How to prepare for the PTE essay writing task

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - Typing
Reading time: 6 minutes

The PTE exam includes four main sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You will do the speaking and writing tasks together in part one of the exams. While your writing will be assessed in your answers to other tasks, there are only two specific writing tasks: summarize a written text and write an essay.   

The PTE essay writing task aims to test your grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse skills. Therefore, it’s important that you understand this section, and what’s expected before going into the exam.  

If you’re looking for some tips and guidance on how to approach this part, look no further! 

Read on to find out what the essay writing task is about, how to approach it, and what the examiners are looking for. 

Essay Writing Task Structure 

For this task, you will receive a 2 to 3 line prompt stating an opinion or statement. Prompts can be written in a number of ways.  

For example, you may have to discuss problems or solutions, or argue for or against an opinion: 

Image - Essay prompt

Similarly, you might need to discuss whether you agree or disagree with a statement:  

Image - Essay task

Following this, you must write an essay in 200-300 words answering the question. The essay should be formed of an introductory paragraph, two main paragraphs which develop an idea, and a conclusion.  

You only have 20 minutes to plan, write and check your essay. Therefore, it’s vital that you practice this task a number of times before the exam.  

Write your essay in 3 simple steps 

Now you know what the essay requires, we’re going to show you how to write it in 3 easy steps.  

1. Analyze the prompt and plan  

Before starting, we recommend that you analyze the prompt to get the important information. Make sure to check what the question is asking you to do e.g. agree or disagree with a statement.  

Moreover, check what the topic is, the key points you need to cover, and the arguments to present.  

Image- Essay structure

Following this, you need to decide which side of the argument you will write about. Then, you can create a rough plan of the content and structure you’d like your essay to follow. You may want to write a couple of ideas down about the opinion or thoughts you’d like to include.  

You may want to structure your essay in the following way:  

  • Introduction - introduce the topic and any information surrounding it 

  • Paragraph 1 - one idea supporting your argument  

  • Paragraph 2 - another idea supporting your argument / or offer a counter argument 

  • Conclusion - a short summary of your ideas that have led to your conclusion and why.  

Planning is a crucial part of the exam task - it will make writing the essay much quicker. But remember, you don’t have much time so keep it short. 

2. Write the essay 

Now you’ve got your plan ready and you know what you’re going to write, it’s time to get started.  

When approaching this task, it’s important that you show the examiners your ability to write an academic essay in English. This means you provide clear descriptions, remove any ambiguities, express subtleties in meaning and use stylistic features to communicate ideas.  

Furthermore, you should demonstrate your range of vocabulary and grammar. You are more likely to receive a higher score if you use complex sentence structures and vocabulary correctly.  

The use of idiomatic expressions or colloquialisms will help you score well, but don’t use too many as they may take away from the academic style. Remember that the best responses use academic terms and avoid repetition of words by using synonyms where appropriate.  

For example, you may want to consider these expressions or linkers when writing your essay: 

  • Useful phrases to introduce a point - In view of; in light of; considering 

  • Introducing the views of an author - According to X; X stated that; referring to the views of X 

  • Adding a point - Moreover; furthermore; in addition; 

  • Offering an opinion - In my opinion; From my point of view; My conviction is that  

  • Concluding - In summary; To sum up; In conclusion  

3. Proofread and make any necessary changes  

Before you hit ‘next’, you want to make sure that you check over your essay. In this final step, give yourself a couple of minutes to check for spelling errors, the right use of punctuation, and correct grammar.  

But that’s not all - you should also check that you’ve answered the question set out in the prompt. Make sure you have argued your opinion and come to a relevant conclusion.  

Finally, check that the general flow of your essay reads well and that the word count is somewhere between 200 and 300 words.  

You might want to consider using the following checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the major points before finishing.  

  • Have you addressed the prompt? If not, you will score zero. 

  • Have you organized the text well, used linking words, and taken a logical approach to the essay topic? 

  • Have you included four paragraphs: an introduction, 2 body paragraphs each developing an idea, and a short conclusion summarizing your ideas?  

  • Have you included examples, explanations, and facts to support your point of view?   

  • Have you written between 200-300 words?  

How is the essay scored? 

The PTE Academic Write Essay task tests your ability to write an argumentative essay and shows that you can think critically and link ideas in a logical way.  

It is scored on seven traits, each representing a separate aspect of essay quality. The seven traits are:  

  • Content (Max score 3) 

  • Formal Requirement (Max score 2) 

  • Development, Structure, and Coherence (Max score 2) 

  • Grammar (Max score 2) 

  • General Linguistic Range (Max score 2) 

  • Vocabulary Range (Max score 2) 

  • Spelling (Max score 2). 

The most important trait is ‘Content’, which has the highest maximum score. If your answer is irrelevant to the prompt, you will receive a score of zero for this trait. Consequently, the whole essay will receive a zero. This is because the examiners see that no attempt has been made to do the task as required.  

Similar cases in which a test-taker will be awarded zero include the following:  

  • The response is not in English 

  • You write a very short or very long essay 

  • You don’t use punctuation  

  • You use bullet points or very short sentences 

  • The response is written in capitals 

  • There is no written response.  

Remember, practice your PTE essay writing task as much as possible before you go into the exam, and keep this guide near you to help when studying - we’re sure you’ll do great! 

Find out more about the PTE Academic speaking and writing sections or take a scored practice test to find out if you are ready to get the score you need!

Related Content

  • Image- nurse- 800px x 451px
    How to work as a registered nurse in the UK, US and Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    Are you interested in working as a nurse overseas? With the right qualifications, your passion for nursing could help you begin a new chapter in Australia, the US, or the UK.

    In this guide, we’ll learn about what you’ll need to do to work as a registered nurse in each country, as well as what employment opportunities waiting for you abroad. Let’s explore:  

    Nursing in Australia: requirements 

  • Image- Nurse, 1080px
    The great UK skills shortage: 5 occupations that can help you move abroad
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    The UK has long drawn people from around the world to live, work and study. It boasts an excellent healthcare system and impressive universities. Its countryside and cities are dotted with historic buildings and castles. Another big plus? The UK is incredibly diverse.  According to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, about 14% of the UK’s population was born abroad, and 35% of immigrants live in London. And, many of the UK’s migrants come to work. In fact, in 2019 48% of EU residents moved to the UK to work, while 21% of non-EU residents did.

    So what kind of jobs are there in the UK for international applicants? The UK has a skills shortage for a long list of occupations, and professionals who can fill them will have an easier time applying for a UK work visa under the new points-based immigration system.

    In this blog, we’ll explore what top professions can help give you an advantage when applying for a UK work visa, and insight on how to get a job in the UK.

    The top jobs in the UK for international applicants 

    The UK has two shortage occupation lists. One outlines occupations in healthcare and education that need more personnel. The other list features occupation shortages from a range of different fields – including the arts, science, and IT.

    To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, you need to reach 70 immigration points. And working in a job on the Shortage Occupation List counts for 20 points – which can provide you with a big advantage. We’ll expand on a few top jobs on the list:

    1. Nurses

    The UK has faced a nurse shortage for a long time. Right now, England needs to fill more than 36,000 positions, making it an excellent place to look for work if you’re a nurse wanting to move abroad. Already, about 15% of nurses in the UK are trained overseas.

    However, nurses and other healthcare professionals were added to the Shortage Occupation List just this March. “Every year we welcome healthcare workers from across the world to our United Kingdom, with many having played a key role on the frontline of the NHS during the recent pandemic,” said the UK Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster, in a statement.

    The move, he said, will help ensure international healthcare professionals get the immigration status they deserve.

    Learn more about how to register as a nurse in the UK.

    2. Pharmacists

    Pharmacists were also added to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List in 2021. While not as in short supply as nurses, there’s a pharmacist vacancy rate of about 8% in hospitals. Again, this means there could be of opportunity for internationally-trained pharmacists to find a job in the UK.

    To work as a pharmacist in the UK, you need to register with a regulatory body called the General Pharmaceutical Council, which you can learn more about on the NHS website. (The NHS is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system).

    3. Engineers

    There are also plenty of engineering jobs on the shortage occupation list. From civil engineers to mechanical engineers, to electrical engineers and everyone in-between engineers from around the world are in high demand in the UK.

    Depending on the field of engineering you work in, you’ll have to make 80% of the going rate for the job to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.  That’s between about £26,160 and £29,600 per year.

    4. Secondary education teachers

    Secondary education teachers who teach math, physics, modern foreign languages, and computer science are some other jobs on the list. If you’re a trained teacher outside the UK, you can work without getting Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for four years. But after that, you’ll have to become a qualified teacher in the UK.

    You can learn more about teacher salaries on the UK Department of Education website. To qualify for a visa, you’ll have to earn at least £20,480 (or more depending on where you’re located).

    5. Graphic designers

    Are you a graphic designer? Well, you’re in luck. Graphic designers are also a sought-after profession in the UK. It’s common for graphic designers to work on a freelance basis. But keep in mind: to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to get a job sponsorship in the UK from an employer.

    You’ll also have to earn 80% or more of the going rate for graphic designers in the UK. This is about £18,800 per year.

    How to get a UK work visa

    A Skilled Worker visa lets you work in the UK with an employer who is approved by the Home Office, which is a UK government department. As we mentioned above, you’ll have to reach 70 immigration points to be eligible. Having a job offer from an employer, professional skills, and English proficiency all contribute to your points.

    Depending on your situation, you may decide to apply for another type of visa or immigration route, such as the EU Settlement Scheme or UK Graduate visa. There is also a Health and Care Worker visa, which enables healthcare professions to work with the NHS.

    How to find a job in the UK

    So, how can you find an employer in the UK to sponsor you? There are lots of job boards that are related to specific professions. For example, the UK’s Department of Education offers a website to search for teaching vacancies by location. There’s also Nurses.co.uk, which features thousands of nursing jobs. More generally, websites like Reed and Jobsite are also good places to look for employment in the UK.

    All in all, the UK is an excellent place to call home. And better yet, there’s plenty of job opportunities to help you thrive.

    Our Secure English Language test, PTE Academic UKVI, is accepted by the UK’s Home Office for all UK visas to test your four language skills – including the Skilled Worker visa.

    Learn more about the PTE UKVI test today.

  • Image- UK, 1080px
    7 benefits of studying in the UK
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Students around the world have long been drawn to study in the UK. And, it’s for a good reason. The UK is known for its world-class education, diversity, and bustling student cities – making it a great place to study abroad. 

    In recent years, the UK has also announced more incentives to attract international students – such as visa changes and friendlier immigration policies. Overall, it hopes to recruit 600,000 international students per year by 2030. In 2019/2020, international university students made up 22% of the student population! 

    So, why should you consider studying in the UK? In this article, we’ll explore 7 benefits and how studying at a UK university can help prepare you for the future.

    1. The UK is home to top universities 

    UK universities are among the most respected in the world. In fact, according to QS World University Rankings 2021, eight UK universities are ranked among the top 50 universities globally. They are: 

    Universities in the UK are well-known for their R&D capabilities, medicine, and arts and humanities courses – and there are more than 100 universities to choose from. To see which universities in the UK excel in your specific area of study, QS World University Rankings also breaks down universities by subject.  

    2. It’s incredibly diverse 

    Fourteen percent of the population in the UK was born abroad, about 9.5 million people. This means international students who move overseas to the UK could have the opportunity to learn about numerous different cultures and make friends with people from around the world. This is especially true if you’re moving to London, where 35% of the population was born outside the UK. Even more, you’ll also likely be able to stay closely connected with your own culture, through attending community events or visiting restaurants that serve food from home – things that can help with homesickness and culture shock.

    3. There is support for overseas students 

    There is plenty of support for international students in the UK. This might be online, through your university, or through the local government. For example, each university has an office set up to address international students’ needs, and answer questions about tuition, housing, and academic support, etc. You can also be in touch with this office before you apply to a university.

    The UK Council for International Student Affairs, which is an advisory body for international students, boasts lots of great information on their website for international students, as well – including resources on mental health support, housing, working, and immigration. They also have a hotline you can call with questions. Learn more here.  

    You might be interested in our articles: scholarships for international students in the UK and UK loans for international students. 

    4. Studying in the UK will improve your English skills 

    What better place to practice your English than England, where the language originated from? By studying in the UK, you’ll get the chance to hear numerous different British accents – including English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, all of which might sound distinct in different regions.  

    Since the UK is so diverse, you’ll also be exposed to different English accents from around the globe, giving you a real-world listening experience you might not get at home.

    5. There are job opportunities after graduation 

    This March, the government announced they’d soon open up applications for the Graduate route – a move that’s set to attract even more students to study in the UK. Starting in July, international bachelor’s and master’s students will be able to apply to stay for 2 more years after graduation, while international doctorate students can stay for 3 years. This makes it easier for new professionals to settle and begin their careers in the UK. 

    There are also lots of career opportunities, especially if you work in a job on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. In the UK, there is a shortage of nurses, pharmacists, teachers, engineers – and more – and the government actively recruits professionals for these positions from abroad.  

    Learn more:  The great UK skills shortage – 5 occupations that can help you move abroad 

    6. It’s a great place to live

    So, what’s it like to live in the UK? According to the OECD Better Life Index, pretty good. People in the UK ranked their general satisfaction with life a 6.8 out of 10 (which is higher than the OECD average). The UK also ranks above average in things like jobs, education and skills, and social connections – all things that may be important to international students.

    7. Finally, you’ll have a lot of fun 

    From London to Glasgow, to Manchester, to Nottingham, the UK is home to a whole range of great student cities for international students to explore.

    You might want to enjoy the UK’s pub culture through university student nights or visit your new city’s world-class art galleries and museums. You’ll get the chance to tour centuries-old castles, and explore landscapes, cliff sides, and picturesque towns. Most of all, you’ll get to meet friends from around the world – and with them, enjoy all the UK has to offer. 

    PTE Academic can help you get started on your journey to the UK. Our English language test is accepted by 99% of UK universities as proof of English proficiency. 

    Learn more about the PTE Academic test, and how you can start preparing today.