The TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests are often taken together, but the Writing Section is a distinct module designed to measure your ability to use written English to communicate in a workplace environment. This section tests your grammar, vocabulary, organization, and ability to support an argument.
The TOEIC Writing test is divided into three parts, increasing in difficulty and length. You must type your answers on a computer screen.
Task Type: Descriptive Sentence Writing | Time: 8 minutes (Total)
Description: For each question, you will see a photo on the screen and two words. You must write one sentence that describes the photo and includes both provided words. You may change the form of the words (e.g., run → running), but you must use them in a single sentence.
Task Type: Email Correspondence | Time: 10 minutes per question
Description: You will read an email request and instructions for how to respond. The prompt may ask you to include specific information, such as:
Write a complete email response that addresses all instructions. A response of 50–100 words is standard.
Task Type: Essay Writing | Time: 30 minutes
Description: You will be given a prompt asking for your opinion on a general issue. You must state your position clearly and support it with reasons and examples.
Recommended Length: 300 words or more.
Effective time management is critical in the TOEIC Writing section, particularly because the timing mechanisms differ by task.
| Section | Task Name | Questions | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Write a Sentence Based on a Picture | 1–5 | 8 Minutes (Total) | Manage the 8 minutes across all 5 pictures. You can edit within this block. |
| Part 2 | Respond to a Written Request | 6–7 | 10 Minutes (Per Question) | Strict 10-minute block per email. Saved time does not carry over. |
| Part 3 | Write an Opinion Essay | 8 | 30 Minutes | One block to plan, write, and proofread. |
The TOEIC Writing test is scored by human raters (often assisted by automated scoring engines). Scores are reported on a scaled range of 0–200.