer work." Specific details demonstrate depth.
6. Proofread Key Sentences
Especially your opening and closing. Grammar errors in thesis statements hurt your score disproportionately. Review our guide on common grammar mistakes to avoid costly errors.
7. Use AI Feedback for Practice
Tools like Writing30 AI provide instant scoring and identify patterns in your mistakes so you can improve faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is TOEFL writing graded?
Build a Sentence tasks are scored correct/incorrect. Write an Email and Academic Discussion use a 0-5 rubric evaluating content, organization, register, and grammar. Human raters and AI scoring systems evaluate responses, combined into an overall 0-30 scaled score.
How many words for TOEFL writing?
Write an Email: 80-120 words. Academic Discussion: 100-150 words minimum. Build a Sentence has no word count as you rearrange given words.
How to get 30 in TOEFL writing?
Master all three task templates, practice time management, use appropriate register, engage meaningfully with discussion peers, provide specific examples, and eliminate grammar errors in key sentences.
When does the new TOEFL writing format start?
The new format takes effect January 21, 2026. Tests before this date use the old format (Independent + Integrated Writing). Tests on or after this date use the new format (Build a Sentence, Write an Email, Academic Discussion).
What are the three TOEFL writing tasks in 2026?
1) Build a Sentence (~6 min): Rearrange scrambled words. 2) Write an Email (~7 min): Compose 80-120 word professional email. 3) Academic Discussion (~10 min): Write 100-150 word response engaging with peers.
TOEFL Writing Practice Resources
Ready to put these templates into practice? Here are your next steps:
References & Further Reading
- TOEFL iBT Writing Section Updates 2026 — ETS TOEFL Preparation (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Test Content and Structure — ETS Official Website (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Scoring Rubrics — ETS Score Guide (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Free Practice Resources — ETS Free Resources (Accessed: December 2025)
- Writing for Academic Discussion Task — ETS TOEFL Writing (Accessed: December 2025)
External links open in a new tab. Writing30 is not affiliated with the linked sources.
Visual Summary: TOEFL Writing Templates at a Glance
Save or bookmark this infographic for quick reference when practicing. It summarizes templates and structures for all three TOEFL 2026 writing tasks: Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Academic Discussion.
