TOEFLWritingE-mailPrática10

In the TOEFL Writing "Write an Email" task, you will read a short situation and write an email to someone. Every email has a communicative purpose — a real reason for writing.

Based on official TOEFL questions, there are seven types of email prompts:

• Making an Inquiry or Request — ask for information, help, or a meeting
• Providing Feedback with Suggestions — share your experience and recommend improvements
• Organizing or Asking for Help — coordinate plans and recruit people to assist
• Expressing Appreciation — thank someone and discuss future plans
• Giving Advice — respond thoughtfully to a friend's question
• Applying or Volunteering — express interest in a role and present your qualifications
• Responding to a Concern — address someone's problem with empathy and alternatives

The prompt will give you three bullet points that tell you what to include. You must address all three. The same 3-move writing structure works for all seven types.

Length: about 100–130 words  |  Time: 7 minutes

Before you start writing, it helps to know exactly what ETS is grading you on. Your response is evaluated in three areas:

Keep these three criteria in mind as you study the tips below. Every scoring decision comes back to these areas.

Every TOEFL email — no matter what the topic is — can be written using the same three moves. Think of them as the "skeleton" of your email:

Why does this work? Because it mirrors how real emails are written: you explain why you're writing, give the important details, and then tell the reader what you need. ETS rewards responses that follow this natural, logical flow.

Seven minutes is short. Without a plan, you may run out of time or forget a bullet point. Here is a step-by-step timing strategy:

Tip: Don't spend too long on the first sentence. Many students waste time trying to write the perfect opening. Just get your ideas down, then improve them during the polishing step.

The tone of your email should match the relationship with the person you are writing to:

High-scoring emails use accurate grammar, varied vocabulary, and natural transitions. Here are key areas to focus on:

• Use linking words to connect ideas smoothly: "Unfortunately," "On top of that," "If time permits," "To keep the session focused."
• Use polite request forms: "I would appreciate it if you could…," "Could you please…," "Would it be possible to…"
• Avoid repeating the same words – use synonyms and varied sentence structures.
• Be specific. Instead of "The restaurant was bad," write "The food lacked flavor, and several dishes arrived cold."
• Avoid slang, text abbreviations, or very casual expressions.

If you are a premium member, you will have up to 50 free essay grammar corrections.

Before you submit your email, run through this checklist. It covers everything ETS is looking for in a 5/5 response:

This template follows the 3-move structure. Replace the bracketed sections with your own content based on the prompt. It works for all seven question types.

Adapting the tone:

• Writing to someone you don't know (hotel manager, venue manager)? Use "Dear [Title/Name]," and "Best regards,"
• Writing to a professor? Use "Dear Professor [Name]," or "Dear Dr. [Name]," and "Thank you," or "Sincerely,"
• Writing to classmates or coworkers? Use "Hi everyone," or "Hi [Name]," and "Best," or "Thanks,"

Important: Do not memorize this template word for word. Practice using it with different prompts so that your response sounds natural and fits each specific situation.

How the 3 Moves Were Used

• Move 1 (Context): "I am writing on behalf of our university robotics club. One of my classmates recommended…" — explains the purpose and how they heard about the center (bullet point 1).
• Move 2 (Details): "We are planning a design workshop… two meeting rooms, projector access… around twenty participants…" — describes the schedule and specific room needs (bullet point 2).
• Move 3 (Next Steps): "Could you please let me know whether the center is available… rental fees… reservation rules or equipment charges" — asks for the information needed (bullet point 3).

Why It Scores 5/5

• Task Completion: all three bullet points are fully addressed with specific details.
• Organization: smooth flow from introduction → needs → polite request.
• Language: formal and appropriate — "on behalf of," "a very positive experience," "I would appreciate that information as well."
• Tone: professional and courteous — perfect for a business inquiry.

How the 3 Moves Were Used

• Move 1 (Context): "I recently attended the open house… I really enjoyed the demonstrations…" — establishes why they are writing and what they enjoyed (bullet point 1).
• Move 2 (Details): "Some of the labels on the tools were difficult to understand… the waiting line… became very long…" — describes specific issues with details (bullet point 2).
• Move 3 (Next Steps): "it might help to use larger, clearer labels… A sign-up sheet or timed demonstration schedule…" — offers practical improvement suggestions (bullet point 3).

Why It Scores 5/5

• Task Completion: praises the event, explains the problems with specific detail, and offers concrete solutions.
• Organization: positive → negative → constructive suggestion. A natural and diplomatic flow.
• Language: varied and precise — "completely new to the equipment," "seemed unsure," "reduce confusion."
• Cohesion: smooth transitions — "I did notice a couple of problems, though," "In addition," "For future open houses."

How the 3 Moves Were Used

• Move 1 (Context): "Thank you for writing and for sharing your concern. I understand why interview practice feels especially important…" — acknowledges the concern with empathy (bullet point 1).
• Move 2 (Details): "the room reservation, speaker plan, and printed handouts have already been arranged… would create confusion…" — explains clearly why the topic cannot be changed (bullet point 2).
• Move 3 (Next Steps): "The university career center has sample interview questions… free mock-interview videos and practice tools…" — suggests specific, helpful resources (bullet point 3).

Why It Scores 5/5

• Task Completion: shows empathy, gives a clear reason for declining, and offers multiple specific resources.
• Organization: understanding → explanation → helpful alternatives. Diplomatic and supportive.
• Language: warm and natural — "I still want to help you prepare," "I think are especially useful."
• Tone: friendly and encouraging — perfect for a fellow student.