Write an Email

What Is Write an Email?

Write an email responding to a specified situation. The message should accomplish the requested purposes for the intended reader, using a suitable tone and enough concrete detail to make the request or explanation clear.

Detail	Study reference
Exam	TOEFL iBT (2026 format)
Response	Compose a situational email
Timing	Use the on-screen email timer within Writing
Primary skill	Task coverage, register and clear action

How It Is Scored

Effective responses address the instructions, communicate clearly and use appropriate organization, vocabulary and grammar. A greeting or memorized closing cannot compensate for a missing required point. Practice checklists are diagnostic tools, not official score predictions.

Official Video

Watch the official TOEFL explanation of the updated Writing section, then apply it to this task using the notes below. This video covers the section as a whole.

Technical Foundations

Task coverage

Turn every requested action into a brief checklist before drafting. If the prompt asks you to describe a problem, explain its impact and propose a solution, all three need explicit coverage.

Register and pragmatics

Match the relationship: a professor normally needs a polite direct request, while a friend permits informal wording. Could we arrange an alternative time? is clear and courteous without excessive formality.

Coherence and economy

Use a short purpose statement, relevant details and a specific next step. Each paragraph should do useful work. Avoid long ceremonial introductions that leave little room for the actual situation.

Step-by-Step Approach

Step	Action and purpose
1	Identify the recipient, purpose and every required content point.
2	Draft a direct opening that states why you are writing.
3	Develop the situation with concrete details and a practical request or solution.
4	Check coverage, tone, verb tense and sentence boundaries before submitting.

Worked Examples

These are original teaching examples, not official ETS questions. Suggested practice timings are study targets, not extra test time.

Example 1

Original practice prompt: You cannot attend your project meeting because of a timetable conflict. Email the group leader. Explain the conflict, suggest another arrangement and state how you will contribute before the meeting.

Explanation / model: Subject: Alternative arrangement for Thursday’s meeting. Hi Maya, I have a compulsory laboratory session during our meeting on Thursday, so I will not be able to attend. Could we meet after four, or could I send comments in advance if the time cannot change? I will upload my data summary by Wednesday evening and highlight two questions for discussion. Please let me know which arrangement works best. Thanks, Arun.

Example 2

Why does this model work?

Explanation / model: It covers the reason, an alternative arrangement and a contribution deadline. The proposed fallback avoids assuming the group can reschedule. Specific details make the message actionable. This is a teaching model, not an official high-score sample or a universal template.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why it fails	Correction
Missing one instruction	The email may fail its practical purpose.	Tick every required action after drafting.
Using overly ornate language	The reader may struggle to identify the request.	State the purpose plainly.
Making a vague request	Please help gives no clear next action.	Ask for a specific feasible response.

Practice Routine

Practise three situations: requesting clarification, reporting a problem and arranging an event. Use the official practice timer when available. After writing, underline the sentence addressing each prompt requirement. Rewrite any sentence that combines too many ideas or has an unclear pronoun, then review whether the register suits the recipient.

Quick Reference

Check	Reminder
Before answering	Identify the recipient, purpose and every required content point.
Before submitting	Check coverage, tone, verb tense and sentence boundaries before submitting.
Review focus	Task coverage, register and clear action

Sources and Format Check

Format checked on 22 October 2026 against ETS TOEFL guidance. Explanations, examples, routines and time allocations within tasks are teaching guidance. Follow the instructions and timer on your test screen.