This week's sessions
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- The four-paragraph essayRead this week's lesson, then do the practice set below. Write the essay in 20 minutes and compare it with the model answer.
- Write and check an essayRead the topic and the model, then write your own essay in 20 minutes. Paste it into the essay checker and fix every spelling mistake.
- One-sentence summariesDo the practice set below. Before you submit each summary, check: one sentence, one full stop, 5–75 words.
- Summarize Written Text practiceRead the tips and do one more summary. Underline the main idea and two key points before you write.
- Speaking warm-upUse the recorder for one of each speaking task. Check for long pauses, and use your templates for Describe Image and Retell Lecture.
This week's lesson: a clear essay and a one-sentence summary
Writing has the second-highest minimum for Competent English (51). This week you'll learn a simple structure for Write Essay and the rules for Summarize Written Text. At this level, many writing marks are lost by breaking the rules of a task, not by weak English.
Write Essay: the rules
- 20 minutes, 200–300 words.
- Answer the exact question. An essay on a different topic gets very low marks.
- Use one spelling style all the way through.
A four-paragraph plan
1. Introduction (2–3 sentences). Say the topic in your own words, then give your opinion clearly.
Online learning has become common in many schools and universities. In my opinion, its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.
2. Body paragraph 1 (4–5 sentences). One main idea, a reason, an example.
The main advantage of online learning is flexibility. Students can study at any time, so they can fit their studies around work or family. For example, a parent can watch a lecture in the evening after the children are asleep.
3. Body paragraph 2 (4–5 sentences). A second idea, or the other side, with a reason and an example.
4. Conclusion (2 sentences). Repeat your opinion in different words and sum up your main reasons.
Simple linking words
Use a few linking words correctly: In my opinion, The main reason is, For example, In addition, However, As a result, In conclusion. You don't need difficult words. Clear, correct sentences are better than long sentences with many mistakes.
Plan your 20 minutes
- 3 minutes: read the question, choose your opinion, note two ideas with an example each.
- 14 minutes: write the four paragraphs.
- 3 minutes: count your words and check spelling, capital letters and full stops.
Summarize Written Text: one sentence
You read a text of up to about 300 words and write a summary in one sentence of 5 to 75 words. You have 10 minutes.
The most important rule: one sentence, one full stop. Two sentences can mean very low marks.
How to do it:
- Find the main idea. It's often in the first or last sentence of the text.
- Find two or three key supporting points. Ignore small details, names and most numbers.
- Join them with linking words: and, but, because, although, which, so.
Shared offices let people rent a desk with internet and meeting rooms, helping freelancers feel less lonely, but noise and cost mean many people use them only a few days a week.
Aim for 25 to 50 words. That's long enough for the key points and short enough to control.
Common mistakes
- Two sentences, or sentences joined only with commas.
- Copying one long sentence from the text and nothing else.
- Adding your own opinion.
- Spelling mistakes in words that were already in the text. Check them against the text.
The essay checker
After you write an essay, paste it into our free essay checker. It counts your words and highlights spelling, grammar and linking words. Use it to find your mistakes, then rewrite one paragraph.
Practice for this week
The four-paragraph essay
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One-sentence summaries
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Weekly check: PTE writing practice test
All four writing tasks in one timed test. Check the word counts, and look at the trait-by-trait feedback for your weakest area.
When you finish, come back to your plan home: your dashboard updates with the new score.
Answers, explanations and transcripts
Finish the test first, then open each section to check your answers. Every answer has an explanation.
The four-paragraph essay
Model answer: Write Essay (20 minutes)
Some people think it is better to live in a big city, while others prefer to live in a small town. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people enjoy the energy of a big city, while others prefer the quiet life of a small town. Both have clear benefits, but in my opinion a small town is a better place to live for most families.
People who prefer big cities usually talk about opportunities. Cities have more jobs, universities and hospitals, so it is easier to find work and get services. There is also more to do, such as concerts, restaurants and sports events. For example, a young graduate may find that the best jobs in their field are only available in a city.
On the other hand, small towns offer a calmer and often cheaper way of life. Housing usually costs less, so families can afford a bigger home with a garden. Traffic is lighter, so people spend less time travelling and more time with their families. In addition, neighbours often know each other, which makes people feel safe and part of a community.
In conclusion, although big cities offer more jobs and activities, I believe small towns are better for most families. Many people can now work online, so they do not have to live in a city to have a good job, and lower costs, less travel and a strong community can improve their quality of life.
Answer key (4 answers)
| # | Question | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | How many paragraphs should a PTE essay usually have? | Four: introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion | Four paragraphs gives you a clear, simple structure that fits 200–300 words in 20 minutes. |
| 2 | 'Do the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages?' Which sentence gives a clear position in the introduction? | In my opinion, the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages. | Option B answers the question directly. The others don't tell the reader what you think. |
| 3 | What is the best first sentence for a body paragraph? | The main advantage of online learning is that students can study at any time. | Start each body paragraph with its main idea. Then add a reason and an example. |
| 4 | Your essay has 185 words, and you have 3 minutes left. What should you do? | Add one or two sentences with an example, then check spelling | Essays need 200–300 words. Add a short example to a body paragraph, then use the last minute to check spelling. |
One-sentence summaries
Model answer: Summarize Written Text (10 minutes)
Summarise the text in ONE sentence of 5–75 words.
Shared offices let people rent a desk with internet and meeting rooms, helping freelancers feel less lonely and meet contacts and letting company staff work closer to home, but noise and cost mean many people use them only a few days a week.
Model answer: Summarize Written Text (10 minutes)
Summarise the text in ONE sentence of 5–75 words.
Homes waste food, and the resources used to produce it, by overbuying, forgetting what they have and misunderstanding 'best before' and 'use by' dates, but habits such as shopping lists, checking the fridge and freezing leftovers can reduce waste and save money.
Answer key (4 answers)
| # | Question | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | How many sentences can your Summarize Written Text answer have? | One | Only one sentence, with one full stop at the end. Join ideas with words like 'and', 'but', 'because' and 'although'. |
| 6 | Which answer follows the rules? | Cities are planting more trees because they give shade, clean the air and make streets more pleasant, although they cost money to look after. | B is one complete sentence with linking words. A has two sentences, C has fewer than 5 words, and D joins sentences with commas only. |
| 7 | What should your summary include? | The main idea and the most important supporting points | Give the main idea first, then add the key points. Don't add your opinion or small details. |
| 8 | Choose the best word to join these ideas in one sentence: 'Electric cars produce no exhaust fumes ______ they are still expensive for many families.' | although | The second idea contrasts with the first, so you need a contrast word: 'although'. |
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