What does the 'Build a Sentence' task test?

Your command of English sentence structure — you rearrange words or phrases into a complete, grammatical sentence.

What kinds of emails does the 'Write an Email' task ask for?

Emails for academic or social situations, such as making a request, giving information, or proposing a solution.

What should a 'Write for an Academic Discussion' response include?

Your own opinion with a supporting reason and example, engaging with the professor's question and the discussion.

What does TOEFL Writing scoring focus on?

How clearly and effectively you communicate your ideas — not on producing a perfect first draft.

What is a reliable four-part structure for the email task?

Greeting, the reason, the specific request, and a polite thank-you or close.

← Back

Home › TOEFL Smart Notes › TOEFL Writing 2026: Build a Sentence, Email & Discussion

Smart Note8 min

TOEFL Writing 2026: Build a Sentence, Email & Discussion

The three new Writing tasks — arranging a sentence, writing an email, and posting in an academic discussion — and what each one rewards.

The big picture

TOEFL Writing 2026 (~12 items, ~23 min)
- Build a Sentence — Rearrange words into a correct sentence
- Write an Email — Academic/social situation — request or inform
- Academic Discussion — State an opinion in an online class thread
- Clear, not perfect — Scored on how clearly you communicate

Build a Sentence — word order under control

You arrange words or phrases into a complete, grammatical sentence. It tests your command of English sentence structure — subject, verb, object and modifiers in the right order.

💡

Real example: Given the jumble 'the / submitted / late / assignment / student / the', the correct order is 'The student submitted the assignment late.' Find the subject and verb first, then slot the rest around them.

🧠 Memory hook: Anchor the subject + verb, then hang the other words on that spine.

Write an Email — get the job done politely

You write an email for an academic or social situation — making a request, giving information, or proposing a solution. You're marked on writing clearly, staying on topic, and appropriate conventions (greeting, purpose, close).

💡

Real example: Scenario: your exam clashes with another commitment. Structure: 'Dear Professor Lee,' → the reason (clash) → the specific request (sit it on another date) → a polite thank-you and sign-off.

🧠 Memory hook: Greeting → Reason → Request → Thanks. Four beats, done.

Write for an Academic Discussion — take a clear stance

You contribute to an online classroom discussion: read the professor's question and classmates' posts, then add your own opinion with a reason and example. Engage with the topic — don't just repeat it.

💡

Real example: Prompt: 'Should universities make sport compulsory?' A strong post states a position ('No, it should be optional'), gives one reason (autonomy raises motivation), and a specific example — in a few tight sentences.

🧠 Memory hook: Position → one reason → one example. Add to the conversation, don't echo it.

Scored on clarity, not perfection

ETS says scoring focuses on how clearly and effectively you communicate your ideas — not on writing a perfect first draft. So prioritise a clear point and correct, readable sentences over fancy vocabulary.

💡

Real example: A plain, correct sentence like 'Optional sport lets students choose activities they'll stick with' scores better than an ornate sentence that loses the reader.

🧠 Memory hook: Clear beats clever. Communicate the idea, don't decorate it.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 'Build a Sentence' task test?: Your command of English sentence structure — you rearrange words or phrases into a complete, grammatical sentence.
What kinds of emails does the 'Write an Email' task ask for?: Emails for academic or social situations, such as making a request, giving information, or proposing a solution.
What should a 'Write for an Academic Discussion' response include?: Your own opinion with a supporting reason and example, engaging with the professor's question and the discussion.
What does TOEFL Writing scoring focus on?: How clearly and effectively you communicate your ideas — not on producing a perfect first draft.
What is a reliable four-part structure for the email task?: Greeting, the reason, the specific request, and a polite thank-you or close.

Keep going — free practice

🎯 Free TOEFL mock test 📚 More TOEFL Smart Notes 📚 All Smart Notes