PTE Academic · Writing · W2
PTE Academic Writing: Write Essay
Write Essay gives you a prompt of two or three sentences on an academic or social topic, and 20 minutes to write an argumentative essay of 200 to 300 words. It is the last task in PTE Academic Part 1, appears once per test, and contributes to your Writing score.
- Items per test
- 1
- Prompt
- 2–3 sentences
- Time
- 20 minutes
- Length
- 200–300 words
- Scores
- Writing
How it works
- 1The prompt appears above a plain text box with a word count.
- 2A 20-minute timer starts for the essay alone.
- 3You plan, write and check within the time.
- 4Your text is submitted when you move on or when the time ends.
Sample task
Original sample · not from an official test
Some universities now require every student to complete a work placement before graduating. Others believe this takes time away from academic study. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
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Outline: Outline: (1) Introduction: placements are increasingly common; I support them if they are well organised. (2) Benefits: practical skills, clearer career choices, contacts. (3) Concerns: shorter study time, uneven placement quality. (4) Own view: required placements work best when universities vet employers and give credit. (5) Conclusion restating the position.
The outline answers every part of the prompt: both views and a personal opinion. Five short paragraphs of about 50 words each land comfortably inside 200–300 words.
Tips that work
- Spend two or three minutes planning. Decide your position and two reasons before typing the first sentence.
- Answer every part of the prompt. If it says 'discuss both views', give each a paragraph before your own view.
- Keep one idea per paragraph, and start each paragraph with a sentence that states that idea.
- Leave three minutes to proofread for spelling, subject–verb agreement and missing articles.
Common mistakes
- Writing well past 300 words, which leaves no time to check and can affect form.
- Using a memorised introduction that barely mentions the actual topic.
- Stating an opinion without any supporting reason or example.
Questions candidates ask
What happens if I write fewer than 200 words?
Length is one of the form requirements, so falling outside 200–300 words can cost marks. Aim for about 250.
Does spelling count?
Yes. Spelling is one of the enabling skills PTE assesses in written answers, so proofreading time matters.
Can I get my practice essays marked?
EnglishHub gives AI feedback on practice essays covering content, structure and language. Treat it as practice guidance, not an official score.
Other PTE Academic Writing tasks
PTE Academic overviewPTE Academic Writing: all partsPTE Academic full mock testsPTE Academic articles on the blog