Will the Integrated Writing task ever come back?

ETS has not indicated any plans to reinstate the Integrated Writing task. The current 2026 format is the standard going forward.

Can I still practice integrated writing for other exams?

The read-listen-summarize skill is still useful for other English tests and academic settings, but it's no longer specifically tested on TOEFL.

I bought a TOEFL prep book with integrated writing templates. Is it useless now?

The integrated writing sections are outdated for TOEFL 2026, but the general writing advice (grammar, coherence, development) still applies. Just make sure you also practice the new Email and Discussion formats.

Are the new writing tasks easier or harder than integrated writing?

Different. The new tasks are shorter (7–10 minutes vs 20 minutes) and more focused. Many students find them less intimidating, but they require quick organization and clear thinking under tight time limits.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Template — What Replaced It in 2026

Is Integrated Writing Still on TOEFL 2026?

No.

ETS redesigned the TOEFL Writing section effective January 2026. The Integrated Writing task — where you read a passage, listen to a lecture, and write an essay summarizing both — was completely removed.

It was replaced by two new tasks:

Write an Email — respond to a real-world scenario with three required details (7 minutes)
Write for an Academic Discussion — contribute to a professor-led class discussion (10 minutes)

A third task, Build a Sentence, was also added. This grammar-based task asks you to arrange words into correct sentences.

Bottom line: If you are preparing for TOEFL 2026, you do not need an integrated writing template.

Old TOEFL vs New TOEFL Writing Tasks

Here is a side-by-side comparison of how the Writing section changed.

Old TOEFL (pre-2026)	New TOEFL (2026+)
Integrated Writing: Read + Listen + Summarize (20 min)	Write an Email: Respond to a scenario with 3 details (7 min)
Independent Writing: Express opinion on a topic (30 min)	Write for an Academic Discussion: Join a professor-led discussion (10 min)
—	Build a Sentence: Arrange words into correct sentences

Key Differences

Shorter and more focused. The new tasks are 7–10 minutes, not 20–30.

No more reading+listening integration. Writing is tested independently of receptive skills.

Email tests practical communication. Real-world writing skill, not academic summarization.

Discussion tests critical engagement. Respond to and build on the ideas of others.

Why People Still Search for This Term

If you landed on this page looking for an integrated writing template, you are not alone. Thousands of students still search for this term every month. Here is why:

Many TOEFL prep resources, textbooks, and courses still reference
Students who studied from older materials may not realize the format changed in January 2026.
Some TOEFL preparation websites have not updated their content to reflect the 2026 redesign.
The term

If you have an older prep book, make sure it covers the 2026 format. Any material that references

What to Use Instead in 2026

If you were planning to use an integrated writing template, here is how those skills map to the new TOEFL:

Summarizing reading + lecture

This skill is no longer tested in TOEFL 2026 Writing. However, note-taking and comprehension are still tested in the Reading and Listening sections. Your summarization skills are still valuable — just not in the Writing section anymore.

Organizing an essay structure

The Academic Discussion template gives you a clear 4-part structure for the discussion task. It replaces the organizational framework you would have used for integrated writing.

Writing under time pressure

Both the Email (7 min) and Discussion (10 min) tasks require efficient writing. Templates for these tasks help you organize quickly and maximize your score in shorter windows.

Your writing skills still matter — they are just tested differently now. Focus on the Email and Academic Discussion templates to succeed on TOEFL 2026.

The Email Writing Template

The closest thing to a

The Write an Email task is 7 minutes long and follows a clear 5-part structure. It tests practical communication skills in a real-world scenario.

Email Template Structure

1

Greeting

Open with a context-appropriate salutation

2

Purpose Statement

State why you are writing in 1–2 sentences

3

Three Required Details

Address all three points from the prompt

4

Closing Action

Request or suggest a next step

5

Sign-off

End with an appropriate farewell

Get the Email Writing Template →

The Academic Discussion Template

The more academic writing task on TOEFL 2026

The Write for an Academic Discussion task is 10 minutes long and follows a 4-part structure. You engage with a professor's question and other students' ideas.

Discussion Template Structure

1

State Your Position

Clearly agree, disagree, or offer a nuanced view

2

Support with Reason + Example

Provide a concrete reason backed by evidence

3

Engage with a Classmate

Reference or build on another student's contribution

4

Closing Thought

Wrap up with a forward-looking or summary statement

Get the Academic Discussion Template →

Common Transition Mistakes

✕

Studying integrated writing templates for TOEFL 2026

Fix: The Integrated Writing task no longer exists. Switch to Email and Academic Discussion templates immediately.

✕

Using a summarize-the-lecture structure for the Discussion task

Fix: Academic Discussion requires your own opinion, not a summary. You must take a position and support it.

✕

Expecting a 20-minute writing task

Fix: The new tasks are 7 minutes (Email) and 10 minutes (Discussion). Practice with shorter time limits.

✕

Preparing only one type of writing response

Fix: TOEFL 2026 tests both practical communication (Email) and academic argumentation (Discussion). Prepare templates for both.

Suggested New Practice Plan

For students transitioning from old TOEFL prep to the 2026 format, here is a 4-week plan to get up to speed.

1-2

Weeks 1–2: Learn the New Task Formats

Understand what the Email and Academic Discussion tasks require. Read the official task descriptions, study the rubrics, and review sample responses.

2-3

Weeks 2–3: Practice Templates

Use the Email template for 3–4 practice responses. Use the Discussion template for 3–4 responses. Focus on structure first, then refine your language.

3-4

Weeks 3–4: Timed Practice

Write under actual time constraints: 7 minutes for Email, 10 minutes for Discussion. Track your improvement and identify weak spots.

4+

Week 4+: Full Mock Tests

Complete entire Writing sections under test conditions. Practice transitioning between Email, Discussion, and Build a Sentence tasks.

LingoLeap's TOEFL 2026 mock tests include both Email and Academic Discussion tasks with AI scoring, so you can practice the exact format you will see on test day.

Switch to Current TOEFL Writing Practice

Stop studying for a task that no longer exists. LingoLeap offers full TOEFL 2026 writing practice with Email and Academic Discussion tasks, plus instant AI scoring.

Start 2026 Writing Practice

Explore all TOEFL 2026 changes →

Frequently Asked Questions

The Integrated Writing task was officially removed in the January 2026 TOEFL redesign. All test dates from January 2026 onward use the new format with Email and Academic Discussion tasks.

TOEFL Integrated Writing Template: What You Need to Know in 2026