Writing guides
TOEFL 2026 Writing Task 2
TOEFL 2026 Writing Task 2 - Write an Email
Hey there, test-takers! Nutty the Squirrel here, ready to guide you through Writing Task 2 in TOEFL Writing. š¾
The second TOEFL Writing task is writing an email. In this task, you must write an email based on the situation provided in the question. Since the time limit for this task is fairly short (7 minutes), and using the correct tone and structure for the situation is extremely important, many test takers find it a bit tricky, like trying to carry too many acorns at once! šæļø
In the following sections, weāll take a closer look at this task in detail. So grab your coffee (or maybe a cozy hazelnut latte!) and stay with us as we go through everything you need to know about TOEFL Writing Task 2.
Ready to stash away some knowledge?
Letās get started! š¾
Structure of TOEFL Writing Task 2
In the email-writing task, you are first given a short paragraph describing a situation. For example, you may need to ask a professor for a deadline extension, report a problem, invite a friend to join a study group, give feedback, and so on.
After the paragraph, you will see three bullet points. Your email must address all of these points.
Example:
$blue Your instructor has asked students to propose ideas for the final course project. $blue
$red Write an email to your instructor. In your message, be sure to: $red
$green
- Present a topic you would like to work on.
- Describe the reasons you are interested in this topic.
- Ask whether this topic is suitable or needs modification. $green
Write in full sentences and include as many relevant details as possible.
As you can see in the example above, the most important parts for answering the question are:
- $green The topic $green
- $red The person you are writing to $red
- $green The things you are required to mention (the bullet points) $green
These sections are highlighted in the sample question above.
You have 7 minutes to complete this task, and that time includes reading the prompt too. There is no official word limit for this task, but considering the available time and the structure of a standard high-scoring response (which weāll crack open together below š°), we recommend writing around 130 to 150 words.
Features of a Standard High-Scoring Email Response
Below, weāll go over the key points for answering this task by carefully examining a sample response.
We strongly, strongly recommend that before reading the explanation below, you first carefully read the sample response with your sharp little squirrel eyes.
Question:
Your instructor has asked students to propose ideas for the final course project.
Write an email to your instructor. In your message, be sure to:
- Present a topic you would like to work on.
- Describe the reasons you are interested in this topic.
- Ask whether this topic is suitable or needs modification.
Write in full sentences and include as many relevant details as possible.
Sample Response:
Dear Professor Williams,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to suggest a topic for my final project.
During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect studentsā academic performance. In particular, I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence studentsā ability to maintain attention while studying.
I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research.
I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus.
Thank you very much for your time and guidance.
Sincerely,
Ana Smith
Why Is This a Strong Response?
1. Using Appropriate Greetings
According to ETS, your email should follow the basic principles of effective communication, including using proper greetings. As you can see, the sample email begins with:
Dear Professor Williams,
Since the email is addressed to a professor, this is an appropriate and professional greeting.
How Should You Write Greetings for Different Emails?
If your relationship with the person you are writing to is formal, for example, a professor, university staff member, employer, or administrator, your greeting should usually follow one of these formats:
Dear + Title
or
Dear + Title + Last Name
Examples:
- Dear Professor,
- Dear Professor Smith,
- Dear Mr. Nguyen,
- Dear Dr. Miller,
- Dear Ms. White,
If your relationship with the person is more casual or friendly ā for example, a friend, relative, classmate, or coworker at the same level ā you can use more informal greetings such as:
Dear + First Name
or
Hello/Hi + First Name
Examples:
- Dear Sam,
- Dear Alex,
- Hi Chris,
2. Clearly Stating the Purpose of the Email
At the beginning of your email, you should clearly explain why you are writing. Think of it like giving the reader a little squirrel map right from the start. šæļø
Examples:
- I am writing to inquire aboutā¦
- Iām writing to follow up onā¦
- I would like to ask aboutā¦
- This email is to inform you ofā¦
- I am writing regardingā¦
As you can see in the sample response, the purpose is stated very clearly:
I am writing to suggest a topic for my final project.
This section can also include a short greeting, appreciation, or background sentence before mentioning the main purpose of the email. For example:
- I hope you are doing well. Iām writing to follow up onā¦
- Thank you for organizing the workshop. I would like to ask aboutā¦
3. Covering All the Bullet Points
One of the most important parts of ETS scoring is whether you address all the bullet points clearly and with enough detail and explanation.
In the sample prompt above, you were asked to:
- Present a topic you would like to work on
- Explain why you are interested in this topic
- Ask whether the topic is suitable or needs modification
Now letās jump back to the sample response:
During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect studentsā academic performance. In particular, I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence studentsā ability to maintain attention while studying.
I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research.
I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus.As you can see, the response clearly addresses all three bullet points.
To make sure you fully address every bullet point, you can use templates and organized structures. Later in this article, youāll find some very useful templates gathered like a neat little pile of acorns.
4. Supporting Each Bullet Point with Details and Examples
Simply mentioning the bullet points is not enough for a high score. Your ideas should also be supported with clear details, examples, explanations, or experiences.
You can use your imagination if necessary, and you may even add realistic details such as names, dates, or situations to make your response feel more complete and natural.
Look at the sample response again. The yellow-highlighted sections answer the bullet points directly, while the green-highlighted sections provide additional explanation and support:
$green During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect studentsā academic performance. In particular, $green $yellow I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence studentsā ability to maintain attention while studying. $yellow
$yellow I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. $yellow $green I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research. $green
$yellow I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus. $yellow
5. Using an Appropriate Ending and Sign-Off
An email should end in a polite and professional way.
Examples:
Thank you for your time and assistance.
I look forward to your response.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Please feel free to contact me if needed.
Finally, formal emails should end with a professional sign-off followed by your full name.
Common Formal Sign-Offs:
Best regards,
Sincerely,
Kind regards,
Example:
Sincerely,
Rachel Green
For informal emails, you can use more casual sign-offs followed by your first name only.
Common Informal Sign-Offs:
All the best,
Speak soon,
See you soon,
Example:
All the best,
Rachel
As you saw in the sample response, the writer used an appropriate formal ending and sign-off:
Thank you very much for your time and guidance.
Sincerely,
Ana Smith
6. Using Transitions
One of the criteria ETS uses for high scores is cohesion.
Cohesion means that each sentence connects smoothly and logically to the next, allowing the text to flow naturally from beginning to end, like a squirrel hopping easily from branch to branch. š¾ One of the best ways to create cohesion is by using transitions.
Below are some of the most effective transitions for improving cohesion, along with examples:
| Function | Transitions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adding information | in addition, furthermore, moreover | In addition, this topic is closely related to our course. |
| Explaining / Clarifying | in other words, to be more specific | To be more specific, I will focus on university students. |
| Giving examples | for example, for instance | For example, many students use their phones while studying. |
| Showing result | as a result, therefore | As a result, their concentration may decrease. |
| Contrasting ideas | however, on the other hand | However, some students believe technology is helpful. |
| Ordering ideas | first, second, finally | First, I will explain the main issue. |
Look at the following paragraph. No transitions are used, so the sentences sound robotic and disconnected:
I need more time to submit my assignment. There was a family problem. I cannot finish it before the deadline. Please understand.
Now compare it to this improved version, where transitions make the paragraph smoother and more natural:
I am writing to request additional time for my assignment, which is due next Friday. I have already completed most of the work and gathered the required information. However, an unexpected family issue occurred this week and affected my progress. In addition, having a few extra days would allow me to review and edit my work more carefully. Therefore, I would like to ask for an extension until Monday so that I can submit a well-organized and high-quality assignment.
In the sample response above, transitions are also used effectively, which helps increase the overall score:
During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect studentsā academic performance. In particular, I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence studentsā ability to maintain attention while studying.
I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research.
I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus.
7. Choosing the Right Tone for the Person You Are Writing To
As mentioned earlier, the prompt clearly tells you who the email should be written to. Based on that, you must choose an appropriate tone.
In formal emails, your tone should be respectful and professional. In informal emails, you can use a more relaxed and conversational style. Letās crack open this little grammar nut a bit more closely:
| Feature | Informal Email | Formal Email |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting & Sign-off | Friendly openings and endings | Professional openings and endings |
| Example | Hi Alex, / Best wishes, | Dear Sir or Madam, / Yours sincerely, |
| Contractions | Acceptable | Usually avoided |
| Example | Iām, donāt, canāt | I am, do not, cannot |
| Linking Words | Informal transitions | Formal transitions |
| Example | and, but, so, because, also | However, Therefore, Moreover |
| Idioms & Phrasal Verbs | Often acceptable | Better to avoid excessive use |
| Example | catch up, find out | discover, obtain |
| Intensifying Adverbs | Commonly used | Overuse is not recommended |
| Example | very, really, extremely | Instead of extremely disappointed ā dissatisfied |
| Tone in Requests | Friendly and casual | Polite and formal |
| Example | Can you help me withā¦? | I would appreciate it if you couldā¦ |
| Exclamation Marks (!) | Acceptable | Generally avoided |
| Example | Thanks a lot! | This delay is unacceptable! ā |
As you can see, since the sample response was written to a professor, a formal tone was necessary, and it was used very effectively throughout the email. Just the kind of careful, polished writing that makes ETS happy , and keeps this little squirrel smiling! šæļø
8. Using Varied Vocabulary and Paraphrasing
When writing about the assigned topic, it is easy to repeat the same words again and again. However, using the same vocabulary too often can lower your score. Instead, try to use synonyms and paraphrased expressions whenever possible.
For example, instead of repeating the word good several times, you can use words such as beneficial, valuable, or advantageous, depending on the context of the email.
Try to use expressions that native speakers naturally use in real communication.
Simple / Weak:
Working from home is good for employees.
Paraphrased / More Native-Like:
Remote work offers significant advantages for employees.
In the sample response above, the writer avoids repeating the word affect. Instead, the phrases:
- how digital tools affect studentsā academic performance
- may influence studentsā ability to maintain attention
use both affect and influence to create more natural variety.
Similarly, instead of writing a simple sentence like:
Technology is bad for concentration.
the response uses a much more sophisticated and natural sentence:
frequent use of social networking platforms may influence studentsā ability to maintain attention while studying.
This kind of paraphrasing and vocabulary variety helps create a stronger impression and can lead to a higher score.
Common Email Topics
In TOEFL Writing Task 2, the situations are usually based on a few common types of email topics. Recognizing these categories is important because they help you choose the right purpose statement, tone, vocabulary, and structure for your response, kind of like choosing the right path through a big forest of grammar trees. š³šæļø
The most common categories are:
- Request or Inquiry Emails
- Complaint or Problem Emails
- Apology Emails
- Follow-up Emails
These topics are typically presented in either academic/university situations or more everyday social situations.
1. Academic and University Situations
Scenarios related to schools and universities are the most common types of prompts in the email-writing task.
Examples:
Submission Issues
For example, writing an email to a professor about submitting an assignment while explaining a technical problem that occurred during the online submission process.
Group Collaboration Problems
For example, emailing an inactive group member to explain the current progress of the project, describe the negative effects of repeated absences, and suggest ways to contribute more effectively moving forward.
Organizing a Study Group
For example, inviting classmates to join a study group, explaining the goals of the group and the topics that will be discussed, and suggesting a time and place for the first meeting.
Post-Event Follow-Up
For example, sending a thank-you email to a guest speaker after a workshop, explaining how helpful the session was, and requesting additional learning resources.
System or Administrative Issues
For example, reporting problems with an assignment submission system, course registration errors, or billing and payment issues.
2. Everyday Life Situations
Prompts related to everyday life are usually more informal in tone, but they still need to be organized, clear, and well-structured. These tasks evaluate your ability to make requests, suggestions, or explanations in familiar real-life situations.
Examples:
Complaints and Suggestions
Writing a letter or email to the head of a local community association to explain problems related to park maintenance, discuss why these issues matter to residents, and suggest practical solutions.
Giving Personal Advice
Giving advice to a friend who has recently moved to a new city, including suggestions for adapting to the new environment, building social connections, and managing daily life more comfortably.
TOEFL Writing Task 2 Templates
Based on the most common TOEFL email topics, you can use the following templates and sentence starters.
Use the Purpose section to explain the goal of the email, the Details and Context section to develop the second bullet point, and the Request or Next Step section to address the third bullet point.
You do not need to memorize every sentence below. That would be one giant pile of acorns to carry around! Instead, for each category, choose one or two expressions that feel natural and comfortable for you, then practice using them confidently.
1) Request / Inquiry Emails
Purpose
- Iām writing to ask aboutā¦
- Iād like to get some information aboutā¦
- Iām contacting you to see ifā¦
- Iām interested in finding out more aboutā¦
- Iād like to request information aboutā¦
- Iām writing to [ask about / request / get information about]ā¦
- Iām reaching out to ask whetherā¦
Details and Context
- Iām interested in this becauseā¦
- I need this information becauseā¦
- I saw your announcement aboutā¦
- I recently read that your organization offersā¦
- Iām currently getting ready for / planning toā¦
- Since Iām planning toā¦, I wanted to askā¦
- I heard from [source] thatā¦
- I wanted to check whether there are any requirements forā¦
Request or Next Step
- Could you please tell meā¦?
- Would it be possible toā¦?
- Iād appreciate it if you could send meā¦
- I was wondering if you could provideā¦
- Iād be grateful if you could share information aboutā¦
- Please let me know if thereās anything else I need to do.
- Thank you for your time and help.
2) Complaint / Reporting a Problem
Purpose
- Iām writing to let you know about a problem I had withā¦
- Iād like to report a problem withā¦
- Iām contacting you because of an issue withā¦
- Iām writing because I recently experiencedā¦
- Iād like to express a concern aboutā¦
- Iām writing to inform you that there may be a problem withā¦
- Iām writing to complain aboutā¦
Details and Context
- I recently [ordered/enrolled in/attended]ā¦ and had a problem.
- The problem happened when Iā¦
- I noticed thatā¦
- According to the information provided,ā¦
- I followed the instructions, butā¦
- Unfortunately, the [product/service] didnāt work as expected.
- I tried to fix it byā¦, but the problem is still there.
- This situation has caused some inconvenience becauseā¦
Request or Next Step
- Could you please look into this issue?
- Could you please [replace, refund, fix, or explain]ā¦?
- Iād appreciate it if you could solve this problem soon.
- Would it be possible to get a replacement or a refund?
- Iād like to request a refund / replacement / explanation.
- Please let me know what I should do next.
- I hope this issue can be resolved soon.
- Thank you for your help.
- I look forward to your reply.
3) Apology Emails
Purpose
- Iām writing to apologize forā¦
- Iām contacting you to say sorry forā¦
- Please accept my apologies forā¦
- Iād like to say sorry aboutā¦
- I want to express my regret aboutā¦
Details and Context
- The delay happened becauseā¦
- The problem occurred due toā¦
- Unfortunately, I wasnāt able toā¦ becauseā¦
- Iām sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
- I take responsibility for this issue.
- I will make sure this doesnāt happen again.
Request or Next Step
- Iād appreciate it if you could let me know how I can fix this.
- Would it be possible to reschedule / rearrange / fix this byā¦?
- Iād like to suggest the following solutionā¦
- I hope this hasnāt caused too much trouble.
- Thank you for your understanding.
4) Follow-Up Emails
Purpose
- Iām following up on my previous email aboutā¦
- I just wanted to check if you received my earlier message.
- Iām writing to follow up on the email I sent aboutā¦
- In my last email, I asked aboutā¦, and I wanted to see if there are any updates.
Details and Context
- I wanted to make sure everything is clear aboutā¦
- I wanted to check if you had time to look atā¦
- As mentioned in my previous email,ā¦
- I contacted you last week aboutā¦, and Iām still interested in your reply.
- In my earlier message, I mentioned thatā¦
- I know you may be busy, but Iād appreciate an update onā¦
Request or Next Step
- Could you please let me know if thereās any progress?
- Iād appreciate it if you could confirmā¦
- Iād really appreciate a quick update.
- Please let me know if I need to do anything else.
- I look forward to hearing from you.
Essay ChecklistsĀ
If you are practicing TOEFLĀ® Writing at home, these little squirrel checklists can help you review your own work more carefully! šæļøš After finishing an Email Writing, use the lists below to spot mistakes, find weak areas, and slowly strengthen your writing skills one acorn at a time. š°
These helpful checkpoints can show you where your writing is strong and where it still needs a few extra acorns of practice. The purpose of these lists is not only to guess your score. They are mainly here to help you discover your weak areas so you can improve more easily next time.
Email Writing Self-Check š°
After finishing your email, use these squirrel-approved questions to review your work carefully:
- ā ā Did I make my email polite from beginning to end, including both the opening and closing?
- ā ā Did I answer every required point mentioned in the task instructions?
- ā ā Did I write more than 100 words?
- ā ā Did I keep the number of sentences reasonable, with no more than 11 sentences?
- ā ā Did I use linking words or transition phrases to connect my ideas smoothly?
- ā ā Did I include at least two sentences that contain multiple clauses?
- ā ā Did I use both a coordinating conjunction and a subordinating conjunction somewhere in the response?
- ā ā Did I add a few stronger vocabulary words or expressions to sound more advanced?
- ā ā Did I use soft and respectful language such as ācould,ā āwould,ā or similar hedge words?
- ā ā Did I avoid too many spelling, typing, or formatting mistakes? Try to keep them below four.
- ā ā After checking grammar carefully, did I reduce grammar errors to fewer than two?
A Nutty Farewell
Thatās All, Folks!
Now you know everything you need to go through Toefl Writing Task 1!
Make sure to practice all the tips and donāt forget to ask if you have any further questions!