PTE core – Write Email

Read the text. Then write an email in response.

How to answer “Write Email” question:

For this question type, you need to write an email containing between 80 and 120 words in response to a prompt.

You have 9 minutes to write the email.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. There are also cut, copy, and paste buttons, which you may use to use while constructing your response.

Test tips:

Analyze the task:

Before you write anything, note key words in the prompt. Find out who the email needs to be addressed to, what the purpose of writing the email is, and what details need to be included in your email. The details you include should be relevant to the three bullet points in the prompt.

How this question is scored

Your response is judged on your ability to write an appropriate email on a given topic. Your score is based on seven factors:

Content: Does your response address the topic?

Content is scored by determining if all aspects of the email prompt have been addressed adequately and appropriately in your response. The appropriateness of the details used to support used to support the purpose of your email is also scored. If your email does not address the prompt, you will not receive any score points for your response on any of the seven factors. Your response will be scored zero. The best responses directly address the requirements of the email prompt and provide information that covers all three bullet points.

Email conventions: Does your response use appropriate email conventions?

Email conventions are scored by examining whether they are apparent, appropriate, and have been used correctly in keeping with the format of the task. Your response should include a salutation, an introduction, a conclusion and a farewell.

Form: Does your response meet the length requirement of between 50-120 words?

Form is scored by counting the number of words in your response. You will receive full credit if your email is between 50 and 120 words. If your response is under or over the required length, then there will be a penalty to the score given for Form. If your response is significantly under or over the required length, then you will not received any marks for Form.

Organization: Is your response clear and easy to follow?

Organization is scored by examining if your ideas are presented logically and are clearly organized in your response. Transitions should be used where appropriate to guide the reader of the email through the response. Themes and their related ideas should be organised together, and clearly linked to the overall purpose of the email.

Grammar usage and mechanics: Does your response demonstrate correct grammatical usage and consistent control of standard written English?

Grammar usage and mechanics are scored by examining sentence structure, punctuation, and capitalization. The best responses contain high proportions of grammatically correct complex sentences that clearly communicate the intended meaning.

Vocabulary range: Does your response demonstrate command of a broad vocabulary range?

Vocabulary range is scored according to the variety of words in your response and their appropriateness to the context of the given situation.

Spelling: Does your response demonstrate correct and consistent use of a single spelling convention?

PTE Core recognizes English spelling conventions from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. However, one spelling convention should be used consistently in a given response.

Please note:

• Partial credit scoring applies to Write Email. No credit is given for no response or an irrelevant response.
• Your listening and speaking skills are not tested by this question type, and your reading skills are only used to read the instructions and the prompt.

Source: https://pearsonpte.com