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PTE Core Write Email: format, template and scoring

Write Email is the writing task that sets PTE Core apart from PTE Academic. Instead of an essay, you write a short email based on a prompt. It uses partial credit scoring, so covering every point clearly is what earns marks.

By the PTEfy coaching team

What is the Write Email task in PTE Core?

You are given a situation and a few points to include, and you write an email that responds to it. The task rewards clear organisation, correct grammar and spelling, the right tone, and covering all the points in the prompt. Partial credit applies, so each point you handle well adds to your score, while an off-topic email earns nothing.

What is a good PTE Core email template?

  • Greeting: open with a suitable greeting for the reader.
  • Purpose: state why you are writing in the first line.
  • Body: cover each point from the prompt clearly, one idea at a time.
  • Close: a polite closing line and a sign-off.

Match the tone to the reader. A message to a manager is more formal than one to a friend, and the scorer notices whether your tone fits.

Cover every pointBecause scoring is partial, the fastest way to lose marks is to miss a point from the prompt. Check the prompt again before you finish and make sure each item is addressed.

How is PTE Core Write Email scored?

Grammar and spelling feed your Writing score, so leave a moment to check for small errors. If Writing is the skill capping your CLB, this task and Summarize Written Text are the two to master. See what score you need in the PTE Core CLB chart.

PTE Core Write Email: frequently asked questions

Is there an essay in PTE Core?

No. PTE Core replaces the academic essay with Write Email, where you write a short email based on a prompt.

How is Write Email scored?

It uses partial credit, rewarding organisation, grammar, spelling, tone, and covering every point in the prompt, so an off-topic email scores nothing.

What is a good PTE Core email template?

Open with a greeting, state your purpose, cover each point from the prompt clearly, then close politely with a sign-off.

Does tone matter in Write Email?

Yes. Match the tone to the reader, since a message to a manager is more formal than one to a friend, and the scorer notices.

What is the fastest way to lose marks in Write Email?

Missing a point from the prompt, so check the prompt again before you finish and make sure each item is addressed.

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Keep reading: Summarize Written Text · Respond to a Situation · Reach CLB 9 Writing