# TOEFL Write an Email: Example, Tips and Format | topin TOEFL guidesWrite an Email Where Writing, after Build a Sentence Time 7 minutes Task A scenario, a recipient, a subject line and 3 goals Scoring 0–5 for how well the goals are met, organisation, tone and language Length No fixed count; around 120–150 words is realistic ## How it works You read a situation, such as a problem with a course or a change to plans, and see who the email is to and three things it must do. You write the email in a box with the recipient and subject already filled in. ## Worked example You borrowed a camera from your university's media centre for a project, and it stopped working while you were using it. Write an email to Ms Patel, the media centre manager. In your email: explain what happened; say what you have already tried; ask what you should do next. Show the answer Dear Ms Patel, I am writing about the camera I borrowed from the media centre on Monday for my geography project. Yesterday afternoon, while I was filming by the river, the screen went black and the camera would not turn back on. I did not drop it or get it wet. I have tried charging the battery overnight and using a second battery, but neither worked. I also checked the online guide, which suggested a reset, but the reset button did nothing. I am very sorry for the trouble. Could you tell me whether I should bring the camera to the centre, and if so, when would be convenient? I would also like to know whether I could borrow another camera, as my project is due next Friday. Thank you for your help. Kind regards, Sam Ortiz It covers the three goals in the order given, one short paragraph each. The tone is polite and formal for a manager, with a clear greeting and sign-off. Specific details, such as the dates, the river and the reset, make it believable, and the extra question about a replacement is useful without drifting off task. ## A method for Write an Email 1. 1 ### Read the three goals first They are your plan. Decide one or two points for each before you type. 2. 2 ### Set the tone from the recipient A professor or manager needs "Dear Ms …" and polite forms such as "Could you…". A friend or classmate can be warmer and shorter. 3. 3 ### Open with the reason for writing One line that tells the reader what the email is about, such as "I am writing about…", gets straight to the point. 4. 4 ### Write one paragraph per goal Keep them in the order given and add a specific detail to each. Specific details show control of language better than general statements. 5. 5 ### Close politely and proofread Thank the reader, sign off, and use the last minute to fix articles, verb forms and spelling. ## Traps to avoid * Leaving out one of the three goals, which lowers the score however good the language is. * Using a casual tone with a professor or manager, or a stiff one with a friend. * Writing a long introduction and running out of time before the last goal. * Answering a goal vaguely, such as "I tried many things", with no detail. ## Write an Email FAQs How long should the TOEFL email be? There is no fixed word count. Around 120–150 words is realistic in 7 minutes and enough to cover all three goals with detail. How is the TOEFL email scored? On a 0–5 scale for how well it completes the task, including all three goals, its organisation, its tone for the reader, and the range and accuracy of its language. How should I start and end a TOEFL email? Start with a greeting that suits the reader, such as "Dear Professor Lee", then a line saying why you are writing. End with a short thank-you and a sign-off such as "Best regards" and your name. Is Write an Email a new TOEFL task? Yes. It was added to the Writing section in January 2026, replacing the integrated reading-and-lecture essay. ## Try Write an Email under real timing Your first full-length TOEFL mock is free, with every section included. [Take the free mock ](/toefl/login)