Writing · Question type
PTE Write Email
Write Email is a core PTE Core writing task that requires you to draft an effective, purposeful email (around 100 words) based on a workplace or everyday prompt.
What it is
What you actually do.
You are given a realistic situational scenario (such as requesting schedule changes, apologizing to a client, or organizing an event with a team member).
You type your response directly into the on-screen box, structuring it with an appropriate greeting, clearly addressing every bullet point in the prompt, and ending with a suitable sign-off.
This task replaces Write Essay in PTE Core, focusing on functional, pragmatic English communication rather than academic argumentative writing.
How it’s scored
What the computer marks.
Assessed on content relevance, email conventions, organization, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
Official trait names and scoring weights are defined by Pearson for PTE Core.
How to do it well
The moves that hold up.
Under the clock, these are the habits that keep you calm and on task.
Identify the audience immediately to select the right tone (formal for a manager or authority, semi-formal or informal for peers).
Address each prompt requirement systematically, dedicating a sentence or short paragraph to each bullet point.
State your purpose in the very first sentence after the greeting (e.g. 'I am writing to inquire about...').
Use standard, polished email conventions (salutation, paragraph breaks, closing formula).
Keep vocabulary natural and accurate rather than over-complicating phrasing.
Leave 60–90 seconds to review for typos, punctuation, capitalization, and total word count.
Common mistakes
What costs marks.
Most people lose points the same way. Know these before test day.
Skipping one of the bullet points or sub-questions in the prompt.
Using an overly informal or slangy tone with a professional contact.
Writing a single unformatted wall of text without greeting, paragraphs, or sign-off.
Writing under 80 words or exceeding 130 words, risking length penalties.
Spending too long deliberating before writing the opening sentence.
How to practice
Make it automatic.
Volume under exam conditions is what moves the score. Do this, not more reading.
Practice drafting 100-word emails in under 7 minutes to master test-day pacing.
Build a quick reference bank of formal and semi-formal opening and closing lines.
Use Wobzzy's free drills to practice under timed conditions with real keyboard inputs.
Keep going
Related tasks.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Write Email is exclusive to PTE Core. PTE Academic uses Write Essay instead.
Practice Write Email free
Unlimited drills with real exam timing. AI scoring is optional when you want feedback.