How to Write the Perfect PTE Core Email (With 3 AI-Scored Examples)
Write Email is unique to PTE Core — it doesn't appear in IELTS or PTE Academic. It's an informal or semi-formal email written in 7 minutes. Most test-takers either write too formally, too briefly, or miss the bullet point requirements. Here's exactly how to score 80+ consistently.
What the Write Email Task Requires
You are shown a scenario and usually 3 bullet points that your email must address. You have 7 minutes and should write approximately 90–120 words. The email should be written as if to a friend, neighbour, or colleague — not in formal business letter style.
You're scored on:
- Content: Have you addressed all the bullet points from the task?
- Form: Is it structured like an email (greeting, body, closing)?
- Grammar: Sentence structure, tense consistency, subject-verb agreement
- Vocabulary: Range and appropriateness of word choice
- Conventions: Appropriate register (tone matches the relationship)
The Winning Structure (Use Every Time)
Example 1: High-Scoring Response (Band 85+)
• Suggest a place to meet
• Recommend something to do or see
• Ask about Alex's travel plans
Hope you're doing well! I'm so excited you're coming to visit — it's been way too long!
How about we meet at The Corner Café in the city centre? It's cosy, easy to find, and has amazing coffee. While you're here, I'd love to take you to the Botanical Gardens — they're stunning this time of year and perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk.
By the way, what time does your train get in? I want to make sure I'm free to pick you up if you need a lift from the station.
Can't wait to see you — let me know your plans!
Cheers,
Jamie
AI Score Breakdown
Why it works: Natural, warm tone. All 3 bullet points addressed clearly. Good vocabulary range ("leisurely", "cosy"). Appropriate register (informal friend). Correct format. ~110 words — in the ideal range.
Example 2: Mid-Range Response (Band 60–65)
I am writing to you about your visit. You can meet me at the coffee shop near the train station. It is a good place to have coffee.
I recommend you to visit the park because it is very beautiful. You will enjoy it very much. Please tell me what time your train arrives because I want to know when you come.
I look forward to seeing you.
Yours sincerely,
Jamie
Why it underscores: Too formal ("I am writing to you", "Yours sincerely") for a friend email — register mismatch penalised. Repetitive vocabulary ("very"). Lacks specifics and warmth. Short subject line. Grammatical awkwardness: "recommend you to visit". Score: ~62.
Example 3: Low-Scoring Response (Band 35–40)
1. We can meet at coffee shop.
2. I recommend the park.
3. What time your train?
Thanks
Why it fails: Bullet-point format inside the email body is heavily penalised — it's an email, not a list. No opening warmth. Missing name, closing phrase. Grammatically incomplete sentences. Too short (~25 words). Score: ~38.
5 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Formal letter format: Never "To Whom It May Concern", "I am writing with reference to", or "Yours faithfully" for informal scenarios
- Bullet-point body: Weave all points into natural paragraphs — never list them as 1, 2, 3
- Missing a bullet point: The AI checks whether all scenario requirements are addressed. Missing one = significant penalty
- Under 80 words: Too brief signals you can't sustain the task. Target 90–120 words
- Copying the prompt word-for-word: Paraphrase and integrate the bullet points into natural sentences
Practice With AI Scoring
The fastest way to improve is to write, get scored, and repeat. Our free PTE Core Writing practice provides AI scoring on every Write Email response — you see your Content, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Form scores separately so you know exactly what to fix next session.
Practice Write Email Now →
Free AI-scored Write Email practice with instant feedback on Content, Grammar, and Vocabulary.
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