Those who want to move to Canada for work or settle must be familiar with PTE Core.

Unlike the Academic version, this test requires you to write an email instead of an essay in the writing section.

This change might confuse test-takers. But don’t worry!

In this short guide, PTE Magic will help you navigate this tricky PTE Core task.

Let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

• The PTE Core Writing Email part requires you to craft an email from 50 to 120 words in 9 minutes.
• The topics can vary greatly, ranging from everyday situations to academic settings.
• Two common templates for most emails are informal and formal ones.
• Mind the tone, formality, grammar, flow, and vocabulary when writing the email.

Related:

• PTE Core exam preparation tips & tricks
• PTE Core Writing – Everything you need to know

About Writing Email Task In PTE Core

As the name suggests, this task requires you to craft a short email based on the provided prompt. The prompt will provide a real-life scenario, and you have to respond by writing an email.

Within 9 minutes, you have to write from 50 to 120 words. Going beyond this range will negatively impact your score. You can keep track of your word count by looking at the bottom of the computer’s screen. 

Copy, paste, and cut buttons are also available to assist you in crafting your response within the time limit. 

This question type evaluates your ability to write coherent, relevant, and well-formatted emails. It also assesses how you will respond to a real-world situation, which is beneficial when working and living in Canada.

Here is how your answer will be scored:

• Content: Your email should properly and adequately address the prompt, using relevant and appropriate supporting ideas.
• Email conventions: Your answer must follow the standard email format. It should start with a salutation and an introduction, followed by the main body that addresses the prompt, and end with a conclusion and a farewell.
• Form: The length of your email must be between 50 to 120 words.
• Organization: Your content should be organized clearly and logically with appropriate transitions.
• Grammar: The writing should follow standard English and be error-free.
• Vocabulary: You should use a broad range of words in your answer.
• Spelling: You can apply spelling rules from the UK, the USA, Australia, and Canada. However, a consistent convention must be utilized throughout the email.

5 Common Topics Of PTE Core Writing Email

The prompt for the Writing Email task can vary greatly for each exam. However, here are the 10 most common topics you can practice with:

Topic 1:

Let’s say you volunteer at a community center in your area that provides various activities and programs for seniors. However, you notice a decrease in the number of participants in the crafts and arts program. Write an email to the coordinator and suggest some methods to boost the number of participants.

You should cover these in your email:

• Briefly describe your experience and your notice about the decrease in participation.
• Two suggestions to attract more participants and reasons
• Offer to help

Topic 2:

You are a representative in the customer service team who has to apologize to a customer for a defective product. Write an email to that customer to explain how you will solve the issue in three steps:

• Replacement
• Refund
• Compensation

Topic 3:

You are a book reviewer who wants to recommend a new book to your subscribers. Write an email to your readers and summarize three points you like the most about that book, including:

• Characters
• Plot
• Setting

Your email should cover all three points. Include supporting quotes for your ideas.

Topic 4:

Recently, you saw more serious traffic jams in your local area. Write an email to the council member to show your concerns and give some suggestions to improve the congestion. You should include:

• An overview of the increasing traffic jams, stating the most affected times and locations.
• Two suggestions and explanation
• Your request to solve the problem

Topic 5:

You are a personal trainer (or a fitness instructor) who wants to encourage your clients to exercise more frequently. Write an email to your clients to suggest some effective types of workouts. Your suggestions must be related to these classes:

• Strength
• Cardio
• Balanced
• Flexibility

Explain the benefits of each type.

PTE Core Email Templates & Samples

Formal Email

Below is the PTE core email writing format for formal writing:

Dear…,

I am writing this to… (explain the situation)

Describe the first reason/suggestion

Furthermore (Additionally, moreover, etc.)… (mention the second reason/suggestion)

Conversely/Interestingly/Conclusively/Conspicuously,… (your conclusion)

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Your full name.

Example:

Dear Emily,

We want to express our genuine apology for your recent purchase of a defective blender from ABC company. We’d like to offer you three options to solve this issue quickly.

Firstly, we can send you a brand new, fully functional blender. Otherwise, you can request a full refund.

In addition to a replacement or a refund, we’d like to offer you a 10% voucher on your next purchase as a token of our apology.

Please reply to this email with your preferred option. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Yours sincerely,

The ABC company’s customer service team.

Informal Email

Hi…,

How’s it going?/Hope you’re doing well/I hope this email finds you well… 

I wanted to… (explain your purpose and the situation)

For the… (the first reason/solution)

Surely/Also/Considering… (the second reason/solution)

That covers everything for now. I’ll be in touch later!

Best regards,

[Your name]

Example:

Hi Sarah,

I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to share some tips that have helped keep my flowerbeds lively.

I always test the soil’s pH before planting. The ideal pH level for most flowers is 6 to 6.5, so make sure you adjust the soil’s pH to this range. I also spread some mulch around the flowers’ base to lock in the moisture.

Considering water, I try to water my flowers early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. This prevents evaporation effectively.

These are just a couple of tricks I’ve learned recently. Let me know if you try them out!

Happy gardening,

[Name]

7 PTE Core Email Writing Tips

Know The Core Template

Although no emails are the same, you should still have a core template in mind. The two templates we shared above can apply to almost most topics. Knowing this will save you time on outlining and keep you on the right track of the prompt.

Read The Prompt Carefully

In addition to the scenario, the prompt also mentions the points you should include in the email. If you don’t follow these requirements, you risk losing scores or even getting a zero. So, read the prompt carefully to identify the main points in your response.

Pay Attention To The Tone And Formality

You should tailor the tone of the email to the situation in the prompt. For example, if you write an email to your friend or a close co-worker, it’s best to keep the tone informal and friendly. Meanwhile, an email to your client or manager should be formal and professional. 

Check Your Grammar And Spelling

As you can see from the scoring criteria, grammar, and spelling are two of the seven factors that affect your score. Review the email carefully and fix any grammar errors or typos before submitting it.

Use Effective Collocations And Connectors

Using a variety of collocations and phrasal verbs helps you score high regarding the vocabulary scoring criterion. 

On the other hand, effective connections ensure a smooth transition between your ideas, keeping the email coherent. An email that flows well perfectly meets the criterion of organization.

Update Your Vocabulary With Advanced Words

While common vocabulary is still acceptable, including advanced words in your email helps you score more. It showcases your fluency and ability to communicate effectively in more complex settings.

Manage Your Time Wisely

When you practice the PTE Core Writing Email task, it’s recommended to keep track of the time. You only have 9 minutes to complete your answer, so you must distribute the time wisely. For example, you can use the prompt to write your introduction more quickly. 

Conclusion 

The PTE Core Writing Email is a challenging task.

It requires you to craft a short email within a limited time. So, we recommend you have a common template in advance that can be applied to most emails.

If you are still struggling with this part, don’t hesitate to visit PTE Magic for help!