The essay writing task is an integral part of the PTE Academic exam, where you must express your thoughts clearly and logically. Many students find this section challenging because it requires good grammar, strong vocabulary, and the ability to organize ideas effectively. However, with the right approach and practice, you can master it! In this blog, we will explore some of the most repetitive PTE essay topics and how to write from those topics.
Categories of PTE Essay Topics:
Agree or Disagree Essays
In this type of essay, candidates are presented with a statement and asked whether they agree or disagree with it. You need to take a clear stance and support your opinion with relevant examples and reasoning.
Example Topic:
“Technology is making people less social. Do you agree or disagree?”
Approach:
- Clearly state whether you agree or disagree in the introduction.
- Provide two or three strong points to support your stance.
- Use real-life examples or data to justify your argument.
- Conclude by summarizing your viewpoint and reinforcing your stance.
Advantage & Disadvantage Essays
These essays require you to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of a given topic. The key is to present a balanced view while ensuring clarity in your argument.
Example Topic:
“The rise of remote work: What are its advantages and disadvantages?”
Approach:
- Introduce the topic and state that you will discuss both aspects.
- Dedicate one paragraph to advantages (e.g., flexibility, cost savings).
- Dedicate another paragraph to disadvantages (e.g., isolation, reduced team collaboration).
- Summarize your points and state your overall opinion if required.
Problem-Solution Essays
These essays present a problem and ask candidates to propose possible solutions. Your answer should clearly outline the issue and provide feasible ways to resolve it.
Example Topic:
“Many cities are facing increased air pollution. What are the causes and possible solutions?”
Approach:
- Introduce the problem and explain why it is important.
- Discuss the main causes of the issue.
- Present practical solutions that governments or individuals can implement.
- Conclude by summarizing your ideas and emphasizing the best solution.
Discuss Both Sides/Views Essays
This essay type requires you to objectively examine two opposing viewpoints and then provide your own perspective. A balanced discussion is essential.
Example Topic:
“Some people believe that traditional books are better than e-books. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Approach:
- Introduce the topic and mention both perspectives.
- Write one paragraph supporting one viewpoint (e.g., benefits of traditional books).
- Write another paragraph supporting the opposing view (e.g., advantages of e-books).
- Conclude by summarizing both sides and clearly stating your opinion.
Two-Part Question Essays
These essays consist of two distinct questions that must both be addressed. Candidates must answer each part thoroughly while maintaining coherence.
Example Topic:
“Many people prefer to study abroad. Why do they choose this? What are the benefits for their home country?”
Approach:
- Clearly introduce the topic and state that you will answer both questions.
- Dedicate one paragraph to answering the first question.
- Dedicate another paragraph to answering the second question.
- Conclude by summarizing the key points and giving a final thought.
PTE Essay Topics:
Education
- Importance of online education vs. traditional education.
- Should schools focus more on academic subjects or extracurricular activities?
- The impact of technology on modern education.
- Is homework beneficial for students?
- The role of discipline in student success.
How to Write:
- Start with an introduction discussing the significance of education in society.
- Present a clear thesis statement that outlines your stance.
- Use examples from real-world educational systems to support arguments.
- Maintain a formal tone and use academic vocabulary.
- Conclude with a summary and a future outlook on education.
Technology
- Does the internet bring more harm than good?
- Artificial Intelligence: Boon or bane?
- The role of social media in modern communication.
- Should governments regulate the use of personal data?
- The impact of smartphones on human interaction.
How to Write:
- Begin with an engaging hook, such as a statistic or recent technological trend.
- Explain both advantages and disadvantages of technology.
- Support claims with real-world applications and case studies.
- Use logical progression to connect ideas cohesively.
- Offer a balanced perspective before concluding with a possible future scenario.
Environment
- Climate change: Causes and solutions.
- Should plastic be banned globally?
- The effects of deforestation on the planet.
- Is nuclear energy a sustainable alternative?
- The impact of industrialization on biodiversity.
How to Write:
- Begin with alarming statistics or a statement highlighting the urgency of the issue.
- Discuss the root causes and consequences.
- Propose practical solutions and discuss government regulations.
- Use strong evidence from scientific studies or environmental policies.
- Conclude with a call to action.
Health & Lifestyle
- The benefits and drawbacks of a vegetarian diet.
- Should smoking be completely banned?
- The importance of mental health awareness.
- The impact of fast food on public health.
- Should healthcare be free for all?
How to Write:
- Start with an introduction discussing the importance of health in daily life.
- Explain the pros and cons of the topic.
- Support statements with medical research and expert opinions.
- Discuss ethical concerns or policy implications.
- Offer suggestions for healthier lifestyles in the conclusion.
Society & Culture
- The impact of globalization on local cultures.
- Should celebrities be considered role models?
- Is gender equality achievable in today’s world?
- The role of tradition in modern society.
- Should cultural heritage be preserved at any cost?
How to Write:
- Provide historical background or cultural context in the introduction.
- Discuss how societal values evolve over time.
- Compare multiple cultural perspectives with examples.
- Offer a nuanced perspective instead of an absolute stance.
- Summarize key points while suggesting the role of society in shaping culture.
Economy & Development
- Should the government increase taxes on the wealthy?
- The importance of entrepreneurship for economic growth.
- Globalization and its effect on developing nations.
- Is universal basic income a viable solution to poverty?
- The role of small businesses in economic development.
How to Write:
- Use economic theories and real-world data to support arguments.
- Discuss how policies impact different segments of society.
- Compare examples of successful and unsuccessful economic models.
- Address both short-term and long-term implications.
- Offer a realistic policy recommendation in conclusion.
Law & Ethics
- Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
- Is privacy more important than national security?
- Should there be stricter regulations on social media platforms?
- The ethical implications of genetic modification.
- Should companies be held accountable for environmental damage?
How to Write:
- Provide a brief legal or ethical background.
- Discuss key arguments for and against the issue.
- Include landmark cases or legal precedents as examples.
- Consider the ethical dilemmas involved.
- Conclude with a thoughtful resolution or policy recommendation.
Enhance your PTE essay writing skills with Gurully’s online platform, featuring question-specific exercises for targeted practice. Identify your weak areas with section-wise tests and refine your approach. Gurully’s PTE practice platform also offers full-length mock tests with AI scoring, delivering expert-designed practice and real-time exam simulations to help you improve your writing and achieve your desired score.
Conclusion:
Understanding the different types of PTE essay topics and their approaches can significantly improve your writing skills and boost your exam score. Whether it’s an agree-or-disagree essay, a problem-solution discussion, or an analysis of societal issues, practicing these essay structures will help you develop clarity, coherence, and strong arguments. The key is consistent practice, exposure to diverse topics, and mastering time management.