What Users Want from Writing Template Examples
You've seen the template structure — now you want to know: does it actually work on different prompts?
This page shows 6 complete examples (3 Email + 3 Discussion) using the exact templates from our Email Writing Template and Academic Discussion Template pages. Email Writing Template Each example includes: the prompt, the full response, template labels showing which part is which, and a brief scoring note. Academic Discussion Template
“"Templates give you speed and structure. Examples show you how to adapt them to any topic."”
Email Template Examples
Each email follows the 5-part Email template: Greeting, Context, Detail 1, Detail 2, Detail 3 + Closing. Template labels are shown in orange next to each part. Email Writing Template
1Writing to a Professor
Sample Prompt
Your professor asked students to form study groups for the final project. Write an email to your professor. In your email: 1) 1) Explain your situation, 2) 2) Ask about alternatives, 3) 3) Propose a solution.
GreetingDear Professor Chen,
ContextI'm writing about the study group requirement for the final project.
Detail 1Unfortunately, my work schedule this semester conflicts with the meeting times that most groups have chosen. I work evening shifts three days a week, which is when most students are available to meet.
Detail 2Would it be possible for me to complete the project individually, or is there a group that meets during daytime hours?
Detail 3 + ClosingIf neither option works, I could also propose a virtual collaboration arrangement where I contribute asynchronously through shared documents. I'm committed to doing the same amount of work regardless of the format. Thank you for understanding my situation.
Sign-offBest regards, Yuki
Scoring Note
Addresses all 3 points, appropriate formal tone, specific details about the scheduling conflict, proactive solutions.
2Complaint About Campus Services
Sample Prompt
The campus library recently changed its hours, closing much earlier than before. Write an email to the library administration. In your email: 1) 1) Describe the impact on you, 2) 2) Explain why the old hours were better, 3) 3) Suggest a compromise.
GreetingDear Library Administration,
ContextI'm reaching out regarding the recent change to library hours.
Detail 1As a graduate student who works during the day, the library's new 8 PM closing time has seriously affected my study routine. I used to rely on the library from 8 PM to midnight for quiet research time.
Detail 2The previous hours were essential for students like me who can't study during regular business hours. The late-night availability was one of the reasons I chose this university.
Detail 3 + ClosingWould the library consider keeping at least the main reading room open until 10 PM on weeknights? Even a partial extension would help students with non-traditional schedules. I'd be happy to help gather signatures from other students who feel the same way. Thank you for considering this.
Sign-offSincerely, David
Scoring Note
Clear problem statement, personal impact with specifics, reasonable compromise, polite but direct tone.
3Requesting Information from a Classmate
Sample Prompt
You missed a class where the professor announced changes to the final exam. Write an email to a classmate. In your email: 1) 1) Explain why you missed class, 2) 2) Ask what you missed, 3) 3) Offer something in return.
GreetingHi Tomoko,
ContextI wanted to reach out because I missed yesterday's psychology class.
Detail 1I had a doctor's appointment that ran longer than expected — I tried to make it back for the second half of class but couldn't get there in time.
Detail 2I heard Professor Martinez announced some changes to the final exam format. Could you fill me in on what was discussed? I want to make sure I'm studying the right material.
Detail 3 + ClosingIn return, I'm happy to share my notes from last week's lecture, which I noticed you missed. I also have the study guide from the TA's review session. Let me know if you'd like those! Thanks so much.
Sign-off— Jamie
Scoring Note
Casual-appropriate tone for a classmate, clear reason for absence, specific ask, genuine reciprocity offer.
Academic Discussion Template Examples
Each discussion response follows the 4-part Discussion template: Position, Acknowledge, Support, Conclude. Template labels are shown in orange next to each section. Academic Discussion Template
1Technology Topic
Discussion Prompt
Professor
Should social media platforms be required to verify users' real identities? Consider both privacy and accountability.
Chris
Yes, real identity verification would reduce cyberbullying and fake news. People behave better when they can't hide behind anonymity.
Lin
No, mandatory verification threatens privacy and could endanger activists and whistleblowers who need anonymity.
PositionWhile I understand Chris's concern about accountability, I mostly agree with Lin that mandatory identity verification creates more problems than it solves.
AcknowledgeAs the professor's question suggests, there's a real tension between accountability and privacy online.
SupportIn my country, a social media platform briefly required government ID verification, and the result was troubling. Political activists faced harassment after their identities were exposed, and many people simply stopped participating in public discussions. Meanwhile, bad actors found ways around the verification system using fake IDs. The policy was reversed within a year.
ConcludeThis example shows that verification doesn't necessarily improve behavior — it just silences legitimate voices while determined trolls find workarounds. A better approach might be stronger content moderation without compromising user privacy.
Scoring Note
Clear position, engages with both students, specific real-world example, adds original insight about alternatives. ~160 words.
2Education Topic
Discussion Prompt
Professor
Some universities are moving toward completely online degree programs. Do you think online degrees will eventually be seen as equal to traditional degrees?
Maya
Absolutely. Technology is improving rapidly, and many top universities already offer respected online programs.
James
Never fully equal. The networking, hands-on labs, and campus experience can't be replicated online.
PositionI think Maya and James are both partially right — online degrees will gain more respect, but the timeline and acceptance will vary dramatically by field.
AcknowledgeJames makes an important point about hands-on experience. Fields like medicine, engineering, and laboratory sciences genuinely require physical presence.
SupportHowever, for fields like business, education, and many humanities subjects, online programs have already proven effective. My cousin completed an MBA entirely online from a well-known university, and she received multiple job offers from companies that didn't distinguish between her degree and an on-campus one. Her employers cared about her skills and portfolio, not where she sat during lectures.
ConcludeSo rather than a blanket answer, I believe the question depends on the field. Some disciplines will embrace online degrees much faster than others.
Scoring Note
Nuanced position that bridges both students, specific family example, logical reasoning, clear conclusion. ~165 words.
3Society Topic
Discussion Prompt
Professor
Should governments invest more in public transportation even if most citizens prefer to drive their own cars?
Raj
Yes. Public transportation reduces pollution and traffic congestion, benefiting everyone including drivers.
Elena
No. If people prefer cars, the government should respect that choice and invest in better roads instead.
PositionI strongly agree with Raj that public transportation investment is worthwhile, even when most people drive.
AcknowledgeElena's point about respecting individual choice is fair, but I think it overlooks the broader picture.
SupportIn my hometown, the city invested heavily in a new metro system despite strong car culture. Initially, many residents criticized the expense. But within two years, commute times dropped for everyone — including drivers — because enough people switched to the metro to reduce highway congestion. Property values near metro stations also increased, which broadened the tax base and helped fund further improvements.
ConcludeThis shows that public transportation benefits drivers too, even if they never set foot on a train. Sometimes the best investments are the ones that people don't initially want.
Scoring Note
Strong position, directly addresses opposing view, compelling real-world evidence, insightful conclusion. ~155 words.
Why Examples Help but Memorization Alone Does Not
Examples show you the template in action
Reading examples lets you see the pacing, the transitions, and the level of detail that high-scoring responses use. These are things a template alone can't convey.
Memorizing exact responses won't help on test day
The prompts will be different. If you memorize a specific response about library hours, you'll be stuck when the test asks about dormitory policies. The content must be original.
What to internalize: the STRUCTURE, not the CONTENT
Notice how every email follows the same 5-part flow and every discussion response follows the same 4-part flow. That's what you should memorize — the skeleton, not the flesh.
What to practice: applying the structure to new topics
Once you can identify each template section in these examples, start writing your own responses to fresh prompts. Use the template as scaffolding and fill it with your own ideas.
“"Think of examples as training wheels. They show you the motion, but you need to pedal on your own."”
Common Example-Related Mistakes
Memorizing example responses word-for-word
Fix: Memorized answers won't match your test prompt. Learn the template structure, then generate fresh content each time.
Using examples without understanding what makes them score well
Fix: Study the annotations — notice how each response addresses all required points, uses specific details, and maintains appropriate tone.
Practicing with examples but never writing your own responses
Fix: Reading examples builds understanding. Writing your own responses builds the skill. You need both.
Thinking longer responses always score higher
Fix: A focused 150-word email can outscore a rambling 250-word one. Quality and completeness matter more than word count.
How to Adapt Examples to Your Own Response
Follow these five practical steps to move from reading examples to writing your own high-scoring responses.
- 1
Study the template labels
Go back through the examples above and notice how each section maps to the structure. See where the Greeting ends, where Detail 1 begins, and how the Closing wraps up.
- 2
Practice with a new prompt: write just the opening sentence
Pick a fresh prompt and write only the greeting + context sentence. This is your "cold start" muscle. If you can nail the opening, the rest flows.
- 3
Add your own example
Your supporting example doesn't need to be impressive — just specific. "My friend experienced this" works as well as a published study, as long as you include concrete details.
- 4
Time yourself: can you write a full response in 7/10 minutes?
Email = 7 minutes. Academic Discussion = 10 minutes. If you're going over, simplify your examples or shorten your closing. Speed comes from structure.
- 5
Compare your response to these examples
Same structure, different content. If your response has the same flow (Greeting → Context → Details → Closing), you're on the right track regardless of topic.
“"After writing 5–6 practice responses, you'll naturally follow the template without thinking about it."”
Related Writing Template Pages
Email Writing Template
Get the full copyable Email template
Academic Discussion Template
4-part Discussion template with strategy
Writing Template Overview
Compare Email and Discussion templates side by side
All Writing Templates
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Writing Scoring Rubrics
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