In the email-writing task, you are first given a short paragraph describing a situation. For example, you may need to ask a professor for a deadline extension, report a problem, invite a friend to join a study group, give feedback, and so on.

After the paragraph, you will see three bullet points. Your email must address all of these points.

Example:

Your instructor has asked students to propose ideas for the final course project.

Write an email to your instructor. In your message, be sure to:

• Present a topic you would like to work on.
  
  
• Describe the reasons you are interested in this topic.
  
  
• Ask whether this topic is suitable or needs modification.
  
  

Write in full sentences and include as many relevant details as possible.

As you can see in the example above, the most important parts for answering the question are:

• The topic
• The person you are writing to
• The things you are required to mention (the bullet points)

These sections are highlighted in the sample question above.

You have 7 minutes to complete this task, and that time includes reading the prompt too. There is no official word limit for this task, but considering the available time and the structure of a standard high-scoring response (which we’ll crack open together below 🌰), we recommend writing around 130 to 150 words.

Below, we’ll go over the key points for answering this task by carefully examining a sample response.

Question:

Your instructor has asked students to propose ideas for the final course project.

Write an email to your instructor. In your message, be sure to:

• Present a topic you would like to work on.
• Describe the reasons you are interested in this topic.
• Ask whether this topic is suitable or needs modification.

Write in full sentences and include as many relevant details as possible.

Sample Response:

Dear Professor Williams,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to suggest a topic for my final project.

During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect students’ academic performance. In particular, I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence students’ ability to maintain attention while studying.

I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

Sincerely,
Ana Smith

Why Is This a Strong Response?

1. Using Appropriate Greetings

According to ETS, your email should follow the basic principles of effective communication, including using proper greetings. As you can see, the sample email begins with:

Dear Professor Williams,

Since the email is addressed to a professor, this is an appropriate and professional greeting.

How Should You Write Greetings for Different Emails?

If your relationship with the person you are writing to is formal, for example, a professor, university staff member, employer, or administrator, your greeting should usually follow one of these formats:

Dear + Title
or
Dear + Title + Last Name

Examples:

• Dear Professor,
• Dear Professor Smith,
• Dear Mr. Nguyen,
• Dear Dr. Miller,
• Dear Ms. White,

If your relationship with the person is more casual or friendly — for example, a friend, relative, classmate, or coworker at the same level — you can use more informal greetings such as:

Dear + First Name
or
Hello/Hi + First Name

Examples:

• Dear Sam,
• Dear Alex,
• Hi Chris,

2. Clearly Stating the Purpose of the Email

At the beginning of your email, you should clearly explain why you are writing. Think of it like giving the reader a little squirrel map right from the start. 🐿️

Examples:

• I am writing to inquire about…
• I’m writing to follow up on…
• I would like to ask about…
• This email is to inform you of…
• I am writing regarding…

As you can see in the sample response, the purpose is stated very clearly:

I am writing to suggest a topic for my final project.

3. Covering All the Bullet Points

One of the most important parts of ETS scoring is whether you address all the bullet points clearly and with enough detail and explanation.

In the sample prompt above, you were asked to:

• Present a topic you would like to work on
• Explain why you are interested in this topic
• Ask whether the topic is suitable or needs modification

Now let’s jump back to the sample response:

During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect students’ academic performance. In particular, I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence students’ ability to maintain attention while studying.

I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus.As you can see, the response clearly addresses all three bullet points.

4. Supporting Each Bullet Point with Details and Examples

Simply mentioning the bullet points is not enough for a high score. Your ideas should also be supported with clear details, examples, explanations, or experiences.

You can use your imagination if necessary, and you may even add realistic details such as names, dates, or situations to make your response feel more complete and natural.

Look at the sample response again. The yellow-highlighted sections answer the bullet points directly, while the green-highlighted sections provide additional explanation and support:

During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect students’ academic performance. In particular, I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence students’ ability to maintain attention while studying.

I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus.

5. Using an Appropriate Ending and Sign-Off

An email should end in a polite and professional way.

Examples:

Thank you for your time and assistance.

I look forward to your response.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Please feel free to contact me if needed.

Finally, formal emails should end with a professional sign-off followed by your full name.

Common Formal Sign-Offs:

Best regards,

Sincerely,

Kind regards,

Example:

Sincerely,
Rachel Green

For informal emails, you can use more casual sign-offs followed by your first name only.

Common Informal Sign-Offs:

All the best,

Speak soon,

See you soon,

Example:

All the best,
Rachel

As you saw in the sample response, the writer used an appropriate formal ending and sign-off:

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

Sincerely,
Ana Smith

6. Using Transitions

One of the criteria ETS uses for high scores is cohesion.

Cohesion means that each sentence connects smoothly and logically to the next, allowing the text to flow naturally from beginning to end, like a squirrel hopping easily from branch to branch. 🐾 One of the best ways to create cohesion is by using transitions.

Below are some of the most effective transitions for improving cohesion, along with examples:

In the sample response above, transitions are also used effectively, which helps increase the overall score:

During our recent lectures, we examined the relationship between technology and learning habits. As a result, this discussion encouraged me to think more deeply about how digital tools affect students’ academic performance. In particular, I am interested in studying how frequent use of social networking platforms may influence students’ ability to maintain attention while studying.

I selected this topic because I have observed that many students, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate for long periods due to constant notifications and online interruptions. I believe this subject closely relates to the themes of our course and would also be personally engaging to research.

I would appreciate it if you could let me know whether this topic would be appropriate, or if you would recommend narrowing or adjusting the focus.

7. Choosing the Right Tone for the Person You Are Writing To

As mentioned earlier, the prompt clearly tells you who the email should be written to. Based on that, you must choose an appropriate tone.

In formal emails, your tone should be respectful and professional. In informal emails, you can use a more relaxed and conversational style. Let’s crack open this little grammar nut a bit more closely:

As you can see, since the sample response was written to a professor, a formal tone was necessary, and it was used very effectively throughout the email. Just the kind of careful, polished writing that makes ETS happy , and keeps this little squirrel smiling! 🐿️

8. Using Varied Vocabulary and Paraphrasing

When writing about the assigned topic, it is easy to repeat the same words again and again. However, using the same vocabulary too often can lower your score. Instead, try to use synonyms and paraphrased expressions whenever possible.

For example, instead of repeating the word good several times, you can use words such as beneficial, valuable, or advantageous, depending on the context of the email.

In TOEFL Writing Task 2, the situations are usually based on a few common types of email topics. Recognizing these categories is important because they help you choose the right purpose statement, tone, vocabulary, and structure for your response, kind of like choosing the right path through a big forest of grammar trees. 🌳🐿️

The most common categories are:

• Request or Inquiry Emails
• Complaint or Problem Emails
• Apology Emails
• Follow-up Emails

These topics are typically presented in either academic/university situations or more everyday social situations.

1. Academic and University Situations

Scenarios related to schools and universities are the most common types of prompts in the email-writing task.

Examples:

Submission Issues

For example, writing an email to a professor about submitting an assignment while explaining a technical problem that occurred during the online submission process.

Group Collaboration Problems

For example, emailing an inactive group member to explain the current progress of the project, describe the negative effects of repeated absences, and suggest ways to contribute more effectively moving forward.

Organizing a Study Group

For example, inviting classmates to join a study group, explaining the goals of the group and the topics that will be discussed, and suggesting a time and place for the first meeting.

Post-Event Follow-Up

For example, sending a thank-you email to a guest speaker after a workshop, explaining how helpful the session was, and requesting additional learning resources.

System or Administrative Issues

For example, reporting problems with an assignment submission system, course registration errors, or billing and payment issues.

2. Everyday Life Situations

Prompts related to everyday life are usually more informal in tone, but they still need to be organized, clear, and well-structured. These tasks evaluate your ability to make requests, suggestions, or explanations in familiar real-life situations.

Examples:

Complaints and Suggestions

Writing a letter or email to the head of a local community association to explain problems related to park maintenance, discuss why these issues matter to residents, and suggest practical solutions.

Giving Personal Advice

Giving advice to a friend who has recently moved to a new city, including suggestions for adapting to the new environment, building social connections, and managing daily life more comfortably.

Based on the most common TOEFL email topics, you can use the following templates and sentence starters.

1) Request / Inquiry Emails

Purpose

• I’m writing to ask about…
• I’d like to get some information about…
• I’m contacting you to see if…
• I’m interested in finding out more about…
• I’d like to request information about…
• I’m writing to [ask about / request / get information about]…
• I’m reaching out to ask whether…

Details and Context

• I’m interested in this because…
• I need this information because…
• I saw your announcement about…
• I recently read that your organization offers…
• I’m currently getting ready for / planning to…
• Since I’m planning to…, I wanted to ask…
• I heard from [source] that…
• I wanted to check whether there are any requirements for…

Request or Next Step

• Could you please tell me…?
• Would it be possible to…?
• I’d appreciate it if you could send me…
• I was wondering if you could provide…
• I’d be grateful if you could share information about…
• Please let me know if there’s anything else I need to do.
• Thank you for your time and help.

2) Complaint / Reporting a Problem

Purpose

• I’m writing to let you know about a problem I had with…
• I’d like to report a problem with…
• I’m contacting you because of an issue with…
• I’m writing because I recently experienced…
• I’d like to express a concern about…
• I’m writing to inform you that there may be a problem with…
• I’m writing to complain about…

Details and Context

• I recently [ordered/enrolled in/attended]… and had a problem.
• The problem happened when I…
• I noticed that…
• According to the information provided,…
• I followed the instructions, but…
• Unfortunately, the [product/service] didn’t work as expected.
• I tried to fix it by…, but the problem is still there.
• This situation has caused some inconvenience because…

Request or Next Step

• Could you please look into this issue?
• Could you please [replace, refund, fix, or explain]…?
• I’d appreciate it if you could solve this problem soon.
• Would it be possible to get a replacement or a refund?
• I’d like to request a refund / replacement / explanation.
• Please let me know what I should do next.
• I hope this issue can be resolved soon.
• Thank you for your help.
• I look forward to your reply.

3) Apology Emails

Purpose

• I’m writing to apologize for…
• I’m contacting you to say sorry for…
• Please accept my apologies for…
• I’d like to say sorry about…
• I want to express my regret about…

Details and Context

• The delay happened because…
• The problem occurred due to…
• Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to… because…
• I’m sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
• I take responsibility for this issue.
• I will make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Request or Next Step

• I’d appreciate it if you could let me know how I can fix this.
• Would it be possible to reschedule / rearrange / fix this by…?
• I’d like to suggest the following solution…
• I hope this hasn’t caused too much trouble.
• Thank you for your understanding.

4) Follow-Up Emails

Purpose

• I’m following up on my previous email about…
• I just wanted to check if you received my earlier message.
• I’m writing to follow up on the email I sent about…
• In my last email, I asked about…, and I wanted to see if there are any updates.

Details and Context

• I wanted to make sure everything is clear about…
• I wanted to check if you had time to look at…
• As mentioned in my previous email,…
• I contacted you last week about…, and I’m still interested in your reply.
• In my earlier message, I mentioned that…
• I know you may be busy, but I’d appreciate an update on…

Request or Next Step

• Could you please let me know if there’s any progress?
• I’d appreciate it if you could confirm…
• I’d really appreciate a quick update.
• Please let me know if I need to do anything else.
• I look forward to hearing from you.

If you are practicing TOEFL® Writing at home, these little squirrel checklists can help you review your own work more carefully! 🐿️📚 After finishing an Email Writing, use the lists below to spot mistakes, find weak areas, and slowly strengthen your writing skills one acorn at a time. 🌰

Email Writing Self-Check 🌰

After finishing your email, use these squirrel-approved questions to review your work carefully:

1. ✅ ❌ Did I make my email polite from beginning to end, including both the opening and closing?
2. ✅ ❌ Did I answer every required point mentioned in the task instructions?
3. ✅ ❌ Did I write more than 100 words?
4. ✅ ❌ Did I keep the number of sentences reasonable, with no more than 11 sentences?
5. ✅ ❌ Did I use linking words or transition phrases to connect my ideas smoothly?
6. ✅ ❌ Did I include at least two sentences that contain multiple clauses?
7. ✅ ❌ Did I use both a coordinating conjunction and a subordinating conjunction somewhere in the response?
8. ✅ ❌ Did I add a few stronger vocabulary words or expressions to sound more advanced?
9. ✅ ❌ Did I use soft and respectful language such as “could,” “would,” or similar hedge words?
10. ✅ ❌ Did I avoid too many spelling, typing, or formatting mistakes? Try to keep them below four.
11. ✅ ❌ After checking grammar carefully, did I reduce grammar errors to fewer than two?

That’s All, Folks!

Now you know everything you need to go through Toefl Writing Task 1!

Make sure to practice all the tips and don’t forget to ask if you have any further questions!