In the updated TOEFL iBT Writing section (2026), Write for an Academic Discussion is one of three task types, alongside Build a Sentence and Write an Email. You respond to a professor's question in an online classroom discussion, express an opinion, support it with reasons, and contribute your own ideas.

ETS guidance indicates 10 minutes for the Academic Discussion task and recommends a response of at least 100 words.

The following are original practice topics, not a list of official ETS examination questions.

Part I: Education and Academic Life

CATEGORIES 1–5

1. Education and Learning Methods

• Traditional classroom learning versus online learning.

• Individual learning versus group learning.

• The importance of practical learning versus theoretical knowledge.

• The benefits of project-based learning.

2. University and Higher Education

• The value of a university degree.

• Free university education versus tuition fees.

• Choosing a major based on passion versus employment opportunities.

• Studying abroad versus studying in one's home country.

3. Examinations and Academic Assessment

• Standardized tests versus continuous assessment.

• Written examinations versus practical assignments.

• The effectiveness of homework.

• Grades versus skills as measures of academic success.

4. Teachers and Educational Institutions

• The importance of effective teachers.

• Strict teaching methods versus flexible teaching methods.

• Student feedback in evaluating teachers.

• The role of universities in preparing students for employment.

5. Technology in Education

• Digital textbooks versus printed textbooks.

• Educational technology and student achievement.

• The advantages and disadvantages of recorded lectures.

• The role of smartphones and tablets in classrooms.

Part II: Science, Technology, and Innovation

CATEGORIES 6–10

6. Artificial Intelligence

• The benefits and risks of AI in education.

• AI replacing human workers.

• The use of AI in scientific research.

• Government regulation of artificial intelligence.

7. Scientific Research and Discoveries

• Government funding for basic scientific research.

• Scientific research versus immediate social needs.

• The importance of international scientific collaboration.

• Scientific discoveries and improvements in everyday life.

8. Space Exploration

• Investment in space exploration versus solving problems on Earth.

• Human space missions versus robotic exploration.

• The scientific importance of studying other planets.

• Public versus private investment in space exploration.

9. Digital Technology and Modern Life

• Technology improving or reducing human productivity.

• The advantages and disadvantages of smartphones.

• Automation and its effects on society.

• Digital communication versus face-to-face interaction.

10. Technological Ethics and Privacy

• Personal data protection.

• Facial recognition technology in public spaces.

• The ethical responsibilities of technology companies.

• The balance between technological innovation and privacy.

Part III: Environment and Sustainable Development

CATEGORIES 11–14

11. Environmental Protection

• Individual responsibility versus government responsibility.

• Protecting forests and wildlife.

• Reducing plastic waste.

• Environmental education in schools.

12. Climate Change

• Government action versus individual action on climate change.

• The responsibility of developed and developing countries.

• The importance of climate change education.

• Economic development versus climate protection.

13. Energy and Natural Resources

• Renewable energy versus fossil fuels.

• The future of nuclear energy.

• Energy conservation in households.

• Government incentives for clean energy.

14. Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities

• Green spaces versus commercial development.

• Sustainable housing and infrastructure.

• Managing pollution in large cities.

• Smart cities and the use of digital technologies.

Part IV: Health, Psychology, and Personal Development

CATEGORIES 15–18

15. Public Health and Healthcare

• Preventive healthcare versus medical treatment.

• Government-funded healthcare.

• Public health education.

• Technology and access to medical services.

16. Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition

• Healthy eating versus regular physical exercise.

• The regulation of unhealthy food advertising.

• The influence of schools on children's eating habits.

• The importance of sleep and daily routines.

17. Psychology and Human Behavior

• Motivation versus discipline in achieving success.

• The effects of social comparison on happiness.

• Personality versus environment in shaping behavior.

• The psychological benefits of hobbies.

18. Personal Growth and Life Skills

• Time management and academic achievement.

• The importance of communication skills.

• Learning from failure versus learning from success.

• Creativity versus critical thinking in personal development.

Part V: Economy, Business, and Employment

CATEGORIES 19–22

19. Business and Entrepreneurship

• Starting a business versus pursuing traditional employment.

• Government support for small businesses.

• Innovation versus experience in business success.

• The social responsibilities of businesses.

20. Employment and Workplace Culture

• Remote work versus office-based work.

• Salary versus job satisfaction.

• Teamwork versus individual performance.

• Flexible working hours versus fixed schedules.

21. Economics and Consumer Behavior

• Saving money versus spending money.

• Online shopping versus traditional shopping.

• Advertising and consumer choices.

• Financial education in schools.

22. Globalization and International Trade

• The economic benefits and disadvantages of globalization.

• Supporting local products versus imported products.

• International companies and local employment.

• Global trade and cultural exchange.

Part VI: Society, Culture, and Communication

CATEGORIES 23–26

23. Social Media and Communication

• The positive and negative effects of social media.

• Social media and academic performance.

• Online friendships versus in-person friendships.

• Social media platforms and freedom of expression.

24. Culture, Traditions, and Heritage

• Preserving traditions versus adopting modern lifestyles.

• The importance of learning foreign languages.

• Cultural diversity in education.

• Preserving historical buildings versus constructing modern facilities.

25. Arts, Literature, and Entertainment

• Government funding for the arts.

• Literature versus movies as educational resources.

• The role of music in education.

• Visiting museums versus learning through digital exhibitions.

26. Community, Citizenship, and Public Policy

• Mandatory volunteer work for students.

• The role of local communities in solving social problems.

• Government spending on public services versus infrastructure.

• Individual freedom versus regulations for public welfare.

Part VII: Modern Life and Global Challenges

CATEGORIES 27–30

27. Transportation and Travel

• Public transportation versus private vehicles.

• The benefits and disadvantages of international tourism.

• Government investment in bicycle infrastructure.

• Virtual meetings versus business travel.

28. Food, Agriculture, and Sustainability

• Organic farming versus conventional farming.

• Reducing food waste.

• Supporting local farmers.

• Technology and the future of food production.

29. Sports, Recreation, and Leisure

• Individual sports versus team sports.

• Competitive sports in schools.

• Spending leisure time outdoors versus indoors.

• Government investment in sports facilities.

30. Future Society and Global Development

• The importance of sustainable development.

• International cooperation in solving global problems.

• Preparing students for future technological changes.

• Economic growth versus quality of life.

How to practice Academic Discussion writing

For each topic, turn the bullet point into a question that allows different opinions. For example:

EXAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTION

A professor asks: Should universities invest more money in scientific research or in improving classroom teaching? Explain which investment you think would benefit students and society more.

PRACTICE RESPONSE STRUCTURE

1. State your position clearly.

2. Give your main reason.

3. Add a specific example or explanation.

4. Acknowledge or build on another student's viewpoint.

5. Conclude with a meaningful contribution to the discussion.

PROFESSOR'S QUESTION

Should universities require all students to complete internships before graduation?

• Choose your position

• Support / Oppose / Mixed view