TOEFL 2026 Writing Practice Test #9
Score Level: 100+ | Difficulty: Advanced
Part A: Build a Sentence
Answer all 10 questions. You have 45 seconds for each question.
Question 1
I forgot my umbrella today.
Do [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
Do you know if it will rain?
Question 2
The library has a special archive room.
Is [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
Is this the room where they keep old documents?
Question 3
The old dorm is under construction.
Do [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
Do you know when the new building will be finished?
Question 4
I am looking for vegetarian meals.
Do [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
Do you know if they serve vegan food at lunch?
Question 5
We are discussing a new campus policy.
About [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
About which topic are you writing your final report?
Question 6 (⚠ Trap word: is)
The class was cancelled unexpectedly.
[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
How could you have known that the class was cancelled earlier?
Question 7 (⚠ Trap word: had)
This scholarship is a very rare chance.
[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ].
Never before has the university offered such a large fund.
Question 8 (⚠ Trap word: is)
The library has been closed all week.
[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
Do you know how long the library has been closed for?
Question 9 (⚠ Trap word: regardlessly)
The event proceeds despite the weather.
[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
Can you confirm whether the event will be held regardless of weather?
Question 10 (⚠ Trap word: has)
Renovation ends before our return.
[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]?
Will the work have been completed by the time we return?
Part B: Write an Email
Read the information and write an email in response. You have 7 minutes.
Email Writing Task
To: Lab Director
Subject: Inquiry About Research Assistant Opportunity
As a Chemistry undergraduate student, you have always been passionate about research and development. Recently, you discovered an open research assistant position in the biochemistry lab at your university. Although you have no prior formal experience, your enthusiasm for learning and dedication to the field have been evident in your coursework and related projects. You’re eager to reach out to the Lab Director to inquire about this opportunity and explore the possibility of contributing to ongoing research.
Write an email to Lab Director.
- Explain your enthusiasm for the research assistant position and how you found out about it.
- Clarify that while you have no formal experience, your academic projects demonstrate your keen interest.
- Inquire about the application process and any recommended next steps or timelines.
Subject: Inquiry About Research Assistant Opportunity
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the research assistant position available in your esteemed biochemistry lab, which I discovered through the departmental newsletter. Although I lack formal experience, my rigorous academic projects, particularly my recent thesis on enzyme applications, underscore my dedication and enthusiasm for the field. I am eager to contribute meaningfully to your ongoing research and further hone my expertise.
Could you please provide guidance on the application process? I am particularly interested in understanding any prerequisites, timelines, or specific qualifications you seek. Your insights would be invaluable as I aspire to align my skills with the needs of your lab.
Thank you very much for considering my inquiry.
Warm regards,
Alex Johnson
Score: 30/30
Logic
This essay demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of professional communication. It uses advanced vocabulary and a proactive tone, clearly expressing the writer’s enthusiasm and aligning it with the lab’s research goals.
Golden Vocabulary
esteemed · underscore · rigorous · prerequisites · invaluable
Subject: Research Assistant Position Inquiry
Dear Dr. Smith,
My name is Alex Johnson, a Chemistry major at the university. I am very interested in the open research assistant position in your lab, as advertised. I haven’t yet had formal experience, but my various projects, like my recent study on enzyme effectiveness, show my passion and ability in this field.
Could you let me know what the next steps are for applying? I’d appreciate any information on timelines or specific requirements.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
Alex Johnson
Score: 25/30
Logic
The response is polite, clear, and appropriately structured. While it lacks the sophistication of higher-scoring responses, it effectively communicates the writer’s interest and inquiry.
Golden Vocabulary
formal experience · passion · specific requirements
Part C: Academic Discussion
Write a response to the academic discussion. You have 10 minutes.
Academic Discussion Topic
Your professor is teaching a class in Economic. During the lecture, the professor asks the following question.
Professor
Welcome to today’s discussion on international trade policies. Apart from the challenges of economic stability and political relations, we need to consider the long-term impacts on global markets and local economies. Should governments protect domestic industries with tariffs or embrace total global free trade?
Student A – Emily
I believe governments should protect domestic industries by using tariffs. Tariffs help local businesses compete against foreign companies that may have cheaper costs due to lower wages or less strict regulations. Protecting these industries keeps jobs in the country and supports the economy. Without tariffs, many local companies might shut down, causing unemployment to rise and communities to suffer.
Student B – James
I disagree with Emily. I think embracing total global free trade is better because it allows countries to buy and sell goods more cheaply and efficiently. Tariffs often make products more expensive for consumers. Free trade encourages innovation and growth by letting businesses focus on what they do best. In the long run, it creates more choices and better quality for people around the world.
While Emily argues for tariffs to protect local businesses, she fails to consider the fundamental economic mechanism of comparative advantage, which facilitates global efficiency and growth. Imposing tariffs restricts this exchange, reducing overall welfare. Why do tariffs harm more than help? They increase production costs domestically and provoke retaliation from trade partners, which can shrink export markets. A historical example is the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 in the United States. Intended to shield American industries during the Great Depression, it instead deepened the crisis by igniting global trade wars and economic contraction. This case illustrates that tariffs, rather than fostering autonomy, can lead to decreased market access and innovation stagnation. Therefore, governments should embrace global free trade to facilitate economic growth and productivity improvements through specialization and competitive pressure.
Score: 30/30
Logic
This student identified a critical flaw in the opposing argument by explaining the harmful effects of tariffs with a famous historical event. The clear use of economic terms and specific real-world evidence strengthens the argument convincingly.
Golden Vocabulary
comparative advantage · facilitate · autonomy
I agree with James that governments should support free trade instead of using tariffs. Free trade allows countries to buy goods at lower prices, which helps consumers and businesses. For example, if a country buys cheaper parts from abroad, it can make products that cost less and compete better in the world market. Tariffs increase prices and can cause problems between countries. For this reason, free trade helps countries grow their economies and offers more choices to people. However, governments should make sure some local industries get help during big changes to reduce job losses.
Score: 25/30
Logic
This essay presents a clear opinion and logical reasoning but lacks specific real-world examples and advanced vocabulary. The argument is solid but less detailed and impactful compared to the 30-point response.
Golden Vocabulary
tariffs · compete · economies