★
Score Weightage
Overall Score7%
Writing31%
Source: Pearson PTE Academic, Scoring Information for Teachers and Partners. Weightings are averages and may vary per test form.
01
What to Expect
Opinion-Based: Agree or disagree with a statement · Problem/Solution: Identify a challenge and propose fixes · Pros and Cons: Advantages and disadvantages of a trend · Double Question: Address two specific points in the prompt
02
The Do's and Don'ts
Analyze the PromptSpend 2 minutes identifying the Topic (what is being discussed) and the required point of view. The prompt may ask you to: respond to a question, agree or disagree, take one of two sides, or write about advantages/disadvantages. Writing off-topic results in a zero regardless of language quality. Underline keywords in the prompt before writing.
Use a 4-Paragraph StructureUse the thesis-first planning method: (1) Write one strong thesis sentence (main argument); (2) Write one strong opening sentence (intro); (3) Write one strong closing sentence (conclusion). Then expand each into full paragraphs. This ensures every part of your essay is logically connected to the central argument.
Keep it SimpleClear, logical sentences are better than over-complicated ones that lead to grammar errors.
Support with ExamplesUse facts, explanations, or personal/hypothetical examples to back up your claims.
Don't Go Below 120 or Above 380 WordsPer official scoring: 200–300 words earns full Form marks (2 pts); 120–199 or 301–380 earns partial Form credit (1 pt); fewer than 120 or more than 380 words scores the Form trait 0. Aim for 200–300 words as your target range.
Don't Use Bullet PointsThis is a formal essay. Use full paragraphs and complete sentences only.
Don't Go Off-TopicIf your content is irrelevant to the prompt, you will receive a zero for the entire essay.
Don't Skip ConnectorsUse 'Furthermore,' 'In contrast,' and 'Consequently' to link ideas and boost coherence scores.
03
The 20-Minute Time Management Strategy
1
Planning (Minutes 1–3)
Read the prompt twice. Decide your stance and jot down two main arguments.
2
Writing (Minutes 4–17)
Follow your plan. Aim for 220–250 words, the sweet spot for high scores.
3
Proofreading (Minutes 18–20)
Check for subject-verb agreement, plurals, and spelling.
04
Standardized Response Template
Paragraph 1, Introduction
Hook → Thesis → Outline:
"The issue of [Topic] has become a matter of intense debate. While some argue that [Side A], others believe [Side B]. This essay will discuss both perspectives based on [Point 1] and [Point 2]."
"The issue of [Topic] has become a matter of intense debate. While some argue that [Side A], others believe [Side B]. This essay will discuss both perspectives based on [Point 1] and [Point 2]."
Paragraph 2, Body 1
Topic Sentence → Explanation → Example:
"First and foremost, [Main Point 1] plays a crucial role. This is because... For example, research has shown that..."
"First and foremost, [Main Point 1] plays a crucial role. This is because... For example, research has shown that..."
Paragraph 3, Body 2
Topic Sentence → Explanation → Example:
"Furthermore, it is often argued that [Main Point 2]. This suggests that... A clear instance of this is..."
"Furthermore, it is often argued that [Main Point 2]. This suggests that... A clear instance of this is..."
Paragraph 4, Conclusion
Summary → Final Thought:
"In conclusion, although there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that [Final Stance]. Ultimately, [Final Thought]."
"In conclusion, although there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that [Final Stance]. Ultimately, [Final Thought]."
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Test-Taking Strategies & Practice
1
Identify the topic focus and required point of view
Read the prompt twice. Underline two things:
- Topic focus -- what is being discussed
- Required point of view -- what angle you must write from (agree/disagree, advantages/disadvantages, one of two sides, etc.)
Critical: Writing off-topic results in a zero for the entire essay, regardless of language quality.
2
Plan using the thesis-first method
Before writing, draft three anchor sentences:
- Thesis sentence: One strong sentence capturing your main argument
- Opening sentence: One strong sentence to introduce the topic
- Closing sentence: One strong sentence to conclude
Then expand each: the thesis becomes your body paragraphs; the opening becomes your introduction; the closing becomes your conclusion. This ensures every part of your essay is logically connected.
3
Check your essay before submitting
In the last 2 minutes, verify:
- Word count: 200-300 words for full Form marks. Less than 120 = Form score of 0.
- Topic focus and point of view: Does every paragraph connect to your thesis?
- Grammar: Subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, plurals
- Spelling: More than one spelling error = 0 for Spelling trait
Practice Essay Prompts
Question 1
You have 20 minutes to plan, write, and revise an essay of 200-300 words.
Some people think placing advertisements in schools is a great resource for public schools that need additional funding, but others think it exploits children by treating them as a captive audience for corporate sponsors. Choose which position you most agree with and discuss why you chose that position. Support your point of view with details from your own experiences, observations or reading.
B1 (204 words)
Essay minimally answers the question. Supporting points do not demonstrate coherent, well-developed logic. Introduction states the test taker's position, but the conclusion is unrelated to the stated position. Limited and imprecise vocabulary. Several spelling errors.
B2 (219 words)
Answers the question and is well organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Personal experience is used to support the main idea. Obvious grammar errors in sentences with complex structures. Imprecise vocabulary. Four spelling errors.
C1 (253 words)
Position is discussed in the first paragraph, supported by details in the second, and summarized in the conclusion. Very good general linguistic and vocabulary range. Good control of standard English grammar. One spelling error.
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Official Scoring Criteria
ContentMax: 6
6
Full Command, Fully addresses the prompt in depth, demonstrating full command of the argument. Reformulates the issue seamlessly in own words, expanding on important points with specificity. Argument supported convincingly throughout.
5
Adequate Address, Adequately addresses the prompt, presenting a persuasive argument with relevant ideas. Main points highlighted with relevant supporting detail, with minor exceptions.
4
Main Point Addressed, Adequately addresses the main point of the prompt. Argument generally convincing but lacks depth or nuance. Supporting detail inconsistent throughout.
3
Relevantly Addressed, Relevant to the prompt but does not address the main points adequately. Supporting detail often missing or inappropriate.
2
Superficial, Attempts to address the prompt but does so superficially with little relevant information and largely generic statements or over-reliance on prompt language. Few relevant supporting details.
1
Incomplete Understanding, Attempts to address the prompt but demonstrates incomplete understanding with communication limited to generic or repetitive phrasing. Supporting details disjointed or haphazard.
0
Not Addressed, The essay does not properly deal with the prompt.
FormMax: 2
2
200–300 Words, Length is between 200 and 300 words.
1
120–380 Words, Length is between 120 and 199 words, or between 301 and 380 words.
0
Out of Range, Length is less than 120 or more than 380 words. Essay is written in capital letters, contains no punctuation, or only consists of bullet points or very short sentences.
Development, Structure & CoherenceMax: 6
6
Effective Structure, Effective logical structure, flows smoothly. Argument clear and cohesive, developed systematically. Well-developed introduction and conclusion. Ideas organized cohesively into paragraphs. Variety of connective devices used effectively.
5
Conventional Structure, Conventional and appropriate structure that follows logically, if not always smoothly. Argument clear with some points developed at length. Introduction, conclusion and logical paragraphs present.
4
Mostly Present, Mostly present but some elements missing, requiring some effort to follow. Argument present but lacks development. Simple paragraph breaks present but not always effective.
3
Traces Present, Traces of conventional structure, but composed of simple points or disconnected ideas. Position present but not sufficiently developed into a logical argument.
2
Little Structure, Little recognisable structure. Ideas presented in a disorganised manner and difficult to follow. Position/opinion may be present but lacks development or clarity.
1
Disconnected, Consists of disconnected ideas. No hierarchy of ideas or coherence among points. No clear position/opinion can be identified.
0
No Structure, There is no recognisable structure.
GrammarMax: 2
2
Correct, Correct grammatical structure / consistent grammatical control of complex language. Errors are rare and difficult to spot.
1
Minor Errors, Contains grammatical errors but with no hindrance to communication / a relatively high degree of grammatical control with no mistakes leading to misunderstandings.
0
Defective, Has defective grammatical structure which could hinder communication / contains mainly simple structures and/or several basic mistakes.
General Linguistic RangeMax: 6
6
No Limitations, Variety of expressions and vocabulary used appropriately with ease and precision throughout. No signs of limitations restricting what can be communicated. Errors rare and minor.
5
Clear Expression, Variety of expressions and vocabulary used appropriately throughout. Ideas expressed clearly without much sign of restriction. Occasional errors but meaning is clear.
4
Basic Ideas Clear, Range of expression and vocabulary sufficient to articulate basic ideas. Limitations evident when conveying complex/abstract ideas. Errors cause occasional lapses in clarity.
3
Narrow Range, Range of expression and vocabulary narrow; simple expressions used repeatedly. Communication restricted to simple ideas. Errors cause some disruptions for the reader.
2
Limited, Limited vocabulary and simple expressions dominate. Communication compromised and some ideas unclear. Basic errors common, causing frequent breakdowns.
1
Highly Restricted, Vocabulary and linguistic expression highly restricted. Significant limitations in communication and ideas generally unclear. Errors pervasive and impede meaning.
0
Inaccessible, Meaning is not accessible.
Vocabulary RangeMax: 2
2
Broad Repertoire, Good command of a broad lexical repertoire, idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.
1
Good Range, Shows a good range of vocabulary for matters connected to general academic topics. Lexical shortcomings lead to circumlocution or some imprecision.
0
Basic, Contains mainly basic vocabulary insufficient to deal with the topic at the required level.
SpellingMax: 2
2
Correct, Correct spelling.
1
One Error, One spelling error.
0
Multiple Errors, More than one spelling error.
Content is scored by both AI and human. A human expert also reviews Development, Structure and Coherence, and General Linguistic Range. If Content = 0, the essay receives no score. Total possible: Content (6) + Form (2) + DSC (6) + Grammar (2) + GLR (6) + Vocabulary Range (2) + Spelling (2) = 26 points.