Writing: Write an Email

To plan or organize something in advance.

“I'll arrange a make-up session for Thursday afternoon.”

“Can we arrange to meet before the group presentation?”

Often used: arrange a meeting · arrange to meet · make arrangements

TOEFL tip: The verb "arrange" often introduces the resolution; the noun "arrangements" signals plans you should note.

To add a file or document to an email.

“I have attached my report to this email.”

“Please see the document I attached below.”

Often used: attach a file · attach a document · please find attached

TOEFL tip: Use 'Please find attached...' or 'I have attached...' when referring to documents you include.

Able to be obtained, used or seen at a particular time or place.

“Study rooms are available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.”

“Tickets are no longer available for Saturday's performance.”

Often used: available from · readily available · available upon request

TOEFL tip: 'Available upon request' means you must ask first — a subtle point often tested in service notices.

To say or show definitely that something is true or that an arrangement is final.

“Please confirm your attendance by replying to this message.”

“A confirmation email will be sent within 24 hours.”

Often used: confirm a booking · confirm in writing · confirm receipt

TOEFL tip: Email tasks often require the reader to confirm within a time limit; look for the verb plus a deadline in the same clause.

To think carefully about something before deciding.

“Please consider my request for an extension.”

“We will consider your suggestion carefully.”

Often used: consider a request · kindly consider · consider carefully

TOEFL tip: 'I hope you will consider...' softens a request and invites a positive response.

The latest time or date by which something must be finished or handed in.

“The deadline for course registration is Friday at 5 p.m.”

“She missed the deadline and had to pay a late fee.”

Often used: meet the deadline · miss a deadline · extend the deadline

TOEFL tip: In 'Read in Daily Life' notices, scan for 'deadline' when a question asks 'By when must...?' — the answer date is usually in the same sentence.

To advise someone that something is good or worth doing.

“I recommend booking the room in advance.”

“She recommended a quieter study space.”

Often used: strongly recommend · recommend that · recommend doing

TOEFL tip: Follow 'recommend' with -ing or 'that' ('recommend that you book') to stay grammatical.

To make someone remember something they need to do or know.

“Remind me to bring the signed form on Friday.”

“Just a reminder: the writing center closes early on Fridays.”

Often used: remind someone to · gentle reminder · remind me about

TOEFL tip: "Let me remind you" often precedes a rule that blocks the student's request — the reason behind a refusal.

To reply or react to a message or situation.

“Please respond by the end of the week.”

“I will respond as soon as I have the information.”

Often used: respond to · respond quickly · respond by

TOEFL tip: Ask the reader to 'respond by [date]' to give a clear, polite call to action.

To offer an idea or plan for someone to think about.

“I suggest meeting earlier in the day.”

“May I suggest an alternative date?”

Often used: suggest a solution · may I suggest · suggest an alternative

TOEFL tip: Follow 'suggest' with an -ing verb ('suggest meeting') to avoid a common grammar error.

Sadly; used to introduce bad news or a polite refusal.

“"Is the seminar still open?" "Unfortunately, it filled up yesterday."”

“"Unfortunately, I can't make it on Saturday."”

Often used: unfortunately not · unfortunately, I can't · unfortunately for us

TOEFL tip: When the prompt is an invitation you must turn down, the key usually opens with "Unfortunately" or "I'm afraid" plus a reason.

To tell someone about something officially, especially in advance.

“Tenants must notify the office of any repairs needed.”

“You will be notified by email once your order is ready.”

Often used: notify in writing · notify the office · be notified by email

TOEFL tip: 'Notify' often carries an obligation on the reader; check who must notify whom, as answer choices frequently reverse the direction.

Quickly and without delay, or exactly at the stated time.

“Please report any damage promptly to the caretaker.”

“The tour departs promptly at nine, so arrive early.”

Often used: respond promptly · begins promptly at · act promptly

TOEFL tip: 'Promptly at nine' means exactly nine, not around nine; this distinction appears in arrival-time questions.

To change the time or date that something was planned for.

“The workshop has been rescheduled for Thursday afternoon.”

“If you cannot attend, call the clinic to reschedule your appointment.”

Often used: reschedule an appointment · be rescheduled for · reschedule free of charge

TOEFL tip: When a notice announces a change, compare the original and new times carefully — distractors usually repeat the original date.

In addition to what has just been said.

“Furthermore, the treaty was never ratified by the northern states.”

“The method is cheap and, furthermore, extremely fast.”

Often used: furthermore, research shows · and furthermore · furthermore, unlike

TOEFL tip: Hearing 'furthermore' means the current subtopic is not finished — keep your note under the same heading instead of starting a new one.