PTE Study Hub
writing Β· Writing only

Write Essay(WE)

31% of WRITING20 minutes

200–300 words. 20 minutes. The single biggest task in PTE Writing β€” here is the full template.

The Format

Prompt
2–3 sentence argumentative topic on screen
Word limit
200–300 = full Form marks Β· under 120 or over 380 = 0
Target
220–260 words (250–260 if your typing speed is good)
Time
20 min: 0:30 decide Β· 17:00 write Β· 2:30 proofread
Structure
Intro β†’ Body 1 β†’ Body 2 β†’ Conclusion

The Scoring (7 parameters)

0–6
Content
THE GATEKEEPER: off-topic or generic = 0, and the whole essay scores 0.
0–2
Form
200–300 words = full marks Β· under 120 or over 380 = 0.
0–6
Development & Coherence
Intro β†’ Body 1 β†’ Body 2 β†’ Conclusion, with logical flow.
0–2
Grammar
Tenses, articles, prepositions, subject–verb agreement.
0–6
Linguistic Range
Mix of simple, compound AND complex sentences.
0–2
Vocabulary Range
Varied words β€” not 'big' words.
0–2
Spelling
The trap again: 2+ errors = 0.
31% of Writing (~24.8 of 80 marks) from one essay. Two parameters sink most essays: CONTENT (generic = 0) and SPELLING (2 errors = 0).
The System

The 20-Minute Battle Plan

0:30
READ & DECIDE
Prompt twice, type identified, points listed

Read the prompt twice. Identify the type: agree-disagree, discussion, problem-solution or cause-effect. List your 2 points per body paragraph.

17:00
WRITE
Intro β†’ Body 1 β†’ Body 2 β†’ Conclusion

Intro (2–3 sentences) β†’ Body 1 (2 points + example) β†’ Body 2 (2 points + example) β†’ Conclusion (2 sentences). Target 220–260 words.

2:30
PROOFREAD
Spelling first, then articles and tenses

Spelling first (the trap!), then articles and tenses. Check the word count. Never submit without this pass.

Sweet spot: 220–260 words. Full Form marks, minimum grammar risk, zero wasted time.
The Template

The Essay Template

Green slots = where YOUR topic words go. This is what keeps Content alive. Works for every essay type: agree-disagree, discussion, problem-solution, cause-effect.

Template 1 of 4

Introduction

The growing influence of (essay topic) on our lives has sparked various debates. This issue is particularly significant because of its impact on (area it affects), affecting both individuals and communities. In this essay, I will discuss the (advantages and disadvantages / causes and effects / problems and solutions) of (essay topic) and provide my opinion (if opinion is asked).

3 sentences, ~50 words β€” done in 3 minutes.

Template 2 of 4

Body Paragraph 1 (Your Strongest Side)

One of the (key benefits / main causes / major problems) of (essay topic) is (point 1). This is evident by the fact that (explanation of point 1). Various studies have shown that (topic keywords) (improves / causes / leads to) (result). Additionally, another (advantage / cause / problem) of (essay topic) is (point 2). Therefore, the (advantages / causes / problems) of (essay topic) should be considered with greater significance.

The engine of your Content score: 2 specific points + 1 explanation + 1 'studies' line. Fill every green slot with REAL topic words β€” an empty template with vague filler is what Pearson's AI flags as generic (Content 0).

Template 3 of 4

Body Paragraph 2 (The Other Side)

However, (alongside the benefits, there are drawbacks of / along with the causes, there are several effects of / despite the problems, there are solutions to) the (essay topic). One significant (drawback / effect / solution) is (point 1). This is particularly evident in situations where (specific example). Furthermore, (point 2) (creates challenges / solves the issue / causes further consequences), which impacts both individuals and society. Thus, it is essential to implement strategies to address these (issues / challenges / effects) effectively.

Why Body 2 wins marks: 'However' + a real example = Development & Coherence marks. The (specific example) slot is where 90-scorers separate from 65-scorers β€” name a real situation, place or study, not 'many people think'.

Template 4 of 4

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that (essay topic) has (both advantages and disadvantages / significant causes and effects / various problems and solutions) which should be considered. Moving forward, it is important to optimize the (benefits / impact / solutions) of (essay topic) to ensure positive outcomes for individuals and society as a whole.

⚠ The Golden Warning
  • ●The template is your SKELETON β€” the marks are in the MEAT you put on it.
  • ●Every green slot must contain words from THIS prompt. If your essay could fit any topic, Pearson's AI scores Content 0 β€” and the whole essay becomes 0.
  • ●Structure from the template + 4 specific points from your brain = the 90 formula.
Model Answer

Model Essay β€” Template In Action

Prompt: β€œDiscuss the advantages and disadvantages of social media and its impact on society.”

Model Β· Introduction

The growing influence of social media on our lives has sparked various debates. This issue is particularly significant because of its impact on communication and social interactions, affecting both individuals and communities. In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of social media and provide my opinion.

Model Β· Body Paragraph 1 β€” Advantages

One of the key benefits of social media is that it enables instant communication and global connectivity. This is evident by the fact that people can easily stay in touch with family and friends through messaging apps and video calls. Various studies have shown that social media helps individuals build professional networks, which can lead to career opportunities. Additionally, another advantage is that it spreads awareness about important issues, such as health campaigns. Therefore, the advantages of social media should be considered with greater significance.

Every green phrase is topic-specific β€” that's what keeps Content at 6 instead of 0.

Memorise These

The 5 Essay Rules

1
Maximise content
Specifics, examples, reasons. Every sentence must say something about THIS topic.
2
Minimise generic filler
Empty template lines with no topic words = Content 0 = essay 0.
3
220–260 words
The safest range. Full Form marks, no wasted minutes.
4
Simple, correct English
Simple + correct beats complex + wrong. Every single time.
5
Proofread for spelling
2 errors = all spelling marks gone. The last 2:30 is non-negotiable.
Avoid

The 4 Traps That Cost You the Task

βœ• Generic, could-fit-any-topic content

Content is THE GATEKEEPER: off-topic or generic = 0, and the whole essay scores 0. Every green slot needs words from THIS prompt.

βœ• Two spelling errors

2+ errors = all spelling marks gone. Spell-check first in your proofread pass, and never mix British and American spelling.

βœ• Word count outside 200–300

Under 120 or over 380 = Form 0. The 220–260 target keeps you safe with time to spare.

βœ• Complex-but-wrong English

Grammar and spelling are scored 0–2 each. Simple + correct beats complex + wrong, every single time.

Daily Drills

  • β†’One timed essay per day with the battle plan: 0:30 decide, 17:00 write, 2:30 proofread.
  • β†’Type the 4 template blocks from memory until they take under 4 minutes total.
  • β†’Collect one real example (study, place, situation) per common topic: education, technology, environment, health, work.

Memory Hooks

0:30 β†’ 17:00 β†’ 2:30220–260 words = safe zoneGeneric = Content 0 = essay 0Skeleton from LA, meat from YOUR brainSimple + correct > complex + wrong