PTE Academic · Write Essay

Tattoos and Human History

3 original Write Essay questions. Question 1 is free to answer and check right here; log in free to practise the rest in the BandLadder app.
  • 3 questions
  • Question 1 free, no login
  • PTE Academic
1

Ancient Therapeutic Body Markings

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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.

Throughout antiquity, body markings served primarily practical and therapeutic purposes rather than purely decorative ones. Some historians argue that modern society has lost touch with the functional origins of body art. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view? Support your position with reasons and examples.

0 words · target 200–300 · 20 minutes in the test · spell-check is off, as in the test

Questions 2–3

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.

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2

Maritime Tattoos and Superstition

Throughout maritime history, seafarers adopted tattoos as symbols of good fortune, occupational rank, and protection against disaster. Some people believe that professional groups today should also use distinctive physical symbols to foster camaraderie, while others argue this is outdated and unprofessional. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

3

Penal Branding and Cultural Reclamation

Historically, forced tattooing and branding were widely used by states to mark convicts and social outcasts, whereas today many communities reclaim traditional body markings to express cultural pride. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using indelible physical markers to signify group belonging.

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