TOEFL Writing Templates: Email and Academic Discussion Samples

The 50-minute essay in the TOEFL writing section is gone. You now have about 23 minutes to complete two very different tasks: Write an Email (7 minutes) and an academic discussion (10 minutes). You don’t have time to plan complex sentences from scratch. You need a framework.

The table below breaks down exactly what each task requires, so you know which tool to reach for on test day.

The email task asks you to reply to a professor, administrator, or classmate. You must answer all questions in the prompt, use a polite tone, and stay within the word limit. You do not need a different structure for every scenario. One flexible template works for all formal situations.

Question: Write to your professor about a schedule change.
Your class presentation has been moved to Friday. Please confirm if you can still present then and suggest an alternative time if not.

Response:

Dear Professor Wilson,

Thank you for your email regarding the presentation schedule change.

I am writing to confirm that I am available to present this Friday. My slides are complete, and I am ready for the new date.

Regarding the alternative time you requested, if Friday is no longer suitable for the class, I am available on Thursday afternoon between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Priya Sharma

Structure of the TOEFL Writing: Email Template

Here is the skeleton you should memorise. It works for almost any prompt, whether you are writing to a professor or a classmate.

• Greeting: Match the recipient’s formality level. Use Dear Professor [Last Name] for faculty or Hello [First Name] for a peer.
• Opening Sentence: Thank them for their message or acknowledge the situation. (e.g., Thank you for your email regarding...)
• Body Paragraph 1 (Confirm/Answer): Directly answer the first question. Use strong verbs like confirm or am writing to let you know.
• Body Paragraph 2 (Address Second Point): Answer the second question. If needed, offer a specific alternative (day/time) or make a polite request using modals like could or would it be possible.
• Closing Sentence: A brief, polite thank you for their time or understanding.
• Sign-off: Best regards (formal) or Best wishes (semi-formal).

This task replaces the old independent essay. You will see a professor’s question and two student responses. You have 10 minutes to write your own post. This is not a formal essay. You do not need an introduction with a hook. You need one clear opinion and one strong example.

Question: Should financial literacy be a mandatory course in high school?
(Professor’s prompt with two student opinions)

Response:

I agree with David that financial literacy must be a mandatory subject.

This is because most students graduate without understanding basic concepts like interest rates or budgeting. This lack of knowledge leads to high debt in early adulthood. For example, a 2023 study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that students who took such a course were 30% less likely to take on high-cost debt.

I understand Sarah’s point that the school day is already full. However, financial literacy is not an elective life skill. It is as essential as mathematics.

Therefore, I strongly support making this course compulsory.

Structure of the TOEFL Writing: Academic Discussion Template

Do not memorise one rigid script. Instead, build a flexible response using these functional blocks. Mix and match them based on the prompt.

• Opening Move (State your opinion): Immediately signal which side you are on. (e.g., I agree with [Student] that... or I disagree with the view that...)
• Agreement Block (Support a classmate): Reference one student by name, paraphrase their idea, and add a new supporting detail they did not mention. (e.g., This is because [your reason]. For example,...)
• Disagreement Block (Counter the other view): Acknowledge the other student’s point respectfully, then explain why your position is stronger. (e.g., I understand [Name]'s point about [topic]. However,...)
• Support & Elaboration: Use specific examples, data, or real-world cases. This is where most of your word count should go.
• Closing Move (Optional): Briefly restate your position. (e.g., Therefore, I believe that...)

Pro Tip: You do not have to follow this exact order. Starting with agreement or leading with your overall opinion both work. Pick an order that feels natural and practice it consistently.