PTE Core Write Email: Structure, Tone and Useful Phrases
How to handle PTE Core Write Email in 9 minutes: reading the scenario, choosing a tone, a simple structure, word count guidance and phrases for each register.
Write Email is the extended writing task in PTE Core, used in place of the essay you find in PTE Academic. It tests practical English: can you write a clear, well-organised email that achieves its purpose in a tone that suits the reader? The task is very learnable with a consistent method.
Write Email is assessed on traits such as content (covering the points), form (length within the expected range), organisation, email conventions, and the quality of your grammar, vocabulary and spelling. The exact scoring details are published in Pearson's official PTE Core score guide. Two practical points follow from this:
PTE Academic and PTE Core share a 10–90 scale but differ in purpose, content and tasks. Compare them side by side and find out which one your goal requires.
Put it into practice
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Point 2 and point 3 (one or two sentences each, with a detail)
Closing line and sign-off
Example (semi-formal, about 100 words):
Dear Ms Novak,
My name is Luis Ferreira, and I joined Riverside Sports Club last week. I am writing to find out more about the activities you offer.
I am particularly interested in the weekend badminton sessions and the beginner swimming classes, as I would like to improve my fitness and meet new people in the area.
Could you please let me know when these activities take place and whether there are any additional costs, such as equipment hire or court fees?
Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards, Luis Ferreira
Each bullet point has its own sentence or two, and each includes a small, realistic detail.
I am writing regarding my order of a desk lamp, which arrived on 3 June with a cracked base. I have attached a photo of the damage for your reference.
I would be grateful if you could arrange a replacement or a full refund. Please also let me know whether I need to return the damaged item, and if so, how.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully, Priya Nair
Semi-formal (to a manager):
Hi Mark,
I'm writing to ask whether I could take Friday 14 July off. My sister is getting married that weekend, and I need to travel on Friday morning.
I have already finished the monthly report, and Julia has agreed to cover my calls. I can also check emails briefly that afternoon if anything urgent comes up.
Please let me know if this works for you.
Best regards, Omar
Informal (to a friend):
Hi Chen,
Thanks so much for inviting me to your housewarming on Saturday! I'd love to come, but I'll be a bit late because I'm working until six.
Can I bring anything? I could make my lemon cake, or pick up some drinks on the way. Also, is there parking near your new place, or should I take the bus?
See you soon, Ana
Notice how each one changes more than the greeting: sentence length, contractions and even the way requests are phrased all shift with the reader.
The scenario is unfamiliar. You may be asked to write about something you have never done, such as complaining to a building manager or organising a work event. Invent realistic, simple details. Nobody checks whether your email is true; the task is about communicating clearly.
The points overlap. If two bullet points seem similar, cover each with its own sentence so the reader can see both are addressed.
You are unsure of the tone. Think about the relationship. When in doubt between formal and semi-formal, polite semi-formal language is rarely wrong for a manager, teacher or organiser.
You are running out of time. Prioritise covering every point in short sentences over polishing one paragraph. A complete, simple email scores better than an elegant, unfinished one.
Write one email a day for two weeks, rotating through formal, semi-formal and informal scenarios and different purposes: complaint, request, apology, invitation and giving information. Time each one strictly at 9 minutes.
Write Email also feeds your Writing score, which often decides your CLB level for Canadian immigration. See PTE Core scores to CLB for the thresholds.
EnglishHub's PTE Core simulator includes Write Email in the real format across 50 full mock tests and 200 practice sets, with AI feedback on your writing. The first mock is free: start a PTE Core mock, or practise on the PTE Core hub.
EnglishHub is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson. Always check the official PTE website for current task instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have for PTE Core Write Email?
You have 9 minutes for each Write Email task. A test includes two or three of them in the Speaking and Writing part.
How many words should a PTE Core email be?
Aim for roughly 80 to 120 words. Pearson's score guide gives full credit for form within a wider range, but very short or very long emails lose points, and 80–120 words is a comfortable target in 9 minutes.
Do I need a subject line in PTE Core Write Email?
Follow the on-screen instructions. The key requirements are an appropriate greeting, content that covers every point in the prompt, a suitable tone and a sign-off.
Is Write Email formal or informal?
It depends on the scenario. Writing to a company or a manager usually needs a formal or semi-formal tone; writing to a friend or family member can be informal. The prompt tells you who you are writing to.
How PTE Core scores convert to CLB levels for Canadian immigration, skill by skill, with the full conversion table and tips for reaching CLB 7, 8 or 9.
