TOEFL Write for an Academic Discussion: a structure that scores 4–5

The Academic Discussion task survived the 2026 redesign, so it's the one Writing task with plenty of past practice material. What gets a high score hasn't changed: a clear opinion, a new idea, and a specific example.

What you see

• A professor's question introducing a topic and asking for your view.
• Two classmates' posts, usually with different opinions.
• A box for your post and a timer of about 10 minutes.

A structure that works

1. Your position (1 sentence). "I agree with Maya that free public transport would reduce traffic, but for a different reason."
2. Link to a classmate (optional, 1 sentence). Acknowledge or politely disagree.
3. Your new reason (1–2 sentences). Something neither classmate said. This is the most important part.
4. A specific example (2–3 sentences). A city, a study, a personal experience, a realistic scenario.
5. Wrap-up (1 sentence). Restate your view.

That makes around 110–140 words, which is plenty.

A sample post

Professor: Many universities now let students take some courses completely online. Do you think students learn as well in online courses as in face-to-face classes?

Priya: Online courses are more flexible, so students can study when they're most focused.

Tom: In a classroom you can ask questions straight away and discuss ideas with classmates.

I think it depends on the subject, but for most theory-based courses students can learn just as well online. Tom is right that discussion matters, but I don't think it has to happen in a classroom. In my statistics course last semester, the lecturer recorded short videos and then ran a weekly online forum where we had to answer each other's questions. Because everyone had to post, quieter students like me participated far more than we would have in a lecture hall, and I understood the material better as a result. For practical subjects such as chemistry or nursing, face-to-face classes are still essential. For courses based on reading and problem-solving, however, a well-designed online course can be just as effective.

(about 130 words)

Why it works: a clear position in sentence one, a respectful link to Tom, a new idea (structured online discussion helps quieter students) that neither classmate raised, a concrete example, and a balanced conclusion.

What separates a 3, a 4 and a 5

Mistakes that cap your score

• Repeating a classmate's idea in different words. You need your own contribution.
• No example, or a very general one ("many people think this is good").
• Too short. Posts under about 80 words seldom get above 3.
• Off-topic memorised paragraphs. The rater can tell.

A 10-minute plan

• 2 minutes: read the question and both posts. Decide your view and your new reason.
• 6 minutes: write.
• 2 minutes: check grammar, especially articles, plurals and verb tenses.

Check a post for free

Paste a professor's question and your post into our free Academic Discussion checker and get a 0–5 score with feedback, corrections and a stronger model post in about 30 seconds.