TOEFL Writing Topics 2026: 60 Prompts & Sample Answers
Use these 60 original TOEFL writing topics to practise developing a position and supporting it with an example. They are study prompts written for this guide, not official or predicted exam questions.
Which TOEFL writing tasks should you practise in 2026?
The current TOEFL iBT Writing section includes Build a Sentence, Write an Email, and Write for an Academic Discussion. A list of agree/disagree questions alone does not practise all three tasks. The opinion topics below help with idea development; use the worked tasks for sentence structure, email purpose and discussion responses.
Format reference: ETS TOEFL iBT Writing section. Older independent essays and integrated-writing exercises are supplementary practice, not the current task set.
Go to original practice tasks and model answersWhat Are TOEFL Writing Topics?
The discussion topics in this guide help you practise these writing skills:
- Express your opinion clearly
- Support ideas with reasons and examples
- Organize your response logically
These opinion-building prompts ask you to take a position. A full academic discussion task also provides a professor’s question and student contributions.
Common TOEFL Writing Topic Categories
This practice collection is organized into six categories:
- Education
- Technology
- Environment
- Society
- Work and business
- Government and policy
Practicing questions from these categories can help you prepare for the exam.
TOEFL Writing Topics About Education
- Should universities focus more on practical skills or theoretical knowledge?
- Do students learn better in online classes or traditional classrooms?
- Should college education be free for everyone?
- Is homework necessary for students to succeed academically?
- Should schools require students to study foreign languages?
- Are group projects more effective than individual assignments?
- Should universities require students to attend classes?
- Is studying abroad beneficial for students?
- Should students choose their own courses?
- Is technology improving education?
TOEFL Writing Topics About Technology
- Has technology improved communication between people?
- Do smartphones make people's lives better or more complicated?
- Should children have limited access to technology?
- Is artificial intelligence beneficial for society?
- Do social media platforms improve relationships?
- Will technology replace many jobs in the future?
- Is online learning as effective as traditional education?
- Should schools allow students to use smartphones in class?
- Does technology make people less social?
- Will robots become important in everyday life?
TOEFL Writing Topics About Society
- Is it better to live in a big city or a small town?
- Should governments invest more in public transportation?
- Are people today happier than in the past?
- Is it important for people to volunteer in their communities?
- Should governments provide free healthcare?
- Are celebrities good role models for young people?
- Should governments regulate social media platforms?
- Do people spend too much time working?
- Is it important for people to travel and learn about other cultures?
- Are modern lifestyles healthier than past lifestyles?
TOEFL Writing Topics About the Environment
- Should governments do more to protect the environment?
- Is climate change the biggest global challenge today?
- Should plastic products be banned?
- Is renewable energy the best solution for future energy needs?
- Should cities create more public parks?
- Are individuals responsible for protecting the environment?
- Should companies be required to reduce pollution?
- Is recycling an effective solution for environmental problems?
- Should governments limit car use in cities?
- Are environmental laws too strict?
TOEFL Writing Topics About Work and Business
- Is it better to work for a large company or a small company?
- Should employees work remotely or in offices?
- Is job satisfaction more important than salary?
- Should companies allow flexible work schedules?
- Is leadership an important skill for employees?
- Should companies provide training programs for workers?
- Is teamwork important in the workplace?
- Should companies focus more on employee happiness?
- Is starting a business better than working for a company?
- Should companies reduce working hours?
Advanced TOEFL Writing Topics
These questions are similar to more complex academic discussion topics.
- Should governments invest more in scientific research?
- Is globalization beneficial for developing countries?
- Should universities require students to study ethics?
- Is economic growth more important than environmental protection?
- Should governments regulate artificial intelligence?
- Is space exploration worth the cost?
- Should publicly funded research be freely available to everyone?
- Is cultural diversity beneficial for societies?
- Should governments support the arts?
- Should education systems focus more on creativity?
Original TOEFL Writing Practice with Model Answers
These short tasks illustrate different writing skills. The model responses are teaching examples, not ETS-scored answers or scripts to memorize.
1. Build a Sentence
Arrange all the chunks to answer "Why did Maya contact the library?"
whether / she wanted to know / on Sunday / the library / would be open
Show answer and explanation
She wanted to know whether the library would be open on Sunday.
The embedded question uses statement order: the library would be, not would the library be.
2. Write an Email
Your study group booked a library room, but the booking confirmation shows the wrong day. Write to the library coordinator. Explain the problem, give the correct booking details, and ask for a solution.
Read a model email and review checklist
Dear Library Coordinator,
I am writing about our study room reservation. I requested Room 3 for Thursday, 17 September, from 2 to 4 p.m., but the confirmation lists Friday, 18 September. Our group of four students needs to meet on Thursday to prepare for a presentation the following morning.
Could you please move the reservation to Thursday? If Room 3 is unavailable, another room with a screen would work. Please let me know whether the change is possible so I can confirm the arrangements with my group.
Thank you for your help.
Best regards,
Maya
Review: The email explains the error, supplies the requested details, and offers a practical alternative. Its polite request fits the recipient.
3. Write for an Academic Discussion
Professor: A university has funds for one improvement: longer library opening hours or more online learning resources. Which should it prioritize, and why?
Alex: Longer hours would help students who need a quiet place to study after work.
Sam: Online resources would reach commuters who cannot easily visit campus.
Write a contribution expressing and supporting your view while engaging with the discussion.
Read a model discussion response
I would prioritize online resources because they can support students wherever they study. Sam makes a useful point about commuters, but access also matters for students with caring responsibilities. For example, a student looking after a child may be unable to visit the library even if it stays open later. Searchable digital readings and recorded tutorials would let that student study in shorter sessions at home. Alex is right that a quiet workspace is valuable, so the university should still protect its existing library hours. However, with funding for only one improvement, better online access would address a wider range of scheduling difficulties. The university should also check whether students have suitable devices before choosing the resources.
Review: The response takes a position, develops a specific example, responds to both students and adds a practical limitation.
After each attempt, check whether you answered every part of the task, developed your own point, used an appropriate tone, and corrected recurring grammar errors. Use our TOEFL writing practice questions for further practice.
Tips for TOEFL Writing Practice
Practice Different Topics
The TOEFL exam can include many different topics, so practicing a variety of questions is important.
Use Examples
Examples make your arguments stronger and easier to understand.
Improve Your Vocabulary
Learning academic vocabulary can help you express ideas more clearly.
Practice Regularly
Consistent practice will help you write faster and more confidently during the exam.
TOEFL Writing Topics - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are TOEFL writing topics?
Topics supply the subject matter for practice. Current preparation should include sentence building, purposeful emails, and contributions to academic discussions.
How can I practice TOEFL writing topics?
Practise each current task type, then check task completion, clarity, grammar and tone. For discussions, respond to the conversation rather than writing a memorized essay.
How many TOEFL writing topics should I practice?
There is no required number. Review and revise your responses across different task types before adding more topics.
Are TOEFL writing topics repeated in the exam?
The exact questions may not repeat, but many TOEFL prompts are similar in structure and themes.
What are the most common TOEFL essay topics?
Common TOEFL essay topics include education, technology, society, environment, and business.
Final Thoughts
Practicing with different TOEFL writing topics is one of the best ways to prepare for the TOEFL exam. These questions help you improve your ability to organize ideas, support arguments, and write clearly under time pressure.
The more topics you practice, the more confident you will feel during the TOEFL Writing section.
Related TOEFL Writing Resources
TOEFL Writing Task 1 Explained
See how older writing practice relates to current preparation.
TOEFL Writing Task 2 Explained
Master the Academic Discussion Task with examples.
TOEFL Writing Templates
Writing frameworks to adapt to the purpose of your response.
TOEFL Writing Practice Questions
Practice questions with high-scoring sample answers.