The Write Email task is a PTE Core Writing task that tests your ability to write a clear and appropriate email based on a given situation. You will read a short prompt and write an email that responds to the situation and covers all the required points.
Your email should be clear, organized, polite, and grammatically accurate. You should also use the correct email format, including a greeting, body paragraphs, closing sentence, and sign-off.
Write Email Scoring
According to Pearson's official PTE Core scoring guide, the Write Email task is assessed based on content, email conventions, form, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.
| Criteria | What It Measures | Scoring Range |
|---|---|---|
| Content | How well you address the situation and include the required points | 0 to 3 |
| Email Conventions | Whether your email includes proper greeting, closing, and sign-off | 0 to 2 |
| Form | Whether your response follows the required word count and email format | 0 to 2 |
| Organization | How clearly and logically your ideas are arranged | 0 to 2 |
| Vocabulary | How appropriately you use words and phrases | 0 to 2 |
| Grammar | How accurately you use sentence structure and grammar | 0 to 2 |
| Spelling | How accurately you spell words | 0 to 2 |
Task Format
You should aim for a complete email of around 100 words. This gives you enough space to cover all bullet points without writing too much.
| Part | Format |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | Usually 1–2 questions |
| Time | 9 minutes |
| Word count | 50–120 words |
| Recommended length | Around 90–110 words |
| Task | Write an email based on the situation and bullet points |
A Simple Structure to Use
A strong Write Email response usually follows this structure:
Dear / Hello / Hi [Recipient],
I am writing to [State why you are writing].
[Address the first bullet point.]
[Address the second bullet point.]
[Address the third bullet point and, if possible, end with a polite closing sentence.]
Kind regards / Best regards / Best,
[Name]
Example Question
Let's take this Write Email example and use it throughout the guide.
Read a description of a situation. Then write an email about the situation. You will have 9 minutes. You should write between 50 and 120 words. Write using complete sentences.
You recently ordered a backpack online, but the item you received was the wrong color and one of the zippers was broken. Write an email to customer service. Include the following points:
- Explain what you ordered and what you received.
- Describe the problem with the item.
- Request a replacement or refund.
Step 1: Read the Prompt Carefully
First, understand the situation and identify the three required points.
In this example:
- You ordered a backpack online.
- You received the wrong color.
- One zipper was broken.
- You need to contact customer service.
- You should request a replacement or refund.
The most important rule is to cover all bullet points. If you miss one, your content score may be lower.
Step 2: Choose the Right Tone
Back to the same example, you are writing to customer service, so the tone should be polite and formal or semi-formal.
You should not sound too casual. Compare these two approaches:
I am writing to report an issue with my recent order.
Hey, I think my order is wrong and I want it fixed.
Step 3: Plan the Email Structure
For this example, you can organize the email like this:
- Greeting: Dear Customer Service Team,
- Introduction: Explain why you are writing.
- Paragraph 1: Say what you ordered and what you received.
- Paragraph 2: Describe the problem with the item.
- Paragraph 3: Request a replacement or refund. + Closing: Thank them politely.
- Sign-off: Kind regards, Benjamin Smith
This plan helps you stay organized and makes sure all bullet points are included.
Step 4: Write the Email
Now write a clear email between 50 and 120 words. Aim for around 100 words so your response is complete but not too long.
Use short paragraphs and direct sentences. You do not need to use complicated vocabulary. Accuracy, clarity, and organization are more important.
Model response:
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing to report an issue with my recent online order.
I ordered a black backpack from your website last week, but I received a blue one instead.
In addition, one of the zippers on the front pocket is broken, so the bag cannot be used properly. I was disappointed because I needed the backpack for work and expected it to arrive in good condition.
Could you please arrange a replacement in the correct color or provide a full refund? I would appreciate your help in resolving this issue as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Benjamin Smith
Step 5: Proofread Before Submitting
Use the last one or two minutes to check:
- Did I include all three bullet points?
- Is the email between 50 and 120 words?
- Did I use a greeting and sign-off?
- Is the tone appropriate?
- Are spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization correct?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Missing one of the bullet points
If you do not include all required points, your content score may be reduced.
Address each bullet point clearly in your email. -
Writing too little or too much
A very short email may not fully answer the prompt, while a very long email may go beyond the word limit.
Aim for around 90–110 words. -
Using the wrong tone
An email to a manager, customer service team, or neighbor should not sound the same.
Match your tone to the recipient and situation. -
Forgetting email conventions
Missing a greeting, closing, or sign-off can affect your score.
Always include basic email structure. -
Adding irrelevant information
Extra details that are not connected to the prompt can weaken your response.
Stay focused on the situation and bullet points. -
Using poor organization
If your ideas are not in a logical order, the email may be harder to follow.
Use short paragraphs and connect your ideas clearly. -
Ignoring spelling and capitalization
Mistakes with names, dates, places, or basic words can reduce accuracy.
Proofread carefully before submitting.
Practice more Write Email tasks to improve your ability to organize ideas, cover all required points, and write clear emails within the word limit.
