PTE essay template and format
The PTE Write Essay task is 200 to 300 words in 20 minutes, marked on seven factors. A skeleton helps you plan and hit the length. A memorised paragraph does not: Pearson says no credit is given for an unoriginal response and that you must use your own words.
What Pearson says about the task
The task, the clock and the marking.
- Write a 200–300 word essay on a given topic.
- You have 20 minutes to write your essay.
- The prompt is 2-3 sentences.
- 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.
- This question type uses partial credit scoring. No credit is given for no response, an irrelevant response or an unoriginal response. You must use your own words.
The seven things the essay is marked on
Pearson's scoring factors for Write Essay.
| Factor | What Pearson asks | In Pearson's words |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Does your response address the topic? | Content is scored by determining if all aspects of the topic have been addressed in your response. |
| 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 organization of your response. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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.
A skeleton you can fill in
Our suggestion, not Pearson's. The word counts are a plan for landing between 200 and 300.
| Part | Job | Words (plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Say what the topic is and state your position in one clear sentence of your own. | 30 to 40 |
| Body 1 | Your strongest reason, with one specific example or consequence. | 70 to 90 |
| Body 2 | A second reason, or the other side of the issue, again with an example. | 70 to 90 |
| Body 3 (optional) | A short third point if you are under 230 words. | 40 to 60 |
| Close | Restate your position in different words. Do not add a new idea. | 30 to 40 |
Fill each part with your own sentences about the actual prompt. Pearson marks content (does the essay address every aspect of the topic?), development and structure, and range of language, and it gives no credit for an unoriginal response, so a pre-written paragraph that does not fit the prompt can cost you. Use the skeleton to organise, not to recite.
A 20-minute plan
Our suggestion for spending Pearson's 20 minutes.
Common questions
Pearson: Write a 200–300 word essay on a given topic. Form is scored by counting words, with full credit between 200 and 300.
You have 20 minutes to write your essay.
A structure is fine. Pearson says the essay scores partial credit and that no credit is given for an unoriginal response, and that you must use your own words. Use a skeleton for organisation and write your own sentences.
Seven factors: content, development, structure and coherence, form, general linguistic range, grammar usage and mechanics, vocabulary range, spelling.
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.
It is the last question type in Part 1, Speaking and Writing. The format page lists every question type in order.