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Same shape, every situation
Every TOEFL email follows the same three-part structure — opening, body, closing. Here's what each part actually does, with a real prompt worked through step by step.
The 3 parts
Opening → Body → Closing. Same order, every time — whether you're emailing a professor, a landlord, or a coordinator.
The formula
Opening → Body → Closing
Greeting + why you're writing · Explain + request · Polite sign-off.
Opening: 1 sentence
A greeting, plus one sentence saying why you're writing. No build-up, no small talk.
Real prompt
"You registered for a campus workshop on academic writing, but you just found out you have a conflicting exam at the same time. Write an email to the workshop coordinator, Ms. Alvarez..."
"Dear Ms. Alvarez, I'm writing to let you know about a scheduling conflict with the workshop I registered for."
Body: explain + request
This is where you do the actual work. And the two jobs — explain, then request — usually map straight onto the task's own bullet points.
Your email should
✓ Explain the conflict clearly
✓ Ask about alternative options
✓ Use an appropriately polite and professional tone
"Unfortunately, I have another commitment at the same time, so I won't be able to attend the session I signed up for. Would it be possible to join a different session instead?"
Closing: sign off
A short, polite line that matches the rest of the email's tone. No new information — its only job is to close politely.
Chunks
[email just stops after the request]
"Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your name]"
DEB
4 things to know about the email structure
Audio: DEB (ElevenLabs)