English guide
The TOEFL 2026 Write an Email task gives you 7 minutes to address 3 content points in a polite, structured email. 10 realistic scenarios with model responses, a universal 120–180 word template, and the 5 mistakes that keep you below a 4.0 score.
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The TOEFL 2026 Write an Email task gives you 7 minutes to address 3 content points in a polite, structured email. 10 realistic scenarios with model responses, a universal 120–180 word template, and the 5 mistakes that keep you below a 4.0 score.
Since January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT Writing section has a brand-new task: Write an Email. You have 7 minutes to read a short scenario and write a complete email that addresses three required content points shown on screen. Successful responses are usually 120–180 words, with a clear subject line, greeting, 2–3 short paragraphs, and a polite closing.
This task replaces parts of the old Integrated Writing section and tests practical, real-world English — exactly the kind of email you'd send to a professor, landlord, employer, or classmate.
Quick structure every Email answer should follow:
Use this skeleton for every Email task. Fill in the scenario-specific details and you'll consistently score 5.0+:
``` Subject: [Specific topic — 5–8 words]
Dear [Recipient name/title],
I am writing to [state purpose in one clear sentence]. [1–2 sentences of context — why this matters now.]
[CONTENT POINT 1 response — 2 sentences, specific detail.] [CONTENT POINT 2 response — 2 sentences, tied to point 1.]
[CONTENT POINT 3 response — 2–3 sentences with reasoning or example.]
[Closing — next step, offer to discuss, or thank you.]
Best regards, [Your name] ```
Why this works: the 7-minute clock is tight. Memorizing this skeleton lets you skip the "how do I start?" freeze and spend your time on content, not structure.
Situation: Your Chemistry 201 professor announced the midterm has been moved up by one week. You have a conflict. Content points: (1) acknowledge the change, (2) explain your conflict, (3) propose a solution.
> Subject: Midterm Date Conflict — Chen (Sec 02) > > Dear Professor Martinez, > > Thank you for letting us know about the midterm date change. I am writing because the new date unfortunately conflicts with a medical appointment I scheduled two months ago. > > The appointment is for a follow-up procedure, so it cannot easily be rescheduled. I have already informed my academic advisor, who suggested I contact you directly. I have kept up with all the review material and feel fully prepared. > > Would it be possible to take the exam either the day before the class or during your office hours on Friday? I'm happy to sign any academic integrity agreement required. Please let me know what works best. > > Best regards, > Wei Chen
Situation: Your new roommate plays loud music late at night. Content points: (1) describe the problem, (2) explain the impact, (3) suggest a compromise.
> Subject: Quiet Hours in Our Room > > Hi Jordan, > > I wanted to send a quick note rather than bring this up awkwardly in person. Over the past two weeks, the music after 11 p.m. has been making it hard for me to sleep. > > I have an 8 a.m. statistics class every day, so the lost sleep is really affecting my concentration. I know you probably have a different schedule, so I don't want to be the "no fun" roommate. > > Could we agree on a simple rule — headphones after 11 p.m. on weeknights? I'd also be totally fine if you play speakers on weekends. Let me know what you think. > > Best, > Priya
Situation: The library sent a survey asking for feedback on its new study room booking system. Content points: (1) one thing you like, (2) one problem you had, (3) one suggestion for improvement.
> Subject: Feedback on New Study Room Booking > > Dear Library Services Team, > > Thank you for inviting feedback on the new booking system. I've been using it for three weeks and wanted to share my experience. > > What works well is the 7-day advance booking — that lets me lock in a quiet room for my Thursday group project without stress. However, I noticed that rooms often show as "available" in the app but are actually locked when I arrive; this has happened to me twice. > > As a suggestion, could the app sync room status with the key card system in real time? Even a 30-minute refresh would be a big improvement. Happy to discuss further if useful. > > Best regards, > Diego Alvarez
Situation: You want to join Professor Kim's undergraduate research group. Content points: (1) introduce yourself, (2) state your interest, (3) request a meeting.
> Subject: Interest in Joining Your Research Group > > Dear Professor Kim, > > My name is Aisha Rahman. I'm a second-year biology major and I took your Intro to Molecular Biology course last semester. > > I'm writing because your recent lecture on CRISPR gene editing really changed how I think about disease treatment, and I'd love to explore this area more deeply. I've been reading the papers listed on your lab website and have a basic grasp of the techniques. > > Would it be possible to meet for 15 minutes during your office hours to discuss whether there's a role I could contribute to? I'm available any afternoon next week. > > Best regards, > Aisha Rahman
Situation: Your study group wants to organize a lunch, and the group chat is a mess. Content points: (1) propose a date, (2) propose a place, (3) ask for confirmations.
Situation: The restaurant delivered the wrong meal to your dorm. Content points: (1) describe what happened, (2) state the impact, (3) request a resolution.
Situation: You need to cancel your gym membership due to moving cities. Content points: (1) explain reason, (2) confirm last billing date, (3) request confirmation email.
Situation: You missed a lecture due to illness. Content points: (1) apologize briefly, (2) request notes, (3) offer to help them later.
Situation: You disagree with a grade comment from your TA. Content points: (1) acknowledge the grade, (2) explain your interpretation, (3) request office hours.
Situation: A textbook you ordered online arrived damaged. Content points: (1) describe the damage, (2) reference the order number, (3) ask for a replacement or refund.
Self-scoring rubric (simplified from ETS):
Total of 5–6 = you're on track for a band 5 Writing score.
The fastest way to improve is instant feedback on your tone, content coverage, and grammar. English AIdol grades your Write an Email task against the official ETS rubric in under 30 seconds — with specific fixes for each of the three content points. Start a free Write an Email drill →