PTE Writing Update 2024: Latest Changes

PTE Writing Update 2024: Latest Changes

PTE continues to be a critical exam for those looking to demonstrate their English proficiency for study, work, or migration. As we enter 2024, there have been some notable updates to the PTE Writing section, including new templates, strategies, and a slightly modified exam structure. These changes are aimed at improving student performance while maintaining the integrity and standards of the exam.

Key Changes in PTE Writing for 2024

PTE Writing section has seen a few updates that could impact how candidates approach their preparation. Here are some of the key changes:

  1. Shortened Time for Tasks

One of the most significant changes for 2024 is the reduced time allocated to each task. This means candidates must manage their time more efficiently, particularly when it comes to essay writing. Time pressure has made it more important for students to adopt concise yet effective writing strategies, such as using structured templates to minimize planning time.

  1. New Templates for Writing Tasks

To cope with the increased time pressure, new templates for both the “Summarize Written Text” and “Write Essay” tasks have been introduced. These templates provide a structured approach, ensuring candidates can write faster without compromising quality.

  • Summarize Written Text Template: A new approach encourages candidates to focus on 12 key words when summarizing large passages. This method helps students to condense information into a single, coherent sentence while meeting the word count requirements.
  • Write Essay Template: A universal essay template has been introduced that can be adapted to various essay types. Whether it's a problem-solution essay, an argumentative essay, or an opinion-based essay, this template simplifies the process by providing a clear structure for students to follow, saving them valuable time.
  1. More Emphasis on Grammar

With the new update, grammar and vocabulary errors are penalized more strictly. Candidates must pay extra attention to these elements, particularly in the essay task, where spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and poor word choices can significantly impact the score. This is where the proof-reading stage, a step highlighted in the new strategies, becomes crucial.

  1. Focus on Familiar Vocabulary

Another key update in 2024 is the emphasis on familiar vocabulary. Many candidates have found that the words used in exam tasks are often drawn from commonly known sources or repeated materials. As a result, students who diligently practice from trusted portals or resources have a higher chance of encountering familiar words in the exam, which can boost their performance, particularly in tasks like “Write from Dictation.”

Effective Strategies for PTE Writing in 2024

  1. Summarize Written Text: 12-Word Strategy

One of the most effective strategies introduced in 2024 is the “12-Word Strategy” for summarizing written text. Instead of struggling to condense large chunks of information, this strategy focuses on identifying the 12 most critical words in a passage and using them to construct a meaningful sentence. This approach ensures that the summary includes the main idea and important details, while also meeting the word limit efficiently.

Key points for the “12-Word Strategy

  • Skim the passage to identify the core argument and supporting points.
  • Select 12 essential words that encapsulate the essence of the passage.
  • Construct a single sentence using these words without exceeding the word limit.
  1. Universal Essay Template

Universal essay template introduced in 2024 is another key strategy for writing essays efficiently. This template can be adapted to any essay type, saving candidates from memorizing multiple formats. Here is a simplified version of universal template-

  • Introduction: Start with a general statement on the topic, followed by a clear thesis statement outlining your argument or position.
  • Body Paragraph 1: Present your first main point, providing examples or evidence to support your argument.
  • Body Paragraph 2: Introduce a second point, again supporting it with examples or further explanation.
  • Conclusion: Restate your thesis and summarize the key points made in the essay, offering a closing thought or recommendation.

Universal essay template ensures that candidates stay on track, avoid unnecessary tangents, and finish their essays within the allotted time.

  1. Proofreading and Error Checking

With grammar and vocabulary playing a more significant role in 2024, proofreading has become a critical part of the writing process. Candidates are advised to set aside the last few minutes of each task to review their responses carefully. This helps catch any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing that could detract from the overall quality of the writing.

Some key proofreading tips-

  • Focus on correcting spelling mistakes, particularly in the essay task.
  • Ensure subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage.
  • Check for missing punctuation marks or incorrect sentence structure.
  1. Hybrid Strategy for Time Management

Time management is one of the biggest challenges candidates face, especially with the shortened time frames in 2024. To combat this, PTE experts from Vision Language Experts recommend using a “Hybrid Strategy,” which involves a mix of template usage, fast decision-making, and selective focus. This strategy allows candidates to prioritize their strengths, minimize time spent on complex tasks, and focus on maximizing their score across all sections.


Changes introduced in 2024 reflect Pearson’s ongoing effort to maintain a fair yet challenging exam that effectively measures English proficiency. For students preparing for PTE Writing section, the key to success lies in new templates and strategies. By following these strategies and staying up to date with the latest changes, candidates can significantly improve their chances of achieving a high score in PTE Writing section in 2024.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vishal Kapoor -Author

Vishal Kapoor

(PTE & NAATI Expert)

Vishal Kapoor is having 6+ years of expertise in instructing PTE and NAATI, both in Australia and internationally, with an impressive 100% success rate among students. As a certified expert by Pearson in PTE and NAATI, Vishal Kapoor has developed a comprehensive teaching approach derived from extensive research and a wealth of teaching experience. Tailoring coaching techniques to individual skill levels and target scores, Vishal's guidance has proven instrumental in helping numerous aspirants attain their desired scores. With a commitment to personalized tips and solutions, Vishal Kapoor is dedicated to facilitating the success of those preparing for PTE and NAATI examinations.

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