A useful PTE Core email template gives each detail a place without making every message sound identical. First identify the recipient, purpose and required points. Then choose a tone that fits the relationship.
Pearson currently gives 9 minutes to answer a prompt of up to 100 words. Pearson's task instruction asks for 80 to 120 words; the Score Guide gives full Form credit for 50 to 120 words, with partial credit for 30 to 49 or 121 to 140. Pearson PTE Core Speaking & Writing format
Structure for most situations
- Greeting: name or suitable title
- Purpose: explain why you are writing in the first sentence
- Details: cover every requested point, grouped logically
- Action: state what you want the recipient to do, or what you will do
- Close: choose a sign-off that matches the tone
This is a structure, not fixed wording. “Dear Building Manager” suits a formal complaint. “Hi Priya” suits a colleague or friend.
Original prompt and answer
Prompt: Your community centre cancelled a weekend cooking class after you had paid for it. Write to the centre manager. Explain why the cancellation causes a problem, ask about another session, and request information about a refund if no suitable date is available.
Plan: manager; polite and formal; childcare already arranged; ask for alternative; refund if unsuitable.
Model email:
Dear Centre Manager, I am writing about the cooking class scheduled for this Saturday, which has now been cancelled. I had already arranged childcare and changed my work hours so I could attend, so the late cancellation has caused some difficulty. Could you please tell me whether the same class will run on another weekend this month? I would be happy to transfer my booking if the new date is suitable. If no suitable alternative session is available, please explain how I can request a full refund and when it will be processed. Kind regards, Amira Khan
Word count: 97, including greeting and sign-off as whitespace-delimited words.
The opening gives the purpose. The middle explains the effect without becoming emotional. The final paragraph covers both requested outcomes and makes the next action clear.
Change the tone, not the logic
For a friend, contractions and a first-name greeting are natural. For an organisation, use a direct but courteous request. Avoid an elaborate greeting that uses valuable words without addressing the task.
Before submitting, check:
- all prompt points are answered
- the action or request is unmistakable
- paragraphs have one purpose each
- names, dates and pronouns are consistent
- the response stays close to 80 to 120 words (the Score Guide gives full credit down to 50 words)
Do not expand a short complete email with unrelated background merely to imitate a memorised sample. For related writing rules, see PTE Writing Word Counts and practise through the Core Write Email section.
Budget one sentence for each required point
Plan a greeting and sign-off around four to six body sentences: state the purpose, cover each required point and end with a practical next step. One required point can supply that next action, so do not add a separate sentence merely to reach a fixed count. If the prompt has three requests, mark them 1, 2 and 3 and tick each after drafting.
Avoid spending 30 words on “I hope this email finds you well” and background copied from the prompt. State the purpose early, then use the saved words for dates, reasons or action the recipient needs.
