The Write Essay task in PTE Academic asks you to write a 200-300 word essay in 20 minutes. You'll get a prompt—usually asking you to agree/disagree with a statement, discuss both sides of an argument, or explain a problem and solution.
It sounds straightforward, but scoring well requires a clear structure, good grammar, and relevant ideas. Here's how to do it right.
Understand the Question Type
PTE essays usually fall into one of these categories:
Agree/Disagree: "Do you agree or disagree that social media has a negative impact on society?"
Discuss Both Views: "Some say online education is better than traditional classroom learning. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
Problem/Solution: "What are the main causes of traffic congestion in cities, and what solutions can be implemented?"
Advantages/Disadvantages: "What are the advantages and disadvantages of remote work?"
Spend 30 seconds identifying which type you're dealing with. This determines your essay structure.
Plan Before You Write
Don't jump straight into writing. Take 2-3 minutes to plan.
Quick planning steps:
- Identify the question type
- Decide your position or main points
- Think of 2-3 supporting ideas or examples
- Plan your conclusion
Jot down a few keywords. This keeps you organized and prevents rambling.
Follow a Clear Structure
Every good PTE essay has the same basic structure:
Introduction (2-3 sentences)
- Paraphrase the topic
- State your position or outline what you'll discuss
Body Paragraph 1 (4-5 sentences)
- Main point 1
- Explanation
- Example or detail
Body Paragraph 2 (4-5 sentences)
- Main point 2
- Explanation
- Example or detail
Conclusion (2-3 sentences)
- Summarize your main points
- Restate your position or give a final thought
This structure works for every essay type. Stick to it.
Write a Strong Introduction
Your introduction should do two things:
- Paraphrase the question (don't copy it word-for-word)
- State your thesis or position clearly
Example prompt: "Technology has made people less social. Do you agree?"
Weak intro: "Technology has made people less social. I agree with this statement."
Strong intro: "While digital innovations have transformed how we communicate, there is growing debate about whether they have reduced face-to-face social interactions. In my view, technology has both positive and negative effects on socialization, though the negative aspects are becoming more prominent."
See the difference? The strong intro paraphrases, sets up the discussion, and shows your position.
Develop Your Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph needs:
- One clear main idea (topic sentence)
- Explanation (2-3 sentences explaining your point)
- Example or evidence (real-world example, statistic, or scenario)
Example body paragraph: "One major benefit of remote work is the improved work-life balance it offers employees. Without long commutes, workers have more time to spend with family, exercise, or pursue hobbies, which reduces stress and increases overall well-being. For instance, a recent study showed that remote employees reported 30% higher job satisfaction compared to their office-based counterparts."
Keep each paragraph focused on one idea. Don't jump around.
Use Linking Words
Connecting words make your essay flow smoothly and show the relationship between ideas.
Use these connectors:
- Adding ideas: moreover, furthermore, in addition, additionally
- Contrasting: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, while, although
- Giving examples: for instance, for example, such as
- Showing cause/effect: therefore, consequently, as a result, thus
- Concluding: in conclusion, to summarize, overall
Don't overuse them—one or two per paragraph is enough.
Write a Clear Conclusion
Your conclusion should:
- Summarize your main points (without repeating word-for-word)
- Restate your position or give a final perspective
Example conclusion: "In conclusion, while technology offers convenience and global connectivity, it has also contributed to reduced face-to-face interactions and increased social isolation. Balancing digital communication with real-world connections is essential for maintaining healthy social relationships."
Keep it brief—2-3 sentences maximum.
Stay Within the Word Count
Write between 200-300 words. This is non-negotiable.
- Under 200 words? You'll lose points for insufficient content.
- Over 300 words? You'll be penalized.
Aim for 250-280 words to be safe. Most essays at this length have:
- Intro: 40-50 words
- Body 1: 70-80 words
- Body 2: 70-80 words
- Conclusion: 40-50 words
Focus on Grammar and Spelling
The PTE algorithm checks your grammar closely. Common mistakes that cost points:
- Subject-verb agreement errors
- Wrong tenses
- Sentence fragments or run-ons
- Spelling mistakes
- Missing articles (a, an, the)
Tip: Leave 2-3 minutes at the end to proofread. Read your essay once and fix obvious errors.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don't copy the prompt directly Paraphrase it in your introduction.
Don't write a one-sided argument when asked for both views If the question says "discuss both views," you must present both sides.
Don't use informal language Avoid contractions (don't, can't), slang, or overly casual phrases.
Don't memorize and reproduce templates The PTE system can detect templated essays. Write naturally and adapt your structure to the question.
Don't write outside the word limit Stay between 200-300 words always.
Practice With Timed Writing
The 20-minute time limit is tight. You need to practice writing under pressure.
Try this routine:
- Read the prompt (30 seconds)
- Plan your essay (2-3 minutes)
- Write (14-15 minutes)
- Proofread (2-3 minutes)
Do this regularly until you can comfortably finish in 20 minutes.
Want structured practice? You can write unlimited essays with instant AI scoring and feedback at openpte.com. The platform shows you exactly where you're losing points so you can improve faster.
The Bottom Line
A high-scoring PTE essay is: Well-structured. Clearly written. Grammatically correct.
Follow the 4-paragraph structure, support your points with examples, use proper grammar, and stay within the word count.
Practice this approach consistently, and you'll be able to write a solid essay on any topic in 20 minutes.
Quick Checklist
✓ Identify the question type
✓ Plan for 2-3 minutes before writing
✓ Follow the 4-paragraph structure (intro, body 1, body 2, conclusion)
✓ Use linking words naturally
✓ Write 200-300 words (aim for 250-280)
✓ Leave 2-3 minutes to proofread
✓ Practice regularly at openpte.com
Master this process, and you'll walk into the test ready to tackle any essay prompt with confidence.