Write Essay(WE)
200–300 words. 20 minutes. The single biggest task in PTE Writing — here is the full template.
The Format
- Prompt
- 2–3 sentence argumentative topic on screen
- Word limit
- 200–300 = full Form marks · under 120 or over 380 = 0
- Target
- 220–260 words (250–260 if your typing speed is good)
- Time
- 20 min: 0:30 decide · 17:00 write · 2:30 proofread
- Structure
- Intro → Body 1 → Body 2 → Conclusion
The Scoring (7 parameters)
The 20-Minute Battle Plan
Read the prompt twice. Identify the type: agree-disagree, discussion, problem-solution or cause-effect. List your 2 points per body paragraph.
Intro (2–3 sentences) → Body 1 (2 points + example) → Body 2 (2 points + example) → Conclusion (2 sentences). Target 220–260 words.
Spelling first (the trap!), then articles and tenses. Check the word count. Never submit without this pass.
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.
Introduction
(Essay topic) has become a subject of considerable public debate in recent years. How it shapes (area it affects) matters to individuals and to society as a whole. This essay examines the (advantages and disadvantages / causes and effects / problems and solutions) of (essay topic) (and offers my own view, if an opinion is requested).
3 sentences, ~45 words — done in 3 minutes.
Body Paragraph 1 (Your Strongest Side)
The strongest argument in favour of (essay topic) is (point 1). In practice, this means that (explanation of point 1). Research in this area consistently suggests that (topic keywords) (improves / drives / reduces) (result). A further (benefit / cause / difficulty) is (point 2), which affects (who it affects) directly. Taken together, these points show why (essay topic) deserves serious attention.
The engine of your Content score: 2 specific points + 1 explanation + 1 research line. Fill every green slot with REAL topic words — an empty frame with vague filler is what Pearson's AI flags as generic (Content 0).
Body Paragraph 2 (The Other Side)
On the other hand, (essay topic) also brings (drawbacks / wider effects / possible solutions) that cannot be ignored. The most significant is (point 1), especially in cases where (specific example). In addition, (point 2) places real pressure on (who or what it affects). This is why targeted measures are needed to manage (these risks / these effects / this transition) sensibly.
Why Body 2 wins marks: a contrast word + a real example = Development & Coherence marks. The (specific example) slot is where 90-scorers separate from 65-scorers — name a real situation, place or study, not 'many people think'.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evidence shows that (essay topic) carries (both clear benefits and real costs / important causes and far-reaching effects / serious problems but workable solutions). The priority now is to (strengthen the gains / address the causes / apply the solutions) so that (individuals and society) benefit in the long run.
- ●The template is your SKELETON — 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 — and the whole essay becomes 0.
- ●Structure from the template + 4 specific points from your brain = the 90 formula.
Model Essay — Template In Action
Prompt: “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home and its impact on companies and employees.”
Working from home has become a subject of considerable public debate in recent years. How it shapes daily work routines and company culture matters to individuals and to society as a whole. This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of remote work and offers my own view.
The strongest argument in favour of working from home is the time and money saved by removing the daily commute. In practice, this means that employees gain one or two extra hours each day for rest, family or focused work. Research in this area consistently suggests that flexible arrangements improve job satisfaction and staff retention. A further benefit is access to a wider pool of talent, which affects smaller companies in regional areas directly. Taken together, these points show why remote work deserves serious attention.
Every green phrase is topic-specific — that's what keeps Content at 6 instead of 0.
The 5 Essay Rules
The 4 Traps That Cost You the Task
Content is THE GATEKEEPER: off-topic or generic = 0, and the whole essay scores 0. Every green slot needs words from THIS prompt.
2+ errors = all spelling marks gone. Spell-check first in your proofread pass, and never mix British and American spelling.
Under 120 or over 380 = Form 0. The 220–260 target keeps you safe with time to spare.
Grammar and spelling are scored 0–2 each. Simple + correct beats complex + wrong, every single time.
Daily Drills
- →One timed essay per day with the battle plan: 0:30 decide, 17:00 write, 2:30 proofread.
- →Type the 4 template blocks from memory until they take under 4 minutes total.
- →Collect one real example (study, place, situation) per common topic: education, technology, environment, health, work.