PTE

Master PTE writing: Proven techniques to score high on the essay

By Edvoy• Last updated: Jun 9, 2023
Master PTE writing: Proven techniques to score high on the essay
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Writing an essay for the PTE can be challenging, especially for those new to taking this exam. Fortunately, there are proven techniques that can help you score high on your essay. With the right strategies and tips, you can hone your writing skills to produce an essay that will impress the examiners.

This guide will provide you with key tips and strategies that will improve your written communication skills and prepare you to succeed in the exam.

PTE writing section

The PTE writing section tests your ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written English. It consists of two parts: an essay and a set of multiple-choice questions.

In the essay task, you are given an opinion or point of view and asked to explain your standpoint. You must provide evidence and examples to support your argument while clearly expressing your thoughts in cohesive sentences. The length of the essay should be between 200 – 300 words.

In the multiple-choice task, you are asked to select the correct word or phrase from a list of options. Questions may require filling in the blanks, reordering paragraphs, and completing sentences. The questions in this section are designed to test your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary.

For both tasks, you will be scored on the accuracy of your grammar and spelling, the effectiveness of your written communication, the development and organization of your ideas, and your ability to express your opinion. You will also be assessed on how well you adhere to the word limit and the relevance of your content to the task.

Also Read: List of PTE acceptable countries

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Proven techniques to score high on the essay

Scoring high on the essay is an achievable goal with proper preparation and hard work. Here are some proven techniques to help you get the best score on your essay:

1. Read the prompt carefully

Before you start writing your essay, it is important to read and re-read the prompt carefully. This will ensure that you understand exactly what is being asked of you so that your response meets all the criteria required by the question or topic. So, take the time to read the prompt multiple times, noting any keywords and key points.

Consider how your answer should be structured and organized to fulfil the requirements in the prompt. Make notes as you go along so that you can refer back to them while writing your essay.

2. Brainstorm ideas

After reading the prompt and understanding the task, it is time to brainstorm ideas and generate potential solutions based on the prompt. Take a piece of paper and write down any ideas and thoughts that come to mind. Think about the main topic, any relevant sub-topics, and any personal experiences that may be related. Consider what your response should include in terms of facts, figures, and evidence to help support your points.

Writing down your ideas will help you to narrow down your focus and develop a plan for the essay. This will help ensure a well-structured and organized piece of writing. Once you have a plan, you can begin to structure your essay and begin writing.

3. Create an outline

Creating an outline helps to organize your thoughts and ideas for the essay in a structured and logical manner. It should include your main points, arguments, and supporting evidence. It should also include the introduction and conclusion of your essay.

When creating an outline, start with the introduction to provide a brief overview of the essay. Next, develop an outline for each of your main points accompanied by evidence to support it. This could include research, quotes, or personal experiences. Finally, end the outline with the conclusion to summarize the main points and provide a final thought on the topic.

4. Write a draft

After finishing your outline, it’s important to take some time to flesh out your essay. This involves writing a rough draft and refining it until you have something that conveys your message in the best possible way. When drafting, include strong evidence to support your points and avoid using too many cliches or jargon, as these can detract from your work.

While writing the draft, keep the structure and flow of the essay in mind. Ensure each sentence is connected to the next sentence, and make sure it flows logically. It is also important to include all the points and evidence from the outline.

5. Support your points with evidence

Every point you make in an essay should be supported by evidence from reliable sources. This could include statistics, quotes, or examples from other sources. This will help to ensure that your arguments are convincing and can stand up to scrutiny.

When researching, finding reputable sources relevant to the topic is important. Additionally, when citing sources, make sure to use the proper citation format. This shows that you have put in the effort to research your essay and that your points are backed up by evidence. Failing to provide evidence can weaken your argument and result in a lower score.

Preparing to study abroad?
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6. Use Appropriate Language

It's important to use the right language in your essay to communicate your message effectively. So, ensure the language you use is appropriate for the audience and conveys your message clearly. Using appropriate language when writing essays can help you score higher marks on exams and give readers a better understanding of your arguments and opinions.

For example, avoid slang or colloquial expressions if you’re writing a formal essay. Instead, choose words and phrases that convey a sense of formality and sophistication. Also, avoid using overly complicated language, as this can make your essay difficult to read. Finally, use active rather than passive voice to make your essay more concise and clear.

7. Use a variety of sentence structures

When writing an essay, it’s important to vary your sentence structure to keep your reader engaged. Using sentences of different lengths and styles can add depth and complexity to your essay. So, try using different types of sentences, such as compound-complex, simple, and compound sentences, for more depth and clarity.

Writing an essay that is filled with long, complex sentences will be difficult to understand and can make the ideas seem scattered. Instead, using a variety of sentence structures, such as short, simple sentences, longer compound-complex sentences, and questions, will create a more readable and compelling essay.

8. Edit and Proofread

Once you have completed writing your essay, it is important to take the time to edit it carefully. Editing involves looking at the essay as a whole and making sure it is clear and concise. It allows you to evaluate how effectively you have conveyed your ideas as well as identify any areas where improvement may be needed.

After you have made any necessary edits, it is important to proofread your paper carefully. It involves looking for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes and correcting them. This will help ensure that the essay is as error-free as possible and is of the highest quality.

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Conclusion

By following the techniques above, you can become a PTE writing master in no time and can effectively increase your chances of success. Remember to remain focused throughout the entire process and always take your time when crafting an essay, as this will surely pay off in the end.

Frequently asked questions

What does the PTE writing section test?

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) writing section tests your ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written English. It consists of an essay and a set of multiple-choice questions. 

How to create an outline for the essay?

When creating an outline, start with the introduction to provide a brief overview of the essay. Next, develop an outline for each of your main points accompanied by evidence to support it. Finally, end the outline with the conclusion to summarize the main points and provide a final thought on the topic.

Why is it important to edit and proofread your essay before submitting it?

Editing helps to evaluate how effectively you have conveyed your ideas and identify any areas where improvement may be needed, while proofreading helps to ensure that the essay is as error-free as possible and that it is of the highest quality.

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