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TOEFL Write an Email (2026): Complete Guide

Updated for the January 2026 TOEFL iBT format · Templates + 12 sample questions · 8 min read

The Write an Email task is the second writing task in the 2026 TOEFL iBT. You receive a real-world scenario and must write a professional email of 130–140 words covering three specific required points. This guide covers every email type you may encounter, with templates and full sample answers.

TOEFL Write an Email — 6-part formal email structure Write an Email — TOEFL 2026 Writing Task 2 ① Greeting Dear Professor Smith, ② Opening I am writing to inform you that I missed Tuesday's lecture. ③ Point 1 Unfortunately, I was unwell and had to visit the doctor. ④ Point 2 Would it be possible to share the lecture notes with me? ⑤ Point 3 I confirm I will attend all remaining classes this semester. ⑥ Closing Sincerely, [Your Name] · 138 words ✅
The 6-part email structure works for every prompt type. Always cover all three required points.

The 8 Email Types You Will Encounter

Every TOEFL Write an Email prompt falls into one of these categories. Learn the language pattern for each:

Universal Template (Works for Any Prompt)

For emails to someone who doesn't know you:
Dear [Title] [Last Name],
My name is [Name], and I am writing because [reason].
[Point 1 — explain the situation or provide context].
Would it be possible to [Point 2 — your request or question]?
Moreover, [Point 3 — additional request or statement].
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For emails to someone who knows you (professor, colleague, classmate):
Dear [First Name / Professor Last Name],
I'm writing because [reason].
[Point 1]. [Point 2]. [Point 3].
I look forward to your response.
Best regards, [Your Name]

Sample Questions & High-Scoring Answers

Sample 1 — Library Hours (Complaint/Request)

You are a university student who regularly uses the library in the evenings. Recently the library has been closing at 10 PM instead of midnight. Write an email to the library manager.

Include: (1) why the library is important to you, (2) ask why the hours changed, (3) ask if the hours will return to normal.

Dear Ms. Severin,
My name is Clark Kesselring, and I am writing to enquire about the library's recent changes to its opening hours. [Opening — clear purpose]
As a third-year student, I rely heavily on the library in the evenings to complete my assignments. It provides a quiet environment and easy access to academic journals that are essential for my research. [Point 1 — why library matters]
Could you please tell me why the closing time has been changed from midnight to 10 PM? This has made it significantly more difficult to finish my coursework. [Point 2 — asking about the reason]
I would also appreciate knowing whether this is a permanent change, or if the library will return to its original hours in the near future. [Point 3 — asking about duration]
Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns.
Sincerely, Clark Kesselring [138 words ✅]

Sample 2 — Missed Quiz (Apology/Request)

You missed an important quiz in your marketing class because you were sick. Write an email to your professor.

Include: (1) explain why you missed the quiz, (2) apologise and ask if you can retake it, (3) confirm it won't happen again.

Dear Professor Johnson,
I am writing to apologise for my absence from Tuesday's marketing quiz. [Opening — clear purpose + apology]
Unfortunately, I experienced a sudden illness on the morning of the quiz and was unable to attend class. I visited the university health centre and was advised to rest for the remainder of the day. [Point 1 — reason for absence]
I sincerely apologise for missing the assessment. Would it be possible to arrange a make-up quiz at your convenience? I am available any time this week or next. [Point 2 — request to retake]
I assure you that this will not happen again. I am fully committed to keeping up with all course requirements for the rest of the semester. [Point 3 — reassurance]
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [133 words ✅]

Sample 3 — Noisy Neighbours (Complaint)

You rent an apartment and your neighbours play loud music late at night, making it hard to sleep. Write an email to your landlord.

Include: (1) describe the problem, (2) explain how it is affecting you, (3) ask the landlord to resolve it.

Dear Mr. Thompson,
I am writing to report an ongoing noise issue in my apartment building that has been affecting my daily life. [Opening]
The residents in apartment 4B play loud music most evenings, often until two or three in the morning. Despite the late hour, the music is clearly audible through the walls. [Point 1 — describe problem]
As a result, I have been unable to sleep properly for the past two weeks. This has significantly affected my concentration at university and my overall health. [Point 2 — impact on you]
I would greatly appreciate it if you could speak with the tenants in apartment 4B about observing quiet hours, as outlined in our lease agreement. [Point 3 — request resolution]
I look forward to your prompt response. Thank you.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [135 words ✅]

Key Phrases by Email Type

Complaint emails

  • "I am writing to bring to your attention a problem with..."
  • "I have been experiencing difficulties with..."
  • "I would appreciate it if this matter could be resolved as soon as possible."
  • "This has had a significant impact on my [studies / daily routine / health]."

Request / Information emails

  • "Would it be possible to..."
  • "I was wondering if you could please..."
  • "Could you kindly let me know..."
  • "I would be grateful if you could provide me with..."

Apology / Missed event emails

  • "I sincerely apologise for my absence from..."
  • "I regret to inform you that I was unable to attend..."
  • "I assure you that this will not happen again."
  • "I take full responsibility for missing..."

12 Practice Prompt Topics

Practice these prompts using the template above:

  1. Missed a quiz or exam (apology + make-up request)
  2. Library closing hours changed (complaint + request)
  3. Noisy neighbours in apartment (complaint to landlord)
  4. Wrong package delivered (complaint to company)
  5. Hotel facilities not working (complaint + compensation request)
  6. Missed a group project meeting (apology to classmate)
  7. Request more information from a guest speaker
  8. Essay submission date — request extension
  9. Travel plans changed — need to reschedule flight/hotel
  10. Joining a campus club or sports team
  11. Requesting a letter of recommendation from a professor
  12. Reporting a maintenance issue in student housing

✉️ Practice Write an Email — 10 Free Prompts

Interactive email prompts with AI-style scoring on task completion, length, formality, and language quality.

Start Practicing Free →

Frequently Asked Questions

Aim for 130–140 words. Going below 110 or above 180 words will reduce your score. Practice counting words until you can estimate naturally.
Yes — missing even one point significantly lowers your score regardless of how well-written the rest is.
Always formal. Avoid slang and contractions like "I'm" or "can't". Use "I am" and "I would be grateful" instead.
Scored 1–6, likely by AI. Key factors: all three required points addressed, appropriate length (130–140 words), formal register, and language quality.
Yes — you should. Adding specific supporting details and context makes your email stronger and more natural. Don't limit yourself to just what the prompt states.