WritingPTE Academic

PTE Write Essay: structure, template & scoring

A 200–300 word argumentative essay in 20 minutes. A fixed four-paragraph structure lets you write quickly and hit every scoring trait.

Skill
Writing
Time
20 min
Length
200–300 words
Scored on
Form, content, structure, grammar

How it's scored

Scored on form (word count), development and structure, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Staying inside 200–300 words is essential — outside it, form scores zero.

Strategy & template

  1. 1Spend two minutes planning your position and two supporting reasons.
  2. 2Introduction: paraphrase the prompt and state your clear position.
  3. 3Two body paragraphs: one reason each, with an example or explanation.
  4. 4Conclusion: restate your position in different words. Leave two minutes to proofread.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Writing under 200 or over 300 words.
  • Not stating a clear position for the whole essay.
  • Spending so long writing that there is no time to check grammar.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ideal PTE essay word count?

Between 200 and 300 words. Aim for around 250 — going outside the range scores zero for form.

What essay structure works for PTE?

A four-paragraph structure: introduction with a clear position, two body paragraphs each with one reason, and a conclusion that restates the position.

Practise Write Essay

Real questions with instant AI scoring and feedback.

Practice PTE Essay Writing
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