Essay writing is the second question type of Writing Module and it comes immediately after Summarize Written Text. In this question type the given statement has to be answered between 200 and 300 words. This type of question adds score in Writing only.

Task Format

·         Prompt Length: 2-3 Sentences

·         Skills Assessed: Writing

·         Time to Answer: 20 minutes

·         Skills Profile: Extended Writing 

·         No. of Tasks: 1-2


How to construct the answer of the given topic:

For this type of question, the student needs to write 200-300 words argumentative essay in response to a given prompt.

The time provided to write an essay on the given topic is 20 minutes.

On the bottom of the screen the WORD COUNT option is provided counts the number of words written by the student. The student has to be sure that he doesn’t go below 200 words and above 300 words while constructing his answer.

The provision of CUT, COPY and PASTE is provide within the provided space if any word has to be copied and pasted or cut as per the requirement.

Cut: Select text from your answer that you wish to remove and left-click “Cut”.

Copy: Select text from your answer that you wish to copy and left-click “Copy”.

Paste: Place the cursor where you wish to paste the cut/copied text and left-click “Paste”.

Tips for Writing An Essay

First of all, analyze the statement:

Before you start typing the response, plan your essay by going through the given statement twice or thrice. Write down the points to discuss in the essay along with the keywords to be used in ESSAY. Type all the information in the prompt. While typing the essay, the focus has to be on the details of essay, punctuation, grammar, linking words and spellings.

Analysis of the essay helps you to get ready with the answer. For instance, while getting prepared with the AGREE-DISAGREE Question, you need to be ready with the plan whether more ideas are available for or is for disagree and accordingly the plan has to be prepared,

In the given topic, either your answer will be based on Fully Agree or partially AGREE or DISAGREE.

In the given prompt the student can consider the viewpoints of different people from different group or community and explain the particular situation.

Scoring Criteria

The response on Write Essay is based on the student ability to answer a persuasive or argumentative essay on a given statement. Essay score is based on seven parameters:

Content: Is the topic addressed accurately in the response?

Content score is based on the fact that whether the answer deals adequately with the given prompt. All the aspects of the given topic are to be addressed in the given response. The adequacy of the response depends on all details such as examples and explanations written to support your viewpoint. If the essay doesn’t address any of the issue given in the prompt, then the content score will be ZERO and the score in the all the given traits will go ZERO. The best responses are on topic has to be logically connected with the examples and/or explanations.

Development, structure and coherence: Is the response able to demonstrate good development of ideas and a logical structure?

Development, structure and coherence are scored according to the logical structure and the development in the essay based on the response. A comprehensive response with the usage of a logical organizational pattern, the flow of the ideas, and the proper use of the linking words. The best responses consist of multiple paragraphs, such as one paragraph of introduction, 2-3 paragraphs of explanation of each idea and one paragraph of conclusion that relates to the topic of the essay. The ideas are to be logically presented with the supporting examples and explanation. Transitions between paragraphs should be smooth.

Form: Is the response between the required length i.e.200 and 300 words?

The score of Form is based on the number of words written in the response. The student will receive full score if the response is between 200 and 300 words, if the word count is between 121 to 200 or 300 to 380 words then one point will deduct and if the response has the words less than 120 words or more than 380 words, the no score will be provided and the score will be ZERO for all the given parameters.

General linguistic range: Are the ideas conveyed logically and adequately in the given response?

The score for General Linguistic Range is based on how correctly the responses communicates the ideas for the given prompt. This comprises of the clarity in the explanation, putting emphasis on the main ideas, providing a relevant example, highlighting the main features and removing the ambiguity The usage of the complex structure and correct vocabulary gives full credit to the student for the response.

Grammar usage and mechanics: Is the response grammatically and mechanically demonstrated in written English?

The structure, punctuation and capitalization of the written response examines the usage of grammar and mechanics. The best responses consist of complex sentences, right usage of grammar and communicate the intended meaning with the use of tenses, active-passive voice and punctuation.

Vocabulary range: Is the good range of vocabulary used in the task response?

Vocabulary range score depends on the broad usage of the words which are appropriate as per the given topic and are based on the academic environment. Synonyms, phrases and academic and technical terms are also assessed if mentioned accurately. The best response uses academic terms precisely and avoid repetition by using synonyms.

Spelling: Is the response based on standard spelling rules?

PTE Academic accepts English spelling conventions from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. However, it is necessary to use one spelling convention consistently within a given response.

Note

·         Partial credit scoring applies to Write Essay and if the irrelevant responses in provided then the score will be ZERO.

·         Only the Writing Module score is dependent on this task.

·         Wide range of vocabulary and knowledge on different topics helps you to score better.

·         Proper planning helps to complete task in the given time period.

·         Typing speed will help you to finish the task before time and you will have some time to revise the response and correct the spellings and grammar wherever required.

Test-Day Strategies for Essay in PTE

Preparation Time

·         Understand the Prompt: Read through the essay prompt and understand carefully what is asked. Identify whether it wants your opinion or it's a discussion of advantages and disadvantages or a comparison of two ideas.

·         Brainstorm Ideas: Quickly jot down some ideas or points you can include in your essay. If it is an argument essay, think about both sides of the issue and come up with examples or explanations that might support your points.

·         Organize Your Essay: One introduction, two to three body paragraphs, one conclusion. Deciding on how you will introduce your main idea, what each paragraph is going to cover, and then how you are going to conclude the argument.

While Performing the Task

·         Introduction: Start with an introduction in which the main idea or argument of the essay is clearly stated. Paraphrase the essay prompt and state your thesis or main point.

·         Body Paragraphs: Plan your essay by constructing logical body paragraphs. Each paragraph should introduce only one idea, supported by examples, reasons or explanations. Link words and phrases will facilitate the smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs.

·         Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the main points; that is, restate your thesis in other words. Your conclusion must be connected to the prompt of the essay and your argument or discussion.

·         Appropriate Use of Vocabulary: Make sure to use a wide range of vocabulary along with different sentence structures to prove your language ability. Avoid monotony through the implementation of synonyms or changing patterns of sentences.

·         Coherence and Cohesion: Make sure your essay is logically organised and there are no abrupt jumps from idea to idea. Also, use cohesive devices, like linking words: "however," "furthermore," "in addition" to connect your ideas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

·         Ignoring the Essay Prompt: Stay focused and avoid irrelevancies. The essay covers all parts of the prompt.

·         Writing Too Much or Too Little: Stay within the word limit (200 – 300 words). Writing too much may lead to extraneous points being raised. Writing too little will mean that your ideas are not fully developed.

·         Poor Grammar and Punctuation: Be careful with grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Mistakes to this regard may considerably bring down your score. Proofread your essay before submission.

·         Repetitive Language: Try to avoid repetition of the same words and phrases many times. Show your vocabulary by using varied expressions and synonyms.

·         Lack of Structure: Clearly structured your essay. A essay that is missing an introduction, body and a conclusion will appear disorganized and hamper the readability of your text.

·         Overuse of Complex Sentences: While, on one hand, complex sentences can bring depth to your essay, excessive usage can lead to mistakes and impact clarity. As in the case of simple sentences, complex sentences should be balanced by others for clear readability.

These strategies will help you to write a clear, concise, and well-organized essay, which is certainly very much essential if one wants to attain a good score in the PTE Write Essay task.

Essay Writing Practice

Now, practice the mock test on ptepanacea.com. You will realise your strengths and weaknesses in the four PTE skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading & Listening. We are here with real exam simulations and question-wise practices especially for Essay to concentrate on weak areas. If you compare our material closely, it closely resembles actual PTE content. You get the same format and question types in time limits. Such comprehensive practice will help you to be very well prepared and confident enough to ace the Essay test item and the whole PTE exam.

Click here for Free PTE Mock Test & Question Wise Practices