A Simple Guide to PTE Core Write Email (with Templates & Examples)

One of the most practical tasks in the PTE Core exam is Write Email. This question is designed to test your ability to communicate effectively in a real-world context, like a workplace or a social situation. You have just 9 minutes to read a scenario, understand what is required, and write a clear, well-structured email.

For many test-takers, the tight time limit can be stressful. What is the right format? What is the right tone to use? How can you make sure you cover all the required points before the timer runs out?

This guide will give you a clear and simple system for this task. You will learn how the email is scored, get a flexible template that works for any situation, and master a 9-minute action plan to write a high-scoring response with confidence and speed.

What is PTE Core Write Email?

First, let’s break down the task.

• The Format: You will be presented with a short prompt that describes a situation and gives you three bullet points that you must cover in your email.
• The Task: You must write an email of at least 100 words that addresses the situation and includes all three bullet points.
• The Time: You have 9 minutes to complete the entire task.

How is PTE Core Write Email Scored?

Your email is evaluated by the AI on several key factors, contributing to your overall Writing score.

• Content: Did you cover all three bullet points from the prompt? Missing even one will significantly lower your score.
• Form: Is your response an email? Does it have a greeting and a closing? Is it over 100 words?
• Tone: Did you use the appropriate level of formality (formal or informal) for the situation?
• Grammar, Vocabulary, and Spelling: Is your English correct and free of errors?
• Organization: Are your ideas presented logically, using paragraphs to separate points?

The Core of the Task: Formal vs. Informal Tone

Before you write a single word, you must decide on the tone. This is the first and most important decision.

• Formal Tone: Use this for professional or serious situations. This includes writing to a manager, a company, a professor, or making a formal complaint.
  
• Informal Tone: Use this for personal situations, such as writing to a friend, a family member, or a colleague you know well.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right language.

Choosing the wrong tone is a common mistake that can cost you points.

A Flexible PTE Core Write Email Template

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel for every question. Use this simple, logical structure to organize your response quickly.

Part 1: The Opening

• Greeting: Choose a formal or informal greeting.
• Opening Line: State the reason for your email in one sentence.

Part 2: The Body (3 Paragraphs)

• Body Paragraph 1: Address the first bullet point from the prompt.
• Body Paragraph 2: Address the second bullet point from the prompt.
• Body Paragraph 3: Address the third bullet point from the prompt.
  (By dedicating one short paragraph to each bullet point, you ensure you never miss any content points.)

Part 3: The Closing

• Closing Line: A simple closing remark.
• Sign-off: Choose a formal or informal sign-off.
• Your Name: (You can use your own name or a generic name like “Alex”).

Your 9-Minute Action Plan

Minute 1-2: Plan Your Attack

1. Read the Prompt Carefully: Identify the situation (formal or informal) and your goal.
2. Analyze the Bullet Points: For each of the three bullet points, quickly jot down one simple idea or phrase on your noteboard. This is your plan.

Minute 2-8: Write the Email (6 Minutes)

Follow your plan and the template. Don’t worry about perfection; just focus on writing.

1. Write your opening.
2. Write one short paragraph for each of your three ideas.
3. Write your closing.
   Keep an eye on the word count. Make sure you are over 100 words.

Minute 8-9: Proofread (1 Minute)

This final minute is crucial. Quickly scan your email for obvious errors:

1. Spelling mistakes.
2. Grammar errors (like subject-verb agreement).
3. Punctuation.

Let’s Solve a Real Question: From Prompt to Perfect Email

The best way to understand this method is to see it in action with real exam-style questions. We’ll use two examples directly from our PTE Core Write Email practice platform.

Example 1: A Formal Email to a Tourism Authority

Let’s analyze this practice question about tourism from our platform.

The Prompt:

• Situation: You are a resident of a town and want to suggest ways to attract more visitors. You are writing an email to Ms. Green, a director of the local tourism authority.
  
• Bullet Points:
  
  • A historical tour
  • Using local guides
  • Weekend packages

• Step 1: The 2-Minute Plan
  
  • Tone: Formal (writing to a director of a government authority).
    
  • Notes for Bullet Points:
    
    • BP1: Create a walking tour of the old town center.
    • BP2: Hire local residents as guides – authentic stories.
    • BP3: Offer packages – hotel + tour + meals for a special price.

• Step 2: The Final High-Scoring Email
  
  With a clear plan, you can now write the email quickly and confidently using the template structure.
  
  Dear Ms. Green,
  
  I am writing to you as a resident of our town to offer some suggestions on how we might attract more visitors, based on the themes you are exploring.
  
  Firstly, I believe a dedicated historical tour would be very popular. A guided walking tour through the old town center, highlighting key landmarks like the old courthouse and the original post office, would showcase our town’s rich heritage.
  
  Secondly, to make these tours more authentic, I suggest using local guides. Hiring long-time residents who can share personal stories and hidden details would provide a unique and memorable experience that visitors cannot get from a standard guidebook.
  
  Finally, creating all-inclusive weekend packages could make our town an easy choice for a short getaway. A package that combines accommodation at a local hotel with the historical tour and perhaps a dining voucher for a local restaurant would be very appealing.
  
  Thank you for your time and consideration.
  
  Kind regards,
  [Your Name]

Example 2: A Formal Email to a Judge

Now let’s analyze this unique practice question about a lawyer.

• The Prompt:
  
  • Situation: You are a lawyer writing an email to a judge to persuade them to acquit your client, explaining four pieces of evidence.
    
  • Themes (Bullet Points):
    • Alibi
    • Motive
    • Witness
    • DNA
      
• Note on Structure: This question is unusual as it lists four points. We will adapt our “one paragraph per bullet point” structure slightly for this specific prompt. We can combine two related points into one paragraph to maintain a clear structure without making the email too long or disjointed.
  
• Step 1: The 2-Minute Plan
  
  • Tone: Extremely Formal (writing to a judge).
    
  • Notes for Themes:
    • Alibi: Client was at a conference in another city, have receipts.
    • Motive: Client had no financial or personal reason.
    • Witness: Eyewitness testimony was unreliable, described someone else.
    • DNA: No DNA from my client was found at the scene.

• Step 2: The Final High-Scoring Email
  
  For this prompt, we will group the Alibi and Motive together, and the Witness and DNA evidence together.
  
  Dear Judge,
  
  I am writing to summarize the key evidence that supports the acquittal of my client, Mr. John Anderson.
  
  Firstly, the evidence demonstrates a clear lack of opportunity and motive. On the night of the incident, Mr. Anderson has a verified alibi, as he was attending a business conference in a different city, for which we have provided travel and hotel receipts. Furthermore, the prosecution has failed to establish any credible motive, either financial or personal, that would link him to this case.
  
  Secondly, the physical and testimonial evidence presented does not implicate my client. The primary eyewitness testimony has been shown to be unreliable, with the description provided not matching Mr. Anderson. Most critically, the forensic analysis of the crime scene found no DNA evidence, such as hair or fingerprints, belonging to my client.
  
  Given this compelling evidence, it is clear that the case against my client is unsubstantiated.
  
  Yours sincerely,
  
  [Your Name], Defense Counsel

How to Practice for PTE Core Write Email

• Focus on the Process: When you first start practicing on our PTE Core Write Email page, don’t worry about the timer. Just focus on following the template and making sure you address all three bullet points clearly.
  
• Build Your Speed: Once you are comfortable with the structure, start using the 9-minute timer. This is the only way to get used to the speed required.
  
• Simulate the Exam: The best way to prepare for test day is to practice under real conditions. A PTE Core Writing Sectional Mock Test will test your ability to handle this task quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions About PTE Core Write Email

Q1. Do I need to write a subject line for the email?

No. The test interface does not have a field for a subject line. You should start your response directly with the greeting (e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam,”).

Q2. What happens if I write less than 100 words?

Your score will be heavily penalized if you do not meet the minimum word count of 100 words. It is a critical requirement of the task.

Q3. Can I use a fake name and details in the email?

Yes, absolutely. You can use your own name or a generic name. You can also invent any necessary details, like order numbers or dates, to make your email sound realistic.