PTE Academic · Task guide 12 · 4 min read
PTE Essay: format, scoring and tips
The PTE Academic Essay explained: 200–300 words in 20 minutes, the seven scoring traits, common mistakes and a planning routine.
What you see and do
A short essay prompt appears on screen, usually two or three sentences setting out an issue, followed by a question. You write an argumentative essay of 200 to 300 words in the text box below. A word counter shows your total as you type. You can cut, copy and paste, but there is no spellchecker.
The essay is the last item in the Speaking and Writing part.
Timing
| Stage | About how long |
|---|---|
| Plan, write and check | 20 minutes per essay, on its own timer |
How it is scored
The Essay counts towards Writing. It is judged on several traits:
| Trait | What it means |
|---|---|
| Content | You answer the question asked, with relevant ideas and support |
| Form | Your essay is within 200–300 words |
| Development, structure and coherence | Logical paragraphs, a clear position and good linking |
| Grammar | Accurate grammar across a range of structures |
| General linguistic range | Ability to express ideas precisely and flexibly |
| Vocabulary range | Varied, accurate word choice |
| Spelling | Correct spelling throughout |
Form matters. Essays well outside the word range, written in capitals, without punctuation or made only of lists can score zero. Answers that are off-topic score zero for content and may lose everything.
Common mistakes
- Answering a different question. Read the prompt twice. If it asks "to what extent", give a position and say how far you agree.
- Pre-learned templates. Generic paragraphs that could fit any topic are spotted easily and add little to content.
- Too long. Writing 350 words leaves less time to check and risks the form rule. Aim for about 250.
- No conclusion. Running out of time with no ending hurts structure.
- Unchecked spelling. With no spellchecker, two minutes of proofreading is essential.
A short routine
- Read and plan (3 minutes): underline the key words, decide your position, and note two main reasons with one example each.
- Introduction (2 minutes): paraphrase the issue and state your position in two or three sentences.
- Body paragraph 1 (5 minutes): first reason, explanation, example.
- Body paragraph 2 (5 minutes): second reason, or the opposing view and why you reject it.
- Conclusion (2 minutes): restate your position and the main reasons briefly.
- Check (3 minutes): spelling, verb agreement, articles, and the word count.
Exam tip: four paragraphs of about 50, 80, 80 and 40 words land you near 250 words with a clear structure every time.
Illustrative example
This prompt and outline were written for Fable Tests. They are not taken from any official material.
Prompt: Some towns now close their central streets to cars at weekends. Is this a good idea? Give reasons and examples to support your view.
Outline:
- Position: mostly a good idea, with sensible exceptions.
- Reason 1: quieter, cleaner streets help local shops and cafés; example: more outdoor seating and street events.
- Reason 2: encourages walking and cycling, with health benefits.
- Counter-point: harder for older or disabled people and deliveries; answer: allow permits, shuttle buses and early-morning delivery windows.
- Conclusion: benefits outweigh drawbacks if access is planned carefully.
Sample introduction:
In recent years, a number of towns have experimented with banning cars from their central streets on Saturdays and Sundays. In my view, this is a positive step for most communities, provided that the needs of people who rely on vehicles are properly considered.
Linking language
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Add a point | Furthermore, In addition, Another advantage is |
| Contrast | However, On the other hand, Admittedly |
| Example | For instance, A clear example is |
| Conclude | In conclusion, Overall, On balance |
Key points
- You write 200–300 words in 20 minutes.
- It counts towards Writing.
- It is scored on seven traits, including content, form, structure, grammar, range, vocabulary and spelling.
- Answer the exact question, take a clear position and support it.
- Plan first and check last: there is no spellchecker.
For the official current format, see pearsonpte.com. More guides are on the PTE hub.