PTE Write Essay — tips, template & practice

• Content (max 3): addresses the prompt fully.
• Form (max 2): 200–300 words. Outside = zero on Form.
• Grammar (max 2) + Vocabulary (max 2) + Spelling (max 2) + General Linguistic Range (max 2) + Development, Structure & Coherence (max 2).

Word count discipline matters most. Aim for 240–260 words.

5-paragraph PTE essay template (~250 words):

Para 1 — Intro (50 words): Paraphrase the prompt; state your thesis clearly. *"It is often argued that [paraphrase]. While some contend that [side A], I firmly believe that [your side] for two main reasons, which I will discuss in this essay."*

Para 2 — First reason (75 words): Topic sentence + 1 example + 1 explanation. *"Firstly, [reason 1]. For instance, [concrete example]. This demonstrates that [link back to thesis]."*

Para 3 — Second reason (75 words): Same structure as para 2. *"Secondly, [reason 2]. A clear illustration of this is [example]. As a result, [link back to thesis]."*

Para 4 — Counterargument (30 words): Acknowledge other side + rebut. *"Although some may argue [opposing view], this overlooks the fact that [rebuttal]."*

Para 5 — Conclusion (20 words): Restate thesis + summary. *"In conclusion, [thesis restated], primarily because of [reason 1 keyword] and [reason 2 keyword]."*

• Memorise the template phrases word-for-word. The AI rewards consistent linkers.
• Use 5–7 academic linking phrases per essay: 'furthermore', 'consequently', 'this demonstrates', 'a clear illustration', etc.
• Vary sentence length — mix one short, one medium, one long per paragraph.
• Always include ONE specific example per body paragraph (real or plausibly invented).
• Spell-check the last 3 minutes — Spelling sub-score is easy to lose to typos.
• Save 2 minutes at the end to count words and tighten the conclusion.

• Going under 200 or over 300 words — zeros Form.
• Forgetting the counterargument paragraph — caps Development at 1/2.
• Repeating the same linker ('also… also… also') — caps Vocabulary at 1/2.
• Writing in first person without clear thesis — caps Content at 2/3.
• Spelling errors in keywords from the prompt — easy to fix, costly to ignore.