The TOEFL iBT Writing section was updated on January 21, 2026. The current section contains approximately 12 items and has an approximate base time of 23 minutes, although the exact number of items and testing time may vary because parts of the TOEFL iBT are adaptive.
The current TOEFL Writing section includes three task types:
- Build a Sentence: Arrange words or phrases to create a complete, grammatically correct sentence or question.
- Write an Email: Write a short email for an academic or social situation, such as making a request, providing information, or suggesting a solution.
- Write for an Academic Discussion: Contribute to an online classroom discussion by stating and supporting your opinion while responding to other viewpoints.
Older TOEFL preparation materials may still teach Integrated Writing or Independent Writing essays. Those tasks are not part of the current TOEFL iBT Writing section, so make sure your principal study materials reflect the format introduced in January 2026.
TOEFL Writing Practice Materials and Practice Tests
ETS offers several free and paid preparation resources through its official website and TOEFL TestReady. The following resources can help you understand the current Writing tasks, practice under test-like conditions, and receive feedback on your responses.
1. Official TOEFL Writing Task Information
Start with the official TOEFL iBT Writing section overview. ETS explains what each of the three current task types measures and what test takers are expected to do.
For Build a Sentence, you arrange words or phrases to form a grammatical sentence or question. For Write an Email, you respond appropriately to an academic or social situation. For Write for an Academic Discussion, you express and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.
This official overview should be your starting point because it describes the current test rather than the Integrated and Independent Writing tasks used in previous versions of the TOEFL iBT.
2. TOEFL TestReady Free Practice Test
TOEFL TestReady provides a free, full-length TOEFL iBT practice test. It includes AI-powered automated scoring, performance feedback for all four sections, and personalized feedback and tips for Speaking and Writing responses.
This is one of the best places to begin because it allows you to experience the current TOEFL format and see how the Writing section fits into the complete test. A free TOEFL TestReady account may also provide an Activity of the Day and a personalized study plan.
Product features can change, so log in to TOEFL TestReady to confirm which free activities and feedback options are currently available in your region.
3. Official TOEFL iBT Sample Tests
ETS also provides official full-length sample tests that can help you become familiar with the current test content and structure:
Because these sample tests were created for the test introduced in January 2026, they are more reliable for learning the current interface and question types.
Complete at least one sample test early in your preparation. This will help you identify which Writing tasks require the most practice before you begin more focused study.
4. TOEFL TestReady Section Practice and Feedback
TOEFL TestReady offers several types of targeted preparation in addition to its free full-length practice test. Depending on the product or sampler available, these may include section tests, section practice, focused practice, and the Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course.
Section Tests let you practice in a test-like mode and receive a score, performance feedback, and additional insights. Section Practice allows you to work through a complete section at your own pace, while Focused Practice targets specific question types.
For Writing activities, TOEFL TestReady may provide feedback on grammar, usage, mechanics, and other aspects of your response. Some products also include example responses for comparison.
Automated feedback is useful for identifying patterns and practicing regularly, but it should not be treated as a replacement for carefully reviewing the task instructions, official scoring criteria, and high-quality sample responses.
5. Official TOEFL Practice Online Mock Tests
Students who want additional test-like practice can purchase TOEFL Practice Online, commonly called TPO. These official mock tests use authentic TOEFL questions, simulate the TOEFL iBT testing experience, and provide scores and performance feedback after completion.
TPO availability, test volumes, prices, and purchasing methods may vary by country. In some locations, ETS directs test takers to an authorized regional provider rather than selling every TPO product directly through TOEFL TestReady.
Before purchasing a mock test, check that the product reflects the current Writing section with Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion. Avoid purchasing an older practice test solely for Writing-format preparation unless it has been updated for the January 2026 test.
6. Official TOEFL Guides and Practice Books
ETS offers official TOEFL guides and practice books in paperback and eBook formats. Updated editions are available, so check the publication information carefully when purchasing from ETS or another bookseller.
The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test includes four full-length practice tests, digital versions of the tests, practice exercises for all four language skills, explanations of scoring criteria, raters’ comments, and writing-skills support.
Official TOEFL iBT Tests, Volumes 1 and 2 each include five full-length practice tests, answer keys, Listening audio and transcripts, and the Speaking and Writing scoring rubrics used by ETS raters. Volume 2 also includes sample Speaking and Writing responses with raters’ comments.
Confirm that you are buying an edition updated for the 2026 TOEFL format. Older editions can still provide useful English practice, but their Writing sections may contain discontinued tasks.
Other TOEFL Writing Practice Websites
The following third-party websites also offer TOEFL Writing lessons, questions, and sample responses. These resources are not official ETS products unless a page specifically states that it contains ETS-licensed material. Use official ETS resources as your primary source for the test format and scoring requirements.
7. BestMyTest TOEFL Writing Practice
BestMyTest offers TOEFL Writing practice for all three current task types: Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion.
The website provides sample questions, lessons, example responses, and online practice activities. It also offers paid TOEFL preparation plans with additional questions, simulated tests, lessons, and response-review features.
Some material is available for free, while other features require a subscription. Check the current plan description before paying because the number of questions, practice tests, and reviewed responses can vary by plan.
8. Magoosh TOEFL Writing Practice
Magoosh provides free TOEFL Writing practice for the 2026 format. Its Writing resources include explanations and examples for Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion.
Magoosh also publishes separate guides for each Writing task, including strategies, worked examples, templates, and sample responses. These resources can be particularly useful for learning how to organize an email or academic-discussion response within the limited testing time.
The paid Magoosh TOEFL preparation course includes video lessons, practice questions, practice tests, study tools, and feedback features. Available tools and subscription terms may change, so review the current plan before enrolling.
9. TOEFL Resources Writing Practice Questions
TOEFL Resources, also known as Test Resources, has updated its Writing materials for the 2026 TOEFL format. The website includes Build a Sentence exercises, Write an Email questions, and Write for an Academic Discussion prompts.
Many of the practice questions include sample answers, explanations, templates, or suggested approaches. The site also publishes individual guides for the email and academic-discussion tasks.
TOEFL Resources also links to a YouTube channel containing TOEFL Writing, Speaking, and test-strategy videos. These videos may be helpful for students who prefer to study through explanations and response demonstrations.
How to Choose TOEFL Writing Practice Materials
Begin with an official sample test or the TOEFL TestReady Free Practice Test. After identifying your weaker areas, use section practice and third-party questions to target individual skills.
- Use sentence-order and grammar exercises for Build a Sentence.
- Practice responding to every required point in the Write an Email prompt.
- Practice stating a clear position and supporting it with specific reasons in Academic Discussion responses.
- Complete timed practice so that you become comfortable writing concise responses.
- Compare your answers with scoring criteria and strong sample responses.
- Check the publication date and format of every resource before using it.
Materials that teach only Integrated Writing or Independent Writing should not form the basis of your current TOEFL study plan. They may improve your general writing ability, but they do not reproduce the tasks you will receive on the current test.
We hope this guide to TOEFL Writing practice materials and sample tests was helpful. For more information about studying abroad, university funding, and international scholarships, visit our Scholarships Page.
