Writing · Free lesson
TOEFL email practice: cover every requested point
An email can have correct grammar and still leave the reader without the information or request they need.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Before writing, turn each requested point into a small checklist. After writing, find the sentence that covers each point. If the task asks you to request something, a polite closing does not replace that request.
Check the job of each sentence, not just its grammar.
Try this original campus scenario: you want to use a room for a study group. Write to the campus coordinator. Explain the purpose of the group, give your preferred day and time, and ask whether a room is available. These are three separate content jobs. “Thank you for your help” is polite, but it does not tell the coordinator what to confirm.
Three points, three clear sentences
Our study group needs a quiet room to prepare a biology presentation.
We would like to meet on Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m.
Could you let me know whether a room is available at that time?
The request asks for availability. It does not claim that the booking has already been approved.
A quick coverage check
List the content jobs
Purpose, preferred time, availability request.
Locate the evidence
Point to the sentence that does each job.
Repair the gap
Add the missing information before polishing the closing.
Try it now
Check the email’s purpose
Read all answers and explanations
Which sentence directly asks the coordinator to check room availability?
Could you let me know whether a room is available?Could you let me know asks for a reply about availability. The other sentences thank the reader or explain the purpose; they do different jobs.
The email explains the study group and asks for a room, but gives no preferred time. Which sentence fills that gap?
We would like to meet on Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m.Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. supplies the missing time. Repeating the request or adding thanks does not supply it.
No room has been approved yet. Which sentence incorrectly assumes approval?
Thank you for confirming our room booking.The last sentence thanks the reader for a confirmation that has not happened. A request or stated preference does not make that assumption.
Put it into practice
Add the missing request.
The task asks for the group’s purpose, preferred time and a room-availability request. Which version keeps the first two sentences and adds the missing content?
Our study group needs a room to prepare a biology presentation. We would like to meet on Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m.
See a model answer
Our study group needs a room to prepare a biology presentation. We would like to meet on Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. Could you let me know whether a room is available at that time?
All three requested content points now have a sentence. This short body practices coverage; it is not a complete exam response or a score prediction.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Must I use one sentence per instruction?
No. This example uses separate sentences to make the check easy. You can combine or develop points naturally, provided each requested point is clear and sufficiently supported.
Is politeness enough for a good email?
Politeness helps, but the email must also achieve its purpose. Check content, clarity, suitable tone and language accuracy together.
Take it into your day
A clear email does what the prompt asks, not just what sounds polite.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
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