TOEFL Writing Task 2 Free Sample Questions [From Real Tests]

NOTE: The TOEFL Independent Writing task has been replaced by the new “Academic Discussion” task. Click here to learn more about the updated format and practice with the new sample questions. The questions on this page are based on the old task type and will not reflect what you’ll see on test day. That said, they can still be useful for general academic writing practice if you want to work on them in your own time.

TOEFL Task 2 [Independent Writing] Instructions

For the TOEFL Independent Writing Task, you’ll write an essay responding to a question that asks you to present, explain, and support your opinion on a given issue. You’ll have 30 minutes to complete your essay during the actual test. An effective essay typically has at least 300 words. Your writing will be evaluated based on how well you develop your ideas, organize your essay, and use language to clearly and accurately express your thoughts. You can go slightly over or under the 300-word guideline for the TOEFL Writing section without penalty. However, aim to stay close to the limit. Writing too much can lead to a lack of focus, while writing too little might mean your ideas are underdeveloped. Focus on quality and ensure your essay is well-organized and clearly expresses your ideas.

Independent Writing Task Sample Questions from Actual TOEFL Exams

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Social media has transformed the way businesses market their products. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is essential for professionals to engage in lifelong learning to stay relevant in their fields. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Emotional intelligence is more important than technical skills in leadership positions. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The success of a project relies more on the team’s collaboration than on individual talents. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Flexible work hours lead to higher employee satisfaction and productivity. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Individuals should prioritize work-life balance over career advancement. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Cultural competence is a vital skill for professionals in today’s globalized workforce. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Networking is a more effective way to find job opportunities than traditional job searches. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Creative problem-solving is as crucial as analytical skills in the workplace. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Employers should provide mental health resources to support their employees’ well-being. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The ability to adapt to change is more important than having a specialized skill set. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Public speaking skills are essential for career advancement in most fields. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A diverse workforce leads to better decision-making and innovation. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Companies should focus more on corporate social responsibility than on maximizing profits. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Mentorship programs are beneficial for both mentors and mentees in professional settings. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Work experience is more valuable than formal education in preparing for a career. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Personal branding is an essential part of career development in the digital age. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Volunteering can enhance a person’s professional skills and networking opportunities. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The rise of artificial intelligence will fundamentally change the job market. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Job satisfaction should be prioritized over salary when choosing a career. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Companies should implement policies to promote gender equality in the workplace. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students should be encouraged to take on leadership roles in extracurricular activities. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The ability to work independently is more valuable than being a team player in today’s work environment. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Effective time management skills are essential for success in both academic and professional settings. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Travel can significantly enhance a person’s professional skills and cultural awareness. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The gig economy is a beneficial trend for workers seeking flexibility and independence. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Professional attire influences how employees are perceived in the workplace. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The implementation of technology in education can enhance learning outcomes for students. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Failure is a crucial part of the learning process in both personal and professional development. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Companies should provide opportunities for employees to give back to the community. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Understanding global economic trends is essential for making informed business decisions. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Professional development should be a shared responsibility between employees and employers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Communication skills are more important than technical knowledge in customer-facing roles. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A positive workplace culture is key to attracting and retaining talent. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The use of social media for professional networking is more effective than face-to-face interactions. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Continuous feedback is essential for employee growth and development. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Nowadays, many high schools and universities require students to work on projects in groups, and all members of the group receive the same grade (mark) on the project. Do you agree or disagree that giving every member of a group the same grade is a good way to evaluate students? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important to read or watch news presented by people whose views are different from your own than to read or watch news presented by those whose views are similar to your own. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Nowadays, people are more willing to help those they don’t know (for example, by giving clothing and food to people who need them) than they were in the past. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? After completing high school, students should take at least a year off to work or travel before beginning their studies at a university. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Providing Internet access is just as important as other services, such as building roads; therefore, governments should offer Internet access to all of their citizens at no cost. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. (Frequent TOEFL Writing Topic)
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to live in one town or city all your life than to move from place to place. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
In many places, students must arrive very early in the morning to attend school. Some people believe that starting the school day early is the best approach to support learning, while others think that starting the school day later in the morning would be better for students. Which view do you agree with and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The best way to truly relax and reduce stress is to spend time alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people like to keep a record of their experiences by uploading pictures and other information to social-networking sites. Others prefer not to create such records. Which approach do you prefer, and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? When classmates or colleagues communicate about a project in person rather than by email, they will produce better work. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Governments should spend more money supporting the arts than supporting athletics, such as state-sponsored Olympic teams. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for governments to spend money improving Internet access than improving public transportation. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The rules that societies today expect young people to follow and obey are too strict. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Movies and television have more negative effects than positive effects on how young people behave. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All university students should be required to take history courses, regardless of their field of study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The ability to maintain long-term friendships with a small number of people is more important for happiness than the ability to make many new friends easily. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Because modern life is very complex, it is essential for young people to have strong planning and organizational skills. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is important to know about events happening around the world, even if they are unlikely to affect your daily life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The opinions of celebrities, such as famous entertainers and athletes, are more important to younger people than to older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In the past, young people depended too much on their parents to make decisions for them. Today, young people are better able to make decisions about their own lives. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people believe that when busy parents have limited time to spend with their children, it’s best to use that time having fun playing games or sports. Others believe it’s better to focus on schoolwork together. Which approach do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Imagine you are in a classroom or meeting, and the teacher or meeting leader says something incorrect. In your opinion, which of the following is the best course of action? 1. Interrupt and correct the mistake right away; 2. Wait until the class or meeting is over and discuss it privately with the teacher or meeting leader; 3. Say nothing. Workers are more satisfied when they have a variety of tasks to complete throughout the workday rather than performing similar tasks all day long. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Workers are more satisfied when they have a variety of tasks to complete throughout the workday rather than performing similar tasks all day long. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers were more appreciated and valued by society in the past than they are today. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some parents offer their school-age children money for each high grade they achieve in school. Do you think this is a good idea? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In the past, it was easier to identify which careers or jobs would lead to a secure and successful future. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Leadership comes naturally; one cannot learn to be a leader. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Because people are busy doing so many different things, they do very few things well. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? For the successful development of a country, it is more important for a government to spend money on the education of young children (ages 5 to 10) than on universities. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Famous entertainers and athletes deserve more privacy than they currently have. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Educating children has become a more difficult task because they now spend more time on cell phones, online games, and social websites. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? When teachers assign projects that require students to work together, the students learn more effectively than when they work alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Young people today have no influence on the important decisions that shape the future of society. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Because the world is changing so quickly, people today are less happy or less satisfied with their lives than people were in the past. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more enjoyable to have a job where you work only three days a week for long hours than to have a job where you work five days a week for shorter hours. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? To improve the quality of education, universities should spend more money on the salaries of university professors. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents today are more involved in their children’s education than parents were in the past. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? If people have the opportunity to secure a job, they should take it immediately rather than waiting for a more satisfying job. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better for children to choose careers similar to their parents’ than to pursue careers that are very different. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Young people today do not spend enough time helping their communities. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One of the best ways for parents to help their teenage children prepare for adult life is to encourage them to take a part-time job. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In today’s world, it is more important to work quickly and risk making mistakes than to work slowly and ensure everything is correct. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should not share their social or political views with students in the classroom. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? For success in a future job, the ability to relate well to people is more important than studying hard in school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Successful people often try new things and take risks, rather than sticking only to what they know well. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? To be well-informed, a person should seek information from many different news sources. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Students are more influenced by their teachers than by their friends. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most advertisements make products seem much better than they really are. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The best way to travel is in a group led by a tour guide. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? To become financially responsible adults, children should learn to manage their own money at a young age. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People benefit more from traveling within their own country than from traveling to foreign countries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The extended family (grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles) is less important now than it was in the past. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to have a broad knowledge of many academic subjects than to specialize in one specific subject. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people believe that the Internet offers a wealth of valuable information, while others argue that having access to so much information can create problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing computer games is a waste of time, and children should not be allowed to play them. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made children less creative than they were in the past. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television advertising directed toward young children (aged 2 to 5) should not be allowed. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to understand ideas and concepts than it is for them to learn facts. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Life today is easier and more comfortable than it was when your grandparents were children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People today spend too much time on personal enjoyment—doing things they like to do—rather than doing things they should do. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In twenty years, there will be fewer cars in use than there are today. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important to keep your old friends than to make new friends. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Always telling the truth is the most important factor in any relationship. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? At universities and colleges, sports and social activities are as important as classes and libraries and should receive equal financial support. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

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