Students often ask if they can take notes or write templates on their scratch paper during the ten minute break in the middle of the TOEFL. The answer is no. You are not allowed to write anything during the break.
Here’s what the TOEFL Bulletin for 2021-22 says (on page 23):
The scratch paper is provided for appropriate note taking during the timed sections of the test. Scratch paper is not to be used before the test, during the untimed sections of the test, or during breaks.
On the next page, it says:
You cannot use the scratch paper provided or notes of any kind to prepare your essay at the beginning of the test or during breaks.
And then on page 25 it says that your test will be stopped for:
Using the scratch paper provided or notes of any kind to prepare your essay during breaks.
Later on the same page it says that your test will be stopped for:
Attempting to remove scratch paper or a piece of scratch paper from the testing room or using scratch paper before the test, during the untimed sections, or during breaks.
Get the point?
I should also mention that you aren’t allowed to access your phone during the break. Here’s what the bulletin says (on page 24):
You cannot access your phone or other devices during the test session or during breaks to check messages, make a call, check the time or for any other reason.