Complete TOEFL 2026 Tutorial | Lesson 11 | Writing Academic Discussion

In this lesson, we are talking about writing for the academic discussion. This is the 3rd question type of TOEFL writing section in 2026.
Find the question and the answer keys here: https://www.ets.org/pdfs/toefl/toefl-...

Reach out to me if you have any questions.

Find the link to the formal/informal table below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14...


And here are the 3 samples:
1 – Agree
I believe high schools should require students to complete volunteer hours before graduation. Volunteering teaches important life skills that students cannot always learn in classrooms, such as teamwork, empathy, and leadership. It also helps young people connect with their communities and understand real-world problems, like poverty or environmental issues. When volunteering is a graduation requirement, students who might never think of helping others get the opportunity to discover its personal and social value. Even if it starts as an obligation, it often becomes a meaningful experience that shapes students’ values. Therefore, mandatory volunteer work can help create more socially responsible citizens while also giving teenagers a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

2 – Disagree
I don’t think high school students should be required to do volunteer work. While volunteering is valuable, it should be a personal choice, not a mandatory task. Many students already face heavy workloads, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities. Forcing them to volunteer could cause unnecessary stress and reduce their motivation to help others. Genuine volunteerism should come from the heart, not from pressure to meet school requirements. If volunteering becomes something students must do to graduate, it might lose its true meaning. Instead of making it compulsory, schools could encourage and reward volunteer participation by offering extra credit or recognition, allowing students to choose activities that truly interest them.

3 – On the Fence
I can see both sides of this issue. On one hand, requiring volunteer hours can help students develop empathy and social awareness, which are essential qualities in adulthood. It can also expose them to different communities and inspire future career interests. On the other hand, not all students have equal time or resources to volunteer. Some may have after-school jobs or family responsibilities, making it difficult to meet the requirement. A fair solution could be to make volunteer work optional but highly encouraged, with flexible options such as online volunteering or school-based projects. This way, schools promote civic engagement without putting extra pressure on students who already have demanding schedules.

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   • TOEFL 2026 Preparation Course