The PTE writing task is a significant component of the PTE test. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Task | Prompt Length | Skills Assessed | Time to Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Write a 200–300 word essay on a given topic. | 2–3 sentences | Writing | 20 minutes |
You need to write a 200–300 word argumentative essay in response to a prompt. You have 20 minutes to write your essay. The Word Count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. Make sure to write a minimum of 200 words, but no more than 300 words. There are also cut, copy and paste buttons, which you may choose to use while constructing your response.
Test tips
Start by analysing the task: Before you write anything, note key words in the prompt. Find out the topic, what key points you should focus on to answer the question and any points of view to present and discuss:
How this question is scored?
Your response on Write Essay is judged on our ability to write a persuasive or argumentative essay on a given topic. Your score is based on seven factors:
Content:
Does your response address the topic? Content is scored by determining if all aspects of the topic have been addressed in your response. The appropriateness of the details, examples and explanations used to support your point of view is also scored. If your essay does not address the topic, you will not receive any score points for your essay on any of the seven factors. Your essay will be scored zero. The best responses are on topic, contain logical and specific information and answer any questions asked. They also support any arguments with details, examples and/or explanations.
Development, structure and coherence:
Does your response demonstrate good development of ideas and a logical structure?
Development, structure and coherence are scored according to the organisation of your response. A well-developed response uses a logical organisational pattern, connects ideas and explains these connections.
The best responses contain multiple paragraphs and have a clear introduction, body and conclusion that relate to the topic of the essay.
Within paragraphs, ideas are clearly presented and supported with details, examples and/or explanations. Transitions between paragraphs are smooth.
Form:
Does your response meet the length requirement of between 200 and 300 words?
Form is scored by counting the number of words in your response. You will receive full credit if your essay is between 200 and 300 words. Writing less than 200 words or more than 300 words will decrease your score.
If your essay contains less than 120 words or more than 380 words, you will not receive any score points for your essay on any of the seven factors. Your essay will be scored zero.
General linguistic range:
Does your response use language that precisely conveys your ideas?
General linguistic range is scored by determining if the language in your response accurately communicates your ideas. This includes your ability to provide clear descriptions, change emphasis, eliminate ambiguity, express subtleties in meaning, and use stylistic features to communicate meaning. You are more likely to receive full credit if you use complex sentence structures and vocabulary correctly, rather than consistently using simple sentence structures and vocabulary. This is because complex ideas are often expressed with complex sentence structures and vocabulary. The best responses use language that highlights key ideas, creatively expresses opinions and ensures clear communication.
Grammar usage and mechanics: Does your response demonstrate correct grammatical usage and consistent control of standard written English?
Grammar usage and mechanics are scored by examining sentence structure, punctuation and capitalization. The best responses contain high proportions of grammatically correct complex sentences that clearly communicate the intended meaning.
Vocabulary range:
Does your response demonstrate command of a broad vocabulary range?
Vocabulary range is scored according to the variety of words in your response and their appropriateness in an academic environment.
Synonyms, idiomatic expressions and academic terms are also assessed if appropriate. The best responses use precise academic terms and avoid repetition by using synonyms and idioms where appropriate.
Spelling: Does your response demonstrate correct and consistent use of a single spelling convention?
PTE Academic recognizes English spelling conventions from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. However, one spelling convention should be used consistently in a given response.
Note:
- Partial credit scoring applies to Write Essay. No credit is given for no response or an irrelevant response.
- This question type affects the scoring of the following: writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and written discourse.
- Your listening and speaking skills are not tested by this question type, and your reading skills are only used to read the instructions and the prompt.
- For more information download the Score Guide (PDF, 1.67mb).
Additional Tips:
- Typing Speed: Typing speed plays a crucial role because you need to compose your responses within a limited time frame. Aim for a typing speed of at least 40 words per minute (wpm) to ensure you can complete your responses comfortably within the allocated time.
- Practice: Regular practice is key to improving your writing skills for the PTE. Focus on practicing with prompts similar to those used in the test to familiarise yourself with the format and improve your response efficiency.
By understanding these aspects and practicing regularly, you can enhance your performance in the PTE writing task and work towards achieving a top band score.
Access various types of PTE writing tasks and model answers:
1. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays: Discuss the pros and cons of a particular topic or issue.
2. Outweigh Essays: Evaluate whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
3. Opinion Essays: Present your viewpoint on a specific statement or question.
4. Discussion Essays: Analyze a topic from multiple perspectives and provide a well-balanced argument.
5. Problem and Solution Essays: Identify a problem and propose solutions for it.
6. Cause and Solution Essays: Identify a cause and suggest solutions for it.
7. Causes and Effects Essays: Examine the causes and consequences of a specific problem or situation.
8. Double Question Essays: Address two related questions within a single essay.
9. Direct Questions: Answer specific questions regarding a particular issue or topic.
10. Mixed Essays: Combine two or more of the above essay types in a single question.
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