The TOEFL iBT Writing Task 2, titled Writing for an Academic Discussion, follows a consistent and clearly structured format. Understanding the prompt structure is essential for test-takers to interpret the task quickly and respond accurately within the strict 10-minute time limit.
This prompt simulates a university discussion board. You will encounter a brief academic question posted by a professor and three short responses from fellow students. Your task is to write a 100–120 word reply that expresses your opinion, refers to the opinions of classmates, and supports your viewpoint with reasoning or examples.
The prompt is divided into three key elements:
The Professor’s Question
Three Student Responses
The User’s Instructions (Your Writing Task)
Each of these plays a vital role in shaping how you should construct your response.
The professor’s post introduces the discussion. It presents an academic or real-world issue and asks students for their opinions. This sets the tone and scope for the entire task. The question is typically related to education, student life, or broader social or scientific topics.
Academic in tone and topic
Open-ended (no “yes/no” answers)
Designed to prompt multiple viewpoints
Professor Larson: Many universities are considering replacing traditional textbooks with digital learning materials. What are the advantages or disadvantages of this change?
This kind of question is designed to invite a variety of perspectives from students, which you must read and engage with in your own response.
After the professor’s question, you will see three student responses. These are fictional responses, created to simulate how students would reply in an actual university discussion forum. Each one is about 40–50 words long and expresses a distinct opinion or reasoning.
They often:
Agree or disagree with each other
Highlight different angles (e.g., financial, social, academic impacts)
Use conversational academic language
Contain simple but structured reasoning
Student A: I think digital materials are better because they’re more affordable and can be updated more easily.
Student B: I prefer printed textbooks. They are easier on the eyes and help me focus better when I study.
Student C: Both have pros and cons, but universities should let students choose whichever format works best for them.
These responses help you decide what perspective you want to adopt. You can agree with one student, disagree with another, or combine points from multiple posts.
Finally, you’ll receive specific instructions about what your post should include. These instructions are always consistent and follow the same format. Understanding this part ensures that you meet the scoring criteria for task relevance and content.
Directions: Read the question and the responses from other students. Then, write your own post to the discussion. In your response, you should do the following:
Express and support your opinion
Explain why you agree or disagree with one or more of the other students
Your response should be about 100–120 words.
These instructions are not suggestions—they are requirements. Ignoring any part of them (e.g., failing to refer to another student) can significantly reduce your score.
Understanding each element of the prompt helps you develop a structured, on-topic response. Here’s a suggested workflow based on the structure:
Identify the main topic
Note any specific terms or goals mentioned
Highlight differences and similarities in opinions
Choose which response(s) you want to agree or disagree with
Think of a clear reason to support your viewpoint
Try to connect it with at least one student’s opinion
Use a simple structure:
Opening – State your position clearly
Support – Provide a brief reason or example
Engagement – Refer to a student by name and explain your agreement or disagreement
Conclusion (optional) – Summarize or emphasize your viewpoint (if time allows)
ETS designed the prompt structure to mimic real online academic discussions, especially those used in modern university settings like:
Online learning platforms (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard)
Forum discussions in university courses
Discussion threads in MOOC environments
Students are increasingly expected to engage in writing that:
Responds to peers
Reflects critical thinking
Demonstrates clarity in opinion
By replicating this environment, the TOEFL ensures that students who score well are academically prepared for university-level communication.
Here is a complete sample TOEFL prompt with all three components:
Professor: Some universities are debating whether to eliminate letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) and replace them with a pass/fail system. What are the benefits or drawbacks of this change?
Student A: I support the pass/fail system because it reduces stress and encourages students to learn for understanding, not just grades.
Student B: I think letter grades should stay. They motivate students to work harder and provide clear feedback on performance.
Student C: Maybe pass/fail could be used in some courses like art or physical education, but not for academic subjects like math or science.
I agree with Student B that keeping letter grades is better. Grades give students a sense of achievement and help them see where they stand. While Student A says it reduces stress, some pressure is necessary for success. Without grades, students might lose motivation to improve.
This example demonstrates how the test-taker:
States a clear opinion
Refers to classmates
Provides a reasoned response
Follows the word count (approx. 110 words)
Yes, you can refer to multiple students as long as your response stays focused and concise.
No. You are required to mention at least one. However, mentioning two or comparing views can strengthen your post if done briefly.
Not directly. Your task is to respond to the professor’s question and to your classmates. The professor’s role is only to present the topic.
The TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion prompt is designed with clarity and purpose. By breaking it down into three components—the professor’s question, the student responses, and your writing instructions—ETS ensures that the task is both realistic and focused on skills that matter in academic contexts.
Understanding the structure helps you:
Focus your attention quickly
Choose the right opinion to support
Organize a logical and relevant response
Meet all scoring criteria effectively
Mastering the prompt is your first step toward writing high-scoring TOEFL responses with confidence and precision.