In this task, you write an email based on an academic or social situation. You may need to request information, explain a problem, invite someone, make a recommendation, or propose a solution.

Below is a comprehensive list of 60 practice topics organized into 12 categories, including example situations and communication purposes.

These are suggested preparation topics, not an official list of questions guaranteed to appear on the examination.

A. Academic Communication

1. Requesting Academic Information

   • Ask a professor for information about a course or assignment.

2. Requesting Lecture Notes

   • Ask a classmate to share notes from a missed lecture.

3. Clarifying Assignment Instructions

   • Request an explanation of unclear assignment requirements.

4. Requesting Additional Study Materials

   • Ask an instructor for books, articles, or practice exercises.

5. Seeking Academic Advice

   • Ask an academic adviser about selecting appropriate courses.

B. Professors and Instructors

6. Scheduling a Meeting with a Professor

   • Explain your reason for requesting an appointment.

7. Requesting an Assignment Extension

   • Explain a difficulty and propose a new submission date.

8. Apologizing for Missing a Class

   • Explain your absence and ask about missed coursework.

9. Requesting Feedback on Academic Work

   • Ask a professor to review your assignment or presentation.

10. Thanking an Instructor

    • Express appreciation for helpful teaching or guidance.

C. Courses and Classroom Activities

11. Requesting Course Registration Assistance

    • Explain a registration problem and request help.

12. Changing a Course or Class Section

    • Explain why a different class section would be preferable.

13. Asking About Examination Preparation

    • Request information about exam topics and study resources.

14. Reporting a Classroom Problem

    • Describe a problem with equipment or classroom facilities.

15. Suggesting Improvements to a Course

    • Recommend changes to classroom activities or study materials.

D. Classmates and Group Projects

16. Inviting Classmates to a Study Group

    • Explain the purpose and suggest a meeting time.

17. Organizing a Group Project

    • Propose responsibilities, deadlines, and communication methods.

18. Resolving a Group Project Problem

    • Describe a disagreement and suggest a fair solution.

19. Requesting Assistance from a Classmate

    • Ask for help understanding a topic or completing a shared task.

20. Rescheduling a Group Meeting

    • Explain a scheduling conflict and suggest an alternative.

E. University Administration

21. Requesting Admission Information

    • Ask about application requirements and necessary documents.

22. Requesting a Certificate or Transcript

    • Explain which academic document you need and why.

23. Reporting a Registration Error

    • Describe incorrect registration information and request correction.

24. Inquiring About Tuition or Fees

    • Ask for clarification about a payment or university charge.

25. Requesting Scholarship Information

    • Ask about eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application procedures.

F. University Facilities and Services

26. Requesting Library Assistance

    • Ask a librarian to help locate a book or research article.

27. Reporting a Library Problem

    • Explain a problem with borrowing, returning, or accessing books.

28. Requesting Laboratory Access

    • Ask for permission to use laboratory equipment or facilities.

29. Inquiring About Campus Services

    • Request information about the cafeteria, sports center, or student services.

30. Suggesting Improvements to Campus Facilities

    • Recommend better study spaces, seating, or equipment.

G. Technology and Online Learning

31. Reporting a Technical Problem

    • Explain difficulties accessing a university website or online portal.

32. Requesting Online Learning Assistance

    • Ask for help accessing recorded lectures or online classes.

33. Reporting an Assignment Submission Problem

    • Explain why an online submission was unsuccessful.

34. Requesting Software or Computer Support

    • Ask for assistance installing or using academic software.

35. Suggesting Improvements to Online Learning

    • Recommend improvements to a learning platform or digital course materials.

H. Campus Events and Student Activities

36. Inviting Students to a University Event

    • Invite classmates to a seminar, workshop, or cultural event.

37. Organizing an Academic Workshop

    • Propose the topic, schedule, and activities for a workshop.

38. Requesting Permission to Organize an Event

    • Explain your event proposal and request approval.

39. Volunteering for a Campus Activity

    • Express interest in helping organize a student event.

40. Providing Feedback on a University Event

    • Describe what you enjoyed and suggest improvements.

I. Internships and Career Development

41. Inquiring About Internship Opportunities

    • Ask an organization about available internships and application requirements.

42. Requesting a Recommendation Letter

    • Ask a professor to provide an academic or professional reference.

43. Scheduling a Career Counseling Appointment

    • Request advice about internships, careers, or employment preparation.

44. Thanking a Workshop Presenter

    • Express appreciation and request additional learning resources.

45. Requesting Information About a Training Program

    • Ask about the objectives, schedule, and registration process.

J. Accommodation and Transportation

46. Requesting University Housing Information

    • Ask about dormitory availability, costs, and facilities.

47. Reporting a Dormitory Maintenance Problem

    • Describe a broken appliance or another housing problem.

48. Requesting a Room Change

    • Explain a problem with your current accommodation and request a transfer.

49. Reporting a Transportation Problem

    • Explain difficulties with campus buses or transportation schedules.

50. Suggesting Improvements to Student Housing

    • Recommend improvements to safety, cleanliness, or shared facilities.

K. Social Communication and Community Activities

51. Inviting a Friend to an Activity

    • Invite someone to a social gathering, cultural event, or weekend activity.

52. Accepting or Declining an Invitation

    • Explain your decision politely and provide relevant details.

53. Apologizing for Canceling Plans

    • Explain why you cannot attend and propose an alternative.

54. Recommending a Place or Activity

    • Suggest a location, event, or activity and explain its benefits.

55. Organizing a Community Volunteer Project

    • Explain the project and invite others to participate.

L. Complaints, Problems, and Solutions

56. Writing a Complaint About a Service

    • Describe an unsatisfactory service and request corrective action.

57. Requesting a Refund or Replacement

    • Explain a purchase problem and request a suitable solution.

58. Reporting a Lost Item

    • Describe the missing item and ask for assistance locating it.

59. Explaining a Misunderstanding

    • Clarify a situation and suggest how to resolve the disagreement.

60. Following Up on an Unanswered Request

    • Refer to an earlier email, explain the importance of the issue, and politely request an update.

Essential Email-Writing Skills to Practice

In addition to the 60 topics, develop these skills:

1. Email Organization

• Appropriate greeting

• Clear opening sentence

• Main message with supporting details

• Specific request or proposed action

• Polite closing

2. Communicative Functions

• Requesting information or assistance

• Giving explanations

• Making suggestions and recommendations

• Extending invitations

• Apologizing and expressing appreciation

• Complaining politely

• Proposing solutions

3. Grammar and Vocabulary

• Correct verb tenses

• Modal verbs for polite requests

• Conditional sentences

• Clear sentence structure

• Formal and informal expressions

• Linking words and cohesive devices

• Accurate spelling and punctuation

4. Tone and Register

• Formal emails to professors and administrators

• Semi-formal emails to university staff and organizers

• Informal emails to friends and classmates

Time per task

7 minutes

ETS evaluates how effectively you fulfill the purpose of the email, organize ideas, choose appropriate language, and use grammar and vocabulary accurately.

Recommended practice priority: Begin with academic requests, communicating with professors, group projects, invitations, complaints, and problem-solving emails. These closely reflect the communicative purposes described in ETS's official guidance.

Official reference: ETS — TOEFL iBT Writing Section