The prompt may ask them to:

 respond to a question
 agree or disagree with a particular point of view
 take one of two sides in an argument
 describe a situation
 write about the advantages or disadvantages of a particular opinion

Looking for keywords in the prompt will help students identify both the topic
focus and the required point of view.

1. The “Many people think” essay

This kind of essay is a way of introducing a topic with a broad statement of fact,
followed up by a question about your opinions on the topic.

An example would be:

“Many people think that the place you were born affects your success in later
life. What is your opinion about the relevance of one’s place of birth upon future
success?”

Birthplace relevant: people in developed countries wealthier and healthier; kids in

upper-class neighborhoods get better jobs.

Birthplace irrelevant: most countries now meritocracies; qualifications/experience

more important than family ties.

2. The “It is argued that” essay

The passive structure of these questions is attempting to see if you are able to
make a reasoned argument for the given topic, which is your key to scoring well in
the PTE.

In this form, you will be tested for your ability make logical, well-reasoned
arguments in favour of/or against the topic. The quality of the argument is
important. You must be able to give adequate supporting arguments point-wise,
while also pointing out the negatives of the topic at hand. Just to be clear, who is
arguing is far less important than what precisely is being argued.

To wit: “It is argued that attending a full-time undergraduate degree course is less
worthwhile nowadays than learning a trade, such as a builder’s laborer, plumber
or electrician. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Uni degrees positives: lead to a greater variety of jobs in the future; more
intellectually stimulating.

Uni degree negatives: most courses a waste of time/money with no tangible

outcome.

Trades negatives: lack of stimulation.

Trades positives: guaranteed work for a lifetime; general lack of supply in the job
market.

3. The “Do you think” essay topic

Unsurprisingly, another means of eliciting an opinion from you, possibly about a

topic you have never given much consideration to before. It checks how well you
are able to deeply think about the given topic, and form your opinions, and also
give supporting arguments behind the stand that you have taken. This can prove
to be quite an interesting experience.

Here is an example: Do you think that formal written examinations are a good way
to assess knowledge at school?

The topics are quite thought provoking, and there is ample scope for expressing
yourself for the sake of the essay.

For example: “Do you think consumers should be responsible for their poor
nutritional choices, or do food manufacturers need to be more honest about the
potential dangers in eating certain foods which are high in salt, sugar and
fat?” You will then need to give your views, such as they may be, on the topic
regardless of your personal dietary preferences.

Consumers responsible: they are educated and have free will; sugary food makes
them happy.

Manufacturers responsible: deliberate manipulation of ingredients; only

motivated by profit not the well-being of the consumer.

4. The “benefits and problems” essay topic

It isn’t always easy to express either the benefits or the problems of a PTE essay
topic, but it is essential that you rise to the challenge.

“What are the benefits and problems involved in introducing compulsory sport in
schools throughout your country?” Whether you’re a couch potato or a gym-
obsessive, your opinion is called for.

Positives of compulsory sport: healthy body = healthy mind; team-building and

school spirit are reinforced.

Negatives of compulsory sport: games are a waste of learning time/resources,

save it for after school; lack of space in inner-city schools.

5. The “Do you agree or disagree” essay topic

The chances are it will be one way or the other, but some topics can be
pedestrian. “Do you agree or disagree that English will become more important to
learn as the world becomes more globalized?”
Keep in mind that there may be multiple “right” answers when it comes to
structuring your essay, so here are two examples of essay structures that
consistently work for PTE:

Structure 1: Weigh the arguments

Paragraph 1: Introduction of the topic

Paragraph 2: Arguments for

Paragraph 3: Arguments against

Paragraph 4: Conclusion – tell the reader which argument is most convincing (in
your opinion)

Structure 2: Choose a side and stick with it

Paragraph 1: Introduction of the topic

Paragraph 2: Argument 1 (e.g. against)

Paragraph 3. Argument 2 (e.g. against)

Paragraph 4: Conclusion – sum up the arguments you made in paragraphs 1 and 2