TOEFL 2026 — the most practised Writing questions, July 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 July 2026 — not by how often the question was shown, and not by anything anyone chose to feature. One learner practising 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.

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.

Build a Sentence

1. What was the highlight of your trip?

What the first speaker says: What was the highlight of your trip?

The correct answer: The tour guides who showed us around the old city were fantastic.

Grammar point: Relative clause with "who"

Why: "Who" introduces a relative clause that describes "tour guides." The clause "who showed us around the old city" provides additional information about the subject.

Tip: Use "who" for people and "which/that" for things when adding descriptive clauses.

2. What will happen if they approve the law?

What the first speaker says: What will happen if they approve the law?

The correct answer: If the legislation receives enough votes, the government will implement comprehensive healthcare reforms next year.

Grammar point: First conditional: If + present, will + base

Why: First conditional expresses real future possibilities. The if-clause uses present tense; the main clause uses "will" + base verb.

Tip: If + present, Subject + WILL + base verb.

3. How is the weather?

What the first speaker says: How is the weather?

The correct answer: Today is warmer than yesterday was.

Grammar point: Comparative with -er/more + than

Why: Short adjectives add -er (taller, faster); long adjectives use "more" + adjective. Always follow with "than."

Tip: -er for short adjectives, "more" for long: taller THAN / more beautiful THAN.

4. How was the conference?

What the first speaker says: How was the conference?

The correct answer: I really enjoyed the keynote presentation yesterday.

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.

5. I am tired today.

What the first speaker says: I am tired today.

The correct answer: You should take a short rest now.

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").

6. The test is tomorrow.

What the first speaker says: The test is tomorrow.

The correct answer: We must study the review material tonight.

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").

7. How can I improve?

What the first speaker says: How can I improve?

The correct answer: You could practice speaking English daily.

Grammar point: Modal verb: could + base verb

Why: "Could" expresses possibility or suggestion. Like all modals, it takes the base verb form. Adverbs go between modal and main verb.

Tip: could + base verb: We could VISIT (not "could to visit").

8. I want to learn faster.

What the first speaker says: I want to learn faster.

The correct answer: You might achieve better results by adopting more effective study techniques.

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").

Practise Build a Sentence on Reach120

Write an Email

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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. Request for Book Loan Extension

The scenario: You borrowed a rare book from your university library for a research project. The book was due last week, but you still need it to complete your paper. You want to explain the situation and request an extension.

Your email has to cover:

• Apologize for the late return
• Explain why you still need the book
• Request a specific extension period
• Offer to pay any applicable late fees

7. 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

8. Feedback on Birthday Dinner Experience - March 15

The scenario: You celebrated your birthday at a restaurant last weekend. Despite making a reservation for a special occasion, the service was extremely slow, and the food arrived cold. You want to share your experience with the restaurant management.

Your email has to cover:

• Describe the issues you experienced
• Mention that it was a special occasion
• Explain how the problems affected your experience
• Suggest what resolution would be satisfactory

Practise Write an Email on Reach120

Academic Discussion

1. 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.

2. Online Learning

The topic: Online learning refers to educational instruction and coursework delivered via the internet. With technological advancements and the global shift towards digital platforms, online learning has become a popular alternative to traditional in-person classes. It offers flexibility and accessibility to learners worldwide, but also presents challenges such as the need for self-discipline and potential feelings of isolation.

The professor's question: Do you believe that online learning is as effective as traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?

3. Social Media and Privacy

The topic: This refers to the balance between sharing personal information on social media platforms and the expectation or right to control who accesses that information. With the increasing use of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, individuals often share details about their lives, but concerns about data breaches, targeted advertising, and the misuse of personal data are also growing.

The professor's question: Given the widespread use of social media, do you think individuals should be more concerned about their privacy online, or is the benefit of connection and sharing worth the potential risks? Explain your reasoning.

4. Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

The topic: GMO crops can increase yields and resist pests, potentially helping feed growing populations. However, concerns exist about long-term health and environmental effects.

The professor's question: Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be more widely used to address global food shortages? Why or why not?

5. Animal Testing

The topic: Animal testing has contributed to many medical breakthroughs, but raises ethical questions about animal welfare and the reliability of results.

The professor's question: Is animal testing justified for medical research that could save human lives? Explain your view.

6. Studying History

The topic: Some argue that history provides crucial context for today's issues, while others believe focusing on current data is more practical.

The professor's question: Is studying history essential for understanding current events and making better decisions? Share your perspective.

7. Preserving Historical Sites

The topic: Historical preservation maintains cultural heritage and attracts tourism, but competes with other priorities like healthcare and education.

The professor's question: Should governments spend significant resources preserving historical monuments, even when facing budget constraints?

Practise 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".