PTE Essay Writing Template & Guide for a High Score (2025)

The PTE Write Essay task can feel like the most intimidating part of the exam. You have just 20 minutes to read a prompt, plan a response, write a 200-300 word essay, and check it for errors. It’s a race against the clock.

But what if you had a system? A clear plan and a proven structure that you could use every single time, no matter the topic?

That’s exactly what this guide will give you. We are going to turn this high-pressure task into a simple, predictable process. You will learn how the essay is scored, get a powerful template you can memorize, and master a minute-by-minute plan to write a high-scoring essay with confidence.

How Your PTE Essay is Scored (What the Computer is Looking For)

To write a great essay, you first need to understand what the scoring algorithm values. It’s not looking for a creative masterpiece; it’s looking for specific markers of good academic writing. Your essay is scored on seven key criteria:

Content: Did you answer the prompt? If the question asks about the advantages of technology, your essay must be about the advantages of technology. Going off-topic is the fastest way to a low score.
Form: Is your essay between 200 and 300 words? Anything outside this range will be heavily penalized.
Grammar: Do you use a range of sentence structures (simple, compound, complex) correctly?
Vocabulary: Do you use appropriate, topic-related words accurately? It’s about precision, not using overly “fancy” words.
Spelling: Are your words spelled correctly (both US and UK English are accepted)?
Written Discourse: This is a big one. It’s about how well you organize your essay. Does it flow logically? Do you use paragraphs and connecting words (like however, therefore) correctly?
Development, Structure & Coherence: This is related to Written Discourse. Do you develop your points with explanations and examples? Is your argument easy to follow?

Our template is designed specifically to help you score high on all these points, especially the structural ones.

The Proven 4-Paragraph Essay Template for a Better Score

This structure is your key to success. It is logical, easy to remember, and works for almost any PTE essay prompt. Memorize it, practice it, and use it on exam day.

Paragraph 1: Introduction (approx. 40-50 words)

Paraphrase the Prompt: Restate the main topic of the question in your own words.
State Your Position/Thesis: Clearly state your main argument or what the essay will discuss. (e.g., “This essay will argue that…”)
Outline Sentence: Briefly mention the two main points you will discuss in your body paragraphs.

Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph 1 (approx. 80-90 words)

Topic Sentence: Introduce your first main idea.
Explain: Explain what you mean in more detail.
Example: Provide a specific example to support your point. This is crucial for a high Content score.
Concluding Sentence: Briefly link back to your main argument.

Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2 (approx. 80-90 words)

Topic Sentence: Introduce your second main idea.
Explain: Explain this idea in more detail.
Example: Provide another specific example to support this second point.
Concluding Sentence: Briefly link this idea back to your main argument.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion (approx. 30-40 words)

Re-state Your Position: Summarize your main argument again, using different words from the introduction.
Summarize Main Points: Briefly recap the two points from your body paragraphs.
Final Thought (Optional but good): A brief concluding thought on the topic.

This structure automatically gives you a high score for “Written Discourse” and “Structure” because it is perfectly organized.

Your 20-Minute Action Plan: A Minute-by-Minute Strategy

This is how you beat the clock. Don’t just start writing. Follow this plan.

Minutes 1-2: Plan, Don’t Panic!

This is the most important part of the entire 20 minutes.

Read and Understand the Prompt: Read the question two or three times. What is the exact topic? What is it asking you to do (agree/disagree, discuss advantages/disadvantages)?
Brainstorm Two Ideas: On your erasable noteboard, quickly jot down two main ideas you can use for your body paragraphs. Don’t overthink it. The first two decent ideas are usually fine.
Think of Examples: For each idea, think of a quick example (e.g., “social media” for a technology essay, “government-funded healthcare” for a society essay).

Minutes 3-17: Write Your Essay (15 Minutes)

Now you can write with confidence because you have a plan.

Introduction (3 minutes): Write your first paragraph using the structure above.
Body Paragraph 1 (5 minutes): Write your second paragraph.
Body Paragraph 2 (5 minutes): Write your third paragraph.
Conclusion (2 minutes): Write your final paragraph.

Don’t worry about making it perfect. Just focus on getting your ideas down and following the template. Keep an eye on the word count at the bottom of the screen.

Minutes 18-20: Proofread and Edit (The Final 3 Minutes)

This is where you can save yourself from losing easy points. Quickly read through your essay and look for:

Spelling mistakes: Obvious typos.
Grammar errors: Subject-verb agreement (e.g., “he go” instead of “he goes”).
Punctuation: Capital letters at the start of sentences and full stops at the end.

These three minutes can be the difference between a 65 and a 79.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Write Essay

Not Answering the Question: Writing a perfect essay on the wrong topic gets you a zero for Content. Always follow your 2-minute plan.
Going Outside the Word Count: Stay between 200 and 300 words. There is no excuse for getting this wrong.
Using Overly Complicated Templates: Complex templates with lots of memorized sentences can sound robotic and may not fit the question. Our simple, logical template is safer and more effective.
Skipping the Proofreading Step: Everyone makes small mistakes when writing under pressure. Not checking your work is giving away free points.

Your Smart Practice Plan for Essay Writing

Knowing the theory is one thing; performing under pressure is another.

Master the Template: Before you even start timing yourself, practice writing essays for different topics using the template. Get comfortable with the structure. Start with our PTE Write Essay practice questions.
Build Your Speed: Once you know the template, start practicing with the 20-minute timer. This is the only way to get used to the pressure.
Test Your Skills in Context: The essay is just one part of the Writing section. See how you perform across all writing tasks on our full PTE Writing practice page.
Simulate the Real Exam: A sectional test is the best way to see if you can manage your time and maintain your focus for the entire writing module. Try a PTE Writing Sectional Mock Test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How long should my PTE essay be?

Your essay must be between 200 and 300 words. The ideal length is around 250-280 words. This gives you enough space to develop your ideas without rushing to finish.

Q2. Can I use personal examples?

It is generally better to use more general, objective examples (e.g., “For instance, many multinational corporations now offer remote working options…”). However, if you are completely stuck for an example, a well-explained personal anecdote is better than no example at all.

Q3. Do I need to have a strong opinion?

Not necessarily. The PTE is testing your English, not your opinions. The most important thing is to clearly state a position in your introduction and then support it logically in your body paragraphs, even if you don’t personally agree with it.

The final step to mastering the PTE essay is to see how your performance impacts your overall score. Take a free, full-length PTE mock test with a complete score report. See your scores for Writing, Written Discourse, Grammar, and Vocabulary, and get the feedback you need to perfect your essay strategy.