Guide to TOEFL iBT® Writing Academic Discussion Task

The TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Task evaluates your ability to craft a clear, organized response based on a professor’s question and two student responses. In this task, you will be presented with a prompt that requires you to express your opinion, support your position, and engage with the responses provided. You have 10 minutes to complete this task, and the goal is to write at least 100 words—aim for around 120 words for a thorough and well-developed response.

Writing Academic Discussion - Task Structure and Timing

Here is the task structure and timing for the TOEFL Writing iBT Academic Discussion, which will help you understand the key elements for managing your response effectively:

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Types of Questions in the Academic Discussion Task

In this section, you will encounter various question types that assess your ability to respond to different academic discussions, including preference-based, yes/no, and open-ended questions.

• Preference-Based Questions
  These questions ask you to choose between two similar options and explain why one is better. For example, you might be asked whether it is better to study alone or in a group.
  
  
• Yes/No Questions
  These questions require a clear yes or no answer, followed by your reasoning. An example could be, “Do you think social media influencers have a significant impact on society?”
  
  
• Open-Ended Questions
  These questions ask for your opinion on a broader topic. For instance, “What is the most significant impact the Internet has had on society?”

How to Approach the Academic Discussion Task

To effectively tackle the Academic Discussion Task, follow a structured approach from understanding the prompt to reviewing your response for clarity and accuracy.

• Read the Prompt Carefully
  Start by reading the professor’s question and the two student responses. Understand each student’s viewpoint and decide how you will address the topic in your own response.
  
  
• Plan Your Response
  Think about your opinion on the issue. Do you agree with one student’s response or do you want to present a new perspective? Plan your main points and how you will support them.
  
  
• Write Your Response
  Clearly state your opinion in the introduction. Then, develop your response by providing reasons and examples to back up your viewpoint. Use logical connections between your points, and ensure your ideas flow smoothly.
  
  
• Review Your Response
  After writing your response, take a quick moment to review it. Check for any grammatical errors or unclear points, and make sure it’s within the word limit.

Examples of Academic Discussion Task Questions

Here are some examples of questions you may encounter in the Academic Discussion Task, designed to assess your ability to discuss different viewpoints on various topics:

1. Yes/No Question

Question: "Do social media influencers have a major impact on consumers? Why or why not?"

• Student Response 1:
  "Social media influencers have a significant impact because they have large followings. When they endorse products, it influences the purchasing decisions of their audience."
  
  
• Student Response 2:
  "I don’t think influencers have a major impact. Consumers are smart enough to make their own choices based on their needs, not based on what influencers promote."
  
  
• Your Response:
  "I agree with Student 2. While influencers may hold influence over their followers, I believe that consumers today have access to a variety of information that helps them make informed decisions. With the rise of product reviews, blogs, and user-generated content, people are more critical of influencer recommendations."

2. Preference-Based Question

Question: "Which is more important for a successful career: networking or formal education?"

• Student Response 1:
  "Networking is crucial because it opens doors to opportunities that may not be accessible through education alone."
  
  
• Student Response 2:
  "Formal education is essential because it provides the knowledge and skills needed for professional success."
  
  
• Your Response:
   "While networking is important, I believe formal education is more critical for a successful career. A strong educational foundation equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge, which networking can help amplify. Without the right qualifications, networking alone will not sustain long-term career growth."

3. Open-Ended Question

Question: "What do you think is the best way for a company to have a positive impact on society?"

• Student Response 1:
  "Companies should focus on social responsibility, adopting practices that benefit both society and the environment."
  
  
• Student Response 2:
  "I believe charitable giving is the best way for companies to contribute to society. Immediate financial contributions can help address urgent societal needs."
  
  
• Your Response:
  "While I agree with Student 1 that corporate social responsibility is important, I think companies can have a positive impact by combining social responsibility with charitable giving. This dual approach allows companies to make both immediate and long-lasting contributions to society."

Check Is Scoring 30 in the Writing Section of TOEFL Doable? and discover how to achieve a top score with effective strategies!

Key Features of an Effective Response

Here are the key features of an effective response, including clarity, coherence, logical support, and well-organized ideas:

• Clear and Direct Thesis Statement
  Your response should start with a clear statement of your opinion on the question. This sets the tone for the rest of your response and guides the reader through your arguments.
  
  
• Coherent and Organized Structure
  Your response should follow a logical structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis.
  
  
• Use of Examples to Support Your Viewpoint
  Use specific examples to elaborate on your points. This could be real-life examples, hypothetical situations, or personal experiences that help reinforce your argument.
  
  
• Variety in Sentence Structure
  Use a range of sentence structures to demonstrate your command of the language. This includes using complex sentences, coordinating conjunctions, and appropriate vocabulary.
  
  
• Proper Grammar and Vocabulary
  Good grammar is essential for achieving a high score. Pay attention to your verb tenses, punctuation, and sentence construction. Additionally, use varied vocabulary that fits the context of the question.
  
  
• Word Count
  Stick to the word count guidelines. A response of around 120 words allows you to develop your ideas thoroughly while remaining concise.

Examples of Well-Structured Responses

Here are examples of well-structured responses that effectively present clear arguments, provide strong support, and maintain logical flow throughout the answer:

Example 1: Yes/No Question

Question: "Do social media influencers have a major impact on consumers? Why or why not?"

• Response:
  "I believe social media influencers have a significant impact, especially on younger generations. Influencers have the ability to shape consumer preferences by recommending products and services. However, I agree with the idea that the influence might be diminishing. With more people relying on reviews and independent sources for decision-making, influencers are not as powerful as they once were. Despite this, for a certain demographic, influencers still play a key role in influencing consumer behavior."

Example 2: Preference-Based Question

Question: "Which is more important for a successful career: networking or formal education?"

• Response:
  "While both are important, I would argue that formal education plays a more significant role in securing a successful career. Education provides a strong foundation in the required skills and knowledge for any profession. Networking can enhance your career by opening doors, but without a solid educational background, the opportunities that networking offers may not be fully realized. Education, therefore, serves as the building block for long-term career success."

Example 3: Open-Ended Question

Question: "What do you think is the best way for a company to have a positive impact on society?"

Response:

"While I agree with Student 1 that corporate social responsibility is important, I think companies can have a positive impact by combining social responsibility with charitable giving. This dual approach allows companies to make both immediate and long-lasting contributions to society. Corporate responsibility ensures sustainability, while charitable giving can address urgent needs in the community, creating a more balanced and positive impact."

I hope this Guide to TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Task has helped you understand how to structure your responses effectively. By practicing these strategies, you can improve clarity and coherence. With consistent preparation, you’ll feel more confident on test day.

Additional Resources:

• What is a Good TOEFL iBT® Writing Score in 2025?
• How to Write High-Scoring TOEFL® Essays
• Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam
• 10 Tips to Balance TOEFL Exam Preparation with a Full-Time Job