TOEFL Writing Task 1 and 2 Samples — Complete 2026 Guide & High-Scoring Templates
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Want reliable, up-to-date practice for the new TOEFL writing section (2026)? This hands-on guide explains the updated task formats, gives real sample prompts and model responses for TOEFL writing task 1 and 2 samples, explains scoring expectations under the January 21, 2026 changes, and includes practice tables and a week-by-week prep plan. All claims are checked against ETS practice material and the official rubrics so you practice the right way.
Quick overview — what changed in 2026 (short)
ETS updated the TOEFL iBT on January 21, 2026. Important points for writers:
The test moved to a CEFR-aligned 1.0–6.0 band scale (in 0.5 increments) while continuing to show the legacy 0–120 overall score during a transition period.
The Writing section was streamlined and now features new item types (for example: Build-a-Sentence style items and an Academic Discussion task that replaces or reworks older integrated tasks). Official ETS practice sets show how to approach these tasks.
Why this matters: models and templates that matched the pre-2026 TOEFL need updating — practice with ETS-aligned prompts and rubrics for accurate scoring.
Structure of the new Writing section — concise table
Task | What it asks | Time guidance (typical) | Skills tested |
Task 1: Build a Sentence / Short constructed response | Reorder given words/phrases into a grammatically correct sentence (or produce a short written sentence). | 1–2 minutes | Grammar, accuracy, sentence building |
Task 2: Academic Discussion / Short essay | Read a short passage and/or listen to a short lecture snippet; then write a focused academic response discussing, comparing or evaluating ideas. | 20–30 minutes (typical integrated writing window) | Synthesis, organization, argumentation, academic register. |
(Time guidance above summarizes practice-set pacing; exact timings shown during your test.)
TOEFL Writing Task 1 and 2 Samples: How the Writing tasks are scored (what raters look for)
ETS evaluates Writing using rubrics that prioritize: task fulfillment, organization/coherence, quality & range of language (vocabulary & syntax), and accuracy. For 2026, ETS continues to combine AI-assisted scoring with certified human raters and provides official rubrics for guidance. Aim for clearly developed ideas, accurate linking phrases, and varied sentence structures.
Practical templates you must memorize (not memorize answers)
Task 1 — Build a Sentence (quick template)
Goal: create a single clean sentence. Steps:
Identify subject + verb.
Find time/place/adverb modifiers.
Place clauses in logical order (main idea first, modifiers after).
Example scrambled words:(newspapers / many / online / read / people / now / prefer)
Correct sentence:“Many people now prefer to read newspapers online.”
Practice tip: never add or drop required words; preserve tense and meaning of given stems. Use 1–2 minutes only — accuracy beats artistry.
Task 2 — Academic Discussion (high-scoring 5-step template)
Intro (1 sentence): rephrase task + thesis.
Point A (2–3 sentences): summarize reading/claim A; include a linking phrase.
Point B (2–3 sentences): summarize lecture/counterclaim and contrast.
Analysis (2–3 sentences): explain why lecture supports/refutes or extends the reading.
Conclusion (1 sentence): succinct synthesis / implication.
Use academic linking words: furthermore, consequently, however, in contrast, therefore, this illustrates…
Model prompts + model answers — real practice
Below are two representative TOEFL writing task 1 and 2 samples with scoring notes. Time yourself exactly like test conditions.
Sample A — Task 1 (Build a Sentence)
Prompt (scrambled):(environment / countries / protect / should / The / natural / resources)
Answer (1 sentence):“The environment should protect natural resources in countries.” — Wrong (logical/grammatical issue).
Correct reconstruction (high-score):“Countries should protect the environment’s natural resources.”
Scoring note: Task 1 measures grammatical accuracy and correct sequencing — choose the sentence that preserves meaning and grammatical relationships. A top response is concise, natural, and error-free.
Sample B — Task 2 (Academic Discussion — integrated)
Prompt (short summary):The reading claims that offering free public transport reduces private car use because it lowers commuting costs and increases ridership. The lecture argues that free transport alone is insufficient: crowding, unreliable schedules and poor first/last-mile access limit its impact.
Model answer (approx. 220–280 words — aim 20–30 minutes):
Intro: The reading contends that free public transport will significantly reduce private car use because it lowers commuting costs and draws more riders. The lecturer, however, challenges this claim and suggests that service quality and accessibility determine commuter behavior more than fare price alone.
Reading point: According to the article, the price barrier is the primary deterrent to public transport; when fares are removed, more commuters will switch modes and traffic congestion should decline.
Lecture counterpoint: The professor responds that several practical problems—overcrowding, unreliable schedules and inadequate connections for first/last-mile travel—prevent many commuters from switching even if services are free. She cites a city where ridership rose modestly after fare elimination but commuter car use dropped little because commuters still faced hour-long waits and long walks from transit stops.
Analysis: The lecture weakens the reading’s causal link between cost and behavior by offering evidence that comfort, convenience and reliability are key determinants. Even with no fares, commuters are unlikely to change entrenched travel patterns unless frequency, capacity and feeder services are improved.
Conclusion: In sum, while cost reduction may encourage some redistribution of travel modes, effective modal shift requires investments in service quality and integrated planning, not only fare policy.
Scoring notes: This model follows the 5-step template: clear intro, concise summaries of both sources, and synthesis explaining how the lecture undermines the reading. Use linking phrases and maintain formal academic tone. Compare your draft to ETS rubrics: task fulfillment, cohesion, lexical range and grammatical control matter most.
Table — Common errors and quick fixes
Error | Why it lowers score | Fix |
Missing thesis or unclear intro | Raters mark down task fulfillment | Start with one-line thesis restating prompt |
Weak linking / abrupt jumps | Coherence suffers | Use connectors (however, therefore, moreover) |
Grammar mistakes in complex sentences | Affects clarity & language range | Prefer well-formed complex sentences; proofread |
Over-paraphrasing of reading | May miss lecturer contrast | Keep facts accurate; don’t invent details |
Practice schedule (4 weeks, focused writing push)
Week | Focus | Daily task |
1 | Sentence-building drills & grammar accuracy | 10 build-a-sentence items + 30 min grammar |
2 | Summarizing & paraphrase skills | 5 short reading summaries + 1 integrated paragraph |
3 | Full Task 2 essays | 3 timed essays (20–30 min each) + error analysis |
4 | Mock test week | 2 full writing sections under timed conditions |
Use official ETS practice PDFs for prompts and scoring calibration.
FAQ — focused & includes the focus keyword
Q1: Where can I find reliable TOEFL writing task 1 and 2 samples for 2026?
A1: The authoritative sources are ETS’s official practice sets and writing rubrics (released alongside the January 21, 2026 changes). Use ETS PDFs for exemplars and the updated rubrics to self-score. Third-party sites can supplement but always cross-check with ETS.
Q2: How long should I spend on TOEFL writing task 1 and 2 samples during practice?A2: Simulate test conditions: allocate 1–2 minutes for Task 1 sentence builds and 20–30 minutes for Task 2 academic discussions (timings follow ETS practice guidance). Calibrate speed by doing full timed practice sets weekly.
Q3: Do essays get human scores or AI scores in 2026?
A3: ETS uses a combination of AI-assisted scoring and certified human raters; final scores are aligned to the official rubrics. Practicing with ETS sample responses ensures your writing matches human rater expectations.
Final checklist — submission day
Stick to the prompt; don’t add facts not present in reading/lecture.
Organize with the 5-step template for Task 2.
For Task 1, prioritize grammatical accuracy and natural phrasing.
Leave 30–60 seconds to proofread if time permits.
Call to Action (CTA) — official practice links & next steps
Download ETS official practice PDFs & rubrics: start here — ETS Writing Practice Sets and rubrics (official).
Run weekly timed drills: use the 4-week schedule above and measure progress against ETS rubrics.
Want personalized feedback? Reply with one of your Task 2 essays (timed) and I’ll score it against ETS rubrics, give line-by-line edits, and provide a customised 2-week improvement plan.
Official ETS resources (start here):
ETS — TOEFL iBT Test Content & Score guidance.
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