Write Email — Formal & Informal Templates (Core only)

What is Write Email?

You read a short scenario and write an email response (50–120 words) in 9 minutes. PTE Core only — replaces the Academic Essay.

Format & Timing

• Total time: 9 minutes
• Word limit: 50–120 words
• Number per exam: 1

How It Is Scored

• Content: addresses every bullet in the prompt.
• Form: proper email layout (greeting, body, sign-off).
• Tone: formal vs informal as appropriate to the scenario.
• Grammar & Vocabulary: standard rules apply.

Formal Email Template (e.g. to a manager, university, customer service)

Dear [Title + Name / Sir or Madam],

I am writing to [reason — confirm / request / complain about / enquire about].

[Address bullet 1 from prompt — 1–2 sentences.]
[Address bullet 2 from prompt — 1–2 sentences.]
[Address bullet 3 from prompt — 1–2 sentences.]

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely / faithfully,
[Your Name]

Informal Email Template (e.g. to a friend, family member)

Hi [Name],

Hope you are well!

[Address bullet 1 — casual tone.]
[Address bullet 2 — casual tone.]
[Address bullet 3 — casual tone.]

Talk soon!
[Your Name]

How to Tell Formal vs Informal

• Formal: manager, hotel, university, doctor, customer support.
• Informal: friend, sibling, classmate, neighbour you know well.
• If unsure → default to formal. Lower risk.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping a bullet point from the prompt — content score drops.
• Going under 50 words — form score zero.
• Mismatched tone (informal email to a manager) — content score drops.
• Missing greeting or sign-off — form score drops.

Practice on ClearMyPTE

Available in Writing practice for Core students. Practice both templates so the structure is automatic.