TOEFL Write an Email (2026): format, tips and an example

By the Suzu team · Updated November 1, 2026 · 1 min read · Facts from ETS

Quick answer

You get a short situation and 7 minutes to write an email that gets something done, like a request or a fix. The prompt lists points to cover. It's scored 0–5.

7 minto write
0–5score
Noword limit

ETS's sample lists three points to cover. Tick each one off as you write.

How to do it well

Cover every pointGive each one at least one full sentence.
Add one detail eachA reason, a date or an example raises your score.
Open and close politelyGreeting, thanks and your name. Save 30 seconds to proofread.

Example

Prompt

You signed up for a campus photography workshop, but its new time clashes with one of your classes. Write to the organizer. In your email:

say why you signed up
explain the problem
ask about another option

Sample email

Dear Ms. Rivera,

I signed up for the photography workshop because I want to take better photos for our student newspaper.¹ Unfortunately, the new Thursday 3 p.m. time clashes with my chemistry lab, which I can't miss.² Is there another session I could join, or could I get the slides and do the assignments on my own?³

Thank you for your help,
Alex

Our own example, written to match ETS's format. It isn't an official test question.

Common mistakes

Skipping a point. Missing one is the fastest way to lose points.
Verb tense slips. In ETS's own sample, tense errors cost a point.
Too casual. Write to a staff member the way you'd talk to a teacher.

What ETS looks for

ETS scores how well you reach the goal, how much you develop it, your grammar and vocabulary, and spelling and punctuation.
ETS's advice: write as much as you can, in complete sentences.
The situations are academic or social, like a club, a class or a campus office.

Source: ETS's content and structure page and Updated TOEFL iBT Test Overview.

Questions

How long should a TOEFL email be?

There's no word limit. ETS says to write as much as you can in complete sentences. About 100 to 150 words is a good target in 7 minutes.

How is the email scored?

From 0 to 5, on reaching the goal, development, grammar and vocabulary, and mechanics.

Is Integrated Writing still on the TOEFL?

No. Since January 21, 2026, Writing has Build a Sentence, Write an Email and the Academic Discussion.

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