Practise now
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Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official PTE Academic task types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a PTE score. For an official estimate, use Pearson's scored practice tests.
How the essay is scored
Pearson marks the essay on seven traits, worth 26 points in total. If content or form scores zero, the whole essay scores zero.
| Trait | Points | What top marks need |
|---|---|---|
| Content | 0–6 | Answer every part of the prompt with a clear position, supported by convincing reasons and examples |
| Development, structure & coherence | 0–6 | A logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion, linked smoothly |
| General linguistic range | 0–6 | Varied, precise language used with ease |
| Form | 0–2 | 200–300 words (1 point for 120–199 or 301–380 words) |
| Grammar | 0–2 | Consistent control of complex sentences, with rare errors |
| Vocabulary range | 0–2 | A broad range of words, used accurately |
| Spelling | 0–2 | No errors (one error = 1 point; two or more = 0) |
You also score zero if you write in capitals, use no punctuation, write only bullet points or only very short sentences, or go off-topic. Source: Pearson's PTE Academic score guide (2025).
A 20-minute plan
| Minutes | What to do |
|---|---|
| 0–3 | Read the prompt twice. Decide your position. Note two reasons and an example for each. |
| 3–17 | Write four paragraphs (below). |
| 17–20 | Check word count, spelling, subject–verb agreement and full stops. |
A four-paragraph structure
- Introduction (40–50 words): rephrase the topic and state your position clearly.
- Body paragraph 1 (70–80 words): first reason, explanation, example.
- Body paragraph 2 (70–80 words): second reason, or the other side and why you still disagree.
- Conclusion (30–40 words): restate your position in new words.
That gives you around 230–260 words, safely inside the range.
Free printable: this plan, the structure and the marking criteria on one page, ready to print. ⬇ Download the PDF
Model essays: read PTE essay topics with model answers to see this structure in full essays.
Do's and don'ts
- Do answer the actual question. "Discuss both views" needs both views. "To what extent" needs a clear position.
- Do give a specific example in each body paragraph. "For example, in Melbourne…" is stronger than "for example, many people…".
- Do vary your sentences, with some complex ones (Although…, which…). But a correct simple sentence beats a broken complex one.
- Don't memorise a whole essay template. Pearson can give zero for content that looks pre-prepared.
- Don't mix spelling styles. Pick Australian or American and stick with it.
- Don't go over 300 words. Extra words don't add points, and they add risk.
More writing practice
- Got your own topic from a teacher or course? Paste it into the free PTE essay checker.
- Practise all four writing tasks together in the PTE writing practice test.
- Learn more linking words and academic collocations.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the score?
It's an estimate. Form (word count) and spelling follow Pearson's published rules closely. Content, structure, grammar and range are estimated with clear rules, explained under each trait. Use it to find what to fix, not as a prediction of your official score.
Can I use a memorised template?
Pearson says responses with significant pre-prepared or memorised material can score zero for content. Learn a structure, not whole sentences. Our marker warns you if it spots several common template phrases.
Should I use Australian or American spelling?
Either is accepted, but be consistent. The marker tells you if you've mixed them.