PTE Write Essay: template, tips & practice
Write Essay is a PTE Academic Writing task. You are given a prompt, usually an argument, opinion or problem-solution topic, and 20 minutes to write a 200-300 word essay. Because it is scored against fixed criteria, a clean, repeatable template lets you spend your thinking time on ideas rather than structure.
How PTE Write Essay is scored
Write Essay is scored on content (addressing the prompt), form (staying within 200-300 words), development and structure, grammar, vocabulary, spelling and written discourse. Two well-developed body paragraphs, a clear position and accurate grammar score higher than long, loosely-organised writing. Going under 200 or over 300 words is heavily penalised, so the word count is part of the template.
The PTE Write Essay template
- 1Introduction (2-3 sentences): paraphrase the prompt, then state your position clearly. "It is often argued that [paraphrase]. While there are merits to both views, this essay will argue that [your position]."
- 2Body 1 (4-5 sentences): first reason + explanation + a specific example. Start with "One key reason is that..."
- 3Body 2 (4-5 sentences): second reason + explanation + example. Start with "Furthermore,..." or "A second consideration is..."
- 4Conclusion (2 sentences): restate your position and summarise the two reasons. "In conclusion, [restate]. Given [reason 1] and [reason 2], [final stance]."
Worked example
Introduction: It is frequently claimed that technology has made people less social. While screens can isolate, this essay will argue that technology mostly strengthens human connection. Body 1: One key reason is that messaging and video calls let families separated by distance stay in daily contact, something impossible a generation ago. Body 2: Furthermore, online communities allow people with niche interests or health conditions to find support they could not find locally. Conclusion: In conclusion, technology connects more than it isolates. Given its power to maintain relationships across distance and to build communities of shared interest, its social benefits outweigh its costs.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing under 200 or over 300 words, both are penalised; aim for ~250 and check the counter.
- Listing many weak reasons; two fully-developed reasons with examples score better.
- Forgetting a clear thesis; the marker (and the AI) must see your position in the first sentences.
- Spending too long planning; use a fixed template so 20 minutes covers planning, writing and a grammar check.
PTE Write Essay FAQ
How long should a PTE essay be?
Between 200 and 300 words. Writing fewer than 200 or more than 300 words is heavily penalised, so aim for roughly 250.
How much time do you get for the PTE essay?
You have 20 minutes to plan, write and check a single Write Essay response.
Is one essay template enough for PTE?
Yes. A four-paragraph template (introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion) works for almost every PTE essay prompt and frees your time for ideas and grammar.