PTE Core Write Email: register and structure
Write Email requires covering three specific bullet points in a professional email within 50-120 words and 9 minutes. The two most common score-reducing errors are: missing one bullet point (drops the Content score immediately), and using informal language in a formal-register prompt (reduces both the Vocabulary and overall impression scores).
This guide gives you a reliable structure for every email prompt, the phrases that signal appropriate register, and the steps to verify your response before submitting.
The three-part email structure
Greeting + opening purpose sentence
Formal: "Dear [Title/Name]," then new line: "I am writing to [state purpose]." The opening sentence must state why you are writing before anything else. Do not begin with pleasantries ("I hope this email finds you well") -- go directly to the purpose.
One paragraph per bullet point
Address each bullet point in its own short paragraph (1-3 sentences). Never combine all three bullet points in one paragraph -- this makes it harder for the AI to verify that each point was covered, and reduces your Content score reliability.
Closing sentence + sign-off
One closing sentence acknowledging the recipient's time or inviting a response: "Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information." Then: "Yours sincerely / Best regards, [Name]."
Register: formal vs semi-formal
The register determines which vocabulary and grammatical structures are appropriate. Identify the recipient before writing a single word.
| Recipient type | Register | Signal phrases |
|---|---|---|
| Building manager, landlord | Formal | "I am writing to report," "I would appreciate your prompt attention," "I look forward to your response" |
| University department, government office | Formal | "I am contacting you regarding," "I would be grateful if you could," "Please find my details enclosed" |
| HR department, customer service | Formal | "I am writing to enquire," "I would like to request," "I would appreciate clarification" |
| Work colleague, team member | Semi-formal | "I wanted to let you know," "Could you please," "I'd appreciate your help with," "Feel free to reach out" |
| Neighbour, community group | Semi-formal | "I'm writing about," "Could you let me know," "I'd be happy to discuss," "Looking forward to hearing from you" |
Checklist before submitting
- Bullet point 1 covered? Find it in your email. Highlight it mentally. If not, add a sentence.
- Bullet point 2 covered? Same check. A paragraph that mentions the topic without directly addressing the bullet point does not earn Content marks.
- Bullet point 3 covered? This is the most commonly missed point, especially when it involves a request or action, which test takers sometimes forget under time pressure.
- Word count: 50-120? A rough estimate -- count the lines. Each line is approximately 10-12 words. Less than 5 lines is usually under 50 words; more than 12 lines is usually over 120 words.
- Register consistent? No informal language if the prompt is formal. No contractions if formal.
- Sign-off present? Every email needs a closing and a name.
9-minute time plan
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0:00 - 1:00 | Read the prompt. Identify recipient type (formal or semi-formal). Note all three bullet points. Plan one sentence for each. |
| 1:00 - 6:30 | Write the email: greeting, opening, three body paragraphs, closing, sign-off. Do not stop to perfect sentences -- write the full draft first. |
| 6:30 - 8:30 | Check: all three bullet points covered? Word count roughly 50-120? Register consistent? Obvious grammar errors? |
| 8:30 - 9:00 | Final read. Fix any clear errors. Do not rewrite sections. |
Next step
FAQ
What are the three bullet points in PTE Core Write Email?
Each Write Email prompt includes exactly three bullet points that define what your email must cover. These vary by prompt but typically follow a pattern such as: state why you are writing, describe the problem or context, make a request or suggest an action. All three must be addressed in your response to earn full Content marks. The bullet points appear on screen alongside the prompt text.
How formal should a PTE Core Write Email response be?
Match the register to the recipient described in the prompt. A letter to a building manager, a customer service department, or a university admissions office requires formal register. A message to a work colleague, a neighbour, or a community group leader may use semi-formal register. When in doubt, use formal -- the AI scoring system does not penalize over-formality, but informal language in a formal context does reduce the overall score.
Do I need to include a subject line in PTE Core Write Email?
The test interface provides a subject line field. Fill it in with a concise, relevant subject (e.g., 'Request for Maintenance -- Unit 4B' or 'Inquiry Regarding Course Registration'). A clear subject line contributes to Form and demonstrates register awareness. Leave it blank only if the interface does not provide a field -- in most PTE Core test forms, the field is provided.
What closing phrases are appropriate in PTE Core Write Email?
Formal closing: 'I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely, [Name].' Semi-formal closing: 'Please let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, [Name].' Informal (avoid for most PTE Core prompts): 'Thanks, [Name].' Always include a closing -- ending the email abruptly after the body paragraphs without a sign-off reduces register consistency.
What if my email is too short (under 50 words)?
Add specific detail to each bullet point. A response that covers all three bullet points but with only one sentence per point is often under 50 words. Expand each point: add a reason (why the problem matters), a specific detail (how long, when, which unit), or a specific request (by when, through which channel). One sentence per bullet point is usually not enough to reach 50 words.
Can I use contractions in PTE Core Write Email?
In formal register, avoid contractions: 'I am' not 'I'm,' 'I would' not 'I'd,' 'it is' not 'it's.' In semi-formal register, occasional contractions are acceptable: 'I've been experiencing,' 'I'd appreciate your help.' The test prompt typically signals the expected register through the nature of the recipient. A letter to a formal organization should have no contractions.