TOEFL iBT · Writing · W2
TOEFL iBT Writing: Write an Email
Write an Email is a TOEFL iBT Writing task in which you read a short academic or social scenario and write an email in 7 minutes. The prompt names the reader, the reason for writing and the points to cover. Responses are judged on meeting the goal, suitable tone, clear development, and accurate grammar, vocabulary and mechanics.
- Tasks
- 1
- Time
- 7 minutes
- Length
- No official word range; write a clear, multi-sentence email
- Prompt
- Scenario with a named reader, a purpose and required points
- Judged on
- Communicative goal, tone and conventions, clarity and development, grammar, vocabulary, mechanics
How it works
- 1The scenario and the points your email must cover appear on screen.
- 2The 7-minute timer starts and you type in a plain editor without spelling or grammar help.
- 3A word counter updates as you write, for your information only.
- 4When time runs out, your email is submitted as it stands.
Sample task
Original sample · not from an official test
You borrowed a video camera from your university's media center for a class project. When you opened the case, the battery charger was missing. Write an email to Ms. Ortiz, the media center manager. In your email: • explain what happened • describe how it affected your project • ask what you should do next
Show a strong responseHide response
Outline: Outline: polite greeting (Dear Ms. Ortiz,) → one sentence on who you are and which camera you borrowed → the missing charger and when you noticed it → effect: could only film for part of the session, need to reshoot → clear request: can you collect a charger, or should you return the camera early? → thanks and name.
A strong email covers all three points in order, uses a polite but direct tone for a staff member, and ends with a specific question the reader can answer. Extra length does not help if a required point is missing.
Tips that work
- Spend the first 30 seconds turning each required point into a short sentence plan. Every point needs at least one clear sentence.
- Match the tone to the reader: friendly and brief for a classmate, polite and specific for a professor or office.
- Add one concrete detail per point, such as a date, a class name or a reason. Specific detail reads as development, not padding.
- Keep 45 seconds at the end to reread for missing words, verb endings and a proper greeting and sign-off.
Common mistakes
- Skipping or merging one of the required points.
- Writing in a chatty tone to a staff member, or stiffly to a friend.
- Using memorized template sentences that don't fit the scenario.
Questions candidates ask
How many words should a TOEFL email be?
ETS's current public material gives no word range for this task. Aim for a complete, multi-sentence email that covers every required point within the 7 minutes.
Does the TOEFL email need a subject line?
Follow what the task screen provides. Most importantly, include a greeting, a clear body covering each point and a closing.
Can I get feedback on practice emails?
Yes. EnglishHub gives AI feedback on practice emails. It is an independent practice estimate, not an ETS score.
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