TOEFL Writing
Past Questions

1. TOEFL Writing — Writing for an Academic Discussion. You have 10 minutes. Write at least 100 words. Your professor is leading an online discussion. Read the question and the two student replies, then write your own response stating and supporting your opinion. Professor Lee: Many schools now give every student a laptop or tablet to use in class. Do you think this improves learning, or does it create more distractions? Why? Kofi: I think devices help. Students can look things up instantly and learn at their own pace. Maria: I disagree. Laptops and phones tempt students to check social media instead of paying attention to the lesson.

2. TOEFL Writing — Writing for an Academic Discussion. 10 minutes. Write at least 100 words. Professor Adams: When you finish your studies, would it be better to work for a large, well-known company or a small company? Explain your choice. Daniel: I would choose a large company. They offer better salaries, training programs, and job security. Priya: I prefer small companies. You get more responsibility early and can see the real impact of your work.

3. TOEFL Writing — Writing for an Academic Discussion. 10 minutes. Write at least 100 words. Professor Cruz: Who should be mainly responsible for protecting the environment — individuals or governments? Why? Sam: Governments. Only they can pass laws and regulate big polluters. Aisha: Individuals. Everyday choices like recycling and saving energy add up to real change.

4. TOEFL Writing — Integrated (adapted for text practice). Normally you read a passage and then hear a lecture; here both are given as text. Summarise the lecture's points and explain how they challenge the reading. Write 150–225 words. Do not give your own opinion. READING: A four-day work week — paying employees the same to work four days instead of five — would benefit companies. First, rested employees are more productive, so output would not fall. Second, the policy would attract and keep talented workers who value free time. Third, fewer office days would cut electricity and heating costs. LECTURE (the professor disagrees): Point 1: Productivity gains are usually temporary. The early boost from a shorter week fades once the novelty wears off, and total output tends to drop. Point 2: A four-day week may attract workers, but it can frustrate clients who expect service five days a week, pushing them toward competitors — a hidden cost the reading ignores. Point 3: Energy savings are smaller than claimed, because systems and servers often run regardless, and staff who work from home on the off day simply shift energy use rather than cut it.