Did you know? Many PTE test-takers lose valuable marks in the Writing section, not because their English is bad.
If you don’t want to make the same mistakes, this guide by PTE Magic will help you with our thorough instructions, detailed PTE Writing Practice samples, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Let’s dive in!
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PTE Writing Test Format
Summarize Written Text
Test-takers must read a text of up to 300 words and summarise it into a sentence of no more than 75 words. The test gives you 10 minutes to finish this task.
You’ll see a word counter at the bottom of the screen. Additionally, test-takers can use the copy, cut, and paste functions to refine their answers.
Sample: Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. Type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Cities are constantly changing and evolving, driven by the relentless pursuit of wealth and prosperity. However, this pursuit often comes at a steep cost, as the very wealth that fuels urban growth can ultimately lead to its downfall. History has shown time and again that cities rise and fall due to the overexploitation of resources. In their quest for economic gain, cities often extract and consume vast amounts of materials from the surrounding countryside, disrupting the delicate balance between urban centers and their environments. This unchecked exploitation can have devastating consequences, depleting natural resources, polluting air and water, and ultimately undermining the very foundations upon which cities depend. The relationship between cities and the environment is an intricate dance, where the actions of one partner inevitably affect the other. As cities continue to expand and consume resources at an alarming rate, it is imperative that we recognize the interconnectedness of urban and natural systems and strive for a more sustainable approach to development.
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Essay
Candidates have 20 minutes to write an essay of 200 to 300 words in the PTE Writing Essay task. This task also provides a word counter function at the bottom of the screen for easier tracking. Test-takers can use the copy, cut, and paste tools to adjust their writing.
The PTE Writing Essay task evaluates your ability to think critically and how you can organise your ideas into a clear essay. Your goal is to write in a structured and correct way under time pressure.
Sample: You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words.
As cities are expanding, some people claim governments should look forward to creating better networks of public transport available for everyone rather than building more roads for vehicle owning population. What’s your opinion? Give some examples or experience to support.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid in PTE Writing
Ignoring The Word Count
The word count function is part of the PTE Writing test’s requirements. Test-takers must summarise within 5-to-75 words in the PTE Summarise Written Text task and 200 to 300 words in the PTE Write Essay task. You will receive a low score if your writing exceeds this range, as too few words mean a lack of information, while too many indicate poor writing.
Clear writing is the key to success. Candidates can apply templates in the test to structure their responses more effectively.
Misunderstanding The Prompt
Understanding the task requirements is a big step toward completing it. Well-written responses mean nothing if they’re off-topic. Candidates who misunderstand the prompt and discuss irrelevant information will receive low scores.
Therefore, don’t rush to start the task by writing immediately. Slow down and read the prompt properly to identify the key information. Additionally, crafting an outline before you write helps you stay on point and create a structured answer.
Using Overcomplicated Words
Having a strong vocabulary is great, but adding too many complex words to your writing can backfire. Many test-takers think adding advanced words will increase their scores; however, irrelevant word usage or awkward phrasing can drag their scores down.
The solution is to balance simple and advanced language to make your responses both readable and engaging.
Making Grammar Mistakes
A well-written answer shouldn’t have grammar mistakes. Errors in your writing, such as subject-verb agreement, punctuation, or spelling, will make your ideas difficult to understand, thus confusing the scoring system.
Practise frequently to avoid this mistake and improve your writing skills. Learners can apply grammar checker tools to refine their work; however, understanding grammar rules is key.
Lack Of Logic
Writing without a logical structure or supporting ideas tends to receive low clarity scores. Many candidates lack supporting ideas in their answers, making their writing flow unnaturally.
Adding strong examples will give weight to your writing. Supporting information, such as facts, data, and real-life scenarios, makes your opinions sound more convincing and solid.
Poor Time Management
Many test-takers run out of time in the PTE Writing tasks due to spending too long on one question or overthinking a single idea. On the other hand, some candidates rush through their responses continuously without checking for clarity and accuracy. This will cost points and affect their overall performance badly.
Spend the first few minutes outlining ideas before writing. Then, focus on your writing for the rest of the time while leaving a few minutes at the end to review your work. This method helps you ensure quality without panicking over the tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The PTE Writing Format?
The PTE Writing section includes two tasks: Summarize Written Text and Essay. Test-takers will perform both tasks on a computer by typing their response and sending it straight to the system.
The Summarize Written Text task will show a passage on the screen, and your goal is to summarise it into one sentence. The Essay requires candidates to write a 200–300-word response on a given topic.
What Are The Writing Rules For PTE?
There are five rules you can apply in the PTE Writing test. First, remember subject-verb agreement to keep your sentences grammatically correct. Second, articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” help you distinguish between general and particular references.
Additionally, punctuation expresses the rhythm and meaning of sentences. Fourth, sentence structure shows how well your ideas are connected. Finally, don’t use double comparatives such as “more better” or “less easier” because they will decrease the precision of your writing.
Can We Copy And Paste In PTE Writing?
Test-takers can use the cut, copy, and paste functions to refine their responses in the PTE Writing tasks. These tasks also have a word count tool on the screen to help you track your writing length.
How To Improve PTE Writing?
Strong writing must have correct grammar and good structure. Don’t repeat words or ideas in your response; try mixing synonyms, antonyms, and flexible vocabulary to make it sound more natural and fresh. However, adding too many complex words or sentences will backfire. Maintaining balance is key.
How Is PTE Writing Scored?
Seven factors determine your PTE Writing score, each evaluating an aspect of your performance. The most critical criterion is Content, which can give you a maximum of three points. Your writing can be well-structured and have good supporting ideas, but still fail if your Content score is zero.
Conclusion
Success doesn’t happen due to talent alone, but rather a combination of talent and hard work. Taking PTE Writing practice tests regularly is key to pushing your score higher. You’ll achieve your dream goal with steady effort, so keep up the good work!
Last updated on 01/06/2025

My name is Moni, and I am a seasoned PTE teacher with over 6 years of experience. I have helped thousands of students overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. My passion for teaching and dedication to my student’s success drives me to continually improve my teaching methods and provide the best possible support. Join me on this journey toward PTE success!
I am a firm believer that the best teachers educate with their hearts not just their minds.
Moni | PTE MAGIC International Founder
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Tips & Tricks
The PTE Summarize Written Text task requires test-takers to read a text of up to...
Read more →Test-takers have 20 minutes to write an essay of 200–300 words in the PTE Essay...
Read more →The PTE Essay is one of the tasks you will encounter when taking the PTE...
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