Sunil Saini 
Are you preparing for the PTE Academic exam in 2025? Since 7 August 2025, Pearson has updated the PTE test format, adding new task types and making the exam even more aligned with real‑world English. The good news: the Writing tasks remain the same — but knowing their timing, marks, and strategy is essential if you want an 80+ score.
In this blog we explain everything you need to know about the PTE Writing Section:
- 🕒 Timings & number of questions
- 📊 Marks distribution
- 🎯 Proven tips
- 📝 Sample answers
🕒 Where Writing Fits in the PTE
The Writing Section is part of the combined Speaking & Writing module, which is always the first part of the test.
- Duration: 54–67 minutes (Speaking + Writing combined)
- Writing Tasks:
- Summarize Written Text (SWT)
- Write Essay
Although Pearson added new speaking tasks in August 2025, the Writing part hasn’t changed — you still need to master these two tasks.
📌 PTE Writing Tasks Explained
1️⃣ Summarize Written Text (SWT)
- Items: Usually 2
- Time: 10 minutes each
- Task: Read a short passage and write a single‑sentence summary of 5–75 words.
- Skills Tested: Reading + Writing
Tip: Capture the main idea plus 4–5 supporting points. Use connectors like however, therefore, while. Keep it clear and concise. Write above 60 words.
Sample passage:
Urban green spaces cushion city heat, support biodiversity and improve residents’ mental well‑being, but rapid urbanisation and competing land use have led to a decline in parks and green corridors worldwide.
✅ Answer:
Urban green spaces reduce heat, support biodiversity and improve mental well‑being, yet rapid urbanisation and competing land uses are causing a global decline in parks and corridors.
2️⃣ Write Essay
- Items: Usually 1
- Time: 20 minutes
- Word Count: 200–300 words (recommended)
- Task: Write a clear, well‑structured essay responding to a given prompt.
- Skills Tested: Writing only
Tip: Use a 4‑paragraph structure:
- Introduction (paraphrase + thesis)
- Body 1 (main reason + example)
- Body 2 (second reason + example)
- Conclusion (summary + opinion)
Sample Prompt:
Some people say governments should spend more money on public transport to reduce traffic and pollution. Others think private cars are a personal choice. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
✅ Answer (shortened):
Public transport reduces traffic, cuts pollution, and ensures affordability for many, while private cars provide flexibility and convenience. In my opinion, governments should invest heavily in reliable public transit and offer incentives, so that people voluntarily reduce car use without losing personal freedom.
📊 Marks Distribution in PTE Writing
The Writing score comes from two tasks only, but they carry significant weight:
| Task | Items | Time per Item | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summarize Written Text | 2 | 10 min each | Medium |
| Write Essay | 1 | 20 min | High |
👉 Together, they make up ~50–60% of your Writing score and also influence Reading (SWT) and overall Communication Skills.
💡 Top Tips to Score High in Writing
- Plan quickly: Spend 2–3 minutes planning, 1–2 minutes proofreading.
- Use simple, correct grammar: Accuracy beats complexity.
- Stay within word limits: SWT = 5–75 words, Essay = 200–300 words.
- Type fast & clean: Practice typing at 40–60 words per minute.
- Structure matters: Always write in paragraphs, not a single block.
- Avoid memorized templates: Pearson now uses AI + human review — quality and originality matter.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The PTE Writing Section in 2025 may look short, but it carries big marks. If you:
- Practice daily with Summarize Written Text from news articles,
- Follow a clear essay template, and
- Focus on clarity, grammar, and time management,
…scoring high in Writing is very achievable.
👉 Remember: In PTE Writing, quality beats quantity. A precise summary and a well‑structured essay will get you closer to your target score.
