The PTE is considered one of the most popular English proficiency tests among students and working professionals who aim to pursue higher education or job opportunities in foreign lands. The Writing section, amongst others, retains the most pivotal status—a section that examines your ability to write concisely, clearly, and coherently. The PTE writing task comprises different tasks, including summarizing written text, essay writing, summarizing spoken text, writing from dictation, and writing an email.
In this blog, we will look at practical ways of addressing each of the PTE Writing tasks and how you can maximize your overall score. Knowing the pattern of scoring and how each task is scored will distinctly give you an advantage and also provide you with an opportunity to concentrate on areas where the score can be improved.
Summarize Written Text Task Overview:
In this question type, you have to summarize a paragraph into one sentence, ranging between 5 and 75 words. The aim is to capture the main idea without grammatical errors.
Scoring:
This PTE writing task is scored based on four factors: Content, Form, Grammar, and Vocabulary.
- Content: Various things are checked in content, like it must address the topic, and if the summary is misrepresented, then you will not get any credit.
- Form: The requirement is a one-line summary, so if the words are less than 5 and more than 75, you will not get credit in any of the four factors.
- Grammar: If your sentence is grammatically correct or not on this, you will get credit.
- Vocabulary: You will get the credit if you have used appropriate words and wording.
Strategies:
- Identify the Main Idea: The first step is to read the paragraph carefully and understand the central message. Avoid getting lost in minor details, as it will waste your time.
- Combine Key Points: Use connectors such as “and,” “because,” or “while” to combine essential points into a single, coherent sentence.
- Keep It Simple: Don’t overcomplicate the sentence structure. Clarity is key.
- Stay within the Word Limit: Your sentence should be no more than 75 words. Practice summarizing in fewer words without losing meaning.
How This Helps You Score High: By focusing on the main idea, using connectors, and maintaining grammatical accuracy, you hit all the scoring criteria. Practicing this will allow you to summarize complex ideas quickly and effectively.
Tips for scoring high in Summarize written text.
Essay Writing
In this PTE writing task, you must write a 200-300 word essay on a given topic, often asking for your opinion or evaluation.
Scoring Pattern:
Scoring is done on the following factors: Content, Development, structure & Coherence, Form, General linguistic range, Grammar usage, Vocabulary range, and spelling.
- Content: The essay must address the topic fully. If you are not covering the main topic, then you will not.
- Development, Structure & Coherence: If your content covers all three factors, such as sentence structure, ideas, and the topic, then you will be getting credit accordingly.
- Form: To get credit in this part, stay within the word limit of 200-300 words. If the word is less than or exceeds the word limit, you will not get credit on any of the factors.
- Grammar: Ensure grammatical accuracy, as you will also get credit for this.
- Vocabulary: Use appropriate and varied vocabulary to enhance readability and to get a score in this factor evaluation.
Strategies:
- Create an Outline: Spend 2-3 minutes planning your essay. Decide on the main points you want to discuss and the examples you’ll use to support them.
- Structure Your Essay: Use the following simple structure:
- Introduction: Restate the topic and give a brief overview of your stance.
- Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should cover a specific point. Use examples and explanations to back up your argument.
- Conclusion: Summarize your points and restate your opinion.
- Use Connectors for Flow: Words like “firstly,” “in addition,” “however,” and “in conclusion” help maintain logical progression and coherence.
- Focus on Vocabulary: Use a mix of formal and academic words, but don’t overuse difficult words. Simplicity and clarity are more effective.
How This Helps You Score High: A well-structured essay that clearly expresses your thoughts uses relevant examples, and employs proper grammar will score highly. Following the structure ensures that your essay flows logically, and keeping within the word count ensures you don’t lose points on form.
Summarize Spoken Text
In this task, you’ll listen to a recording and summarize it in 50-70 words. This evaluates your listening and summarization skills. In this PTE writing task, you have to be extra careful because your listening and writing skills are evaluated.
Scoring Pattern:
- Content: Your summary should capture the essence of the recording.
- Form: The summary must be between 50-70 words.
- Grammar: Ensure grammatical accuracy.
- Vocabulary: Use appropriate vocabulary to convey the message clearly.
Strategies:
- Take Notes While Listening: Write down key points, keywords, and ideas while listening to the recording. These will help you organize your summary afterward.
- Use a Clear Structure: Start with the main topic, followed by the key points.
- Don’t Include Minor Details: Focus on the central message and important points. Minor details can be omitted.
How This Helps You Score High: Good note-taking and summarizing skills ensure you hit the key points, stay within the word limit, and maintain clarity. This method ensures that your summary is concise, accurate, and grammatically correct.
Write from Dictation
In this task, you’ll hear a sentence and must write it down exactly as spoken. This task evaluates your listening and writing skills, particularly spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Scoring Pattern:
- Content: The sentence must be transcribed accurately, as you will be scoring on the correct words you used. If your spelling is wrong, you will get partial credit.
Strategies:
- Concentrate on Key Words: Focus on the important words in the sentence. Pay special attention to articles (a, an, the), prepositions (in, on, at), and connectors (and, but).
- Write Quickly but Carefully: When listening, try to transcribe as much as possible and then quickly fill in any missing words.
- Check Spelling and Punctuation: If time permits, double-check the spelling and punctuation after writing.
How This Helps You Score High: Accuracy in this task is critical. By focusing on spelling and punctuation and practicing listening to fast speech, you can ensure that you maximize your score in this relatively straightforward task.
Write an Email
This question of the PTE writing task requires you to write a formal email based on a prompt, generally asking for information or making a request. You are tested on your ability to write formally and clearly.
Scoring Pattern:
Your response will be evaluated based on seven factors: Content, Email convention, Form, Organization, Grammar, vocabulary, and Spelling.
- Content: You will be evaluated on the basis of the prompt. If you have addressed what is in the prompt you will get credit; but if it is not in your response then you will not score on any of the factors.
- Email convention: The convention of the email is evaluated. The format is correct and appropriate according to the prompt being checked.
- Form: You have to respond between 50-120 words; if the word limit is less or more you will not get any marks in form.
- Organization: If your response presents a logical and clear email, then you will score high in this part.
- Grammar: Your grammar is evaluated, and you will get credit on that basis.
- Vocabulary: what words you are using will be evaluated.
- Spelling: Take care of spelling. If you are making mistakes, your scoring will be hampered.
Strategies:
- Clarity: Be direct and concise in your message. Keep your email brief, avoiding unnecessary details.
- Conciseness: Politeness: Use polite language and maintain a professional tone.
- Structure: Follow a clear structure: greeting, introduction, body, closing.
- Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- Relevance: Ensure your email directly addresses the prompt.
- Formal Tone: Use formal language, especially for professional or academic emails.
Elevate Your Email Writing: Tips to score high
How This Helps You Score High: A well-structured, polite email that directly addresses the task ensures a high score. Staying within the formal writing norms and using appropriate language will meet all the scoring criteria.
Practice on Mock Test To Score High in PTE Writing Task
You must practice on a mock test for any question or writing section. It will help you in enhancing your overall speed. You will also know where you are lacking and what your strengths are. You can do question-wise practice on Gurully.
PTE Writing Task sometimes appears trickier, but you can score well with correct strategies. Practice on Gurully’s online platform. You will get real-time exam simulation with full-length mock tests and section-wise tests. You can also practice question-wise on Gurully’s free mobile practice application.
Conclusion:
Maximizing your score in the PTE Writing Task requires a focused approach that includes understanding the scoring criteria, utilizing templates, and practicing regularly. Each task, whether it’s summarizing a text or writing an essay, demands attention to detail, effective structuring, and precise language use. By applying the strategies outlined in this guide.
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