Writing Strategies
TOEFL 2026 — the most practiced Writing questions, October 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 October 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 has become an essential part of education, especially following the global shift during the COVID-19 pandemic. It refers to the use of internet-based platforms and tools to conduct educational courses remotely. While online learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents challenges such as lack of face-to-face interaction and varying levels of digital literacy among students and educators.
Professor's Question
Do you believe that online learning is as effective as traditional in-person education? 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. It looks like rain.
What the first speaker says: It looks like rain.
The correct answer: We might need an umbrella later today.
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").
2. Which fuel source is cleanest?
What the first speaker says: Which fuel source is cleanest?
The correct answer: Hydrogen fuel cells produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than traditional combustion engine vehicles.
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.
3. What happened at the store?
What the first speaker says: What happened at the store?
The correct answer: We found a great deal on furniture.
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.
4. What do you do before bed?
What the first speaker says: What do you do before bed?
The correct answer: I usually read two or three chapters of a novel.
Grammar point: Complex SVO with multiple modifiers
Why: With multiple modifiers, adjectives precede nouns, adverbs go near verbs, and prepositional phrases come at the end of the clause.
Tip: Build outward: Subject + Verb + Object, then add modifiers around each part.
5. I need to check.
What the first speaker says: I need to check.
The correct answer: Do you recall when the last maintenance check occurred?
Grammar point: Embedded question word order
Why: In embedded questions, use statement word order after the question word. The subject comes before the verb, not after it.
Tip: Do you know WHERE she IS? (not "where is she")
6. What happened to the paintings?
What the first speaker says: What happened to the paintings?
The correct answer: The artwork was carefully restored by professional museum conservators.
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...
7. Which approach yields better outcomes?
What the first speaker says: Which approach yields better outcomes?
The correct answer: Preventive medicine proves considerably more cost-effective than treating chronic diseases after onset.
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.
8. How does the journalist report?
What the first speaker says: How does the journalist report?
The correct answer: She objectively reports breaking news stories while consistently maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Grammar point: Manner adverb placement
Why: Manner adverbs (carefully, quickly, efficiently) describe how an action is done. They go before the verb or after the object.
Tip: She CAREFULLY examined... OR She examined it CAREFULLY.
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. 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
6. 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
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. Late Registration Inquiry - Graduate Student
The scenario: You are a graduate student who wants to attend an academic conference in your field. The conference registration deadline has passed, but you just learned about the event from your professor. You want to inquire about late registration possibilities.
Your email has to cover:
- Introduce yourself and your academic background
- Explain how you learned about the conference
- Ask about late registration options
- Express your interest in presenting your research
Practice Write an Email on Reach120
Academic Discussion
1. 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?
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. Telemedicine Adoption
The topic: Telemedicine has grown rapidly, offering convenient healthcare access. However, some argue that in-person visits provide better care quality.
The professor's question: Do you think telemedicine should become the primary method for routine medical consultations? Explain your reasoning.
4. Four-Day Work Week
The topic: Several companies have experimented with shorter work weeks, reporting improved productivity and employee satisfaction. Critics worry about implementation challenges.
The professor's question: Should companies adopt a four-day work week as the standard? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks?
5. Online Learning
The topic: Online learning involves using digital platforms and resources to conduct educational activities. This mode of learning has become increasingly popular, particularly due to advancements in technology and the necessity brought on by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. While it offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents challenges such as limited social interaction and the need for self-discipline.
The professor's question: What do you think? Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning? Why or why not?
6. Digital Art and NFTs
The topic: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have created new markets for digital artists, but critics question whether digital works have the same value as traditional art.
The professor's question: Do you think digital art and NFTs represent a legitimate evolution of artistic expression? Why or why not?
7. Artificial Intelligence Consciousness
The topic: As AI becomes more sophisticated, philosophers debate whether machines could ever have genuine consciousness and what moral obligations we might have toward them.
The professor's question: If an AI system could perfectly simulate human emotions and responses, should it be granted any form of rights? Explain your reasoning.
8. Voting Age
The topic: Some countries are debating whether younger citizens should have voting rights, arguing they are affected by political decisions and should have a voice.
The professor's question: Should the voting age be lowered to 16 in national elections? Defend your position.
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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