TOEFL Writing Guide: Integrated and Academic Discussion Tasks
TOEFL Writing consists of two very different tasks that test different abilities, so you should train them separately. The Integrated task measures how accurately you combine a reading and a lecture; the Academic Discussion task measures how clearly you can contribute an opinion to an online class discussion. Clean, readable English wins more points than rare vocabulary.
You have about 29 minutes total. This guide gives you templates for both tasks, the scoring criteria, the editing routine that protects your score, the mistakes that drag it down, and a roadmap linking to thousands of practice prompts.
TOEFL Writing Overview
Writing measures whether you can synthesize sources accurately and develop a clear, well-supported opinion in standard academic English.
Two tasks
Integrated Writing (read, listen, then write a summary) and Academic Discussion (respond to a professor’s question and two student posts).
Timing
About 20 minutes for Integrated and about 10 minutes for Academic Discussion.
Scoring
Each task is scored 0-5 by raters and AI, then scaled to 0-30 based on development, organization, and language use.
What ETS Is Really Testing in Writing
Both tasks mirror real coursework: summarizing a debate and contributing to a class discussion.
Accuracy in Integrated
ETS tests whether you capture how the lecture relates to the reading point by point, not whether you add an opinion.
Clarity in Academic Discussion
A clear stance with a specific reason and example matters more than length or fancy phrasing.
Readable English
Grammar, articles, and verb agreement carry real weight; messy sentences cost points even with good ideas.
Integrated Writing Strategy
Integrated Writing rewards accurate, organized synthesis of two sources.
Note the contrast
The lecture almost always challenges the reading. Capture each reading point and the matching lecture rebuttal.
Use a clear template
Open with the overall relationship, then write one body paragraph per point showing how the lecture responds.
Paraphrase, do not copy
Restate ideas in your own words; copying the reading lowers your score.
Academic Discussion Strategy
This task asks you to add a focused, well-reasoned opinion of about 100+ words.
Take a clear stance
State your position directly in the first sentence so the reader knows where you stand.
Give a specific reason and example
Support your view with one strong reason and a concrete example rather than several vague ones.
Engage the discussion
Briefly acknowledge a classmate’s point to show you are contributing, not just stating an opinion in a vacuum.
How Writing Is Scored
Understanding the rubric tells you exactly what to prioritize.
Development
Complete, relevant content that fully addresses the task with specific support.
Organization
Logical structure with clear paragraphs and transitions a reader can follow easily.
Language use
Accurate grammar, vocabulary, and sentence variety; clarity outranks complexity.
The Editing Routine
The final minute often decides a half-point band, so always reserve it for editing.
Check verb agreement
Scan for subject-verb agreement and consistent tense, the most common errors under time pressure.
Fix articles and plurals
A/an/the and singular/plural slips are frequent and easy to repair quickly.
Most lost points come from a few repeatable habits.
Adding opinion in Integrated
Integrated Writing wants an accurate summary, not your view.
Vague Academic Discussion answers
General statements without a specific example score lower than a focused, concrete response.
No planning
Starting to write without a plan leads to disorganized paragraphs and weak development.
Study Roadmap and Recommended Order
Master each task’s template first, then build speed and editing under timing.
Weeks 1-2: templates
Practice both templates untimed, focusing on accurate Integrated synthesis and clear Discussion stances.
Weeks 3-4: timed writing
Write under real timing, then self-review against the rubric.
Weeks 5-6: feedback and editing
Use AI or tutor feedback to fix recurring grammar issues and sharpen your editing routine.
Turn Writing Strategy into Score
Writing improves fastest with reliable templates, timed practice, and disciplined editing. Use the structures above, write under the clock, and fix recurring grammar issues.
Start with a diagnostic, pick the weaker task, and write a focused response today. The related questions and guides below give you everything you need.
FAQ
How many TOEFL Writing tasks are there?
Two: Integrated Writing and Academic Discussion, in about 29 minutes total.
How long should my Integrated essay be?
Typically 150-225 words that accurately summarize how the lecture relates to the reading.
How long should my Academic Discussion response be?
Aim for at least 100 words with a clear stance, one specific reason, and a concrete example.
What is a good TOEFL Writing score?
Many programs accept 22-24; competitive schools expect 27-30.
Should I add my opinion in Integrated Writing?
No. Integrated Writing requires an accurate summary of the sources, not your view.
How is Writing scored?
Each task is scored 0-5 by raters and AI on development, organization, and language use, then scaled to 0-30.
Do I need advanced vocabulary to score well?
No. Clear, accurate, readable English scores higher than rare words used incorrectly.
How important is editing?
Very. Reserve the final minute to fix verb agreement, articles, and tangled sentences.
How many Writing prompts does Power TOEFL have?
Thousands of Integrated and Academic Discussion prompts with model structures and multilingual guidance.
How do I improve grammar for Writing?
Use targeted feedback to identify recurring errors, then drill those specific structures.