PTE Writing Tips: How to Improve Your Writing Score

The PTE Writing section can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to the task of writing an essay. Essay writing has always been something of an art, even for native English speakers, and for many test-takers, it's not immediately clear what the 'right' way to write an essay is.

The most important thing to understand about the PTE Write Essay task is that it needs to be completed in a format tailored to the PTE exam. Adopting the right format allows you to showcase your ability to organize written ideas in a clear, logical, and grammatical way.

With this in mind, we're sharing strategies to help you improve your PTE Write Essay score and build confidence for test day.

PTE Writing Tip #1: Keep It Simple

Long, complicated sentences with excessive punctuation are your enemy. The more complex your sentences, the greater the chance of making grammar and punctuation mistakes. The PTE scoring algorithm values clarity and logic over flashy sentence structures.

Let's look at an example of a convoluted sentence:

Although many people are in support of standardized testing, I disagree with it for a few reasons, and I will talk about these reasons below, including about the fact that it allows students to cheat more easily and stifles creativity in people.

While the ideas are there, the sentence is challenging to follow. Instead, try simplifying it:

Although many people are in support of standardized testing, I am not one of them. In my opinion, standardized testing makes it easier for students to cheat and stifles their creativity. I will discuss these ideas further below.

Clear, logical sentences like these make your essay easier to understand and help you avoid costly grammar mistakes.

PTE Writing Tip #2: Take Time to Plan Your Points

Many test-takers run out of time because they start writing their essay without a clear plan and end up changing their arguments halfway through. This approach wastes valuable time and creates a disorganized essay.

Instead, spend a minute or two jotting down your main points before you start writing. A quick plan will guide your writing and ensure that your essay flows logically from one idea to the next.

At PTE Authority, we recommend breaking the planning process into three simple steps: brainstorm your arguments, decide on a structure, and outline key points for each paragraph. This method takes less than two minutes and can save you from stress during the test.

PTE Writing Tip #3: Use the 'Right' Format

Many test-takers mistakenly believe that a traditional five-paragraph essay format—introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion—is required for the PTE essay. While this structure is common, it's not always the best approach for the PTE, given the 20-minute time limit and 300-word restriction.

Here are two effective essay structures for PTE:

Structure 1: Weigh the Arguments

• Introduction: Introduce the topic.
• Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for the topic.
• Body Paragraph 2: Arguments against the topic.
• Conclusion: Summarize and state which argument you find most convincing.

Structure 2: Choose a Side

• Introduction: Introduce the topic and your stance.
• Body Paragraph 1: Argument 1 in support of your stance.
• Body Paragraph 2: Argument 2 in support of your stance.
• Conclusion: Summarize your arguments and reaffirm your position.

Each paragraph needs only a few sentences to clearly present your ideas. Adopting these formats will help you write essays that are concise, logical, and aligned with PTE scoring criteria.

Bonus Tip: Brush Up on Academic Vocabulary

Strong vocabulary is crucial for a high PTE Writing score. To build your vocabulary, read academic articles, newspapers, novels, and autobiographies. This practice not only expands your word bank but also improves your understanding of how words are used in context.

At PTE Authority, we provide an academic word list and other resources to help you practice vocabulary effectively. By brushing up on your vocabulary, you'll be better equipped to write essays that meet the PTE's high standards.

Remember, the PTE Writing section is not about crafting a literary masterpiece. It's about organizing ideas clearly and logically, using proper grammar and vocabulary. With the right tools and strategies, you can achieve a high score and feel confident in your writing abilities.