TOEFL Writing for an Academic Discussion Questions – Samples and Guide and Templates

Sample Questions and Answers

These “Writing for an Academic Discussion” questions were added to the TOEFL iBT on July 26, 2023.  They replaced the “Independent Writing Task.”  Each link below includes a complete sample question and response.  These questions are based on the information we have at this time.  I will revise them as more information is provided.  I also have a guide to answering this question.

Basically, test-takers see a question written by a professor and responses by two students.  The test-taker should respond to the question and add to the conversation.  They have ten minutes to read the question, read the responses and write their own responses.

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Question Guide

I’ve written a detailed guide for this question.  I will update it as we learn more.

Answer Template 1

  • This is a challenging topic, but I think that [respond directly to the question].
  • I strongly agree with [student]’s idea that [mention one point made by the student]. 
  • I’d add that [expand on the point with your own idea].
  • While [other student] raised the relevant point that [mention one point made by the other student], he/she didn’t mention that [challenge that point].
  • For example [elaborate on your challenge with your own ideas].

Answer Template 2

  • While I appreciate the points mentioned by both [name] and [name], I think that…
  • [elaborate on your idea for a few sentences]
  • Remember that [elaborate on your point], so [elaborate on your point].
  • Some people may feel that [mention a potential challenge], but [respond to this challenge].

Video Guide

https://youtu.be/UhrglEZyFyo