What is the TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion task?

It is the second TOEFL writing task (since 2023). You read a professor's question and two students' posts in an online class discussion, then write your own contribution — stating and supporting your opinion in about 10 minutes.

How long should my response be?

There is no maximum, but a well-developed response is usually 100–200 words. Quality, relevance and precise language matter more than length.

It is rated 0–5 and converted to the 30-point Writing scale. High scores show a clear, well-supported contribution with varied, accurate language.

TOEFL writing

TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion: Template + Sample

By Lumi English Academy · Updated August 2026

In 2023, TOEFL replaced its old independent essay with a shorter, more realistic task: Writing for an Academic Discussion. You get about 10 minutes to join an online class discussion. Here's a template that works, plus a sample answer you can copy the structure from.

What the task looks like

You'll see a professor's question and two students' short posts. Your job is to add your own post that states an opinion and supports it with reasons and examples — as if you were really in the class.

Key idea: You are not writing a formal essay. You are joining a conversation. Refer to the other students, then push the discussion forward with your own point.

The template

1. Acknowledge (1 sentence). Briefly respond to a classmate.
"While I see Ken's point about ___, I lean towards Andrea's view that ___."

2. State your opinion clearly (1 sentence).
"In my view, ___."

3. Reason + example (3–4 sentences). Develop ONE reason in depth with a specific example.
"The main reason is ___. For instance, ___."

4. Address the other side (1–2 sentences). Handle the obvious objection.
"Some might worry that ___, but ___."

Useful phrases

Opinion: "In my view…", "I would argue that…", "Personally, I believe…"
Reasons: "The main reason is…", "This matters because…", "A further benefit is…"
Examples: "For instance…", "A clear example of this is…", "In my own experience…"
Concession: "While I understand the concern that…", "Admittedly…", "That said…"

High-scoring sample answer

Prompt: Does giving students their own devices in class do more good than harm?

While I understand the concern about distraction, I side more closely with Andrea: giving students their own devices does more good than harm, provided the school manages them well. The greatest benefit, in my view, is the ability to personalise learning — software can adjust to each student's level, so a learner struggling with fractions gets extra practice while a stronger classmate moves ahead, something a single teacher with thirty students cannot easily provide. As for the distraction problem, I would argue this is a question of classroom management rather than a reason to ban devices; many schools now use software that lets teachers control student screens during lessons. Ultimately, since digital skills are essential in almost every career, teaching students to use devices responsibly is itself a valuable lesson.

Notice how the sample follows the template exactly: it acknowledges the other posts, states a clear opinion, develops one reason with a concrete example, and then answers the main objection.

Mistakes that cost points

Sitting on the fence. Take a side. A clear opinion is easier to support.
Listing many shallow reasons. One well-developed reason beats three thin ones.
Ignoring the other students. The task rewards you for engaging with the discussion.
Repeating the same words. Vary your vocabulary — it's part of the score.

Practise this exact task — free

Our free TOEFL practice test includes a full Academic Discussion prompt with a model answer.

Open the free TOEFL test →