If you are aiming for a high score in the PTE Writing section, it is essential to follow the right strategies that will help you tackle each task with confidence. Test takers must follow the following strategies to ace the exam.
W: Watch Your Word Count
One of the most common mistakes in the PTE Writing section is ignoring the word count requirements. In these question types like summarizing Written Text or Writing an Essay, it is crucial to write within the specified word limit. If your word count is less or exceeds the word limit, then there will be deduction from the score.
For the Summarize Written Text task, the word limit is between 5 and 75. For Essay Writing, the word limit is between 200 and 300.
R: Read the Prompt Carefully
Take a moment to read the prompt carefully and understand the question before starting writing. Misunderstanding the prompt could lead to a response that misses the mark entirely. Take note of key terms in the question, such as discuss, argue, or compare, as these will guide your response structure and tone.
I: Include a Clear Structure
Structure is key in both tasks. Whether you are summarizing text or writing an essay, clarity, and organization are vital for a high score.
- Introduction: You should briefly introduce your topic or summarize the key point.
- Body: You should break down the main points into clear, focused paragraphs.
- Conclusion: You should summarize all key points in the conclusion without introducing any new ideas.
T: Take Time to Proofread
It is tempting to finish your writing and click submit right away, but do not forget to proofread. Proofreading is important to avoid any grammatical or spelling errors that could reduce marks. Set aside a couple of minutes at the end of the task to review your work and correct mistakes. Even minor errors can affect your score, so don’t skip this step.
I: Improve Your Vocabulary
A rich vocabulary can elevate your writing, but it is important to use words appropriately. Do not use complex words if you don’t know their meaning. You should focus on using a variety of simple but precise words that reflect your command of the language. Use synonyms and different expressions to avoid repetition in writing.
N: Note Down Key Points
Take a few seconds to jot down a quick outline. This can be especially helpful in the essay- writing task. You should organize your ideas properly to write effectively. This helps you to stay focused and ensures that you do not deviate from the topic.
Remember: planning will make your writing process faster and more efficient, especially in a time-pressured environment like the PTE.
G: Grammatical Accuracy Matters
Correct grammar and punctuation are non-negotiable in the PTE Writing section. Poor grammar can lower your score significantly. You should pay attention to the following:
- Sentence structure: You should make sure your sentences are well-formed.
- Subject-verb agreement: You should ensure consistency throughout your writing.
- Punctuation: You should Properly use commas, periods, and other punctuation marks to help clarify your meaning.
Overusing backspace is a waste of time
In the PTE exam, rectifying your typing mistakes is a good strategy, but the overuse of backspace can be a waste of time. You should think before you type, stay focused on your response, and resist the urge to constantly correct yourself while writing. If you catch a mistake later, make sure to correct it quickly, but do not let it slow you down.
Here are the Secret tips you need to Know!
Apart from the Writing section, some other question types significantly boost your score in the writing section.
- Write from Dictation (Listening): In this task, you will listen to an audio and write a sentence. You should focus on spelling and grammar to ensure your response is both accurate and clear.
- Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing): Context and grammar are important in this question type. Select the word that fits both logically and grammatically. You should pay attention to the surrounding words to help you make the best choice.
- Fill in the Blanks (Listening): In this task, there will be a paragraph with empty blanks, you have to type the word exactly as you hear it. You should listen to the audio carefully and double-check spelling when you’re typing in your answers.
- Summarize Spoken Text: In this task, You will listen to an audio and you have to summarize the audio between 50 and 70 words. You should focus on jotting down the points properly and pay attention to your spelling and grammatical mistakes.
Start your PTE exam preparation with Sumlingo’s PTE Practice Test and achieve your desired score.