TOEFL Email Writing practice
Read a scenario and write a complete email response. 1 prompt per set, 10 minutes.
Missed Assignment
You missed yesterday's deadline for a course assignment because you were unwell. Write an email to your professor, Dr. Patel. In your email, explain why…
Requesting a Reference
You are applying for a scholarship and need a letter of recommendation. Write an email to your former teacher, Ms. Owens. Explain what the scholarship i…
Roommate Noise
Your dormitory neighbour plays loud music late at night, making it hard to study. Write an email to your residence advisor, Mr. Daly. Describe the probl…
Library Book Renewal
You cannot return a borrowed book on time because you still need it for a research paper. Write an email to the university library. Explain your situati…
Internship Inquiry
You saw an advertisement for a summer internship at a local design firm. Write an email to the hiring manager, Ms. Reyes. Introduce yourself, explain wh…
Refund Request
You ordered a pair of headphones online, but they arrived damaged. Write an email to the store's customer service team. Describe the problem, state your…
Rescheduling a Meeting
You agreed to meet a classmate to work on a group project, but a family commitment now conflicts with the time. Write an email to your partner, Sam. Apo…
Course Selection Advice
You are unsure which elective course to take next semester. Write an email to your academic advisor, Dr. Lin. Explain your main interests and goals, men…
Lost Property
You think you left your laptop in a lecture hall after class. Write an email to the campus lost-and-found office. Describe the laptop, say where and whe…
Volunteering Offer
You want to volunteer at a local community centre during your free weekends. Write an email to the centre's coordinator, Mr. Khan. Explain why you want…
About the TOEFL Email Writing task
In the TOEFL email task you read a short scenario — a missed deadline, a request for a reference, a problem with a roommate — and write an email that does everything the scenario asks. Each prompt has a 10-minute timer.
The response is judged first on whether it completes the task: every requested point covered, in an order the reader can follow, in a tone that suits the relationship. Language still matters — sentence variety, word choice and accuracy — but a polished email that skips one of the requested points will not score well.
Common mistakes: a greeting and sign-off that are too casual for a professor or employer, three sentences of background before stating the purpose, and forgetting the last point in the task. Plan for one minute, write for seven, and keep two minutes to check that each point is there.
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