PTE Core Email Writing gives you nine minutes to write an email of 80–120 words. The prompt identifies a situation and the points you need to cover. Your response should fulfil that purpose using a tone and format appropriate for the recipient.
The strongest starting point is a complete message. Decide what the reader needs to understand or do before choosing phrases that sound polished.
Plan around the recipient and the required points
First, identify who will receive the email. A message to a manager or service provider usually needs a courteous, professional tone. A message to a friend can be more relaxed while remaining clear and considerate.
Next, turn each requested point into a short planning note. If the prompt asks you to describe a problem, explain its effect and request a solution, make sure all three appear in the email.
An apology, thank-you or invitation is part of the task when the prompt asks for it. Do not assume a polite greeting covers those requirements.
Give each paragraph a job
Open with a suitable greeting and a clear purpose. Develop the necessary details in one or two short paragraphs, then state the request or next step and close appropriately.
You do not need the same number of paragraphs for every email. Separate ideas where it helps the reader follow the message.
Useful phrases include:
- “I'm writing to ask about…”
- “Unfortunately, …”
- “Could you please confirm…?”
- “I would appreciate it if you could…”
- “Thank you for your help.”
Use these selectively. Long introductions and repeated thanks can crowd out the information the prompt actually requires.
Example 1: request a solution to a problem
Practice prompt: Write to your building manager about repeated late-night construction noise. Describe the problem, explain how it affects you and request a practical solution.
Sample email:
Dear Building Manager,
I'm writing about construction noise in the apartment above mine. For the past three evenings, drilling has continued until around eleven, making it difficult for me to sleep before my early work shifts.
I understand that repairs are sometimes necessary, but could you please ask the contractor to complete noisy work during daytime hours? I would also appreciate an update on how long the repairs are expected to take. Knowing the schedule would help me plan around any unavoidable disruption.
Thank you for looking into this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards, Alex
The email describes a specific problem, gives its effect and asks for actions the manager can take. Its tone is firm enough to be useful without becoming hostile.
Example 2: apologize to a friend
Practice prompt: You promised to help a friend move on Saturday, but your work schedule has changed. Apologize, explain why you cannot attend and suggest another way to help.
Sample email:
Hi Maya,
I'm really sorry, but I won't be able to help with your move on Saturday. My manager has changed my schedule, and I now have to work that morning. I know you were counting on me, and I apologize for letting you know so late.
Could I come over on Friday evening instead? I can help pack the kitchen, label the boxes and take a few smaller items to your new place. I'm also free on Sunday if you need help unpacking.
Let me know which option would be most useful. I hope the move goes smoothly!
Best, Alex
The response sounds appropriate for a friend. It includes an explicit apology and concrete alternatives, rather than simply saying that help may be available later.
Example 3: make a group booking request
Practice prompt: You want to book a restaurant for 20 colleagues on November 14 at 7 p.m., but the online booking system allows only six guests. Explain the occasion, request the reservation and ask about vegetarian options.
Sample email:
Dear Reservations Team,
I would like to book a table for twenty colleagues on November 14 at 7 p.m. We are celebrating the completion of a team project and would prefer to sit together if possible.
Your online booking system only allows reservations for up to six guests. Could you please arrange this larger booking by email and confirm whether the requested time is available? Several colleagues are vegetarian, so I would also appreciate information about suitable menu options or a group menu.
Please let me know if you require a deposit to secure the reservation.
Kind regards, Alex
The email explains why an ordinary online reservation will not work and asks for the larger booking directly. The date, time and group size remain consistent throughout.
Keep the language natural and precise
Use vocabulary you can control. A straightforward sentence that communicates the right information is more effective than an elaborate phrase with unclear meaning.
Vary sentence structure where it helps: because can explain a reason, but can introduce a contrast, and if can express a condition. Avoid joining too many complete ideas with commas.
Check that practical details agree. A reply deadline is not the same as an event time. A two-week absence should match the dates you provide. If a prompt asks you to explain a particular constraint, include it explicitly.
Leave time for a final read
Aim comfortably within the 80–120-word range so you can make small edits without crossing a boundary. Keep an eye on the on-screen word count as you write.
Before submitting, check every requested point, the recipient's tone, the word count, names and dates, verb agreement, spelling and punctuation. Make sure the reader can tell what you want to happen next.
For practice, rotate between requests, complaints, apologies, invitations and suggestions. After each email, assess whether it achieves its purpose before polishing individual sentences.
