Writing Tips & Strategies (Help After Practice)
Finished a writing task? Good. Now let's make sure you're not leaving easy marks on the table. We've seen thousands of PTE essays. Most students make the same avoidable mistakes. Here's how to fix them.
The Two Writing Question Types
PTE Writing has just two question types, but they work very differently. Understanding what each one is actually testing helps you focus your practice where it matters.
1. Summarize Written Text (SWT) – 1-2 questions
You read a passage (usually 200-300 words) and summarize it in one single sentence. Yes, just one. You have 10 minutes, and your answer must be between 5-75 words.
What most students get wrong:
- Writing multiple sentences (instant zero for Form)
- Exceeding 75 words or falling under 5 (also zero for Form)
- Copying chunks directly from the passage
- Missing the main point while including minor details
The structure that works:
Build a complex sentence using connectors like "while," "and," "which," or semicolons. Aim for 45-60 words – this gives you room to include key points without risking the word limit.
Example structure: "[Main topic] involves [key point 1], and [key point 2], while [contrast or additional point], which [conclusion or implication]."
Pro tip: Read the passage once for general understanding, then skim again to identify 3-4 main ideas. Your summary should cover these without getting lost in examples or evidence.
2. Write Essay – 1-2 questions
You get a topic (often phrased as a question or statement) and 20 minutes to write a 200-300 word essay. This is where your Writing score is largely decided.
What the AI is looking for:
- Content: Did you address the actual question? Did you include supporting examples?
- Development: Is your argument logical and organized?
- Form: Word count (200-300), paragraphing, structure
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Sentence variety, accurate usage, appropriate word choice
The structure we recommend:
- Introduction (2-3 sentences): Restate the topic and state your position
- Body 1 (4-5 sentences): First argument with a specific example
- Body 2 (4-5 sentences): Second argument with a specific example
- Conclusion (2 sentences): Summarize your view, no new information
⚠️ Template Detection Warning (2025): PTE now uses AI to detect memorized templates. If your essay sounds like hundreds of others, you WILL be penalized. Generic phrases like "In today's modern world..." or "In conclusion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks" are red flags. Write naturally for your specific topic.
How Writing is Actually Scored
Here's what catches people off guard: your Writing responses also contribute to Reading scores (through vocabulary and grammar assessment). It's all connected.
For SWT, you're scored on:
- Content (2 points): Did you capture the main ideas? Not every detail, but the core message.
- Form (1 point): Is it one sentence? Is it 5-75 words? Miss either, and you get zero for Form AND Content.
- Grammar (2 points): Correct sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, tense consistency.
- Vocabulary (2 points): Appropriate word choice, paraphrasing rather than copying.
For Essays, the scoring goes deeper:
- Content (3 points): Relevance to the topic, addressing all parts of the question.
- Development, Structure & Coherence (2 points): Logical flow, clear paragraphing, transitions.
- Form (2 points): Word count, essay structure.
- Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling (2 points each): Accuracy and range.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Score
Based on what we see from students every day:
- Going off-topic: Actually read the question. "Discuss advantages and disadvantages" requires both sides. "Do you agree?" wants your opinion.
- Weak examples: "For example, many people..." is vague. "For instance, Australia's carbon tax reduced emissions by 7% in its first year" is specific and convincing.
- Word count anxiety: 200 words is the minimum. Under 200 = penalty. Over 300 = no extra credit, just more chance of errors.
- Rushing the conclusion: Don't introduce new ideas in your conclusion. Don't skip it either. Two sentences restating your position is enough.
- Ignoring the clock: Spend 2 minutes planning, 15 writing, 3 reviewing. Most people skip the review – that's where typos become score killers.
What Actually Helps Your Score
From our experience coaching students to 79+:
- Vary your sentence length: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer complex ones. "Technology has transformed education" followed by detailed analysis works better than all complex sentences.
- Use specific vocabulary: Instead of "good," try "beneficial," "advantageous," or "constructive" – whichever fits your context naturally.
- Connect ideas explicitly: "Furthermore," "However," "As a result," – these help the AI see your logical structure.
- Proofread for obvious errors: Spelling mistakes are free to fix if you leave time. Subject-verb agreement errors are common under pressure.
What to Practice Next
Go back to the mock tests above and try an essay. This time, focus on one specific thing – maybe it's hitting exactly 250 words, or writing a stronger introduction, or using more specific examples. Trying to improve everything at once doesn't work.
