PTE Writing is scored by AI, which means the scoring criteria are public, predictable, and optimisable. Unlike IELTS Writing, where a human examiner may reward memorable arguments or penalise formulaic writing, the PTE AI rewards grammatical accuracy, vocabulary range, and coherent structure — consistently, every time.

Summarize Written Text: The One-Sentence Rule

You have 10 minutes to write a single sentence summarising a 100–300 word passage. Your sentence must:

  • Be grammatically complete (subject + verb + object)
  • Be between 5 and 75 words
  • Capture the main idea (not peripheral details)
  • Be exactly one sentence — ending with a single full stop

The most effective structure: "The passage discusses [main topic], highlighting that [key point 1] and [key point 2], concluding that [main conclusion]."

Common mistakes: writing two sentences (penalised for "form"), writing less than 5 words, or writing an incomplete clause. Practise reducing passages to one complex sentence daily.

Write Essay: Structure Wins Points

You have 20 minutes to write 200–300 words on a given prompt. The AI scores on:

  • Content: Does your essay address the prompt from multiple angles?
  • Form: Are you within 200–300 words? (Use the built-in word counter)
  • Grammar: Sentence variety, correct tense use, subject-verb agreement
  • Vocabulary: Range, precision, avoiding repetition
  • Written discourse: Cohesion devices (firstly, however, in conclusion), logical flow

Recommended structure for 260 words:

  • Introduction (40 words): Restate the prompt + your position
  • Body paragraph 1 (70 words): First argument + example
  • Body paragraph 2 (70 words): Second argument + example or counterargument
  • Conclusion (40 words): Restate position + implication

Vocabulary That Scores Points

The AI rewards vocabulary range — using synonyms rather than repeating the same words. Before your exam, learn 10–15 high-frequency academic synonyms for common words: increase → surge, rise, escalate; important → significant, crucial, vital; show → demonstrate, indicate, reveal; many → numerous, substantial, considerable.

Grammar: What the AI Actually Checks

PTE's grammar scoring checks for sentence-level errors: subject-verb agreement, correct article use (a/an/the), tense consistency, and punctuation. A sentence with a missing article is not catastrophically penalised, but consistent errors across your essay reduce your grammar enabling skill score — which contributes to your overall band.

Practise with our free AI PTE Writing predictor to receive immediate feedback on your written responses.

See also: PTE Speaking Strategies, PTE Reading Tips, and PTE Listening Guide.