Writing Strategies
TOEFL 2026 — the most practiced Writing questions, August 2026
How this list was measured
Every entry below is ranked by the number of different Reach120 learners who submitted an answer to it during August 2026 — not by how often the question was shown, and not by anything anyone chose to feature. One learner practicing the same question repeatedly counts once.
A question needs at least 3 different learners to appear at all, a task type needs at least 5 such questions before it is ranked, and Writing needs at least 10 learners in the month before this post is generated.
At most 8 questions per task type are listed.
Two things are removed before anything is counted, so that nothing in this order was put there by us: Reach120's own accounts — staff, test users and the internal harnesses that exercise the product — and the fallback questions the app hands out when there is no question bank to draw from, which measure our own placement rather than anybody's choice.
The exact learner counts are deliberately not published — the order is the finding, the headcount is not. This ranking measures practice, not opinion: it is not a vote and it is not a quality judgement by us or by ETS. Where a question has separately been rated by enough learners or tutors to carry a verification mark, that mark is shown next to it and explained at the end.
Try it — write one response and have it scored
A real prompt from the question bank, scored by the same automated rater a signed-in learner gets. No account, no card, no email.
Discussion Topic
Online Learning
Online learning, also known as e-learning, involves the use of digital platforms to deliver educational content and instruction. This form of learning can be synchronous, where students and instructors interact in real-time, or asynchronous, allowing students to access materials at their own pace. Online learning has gained popularity due to its flexibility and accessibility, but it also raises questions about the effectiveness and quality of virtual education compared to traditional in-person classes.
Professor's Question
What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional in-person education? Do you think online learning can fully replace traditional classrooms? Why or why not?
No account, no card, no email. One scored response per day. Scores are produced by an automated rater against the ETS rubric and are Reach120 estimates, not official ETS scores.
Build a Sentence
1. What law was passed?
What the first speaker says: What law was passed?
The correct answer: The legislation which protects endangered species received overwhelming bipartisan support.
Grammar point: Relative clause with "which"
Why: "Which" introduces a relative clause describing a thing or concept. Place it directly after the noun being described.
Tip: Use "which" for things: The item WHICH has a quality...
2. What does she do after school?
What the first speaker says: What does she do after school?
The correct answer: She practices the piano for two hours.
Grammar point: SVO with adverbial modifiers
Why: When adverbs modify the verb, they typically come before the main verb or after the object. Manner adverbs often follow the object.
Tip: Subject + adverb + Verb + Object, or Subject + Verb + Object + adverb.
3. I want to understand.
What the first speaker says: I want to understand.
The correct answer: Could you describe how the experiment was conducted?
Grammar point: Indirect question formation
Why: Indirect questions start with a polite phrase, then use a question word followed by statement word order (Subject + Verb).
Tip: Could you tell me + question word + Subject + Verb?
4. I am not sure what to do.
What the first speaker says: I am not sure what to do.
The correct answer: You should carefully consider all available options first.
Grammar point: Modal verb: should + base verb
Why: "Should" expresses advice or recommendation and is followed by the base form of the verb, never past tense or infinitive with "to."
Tip: should + base verb: You should STUDY (not "should studied").
5. The project is falling behind.
What the first speaker says: The project is falling behind.
The correct answer: We must urgently reallocate available resources to meet the approaching deadline.
Grammar point: Modal verb: must + base verb
Why: "Must" expresses strong obligation or necessity. It is followed directly by the base form of the verb.
Tip: must + base verb: You must FINISH (not "must to finish").
6. The equipment is outdated.
What the first speaker says: The equipment is outdated.
The correct answer: They might eventually need to upgrade the entire laboratory computing system.
Grammar point: Modal verb: might + base verb
Why: "Might" expresses uncertain possibility. It takes the base form and adverbs usually come between might and the verb.
Tip: might + base verb: They might ARRIVE (not "might arriving").
7. What progress has been made?
What the first speaker says: What progress has been made?
The correct answer: They have gradually improved the system performance this quarter.
Grammar point: Present perfect: have/has + past participle
Why: Present perfect connects past actions to the present. Use "have" (I/you/we/they) or "has" (he/she/it) + past participle.
Tip: have/has + V-ed/irregular: I have FINISHED, She has GONE.
8. What happened to the shipment?
What the first speaker says: What happened to the shipment?
The correct answer: The packages were accidentally delivered to the wrong warehouse.
Grammar point: Past passive: was/were + past participle
Why: Past passive uses "was" (singular) or "were" (plural) + past participle. The agent follows "by" at the end.
Tip: was/were + V-ed: It WAS BUILT by..., They WERE FOUND by...
Practice Build a Sentence on Reach120
Write an Email
1. Concerns About New Treadmill Equipment
The scenario: Your local gym recently replaced several treadmills with new models. These new machines are difficult to use and often malfunction. You want to address this issue with the gym management.
Your email has to cover:
- Describe the problems with the new equipment.
- Explain how this affects your workout routine.
- Request a solution or compensation.
Writing to: customer-service
2. Feedback on Online Course Experience
The scenario: You recently completed an online course offered by your university. While the content was valuable, you experienced several technical difficulties with the learning platform. You want to provide feedback to the course administrators.
Your email has to cover:
- Describe what you found valuable about the course.
- Explain the technical problems you experienced.
- Suggest improvements for future students.
Writing to: professor
3. Scholarship Application Status Inquiry
The scenario: You applied for a merit-based scholarship three weeks ago. The committee was supposed to announce decisions last week, but you have not received any notification. You want to inquire about your application status.
Your email has to cover:
- Reference your application details.
- Express your continued interest in the scholarship.
- Politely ask about the timeline for decisions.
Writing to: customer-service
4. Missing Package - Order #98765
The scenario: You ordered a birthday gift for your sister that was marked as delivered, but you never received the package. The delivery photo shows an unfamiliar doorstep. You need to resolve this with customer service.
Your email has to cover:
- Provide your order details and explain the situation.
- Describe why you believe this is a misdelivery.
- Request a refund or reshipment.
Writing to: customer-service
5. Textbook Return Request - Changed Course Requirements
The scenario: You purchased a textbook from the campus bookstore, but your professor changed the required book on the first day of class. The bookstore has a 7-day return policy, and you are on day 6.
Your email has to cover:
- Explain why you need to return the textbook.
- Mention the original purchase details.
- Ask about the return process and refund timeline.
Writing to: professor
6. Urgent: Heating System Issue in Apartment 4B
The scenario: You have been living in your apartment for three months. Recently, you noticed that the heating system is not working properly, and the temperature in your apartment drops significantly at night. You need to contact your landlord to resolve this issue.
Your email has to cover:
- Describe the heating problem in detail
- Explain how the issue is affecting you
- Request a specific timeline for repairs
- Ask about temporary solutions
Practice Write an Email on Reach120
Academic Discussion
1. Standardized Testing
The topic: Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT have long been used for college admissions in the United States. Recently, many universities have made these tests optional, arguing they favor wealthy students who can afford test preparation. Others maintain that standardized tests provide an objective measure of student readiness across different schools.
The professor's question: Should universities continue to require standardized test scores for admission, or should they be optional? Defend your position.
2. Online Learning
The topic: Online learning involves using digital platforms and tools to facilitate education remotely. This approach to education has become increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows students to attend classes and complete coursework from anywhere with an internet connection. Advocates argue it offers flexibility and access to a wider range of resources, while critics point out potential drawbacks such as lack of social interaction and varying levels of access to technology.
The professor's question: What is your opinion? Is online learning an effective substitute for traditional in-person education? Why or why not?
3. Taking a Gap Year Before College
The topic: This discussion considers the potential benefits and drawbacks of delaying college enrollment.
The professor's question: Some students choose to take a gap year between high school and college to travel, work, or explore personal interests. Do you think taking a gap year is a wise decision? Why or why not?
The classmates' posts you have to respond to:
- Lisa: Taking a gap year is wise because it gives students time to mature and discover their interests. Many students rush into college without knowing what they want to study. A gap year can provide valuable life experience.
- Kevin: I think a gap year is risky. Students might lose their academic momentum and find it difficult to return to studying. They could also fall behind their peers who entered college directly after high school.
4. Online Learning
The topic: Online learning involves the delivery of educational content via the internet, allowing students to access coursework from anywhere with an internet connection. This mode of education has grown rapidly, especially with the advent of new technologies and the global need for remote learning solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. While online learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents challenges such as limited face-to-face interaction and varying levels of student engagement.
The professor's question: Do you think online learning can replace traditional classroom education? Why or why not?
5. Online Learning
The topic: Online learning involves the use of digital platforms to conduct educational courses and training programs. As technology advances, more institutions are offering online courses, enabling students to learn from anywhere in the world. While online learning provides flexibility and accessibility, it also poses challenges such as lack of face-to-face interaction and potential distractions at home.
The professor's question: What is your opinion? Is online learning as effective as traditional in-person classes? Why or why not?
6. Climate Change Action
The topic: Climate change poses significant environmental challenges, and governments worldwide are debating the best approaches to address it. Some advocate for strict regulations and carbon taxes, while others prefer market-based solutions and technological innovation. The balance between environmental protection and economic growth remains contentious.
The professor's question: Should governments impose strict regulations on businesses to combat climate change, or should they rely on voluntary corporate action? Explain your view.
7. Medical Research Ethics
The topic: Medical Research Ethics encompasses the principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research involving human and animal subjects. The debate often centers around balancing scientific advancement with the rights and welfare of subjects, considering issues such as informed consent, risk versus benefit analysis, and the use of placebos. As new technologies and methodologies emerge, these ethical considerations become increasingly complex and significant.
The professor's question: In considering the balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility, should medical research prioritize the potential benefits of groundbreaking discoveries, even if it involves significant ethical concerns? Provide specific examples to support your position.
8. Online Learning
The topic: Online learning, also known as e-learning, is a method of education where students use digital platforms to access courses, lectures, and educational resources from remote locations. As technology advances, online learning has become more prevalent, offering flexibility and accessibility to students worldwide. However, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of virtual classrooms compared to traditional in-person settings.
The professor's question: What do you think? Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?
Practice Academic Discussion on Reach120
About the verification marks
No question in this list carries a verification mark yet. A mark is earned from learner and tutor ratings, which are still accumulating, so an unmarked question here means "not yet rated enough" — not "rated badly".
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Try all 3 TOEFL 2026 writing tasks with instant AI feedback.
TOEFL 2026 Writing
Practice all three 2026 writing tasks
Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Academic Discussion — timed practice scored on the 0–5 rubric with the specific fixes for your response. Build a Sentence is free and unlimited; every account also gets 3 AI-scored writing responses to start, then one more each day, up to 10 in total across Write an Email and Academic Discussion.
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