Templates

PTE templates: ready-to-use structures for every task

Updated 28 June 2026 · about an 8-minute read

A good template does one thing: it frees your attention to focus on content instead of form. PTE rewards clear structure, fluency and accurate language, so a reusable skeleton for each task lets you start fast, cover everything the criteria want, and never freeze. Below are free, original templates for every templatable PTE task, each with a fill-in structure and a short worked example. Use them as scaffolding, then fill them with relevant, on-topic content.

One rule for all of them: a template is a frame, not a script. Memorised content that ignores the actual prompt scores badly. Keep the structure, change the content every time.

Write Essay template

The most-used PTE template. A four-paragraph, 200–300 word structure covers any argumentative prompt and scores well on form, coherence and development.

Introduction (2 sentences): It is often argued that [paraphrase the prompt]. In my opinion, [your clear position], because [reason 1] and [reason 2].
Body 1 (3–4 sentences): Firstly, [point 1]. This is because [explanation]. For example, [specific example]. As a result, [link back to your position].
Body 2 (3–4 sentences): Furthermore, [point 2]. [Explanation]. A clear illustration of this is [example]. Therefore, [link back].
Conclusion (1–2 sentences): In conclusion, while [brief nod to the other side], I firmly believe that [restate your position] for the reasons outlined above.

Worked opening: "It is often argued that technology has made people less social. In my opinion, this view is overstated, because digital tools also create new ways to connect and maintain relationships." Full walkthrough and scoring in our Write Essay guide.

Describe Image template

You have ~25 seconds to prepare and 40 to speak. This template gets you talking immediately and guarantees you mention the image type, the main trend and specific data.

Open (name it): The [bar chart / line graph / pie chart / map / process] shows [title / topic of the image].
Overview (the big picture): Overall, it is clear that [the single most obvious trend or comparison].
Detail 1–2 (specifics): Looking more closely, [highest / lowest value with its label and number]. In contrast, [a second specific value or comparison].
Close (1 line): In summary, [restate the main trend in different words].

Tip: for a process or map, swap the trend sentences for "it begins with… then… finally…". See worked examples in the Describe Image guide.

Re-tell Lecture template

You hear a 60–90 second lecture, then re-tell it in 40 seconds. The template keeps you fluent even if you missed a detail.

Open: The lecture was mainly about [topic].
Body: The speaker first explained that [point 1]. They then discussed [point 2], and also mentioned [point 3 / an example or figure].
Close: In conclusion, the speaker emphasised that [the main takeaway].

Jot 2–3 keywords while listening and drop them into the slots. More in the Re-tell Lecture guide.

Summarize Written Text template

One sentence, 5–75 words, no full stop in the middle. Join the main ideas with connectors so it stays a single grammatical sentence.

One-sentence frame: [Main idea 1], while / whereas / and [main idea 2], which [main idea 3 or the consequence].

Worked example: "Although coral reefs cover under one percent of the ocean floor, they support roughly a quarter of marine species, which makes the bleaching caused by warming seas a serious threat to biodiversity." See the Summarize Written Text guide.

Summarize Spoken Text template

A 50–70 word paragraph capturing a 60–90 second audio. Scored on content, form, grammar, vocabulary and spelling.

Frame: The speaker discussed [topic]. They explained that [point 1] and that [point 2]. They also noted [point 3 / example]. Overall, the talk highlighted [main conclusion].

Keep it inside 50–70 words. Practice with audio in the Summarize Spoken Text guide.

PTE Core: Respond to a Situation template

A PTE Core speaking task: you hear a real-life situation and respond appropriately. The template keeps you polite, relevant and complete.

Frame: [Greeting / acknowledge the situation]. I'm [reacting appropriately — e.g. sorry to hear / happy to help]. [Your main response or suggestion]. [A closing offer or next step].

Example: "Hi Sam, thanks for letting me know. I'm sorry the meeting clashes with your shift — let's move it to Thursday afternoon instead, and I'll share the notes so you're up to date."

Which tasks don't need a template

Some tasks are about accuracy, not structure, so practice beats any template:

Frequently asked questions

Are PTE templates allowed?

Yes. PTE scores your structure, fluency and language, so a clear, reusable framework helps — as long as you fill it with relevant, on-topic content. A sensible structure is exactly what the criteria reward; memorised content that ignores the prompt is what scores badly.

What is the best PTE essay template?

A four-paragraph structure works for almost every prompt: an introduction that paraphrases the question and states your position, two body paragraphs that each make one point with an explanation and example, and a conclusion that restates your position. Keep the essay between 200 and 300 words.

Do I need a template for Describe Image?

A light template helps you start speaking immediately and cover the image in your 40 seconds: name the image type, give an overview of the main trend, add two or three specific details, and close. Always describe what is actually in the image.

How long should a Summarize Written Text answer be?

A single sentence of 5 to 75 words, with no full stop in the middle. The safest template joins the two or three main ideas with connectors like "while", "whereas" or "and".

Practise these templates on real tasks, free

Take a free PTE mock test and use these structures live. Speaking tasks are scored from your real voice with word-level pronunciation, fluency and emphasis feedback.

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Task guides: Write Essay · Describe Image · Summarize Written Text · PTE score guide