How do I prepare for the three new TOEFL Writing tasks?

Build a Sentence

You arrange the given words or phrases to form a complete, grammatical sentence or question. ETS says this task measures your understanding of English sentence structure. The ETS specifications list 10 items worth up to 1 point each.

When you practice, build sentences yourself and check, one at a time, where the subject and verb go, the word order of questions, and where modifiers attach.

Write an Email

You write an email in an academic or social situation, such as making a request, giving information, or proposing a solution. ETS says this task measures whether you write clearly, stay on topic, and follow basic writing conventions. There is 1 item worth up to 5 points.

When you practice, state the purpose of the email at the start, and at the end check that you covered everything the prompt asked for.

Write for an Academic Discussion

You contribute to an online class discussion by stating and supporting your opinion. ETS says this task measures how well you develop ideas, respond to others' viewpoints, and write in an academic tone. There is 1 item worth up to 5 points.

When you practice, settle your opinion in one sentence first, add reasons and examples, and then point out how it differs from the other views in the discussion.

Timing and scoring

The ETS overview table lists an approximate base time of 23 minutes for Writing, and you type your answers on a keyboard. ETS says scoring focuses on how clearly and effectively you communicate your ideas, not on writing a perfect first draft. Writing assistance software is not permitted during the test.