The TOEFL Writing scoring rubric is a standardized evaluation tool used by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to assess test-takers’ writing performance in the TOEFL iBT exam. For the new Writing for an Academic Discussion (Task 2), responses are scored using a 4-level rubric, which helps ensure fairness, consistency, and accuracy in grading.
Understanding this rubric is essential for anyone aiming to score high on the TOEFL Writing section. It provides insight into what raters are looking for and how you can tailor your response to meet the expectations in four critical categories:
Development
Organization
Language Use
Task Relevance
Knowing the rubric is important for three reasons:
It tells you how your writing will be judged.
It guides how to structure and improve your writing.
It helps you avoid common mistakes that lower your score.
Raters use the rubric to assign a score from 0 to 5 for each writing task. This score is then converted into a scaled score (out of 30) for the writing section.
For Writing Task 2 (Academic Discussion), responses are assessed by both human raters and an automated scoring engine (like e-rater®). Each response is evaluated based on the 4-level rubric. These levels range from Level 0 (lowest) to Level 5 (highest).
Each level describes the quality of a response in four distinct areas: development, organization, language use, and task relevance.
Let’s explore each scoring criterion in detail so you understand what’s expected and how to maximize your score.
Development refers to how well you present, support, and explain your opinion in your written response.
A clear and logical main idea or opinion
Relevant supporting points
Examples, explanations, or reasons that strengthen your view
Depth of thought and elaboration (even in a short response)
I agree with Student B that part-time jobs are helpful. They teach students to manage time and earn money. When I worked part-time, I learned to balance classes and work, which improved my study habits.
This response offers a position, reasoning, and a real-life example—all in under 100 words.
Avoid vague or generic responses.
Use specific examples or logical explanations.
Stay on topic; focus on quality, not quantity.
Organization assesses how clearly and logically your ideas are structured. Even in a short response, your ideas should be easy to follow.
A logical progression of ideas
Use of transitions or linking words
Paragraphing (if applicable, though often just one paragraph is fine)
A clear beginning, middle, and end
Student A thinks university lectures should be optional. I disagree because attending lectures improves understanding. In my experience, being in class helped me learn better by asking questions and hearing others’ views.
This response presents a clear opinion, follows with reasoning, and ends with a supporting example—all in a logical flow.
Start with a clear thesis or opinion.
Use connectors like “because,” “however,” “for example,” etc.
Keep sentences and ideas focused.
Language use evaluates your ability to write with clarity, accuracy, and variety using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
Range of vocabulary (basic to academic)
Variety in sentence structures
Minimal grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors
Word choice that suits academic writing
I support Student C’s view that students should manage their own schedules. When universities treat students like adults, it prepares them for real-world independence.
This sentence uses appropriate word choice, grammar, and tone without being too complex.
Repetitive vocabulary (e.g., “good,” “bad,” “nice”)
Sentence fragments or run-ons
Incorrect verb tense or subject-verb agreement
Learn and use academic expressions.
Practice writing compound and complex sentences.
Review grammar basics regularly.
Task relevance refers to how well your response addresses all aspects of the prompt. You must do what the task asks you to do—no more, no less.
A direct answer to the professor’s question
Engagement with at least one student’s opinion
Clear support for your viewpoint
No off-topic or irrelevant content
I agree with Student A that using digital books is a good idea. They’re cheaper and more portable. Students can carry all their materials on one device, which is convenient for studying anywhere.
This response answers the question, responds to a classmate, and provides support.
Ignoring classmates’ responses
Writing off-topic or irrelevant ideas
Copying phrases from the prompt without adding your own ideas
Always refer to at least one student by name.
Use your opinion to drive your argument, not summary.
Stick to the question being asked.
Each response is assigned a level from 0 to 5, based on how well it performs across the four rubric categories.
Fully developed ideas with clear reasoning
Logical and effective organization
Few or no language errors
Fully addresses the task with strong engagement
Well-developed, mostly clear ideas
Mostly logical organization
Some minor language errors
Responds to the task with good relevance
Somewhat developed ideas but lacks depth
Organization may be unclear or inconsistent
Several language issues, but meaning is clear
Partial or unclear response to the prompt
Underdeveloped or confusing ideas
Poor or inconsistent structure
Frequent language errors
Limited relevance to task or misunderstanding of prompt
Very unclear or minimal content
Disorganized and hard to follow
Many language errors affecting meaning
Mostly off-topic or irrelevant
No attempt, copied material, or completely off-topic
Use the rubric to assess your development, organization, language, and relevance.
If your ideas are unclear, work on development. If you struggle with grammar, focus on language use.
Think about:
“Am I answering the professor’s question?”
“Did I refer to at least one student?”
“Are my ideas logical and well-supported?”
“Did I use academic vocabulary and correct grammar?”
Study high-scoring responses to see how they address the rubric criteria effectively.
The TOEFL Writing rubric is your roadmap to success. By understanding the four scoring categories—development, organization, language use, and task relevance—you can craft responses that meet ETS standards and score at the highest level.
Strong responses are not about writing the longest post, but about writing the most focused, well-supported, and relevant one. Use the rubric as a checklist, and you’ll build the skills necessary to succeed not only on the TOEFL but in real academic writing as well.