The Complete TOEFL® Writing Guide

The TOEFL® Writing section measures how well you can write in English in an academic setting. This guide covers both task types, how responses are scored, common mistakes, templates, and a practical study plan you can start today.

The two TOEFL® Writing tasks

The TOEFL® Writing section includes two tasks. You have about 30 minutes total.

Task 1: Integrated Writing

You read a short academic passage and listen to a lecture that challenges or supports the passage. You then write a response (150–225 words) that explains how the lecture relates to the reading. You can see the reading again while you write.

This task tests your ability to summarize and compare information from two sources. You should not give your own opinion.

Task 2: Academic Discussion

You read a discussion question from a professor and two student responses. You write your own contribution (about 100 words) that adds to the discussion. Your response should state a clear position and support it with a specific reason or example.

How TOEFL® Writing is scored

Each task receives a score from 0 to 5. The two scores are converted to a single scaled score from 0 to 30. The conversion table changes slightly between test versions, but the following is a useful approximation:

Raw score total	Approximate scaled score
10	30
9	27–28
8	24–25
7	21–22
6	18–19
5	15–16

The Writing rubric explained

TOEFL® raters evaluate four main areas:

• Task response: Did you answer the question? Did you address all parts of the prompt?
• Organization: Is your response easy to follow? Are ideas connected with transitions?
• Development: Do you support your ideas with reasons, examples, or details?
• Language use: Is your grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure accurate and varied?

A high-scoring response usually has a clear thesis, well-organized paragraphs, specific examples, and only minor language errors.

Simple response templates

Integrated Writing template

• Introduction: The lecture challenges / supports the main points in the reading passage.
• Body paragraph 1: First, the reading states X, but the lecture argues Y.
• Body paragraph 2: Second, the passage claims X, whereas the lecturer says Y.
• Body paragraph 3: Finally, the reading mentions X; however, the lecture points out Y.
• Conclusion: Therefore, the lecture casts doubt on / reinforces the ideas in the reading.

Academic Discussion template

• Opening: I agree / disagree with the idea that…
• Reason: This is because…
• Example: For instance, …
• Conclusion: Therefore, …

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing too much. Quality matters more than word count. Aim for 150–225 words in Integrated Writing and about 100 words in Academic Discussion.
• Giving opinions in Integrated Writing. This task asks you to summarize the relationship between the lecture and reading, not share your view.
• Repeating the student opinions. In Academic Discussion, add a new idea or a new angle.
• Vague examples. Specific examples score higher than general statements.
• Ignoring grammar. Even strong ideas lose points if errors make the response hard to read.

A free 4-week TOEFL® Writing practice plan

Week 1: Learn the format

• Read official ETS sample prompts for both tasks.
• Study the scoring rubric.
• Write one untimed response for each task.

Week 2: Build speed

• Write one Integrated Writing response in 20 minutes.
• Write one Academic Discussion response in 10 minutes.
• Review your own responses for organization and grammar.

Week 3: Add feedback

• Submit responses to a structured feedback tool or AI evaluator.
• Identify your weakest scoring criterion.
• Practice that skill in isolation (e.g., transitions, examples).

Week 4: Simulate test conditions

• Take two full Writing sections under timed conditions.
• Compare your latest responses to your Week 1 responses.
• Review recurring errors and create a personal checklist.

Recommended free practice tools

The best free TOEFL® Writing practice combines official materials with a structured feedback tool. Use ETS samples to learn the format, then use OpenPrep for repeated practice with AI feedback. OpenPrep is free, open source, and works with AI tools you already have.