You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organise your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200–300 words.
Some people believe that governments should provide financial subsidies to maintain symphony orchestras, whilst others argue that such cultural institutions should rely entirely on ticket sales and private sponsorship. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
0 words · target 200–300 · 20 minutes in the test · spell-check is off, as in the test
You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organise your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200–300 words.
Read them here; log in to answer and check them.
In recent years, many traditional orchestras have integrated film scores and video game soundtracks into their concert schedules to attract younger audiences. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach, and give your own opinion.
Some musicians argue that symphony orchestras would benefit from operating as democratic collectives without a formal conductor, while others maintain that a single director is vital for musical coherence. Which viewpoint do you find more compelling? Support your position with reasoned arguments.
Want to answer the other 2?
Log in to practise Write Essay in the BandLadder app: the full question bank, instant scoring the way Pearson marks it, and answer explanations.
Ready for the whole test?
Take a full PTE mock with every question type, the real timings and a score on Pearson's 10–90 scale the moment you finish.
Try a free PTE mock →Keep practising
Practise every PTE question type
Free account · no card
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy