The New TOEFL Writing Section (2026): A Practical Guide for Teachers and Students
After more than two decades of teaching TOEFL, it is clear that the 2026 TOEFL iBT redesign represents the most meaningful shift in writing assessment since the test was first introduced. The new format moves decisively away from long, artificial essays and instead evaluates how well students can write clearly, accurately, and appropriately in real academic contexts.
Overview of the TOEFL Writing Section (2026)
Beginning in 2026, the TOEFL Writing section lasts approximately 23 minutes and contains 12 short writing tasks. These tasks are designed to reflect authentic university communication and assess a broad range of writing skills efficiently.
The Writing Section Includes Three Task Types:
Build a Sentence (Grammar & Accuracy)
Students reorder words to form a correct, natural English sentence.
Focus: syntax, word order, meaning, and grammatical accuracy.
Write an Email (Functional Writing)
Students write short academic or campus-related emails.
Focus: clarity, tone, politeness, organization, and purpose.
Write for an Academic Discussion (Argument & Interaction)
Students respond to an online discussion, referring to classmates’ ideas.
Focus: opinion development, coherence, relevance, and academic tone.
Each test includes:
4 Build-a-Sentence tasks
4 Email-writing tasks
10 Complete TOEFL Writing Practice Tests (2026 Format)
Recommended time per test: 23 minutes
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 1
Build a Sentence (1–4)
students / often / study / together / libraries / in
important / is / time / managing / effectively
feedback / helps / improve / writing / academic
clear / instructions / success / lead / to
Write an Email (5–8)
Write to your professor asking for clarification about an assignment deadline.
Write to the housing office reporting a broken heater in your dorm room.
Email a classmate to confirm meeting details for a group project.
Write to the registrar asking how to replace a lost student ID.
Academic Discussion (9–12)
Should universities require attendance in lectures? Respond to classmates.
Is online learning as effective as in-person learning? Explain your view.
Do grades accurately reflect learning? Respond with an example.
Should students work part-time while studying? Share your opinion.
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 2
Build a Sentence
technology / modern / education / influences / greatly
students / revise / essays / before / submitting
group / discussions / encourage / critical / thinking
academic / writing / structure / requires
Write an Email
Email your instructor explaining why you missed class due to illness.
Write to IT support about a login problem on the learning platform.
Email a tutor requesting help with essay organization.
Write to the library asking about an overdue book fine.
Academic Discussion
Is teamwork more beneficial than individual work?
Should universities offer more online courses?
Does note-taking improve learning?
Are exams the best way to assess students?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 3
Build a Sentence
students / benefit / regular / practice
academic / emails / polite / should / be
clear / thesis / strengthens / essays
deadlines / meeting / responsibility / shows
Write an Email
Request feedback on a draft you submitted.
Ask your professor to reschedule an advising meeting.
Write to a classmate who has not responded to group messages.
Email the department office asking about course registration.
Academic Discussion
Should students study abroad if possible?
Is reading or listening more important for language learning?
Does competition help students perform better?
Should universities require research projects?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 4
Build a Sentence
planning / improves / academic / performance
feedback / professors / valuable / is
writing / clarity / improves / grades
students / instructions / carefully / read
Write an Email
Ask about the format of an upcoming exam.
Write to housing services about a noisy roommate.
Request an extension due to a family emergency.
Email a professor thanking them for helpful feedback.
Academic Discussion
Is memorization still useful in education?
Should classes be smaller?
Do students learn more from mistakes?
Is campus life important for learning?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 5
Build a Sentence
practice / leads / confidence / writing
academic / tone / emails / require
students / deadlines / respect / must
organization / improves / readability
Write an Email
Ask for clarification about a low grade.
Write to a classmate proposing study sessions.
Report a technical issue during an online test.
Request permission to record a lecture.
Academic Discussion
Is technology distracting in classrooms?
Should students choose their own courses freely?
Are textbooks still necessary?
Is peer feedback useful?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 6
Build a Sentence
clear / arguments / strengthen / essays
students / revise / multiple / drafts
feedback / encourages / improvement
formal / language / academic / writing / uses
Write an Email
Inform your professor you will arrive late to class.
Ask about opportunities for extra credit.
Write to a classmate apologizing for missing a meeting.
Request office hours information.
Academic Discussion
Is multitasking harmful to studying?
Should students learn presentation skills?
Does homework reinforce learning?
Is studying alone more effective?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 7
Build a Sentence
consistent / effort / leads / success
writing / improves / with / feedback
students / plan / schedules / carefully
academic / integrity / essential / is
Write an Email
Ask for a recommendation letter.
Request help understanding course materials.
Write to student services about scholarship options.
Notify a professor about a schedule conflict.
Academic Discussion
Is creativity important in academic work?
Should students be allowed laptops in class?
Are internships essential?
Is self-study effective?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 8
Build a Sentence
students / benefit / active / participation
clear / goals / motivate / learners
organization / improves / writing
practice / builds / fluency
Write an Email
Ask about joining an academic club.
Write to a professor requesting feedback.
Request clarification on a project rubric.
Ask a classmate for shared notes.
Academic Discussion
Is failure a valuable learning experience?
Should classes include more discussions?
Is online research reliable?
Do deadlines motivate students?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 9
Build a Sentence
writing / skills / develop / over / time
students / benefit / peer / review
academic / writing / requires / precision
feedback / improves / performance
Write an Email
Request a syllabus clarification.
Ask about exam retake policies.
Write to housing about maintenance delays.
Thank a professor for academic support.
Academic Discussion
Is independent learning important?
Should students study multiple subjects?
Does stress affect learning?
Is attendance necessary?
TOEFL Writing Practice Test 10
Build a Sentence
practice / improves / writing / accuracy
students / develop / confidence / gradually
clear / structure / strengthens / essays
feedback / encourages / growth
Write an Email
Confirm a tutoring appointment.
Ask for clarification about graduation requirements.
Write to a professor requesting a meeting.
Inform a classmate about project changes.
Academic Discussion
Should universities teach life skills?
Is collaboration essential in learning?
Are grades motivating or stressful?
Should education focus on theory or practice?
In conclusion, the 2026 TOEFL Writing section rewards clarity, accuracy, relevance, and real-world academic communication rather than length. Teachers who train students to write precisely, purposefully, and efficiently will see strong results under this new format.
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