TOEFL® Academic Discussion Task Examples
The TOEFL® Academic Discussion task is the newer Writing task. You read a short discussion prompt, view two student opinions, and write your own response in about 10 minutes. Below are realistic examples and a structure you can reuse.
What the Academic Discussion task looks like
In the Academic Discussion task, you are presented with a question from a professor and two student responses. Your job is to contribute your own opinion in approximately 100 words. You should:
- State a clear position.
- Add something new to the discussion, not just repeat the students.
- Support your idea with a specific reason or example.
- Use academic language and clear organization.
Example prompt: online classes
Professor
Some universities now allow students to attend all classes online instead of requiring them to come to campus. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
Student A — Alex
I think online classes are great because they save commuting time. Students can use that extra time to study or work part-time.
Student B — Jordan
I disagree. In-person classes help students build relationships with professors, which is important for recommendation letters and research opportunities.
Sample response structure
A strong Academic Discussion response usually follows this pattern:
- Opening: State your position clearly.
- Reason: Explain why you agree or disagree with one or both students.
- Example: Give a specific, realistic example.
- Conclusion: Briefly restate your contribution.
Sample response
I believe that offering online classes is beneficial, but only when students also have opportunities for in-person interaction. While I agree with Alex that online classes save commuting time, I think Jordan makes an important point about building relationships with professors. A good compromise would be a hybrid model. For example, students could attend lectures online but come to campus for discussions and office hours. This approach gives students flexibility while still allowing them to connect with faculty. Therefore, universities should design online programs carefully rather than making every class virtual.
Practice tips
- Time yourself. You have about 10 minutes, so practice writing 100 words under pressure.
- Add value. Your response should bring a new angle, not just repeat Alex or Jordan.
- Keep it specific. A concrete example is more convincing than a general statement.
- Review your grammar. Small errors add up quickly in a short response.
Practice Academic Discussion tasks for free
OpenPrep includes curated TOEFL® Academic Discussion prompts and structured AI feedback. Download the free macOS app and start practicing.
Download OpenPrep for macOS