In the PTE Academic exam, writing an essay is the most important question type. Let’s understand the tips and strategies to score high in this question type:
Task overview:
You need to write a 200–to 300-word essay on a given topic within 20 minutes.
Total Marks: 15
Scoring Criteria
The PTE Academic Essay is scored based on the following parameters
Content (3 marks):
- 3: Covers all important points in the prompt.
- 2: Misses one small point.
- 1: Misses an important point or more than one small point.
- 0: Doesn’t answer the prompt properly or includes too much-memorized content.
Form (2 marks):
- 2: The essay is between 200 and 300 words.
- 1: Essay is between 120–199 words or 301–380 words.
- 0: Essay is too short (less than 120 words) or too long (more than 380 words), written in capital letters, or lacks punctuation.
Development, Structure, and Coherence (2 marks):
- 2: The essay is well-organized and easy to follow.
- 1: Some parts are not well structured, and some ideas are not connected clearly.
- 0: The essay contains irrelevant ideas.
Grammar (2 marks):
- 2: Shows strong control over grammar with few or no mistakes.
- 1: Grammar is good, with no mistakes that would confuse the reader.
- 0: Contains many mistakes that make the essay hard to understand.
General Language Range (2 marks):
- 2: Uses a wide range of language and can express ideas clearly.
- 1: Uses enough language to describe ideas and share opinions.
- 0: Uses very basic language and lacks clarity.
Vocabulary (2 marks):
- 2: Uses a good range of words, including some idioms or expressions.
- 1: Uses a good amount of vocabulary for academic topics but may not always be precise.
- 0: Uses very basic vocabulary that doesn’t fit the topic.
Spelling (2 marks):
- 2: All words are spelled correctly.
- 1: One spelling mistake.
- 0: More than one spelling mistake.
Key Strategies for Writing a High-Scoring Essay:
1. Understand the Prompt and Answer It Properly: The first step is to understand the essay topic fully. Your response should not include any irrelevant idea which does not align with essay statement. Read the prompt carefully and think about what the question is asking.
Tip: Make sure your answer directly addresses the prompt and doesn’t include unrelated information.
- Organize Your Essay Clearly: A well-organized essay is easier to understand. Here’s a simple structure to follow:
- Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your main argument or point.
- Body Paragraphs: Present your supporting points, one in each paragraph.
- Conclusion: Summarize your ideas and restate your argument.
Tip: Use words like “First,” “Moreover,” and “In conclusion” to connect your ideas.
2. Support Your Ideas with Examples: To score well for content and development, don’t just share your opinion but you should give examples to back up your points. This shows that you understand the topic.
Tip: Use real-life examples, facts, or surveys to support your ideas. For instance, if you’re writing about the impact of social media, you could give an example of how platforms like Facebook or Instagram connect people.
3. Use Good Grammar and Sentence Structure: Grammar is crucial. Make sure your sentences are clear and correct. Use a mix of simple and complex sentences to show your command over the language.
Tip: Quickly proofread your essay before finishing to fix any grammar mistakes.
4. Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Vocabulary is also important. You should use different words of vocabulary. Don’t repeat the same words over and over.
Tip: Use synonyms and different phrases. For example, instead of always using “important,” try “crucial,” “essential,” or “vital.”
5. Stick to the Word Count You must write 200–300 words: If your essay is too short or too long, you won’t get a good score for form. Aim for around 250 words—this is a good length to make sure you include enough information without writing too much.
Tip: Keep an eye on the word count to make sure your essay is the right length.
Proofread Your Essay: In the last few minutes, read over your essay. Look for any spelling mistakes or missing punctuation. A quick check can help catch small mistakes that might lower your score.
Tip: Focus on spelling and punctuation to make sure everything is correct.
Essay Statement:
The increasing consumption of junk food among children has become a major issue in many societies. Discuss the causes and effects of this trend and give your opinion.
Sample Answer:
The growing consumption of junk food among children is a concerning trend that has significant implications for their health and development. This essay will examine the causes and effects of this issue and argue for the need to address it.
One primary cause of increased junk food consumption among children is the aggressive marketing tactics employed by fast-food companies. Advertisements targeted at young audiences often feature appealing visuals and promotions, making unhealthy foods more attractive. Additionally, busy lifestyles and the convenience of junk food make it a popular choice for parents, who may struggle to prepare nutritious meals for their children. This combination of marketing and convenience has led to children regularly opting for unhealthy food options.
The effects of junk food consumption on children are alarming. A diet rich in sugary, salty, and fatty foods can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other long-term health problems.
Furthermore, such diets can impair children’s cognitive abilities, leading to poor concentration and diminished academic performance. Socially, children may also experience low self-esteem and body image issues due to obesity. Therefore, the consequences of this trend are far-reaching and require urgent attention.
In conclusion, the increasing consumption of junk food among children presents serious health risks. It is essential to address this issue through education, regulation, and support for healthier food options to promote better well-being for future generations.
Do not’s in PTE Essay Writing
- Don’t Ignore the Word Count: Writing too short or too long can affect your score. Stick to the word limit to avoid losing points.
- O: Don’t Overlook the Prompt: Not understanding the question can make your answer off-topic. Read the prompt carefully before you start writing.
- N: Don’t Neglect Structure: An essay without a clear structure is hard to follow. Use an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion for a well-organized essay.
- Don’t Skip Proofreading: Small mistakes can lower your score. Before submitting your response, rectify your spelling and grammatical mistakes.
- Don’t Default to Basic Vocabulary: Using the same simple words can make your essay sound too basic. You should use different words to showcase your language ability.
- O: Don’t Overlook Planning: Starting without a plan can make your essay unclear. Write a few ideas before you start writing to stay focused.
- S: Don’t Struggle with Grammar: Many grammar mistakes can make your essay harder to understand.
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