The new TOEFL iBT Writing Task 2, titled Writing for an Academic Discussion, is a redesigned version of the Independent Writing Task that test-takers were familiar with before July 2023. This task aims to evaluate a candidate’s ability to write clearly, logically, and academically within a simulated classroom environment. Instead of writing a long essay on a general topic, students now respond to a professor’s question and contribute to an online academic discussion by engaging with the opinions of classmates.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the creator of the TOEFL exam, redesigned this writing task to reflect the real-world communication style used in modern academic settings—especially in virtual classrooms and online discussions. The new task replicates how students interact in university forums, online learning platforms, or even email chains, where they are expected to share opinions and respond to others with logical reasoning and academic language.
In this task, you are placed in a simulated university discussion board. A professor posts a question on an academic topic, and three fellow students respond with different views. Your job is to write a short, well-organized post (100–120 words) that adds to the conversation. You can agree or disagree with one or more classmates and support your opinion with reasoning or examples.
The prompt consists of three key components:
The professor introduces a topic and asks a question related to it. The question is typically academic and open-ended. For example:
“Some universities are considering requiring students to take a gap year before entering college. What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of this approach?”
Three students respond with different opinions. Each response is about 40–50 words long and reflects a specific perspective. These views might agree, disagree, or explore different aspects of the topic.
You must now join the conversation by:
Stating your opinion
Responding to at least one classmate
Providing reasons or examples to support your view
You have 10 minutes to read the prompt and write your post.
To understand the significance of the change, it’s helpful to compare the new task with the older format.
Required a 300–350 word essay
Asked test-takers to express their opinion on a general topic (e.g., “Do you agree or disagree with the statement: Students should study abroad.”)
Focused primarily on the candidate’s ability to develop and organize ideas
Requires a short response (100–120 words)
Simulates a real-world academic discussion
Involves interacting with others’ opinions
Emphasizes clarity, relevance, and academic tone over length
The revised format is beneficial for several reasons:
Universities value students who can participate in group discussions and online forums. This task mimics how students communicate in modern academic settings.
Since the response is shorter, it requires concise thinking and fast writing—skills essential in university-level education.
The task integrates critical thinking, reading comprehension, and written expression, giving a fuller picture of a student’s academic readiness.
ETS assesses your response based on a rubric that includes the following areas:
Your post must clearly present a relevant opinion and support it with reasoning or examples.
Your ideas should follow a logical structure and be easy to follow.
You must use academic vocabulary and grammar accurately and appropriately.
You must directly respond to at least one of the students’ posts and contribute meaningfully to the discussion.
A high-scoring response typically does the following:
Clearly states an opinion relevant to the discussion
Refers directly to a specific classmate’s opinion
Provides one or two supporting reasons or examples
Uses appropriate academic language and varied sentence structures
Avoids grammar or spelling mistakes that interfere with meaning
Some of the common difficulties in this task include:
A common mistake is ignoring the opinions of fellow students and writing a generic response. This reduces your score for task relevance.
Vague opinions without support weaken your response. You must provide a clear reason or example.
Minor grammar mistakes are acceptable, but errors that confuse meaning or reduce clarity will lower your score.
Since the task is timed, many students fail to complete their thoughts or leave out key points. Effective planning is essential.
Follow these steps to maximize your score:
Pay attention to key arguments and language used.
Pick one or more opinions to agree or disagree with.
Think of a strong reason or example to support your view.
Use 3–4 sentences: state your opinion, refer to a classmate, support your idea, and conclude if possible.
Prompt:
Professor: What is the best way for universities to help students manage stress?
Student 1: Universities should offer more mental health counseling services.
Student 2: I think reducing the number of exams will help students feel less pressure.
Student 3: Offering workshops on time management is more useful than counseling.
Sample Response:
I agree with Student 3 that time management workshops can reduce stress. Many students feel overwhelmed because they don’t plan their schedules well. These workshops can teach techniques like prioritizing tasks and using study calendars. If students manage their time better, they are less likely to fall behind and become stressed.
The Writing for an Academic Discussion task is a shift toward realistic, academic communication. It challenges you to think quickly, write concisely, and engage meaningfully with others. By understanding the task structure, practicing with real prompts, and applying academic writing strategies, you can build the confidence and skills necessary to excel on the TOEFL iBT.