Mastering the Academic Discussion Task: Complete TOEFL 2026 Guide
The Academic Discussion task is the most challenging part of the TOEFL 2026 writing section. In just 10 minutes, you must read a professor's question, engage with two student responses, and write a compelling 100-150 word argument. Here's how to score 5/5 every time. For a complete overview of all three tasks, see our TOEFL writing templates guide. (See the visual summary infographic at the end for a quick reference.)
Watch: Academic Discussion Task Explained
Official overview of the TOEFL iBT writing section and what to expect
In This Guide
What is the Academic Discussion Task?
The Academic Discussion task simulates participating in an online university course discussion. You'll see a professor's question followed by two student responses—then write your own contribution expressing your opinion and engaging with your classmates.
What You'll See on Screen
1. Professor's Question
A question or prompt inviting student opinions (2-4 sentences)
2. Student A's Response (Claire)
One student's position with reasoning (2-4 sentences)
3. Student B's Response (Andrew)
Often a contrasting position with different reasoning (2-4 sentences)
4. Your Task
Write 100+ words expressing and supporting your opinion while engaging with your peers
Key Requirement
You must engage with at least one peer response. Simply stating your opinion without acknowledging what Claire or Andrew said will result in a lower score (typically 3 or below).
The Perfect Academic Discussion Response Structure
High-scoring responses follow a consistent 5-part structure that ensures you hit every scoring criterion. Here's the optimal organization:
Position + Peer Acknowledgment (1-2 sentences)
State your position clearly while referencing a peer's point. This shows you read the discussion.
"While I understand Andrew's concern about limited free time, I believe mandatory volunteer hours would benefit high school students."
Primary Supporting Reason (2-3 sentences)
Develop your main argument with explanation and reasoning.
"Volunteering teaches students empathy and community responsibility—skills that are difficult to learn in a classroom. When students help others, they develop a broader perspective on society's challenges."
Secondary Point or Example (1-2 sentences)
Add depth with a concrete example, counterargument response, or additional benefit.
"Schools could offer flexible volunteer options—weekend projects or summer programs—to accommodate students with part-time jobs or family responsibilities."
Concrete Example (1 sentence, optional)
A specific illustration strengthens your argument.
"For example, helping at a local food bank teaches both organizational skills and compassion for those facing food insecurity."
Conclusion (1 sentence)
Reinforce your position with a synthesis or forward-looking statement.
"In conclusion, while scheduling concerns are valid, the long-term benefits of mandatory volunteering far outweigh these temporary challenges."
Word Count Distribution (~130 words total)
Academic Discussion Template (Copy & Adapt)
Universal Template
[Part 1] While I understand [Student Name]'s point about [their concern], I believe [your position].
[Part 2] [Main reason/argument]. This is important because [explanation]. Additionally, [supporting detail].
[Part 3] Furthermore, [address counterargument or add second point].
[Part 4] For example, [concrete example].
[Part 5] In conclusion, [restate position with synthesis].
Alternative Opening Patterns
Agreement with Student A:
"I agree with Claire that [their point]. In my view, [your position]..."
Disagreement with Both:
"While both Claire and Andrew make valid points, I believe they're overlooking [your unique angle]..."
Partial Agreement:
"Andrew raises important concerns about [issue], but I think [your nuanced position]..."
Building on a Point:
"Claire makes an excellent point about [their idea]. I'd like to add that [your extension]..."
Full Example with Detailed Analysis
The Discussion Thread
Dr. Achebe (Professor):
"Volunteerism refers to offering your time and service without financial compensation to benefit a community or cause. While many volunteer to help others, some institutions have mandatory volunteer programs. Should high school students be required to do volunteer work? Why or why not?"
Claire:
"Yes, I think high schools should require volunteer hours because it helps students build civic responsibility. Many teenagers don't naturally think about helping others, and this requirement can introduce them to the idea that their time can make a real difference in others' lives."
Andrew:
"I don't think volunteer hours should be required because many students already have limited free time. Some have part-time jobs or take care of younger siblings after school. Adding a mandatory requirement could create extra stress and make it harder for those students to balance their responsibilities."
Score 5 Response (145 words)
While I get Andrew's point about limited free time,I think it's good to have mandatory volunteer hours at high schools.
Volunteering teaches students empathy and community service, helping them grow into responsible adults.Schools can give flexible options that fit a student's schedule, like weekend or summer volunteering.
What's more, volunteering can be a break from academic pressure, allowing students to engage in meaningful activities outside school.
For example, helping at a community garden is both fulfilling and educational.
In conclusion, while Andrew raises valid concerns about time constraints, I think the benefits of volunteering outweigh those concerns. Schools should offer flexible volunteer options to help students develop into caring, socially conscious individuals.
| Criteria | How This Response Achieves It |
|---|---|
| Clear Position | Opens with clear stance: "I think it's good to have mandatory volunteer hours" |
| Peer Engagement | References Andrew twice: opening acknowledgment + conclusion response |
| Multiple Reasons | Provides 3 benefits: empathy, flexible scheduling solution, stress relief |
| Concrete Example | Community garden example adds specificity |
| Strong Conclusion | Synthesizes argument and offers solution |
| Grammar | Consistent accuracy with varied sentence structures |
Grammar errors can significantly impact your score. Review our guide on 10 grammar mistakes that cost you points to avoid common errors in your Academic Discussion response.
Official TOEFL Academic Discussion Scoring Rubric
This is the official ETS scoring rubric used to evaluate Academic Discussion responses. Understanding these criteria helps you know exactly what evaluators look for:
The response is a relevant and very clearly expressed contribution to the online discussion, and it demonstrates consistent facility in the use of language.
A typical response displays:
- Relevant and well-elaborated explanations, exemplifications, and/or details
- Effective use of a variety of syntactic structures and precise, idiomatic word choice
- Almost no lexical or grammatical errors other than those expected from a competent writer under timed conditions (e.g., common typos or there/their)
The response is a relevant contribution to the online discussion, and facility in the use of language allows the writer's ideas to be easily understood.
A typical response displays:
- • Relevant and adequately elaborated explanations, exemplifications, and/or details
- • A variety of syntactic structures and appropriate word choice
- • Few lexical or grammatical errors
The response is a mostly relevant and mostly understandable contribution to the online discussion, and there is some facility in the use of language.
A typical response displays:
- • Elaboration in which part of an explanation, example or detail may be missing, unclear or irrelevant
- • Some variety in syntactic structures and a range of vocabulary
- • Some noticeable lexical and grammatical errors in sentence structure, word form or use of idiomatic language
The response reflects an attempt to contribute to the online discussion, but limitations in the use of language may make ideas hard to follow.
A typical response displays:
- • Ideas that may be poorly elaborated or only partially relevant
- • A limited range of syntactic structures and vocabulary
- • An accumulation of errors in sentence structure, word forms or use
The response reflects an ineffective attempt to contribute to the online discussion, and limitations in the use of language may prevent the expression of ideas.
A typical response displays:
- • Words and phrases that indicate an attempt to address the task, but with few or no coherent ideas
- • Severely limited range of syntactic structures and vocabulary
- • Serious and frequent errors in the use of language
- • Minimal original language; any coherent language is mostly borrowed from the stimulus
The response is blank, rejects the topic, is not in English, is entirely copied from the prompt, is entirely unconnected to the prompt, or consists of arbitrary keystrokes.
Source: Official ETS TOEFL iBT Writing Scoring Guide (2025). For the complete scoring guide including Write an Email, see our TOEFL 2026 Scoring Guide.
Top 10 Tips for Scoring 5 on Academic Discussion
Practice engaging in discussions to build confidence for the Academic Discussion task
State your position in sentence 1
Don't bury your opinion. Start with a clear stance.
Always mention a peer by name
Say 'Andrew' or 'Claire' to show you read their responses.
Write at least 120 words
100 is the minimum; 120-150 gives room to develop ideas fully.
Give 2-3 supporting reasons
One reason isn't enough. Show depth of thinking.
Include a specific example
Concrete examples make abstract arguments convincing.
Address counterarguments
Acknowledge opposing views, then explain why you disagree.
Use transition words
Furthermore, however, in addition, for example, in conclusion.
End with a synthesis
Don't just repeat—combine ideas into a final insight.
Leave 1-2 minutes to review
Catch grammar errors and check you addressed all parts.
Practice timed responses
10 minutes is short. Practice until the structure is automatic.
Useful Phrases & Transitions for Academic Discussion
Agreeing with Peers
- • I agree with [Name] that...
- • [Name] makes an excellent point about...
- • Like [Name], I believe...
- • Building on [Name]'s idea...
- • [Name] is right to point out that...
Disagreeing Politely
- • While I understand [Name]'s concern...
- • Although [Name] raises valid points...
- • I see [Name]'s perspective, but...
- • Unlike [Name], I think...
- • [Name]'s argument overlooks...
Adding Support
- • Furthermore,...
- • What's more,...
- • Additionally,...
- • Another important point is...
- • This is because...
Concluding
- • In conclusion,...
- • Overall,...
- • For these reasons,...
- • Therefore,...
- • To sum up,...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should I write for the Academic Discussion task?
Write at least 100 words, but 120-150 words is optimal. Going below 100 typically results in a score of 3 or lower because you can't fully develop your argument in fewer words.
Do I need to mention both students?
Mentioning at least one student is required for high scores. Engaging with both Claire and Andrew demonstrates careful reading and can boost your score, but it's not strictly required.
What if I agree with both students?
You can take a middle position, but you still need to add something new. Try: "Both Claire and Andrew make valid points. However, I think the key factor they're missing is..."
How do I manage time in 10 minutes?
1-2 min: Read prompt and responses carefully
6-7 min: Write your response using the template
1-2 min: Review for errors and word count
Visual Summary: Academic Discussion Task at a Glance
Save or bookmark this infographic for quick reference when practicing. It summarizes all the key points covered in this guide—time limits, word counts, response structure, and scoring criteria.
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Try PracticeReferences & Further Reading
- TOEFL iBT Writing Section — ETS Official Website (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Writing Scoring Guide — ETS TOEFL Preparation (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Test Content and Structure — ETS Official Website (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test — ETS Free Resources (Accessed: December 2025)
- Understanding TOEFL iBT Scores — ETS Score Users Guide (Accessed: December 2025)
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