PTE Writing tasks

The tasks

Task	Course	Time	Words
Summarize Written Text	Academic	10 min	one sentence, 5–75 words
Summarize Written Text	Core	10 min	25–50 words
Write Essay	Academic	20 min	200–300 words
Write Email	Core	9 min	50–120 words

Writing your answer

• The word count updates under the box. The app also shows the range to aim for.
• The answer box has Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo and Redo buttons. Copy and paste from outside the box is turned off, as in the exam.
• The timer counts down. When it reaches zero you'll see Time's up and the answer can't be submitted, so submit before it ends.
• Click Submit (web) or Submit for marking (app). If your word count is outside the range, the app asks you to confirm before sending.

Your writing report

• Overview: your overall score for the task
• Category Feedback: Content, Form, Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling and more, each with Strengths and Areas for Improvement
• Question Answer: the prompt next to your answer

The Zero Rule

If Content or Form scores 0 (for example a summary that isn't one sentence, or an essay far outside the word range), every other trait also scores 0. The report explains Why your score is 0.

Tips

• Summarize Written Text (Academic): one complex sentence joining the main ideas with and, while or which. Check there is only one full stop.
• Essay: 4 paragraphs, about 250 words. Leave 2 minutes to check spelling.
• Write Email: match the tone to who you're writing to, and cover every point in the task.