PTE Core Write Email Samples: 10 Email Writing Answers
These 10 original PTE Core Write Email samples show formal and informal email writing within the 80–120-word task instruction and 9-minute limit.
How to read these sample emails
RealPTE wrote these model answers to its own practice prompts. They are examples to study, with editorial comments rather than scored or calibrated model answers.
| Trait | Raw maximum |
|---|---|
| Content | 3 |
| Email conventions | 2 |
| Form | 2 |
| Organization | 2 |
| Vocabulary | 2 |
| Grammar | 2 |
| Spelling | 2 |
Aim for 80–120 words as instructed. The Score Guide gives full Form credit from 50 to 120 words; that scoring band is different from the task instruction. Content or Form zero stops the other traits.
Choose an email purpose
Evening class · formal
You have joined an evening cooking class, but your work schedule has changed. Write an email to the course coordinator. In your email:
- explain why you cannot attend your current class
- ask about moving to a weekend class
- request details of any extra cost
Dear Course Coordinator,
I am writing about my evening cooking class. My employer has moved my shift to the evening, so I can no longer reach the centre before the lesson begins. I would like to continue learning with your team rather than withdraw from the course.
Could I transfer to a weekend class covering the same material? Saturday mornings would suit me, although I could also attend on Sunday. Please let me know whether a place is available and whether changing classes involves any additional payment. I would appreciate the cost details before confirming the transfer.
Kind regards,
Alex
100 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Explains the new shift, asks for a weekend transfer and requests cost details. |
| Email conventions | Formal recipient, “Dear” greeting and “Kind regards” close. |
| Form | 100 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | One problem paragraph followed by the transfer and cost requests. |
| Vocabulary | “Transfer” and “withdraw” fit course administration. |
| Grammar | “Whether” clauses make both requests precise. |
| Spelling | “Coordinator” and “additional” are spelt consistently. |
Borrowed bicycle · informal
You borrowed a bicycle from your friend Maya and damaged its front light. Write an email to Maya. In your email:
- explain what happened
- offer to repair or replace the light
- arrange when to return the bicycle
Hi Maya,
Thanks again for lending me your bicycle. While I was bringing it through my narrow front gate, the front light caught against the post and its cover cracked. The bicycle still rides normally, but I am sorry I damaged something you trusted me with.
I can take it to the cycle shop and pay for a replacement light, or cover the repair if you prefer to use your usual shop. Would you like me to return the bicycle on Friday evening after work? Let me know if you need it sooner and I will arrange another time.
Cheers,
Alex
101 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Explains the broken light, offers repair or replacement and proposes a return time. |
| Email conventions | Friendly “Hi Maya” and “Cheers” suit a friend. |
| Form | 101 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Accident first, remedy and handover next. |
| Vocabulary | “Cover cracked” identifies the damage. |
| Grammar | “If you prefer” gives Maya a choice. |
| Spelling | Check “bicycle” and “replacement” rather than relying on autocorrect. |
Office kitchen · formal
The shared kitchen at your workplace is often left untidy. Write an email to the office manager. In your email:
- describe the problem
- explain how it affects staff
- suggest a practical solution
Dear Office Manager,
I would like to raise a concern about the shared kitchen. Used mugs and food containers are regularly left beside the sink, and the worktop is often covered with crumbs after lunch. This makes it difficult for other staff to prepare their meals and leaves an unpleasant smell later in the day.
Could we put a short cleaning reminder near the sink and ask each team to check the kitchen before leaving? A labelled shelf for forgotten containers might also help. I would be happy to draft the reminder for you to review before it goes up.
Kind regards,
Alex
103 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Describes the mess, its effect on staff and a practical cleaning plan. |
| Email conventions | A restrained complaint suits an office manager. |
| Form | 103 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Problem and impact precede the proposed solution. |
| Vocabulary | “Worktop” and “labelled shelf” make the solution concrete. |
| Grammar | “Could we” is polite without weakening the request. |
| Spelling | Uses consistent British spelling in “labelled”. |
Neighbourhood picnic · informal
You are organising a picnic for people on your street. Write an email to your neighbour Sam. In your email:
- invite Sam to the picnic
- give the location and time
- ask Sam to bring something to share
Hi Sam,
I am arranging a picnic for everyone on our street and would love you to come. We will meet on the grass beside the playground in Willow Park at midday on Sunday. There is a sheltered table nearby if the weather changes, and children are very welcome.
Could you bring something simple to share, such as fruit or bread? I will bring sandwiches and a large flask of tea, so there is no need to cook anything elaborate. Please let me know whether you can make it and if you need a hand carrying things over.
See you soon,
Alex
102 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Invites Sam, gives place and time and asks for shared food. |
| Email conventions | Warm invitation with an informal closing. |
| Form | 102 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Event details come before the food request. |
| Vocabulary | “Sheltered table” adds useful planning detail. |
| Grammar | “Whether you can make it” is a natural indirect question. |
| Spelling | Check the place name and ordinary food words carefully. |
Delivery mix-up · formal
A shop has delivered a desk in the wrong colour. Write an email to the customer service team. In your email:
- describe what you ordered and what arrived
- explain why you need the correct item
- ask how to arrange an exchange
Dear Customer Service Team,
I ordered a white desk from your online shop, but the desk delivered yesterday is dark brown. The packaging was intact and the model appears correct; the colour is the problem. I chose white to match the other furniture in a small room used for video appointments.
Please let me know how to arrange an exchange for the colour I ordered. I have kept the packaging and can send photographs of the desk and delivery label if required. Could you also confirm whether your courier will collect the incorrect item when the replacement arrives?
Kind regards,
Alex
101 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Identifies both colours, explains the need and requests an exchange. |
| Email conventions | Professional and factual rather than accusatory. |
| Form | 101 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Order mismatch first, exchange arrangements next. |
| Vocabulary | “Packaging” and “replacement” fit the delivery problem. |
| Grammar | “Whether your courier will collect” clearly asks who handles return. |
| Spelling | Keeps “colour” consistent throughout. |
House sitting · informal
Your cousin is looking after your home while you travel. Write an email to your cousin. In your email:
- thank your cousin for helping
- explain how to care for a plant
- say how to contact you in an emergency
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for looking after my home while I am away. It is a relief to know someone I trust will be checking the place, and I really appreciate your help. Please make yourself comfortable and help yourself to the tea in the kitchen.
The plant beside the lounge window only needs water when the top of the soil feels dry. Please keep it out of direct afternoon sun. If there is an emergency, call my mobile first; I will check messages whenever I have reception. The neighbour also has a spare key if you accidentally lock yourself out.
Thanks again,
Alex
104 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Thanks the cousin, explains plant care and gives emergency contact steps. |
| Email conventions | Friendly opening and appreciative close suit family. |
| Form | 104 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Thanks lead naturally into practical instructions. |
| Vocabulary | “Top of the soil” is more precise than “a little water”. |
| Grammar | “If there is an emergency” introduces a clear condition. |
| Spelling | Check “accidentally” and “reception”. |
Library workshop · formal
Your local library is planning free workshops. Write an email to the library coordinator. In your email:
- suggest a useful workshop topic
- explain who would benefit
- offer to help with the arrangements
Dear Library Coordinator,
I would like to suggest a basic smartphone photography workshop for the library programme. Many residents use their phones to photograph family events but are unsure how to adjust focus, improve lighting or organise their pictures afterwards. A practical session could help them feel more confident without buying extra equipment.
The workshop would particularly suit older residents and anyone new to using a smartphone camera. I could help prepare simple handouts and welcome participants on the day. Please let me know whether the idea fits your plans and what support would be useful during the arrangements.
Kind regards,
Alex
102 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Suggests a workshop, identifies beneficiaries and offers concrete help. |
| Email conventions | Formal proposal addressed to the coordinator. |
| Form | 102 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Idea and benefit precede the offer to assist. |
| Vocabulary | “Focus”, “lighting” and “handouts” suit the topic. |
| Grammar | “Without buying extra equipment” explains accessibility. |
| Spelling | “Programme” is used consistently as British spelling. |
Cancelled visit · informal
You can no longer visit your friend Leo this Saturday. Write an email to Leo. In your email:
- apologise for changing the plan
- explain why you cannot come
- suggest another time and activity
Hi Leo,
I am really sorry, but I cannot visit you this Saturday as planned. A colleague has had to take unexpected leave, and I have agreed to cover the afternoon shift. I know you set aside the day for us, so I wanted to tell you as soon as I could.
Would you be free the following Sunday instead? We could meet at the riverside cafe for lunch and then take a walk if the weather is good. If Sunday is inconvenient, send me another date that suits you and I will check my schedule before we arrange anything.
Sorry again,
Alex
103 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Apologises, explains the shift and proposes a new day and activity. |
| Email conventions | Direct, friendly apology to Leo. |
| Form | 103 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Cancellation first, alternative plan second. |
| Vocabulary | “Cover the afternoon shift” explains the reason naturally. |
| Grammar | “If Sunday is inconvenient” offers flexibility. |
| Spelling | Check “colleague” and “inconvenient”. |
Sports centre booking · formal
Your community team needs a room at a sports centre for a meeting. Write an email to the centre manager. In your email:
- explain the purpose of the meeting
- describe the room and equipment you need
- ask about availability and booking conditions
Dear Centre Manager,
Our community walking team would like to book a room for a planning meeting about our next local event. We need a quiet space with chairs around a table and access to a screen so we can review the route together. A room near the main entrance would help members who have difficulty with stairs.
Could you let me know whether a suitable room is available on a weekday evening next month? Please also send details of the booking conditions, including how to confirm the reservation and whether equipment is included in the room hire.
Kind regards,
Alex
101 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Explains the meeting purpose, equipment and access needs, then asks about conditions. |
| Email conventions | Polite formal request to a manager. |
| Form | 101 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Needs are grouped before availability and booking questions. |
| Vocabulary | “Reservation” and “room hire” suit a booking enquiry. |
| Grammar | “Whether equipment is included” avoids an ambiguous cost request. |
| Spelling | Check “equipment” and “reservation”. |
New flatmate · informal
A friend will move into your shared apartment next month. Write an email to your friend. In your email:
- welcome your friend
- explain two household arrangements
- suggest a time to discuss the move
Hi Jordan,
I am looking forward to sharing the apartment with you next month. It will be lovely to have someone to cook with, and I hope the move goes smoothly. There is plenty of room on the kitchen shelf for your favourite ingredients.
We usually take turns cleaning the shared rooms at the weekend, and we put our contributions towards the utility bills into a shared account when each bill arrives. We can talk through anything you would prefer to arrange differently. Could we have a call on Sunday afternoon to discuss your moving date and how to collect the keys?
Cheers,
Alex
104 words · RealPTE original sample answer
| Trait | Comment |
|---|---|
| Content | Welcomes the friend, explains cleaning and bills and proposes a call. |
| Email conventions | “Hi Jordan” and “Cheers” suit future housemates. |
| Form | 104 words including greeting and close; within the task instruction. |
| Organization | Welcome, household arrangements, then moving discussion. |
| Vocabulary | “Utility bills” clearly names the shared expense. |
| Grammar | “Anything you would prefer” leaves room for agreement. |
| Spelling | Check “apartment” and “contributions”. |
Weaker vs stronger: asking for a class transfer
Weaker original answer
Hello, I cannot come to cooking anymore because my work has changed. It is difficult to get there and I am busy in the evenings. I enjoyed the classes and the recipes were useful. Please tell me what I should do about this problem. I hope there is another option because I would like to keep learning with your team. Thanks, Alex
62 words. It explains the difficulty but does not actually request the weekend transfer or ask about the additional cost. It also falls below the instructed word range.
The stronger answer in “Evening class” above names the transfer, gives workable availability and asks for cost details. It covers all requirements instead of relying on extra polite sentences. No score has been assigned to either answer.
Sources and dates
Source: Pearson Core Speaking & Writing. Checked 2026-10-23.
Source: Pearson Core Write Email scoring traits. Checked 2026-10-23.
Questions students ask
How many words should I write in PTE Core Write Email?
The task asks for 80–120 words in 9 minutes. The Score Guide’s Form bands are separate from that instruction.
Can I copy one email template for every question?
Use a structure, but change the content to answer every requirement and match the recipient. These examples cover different purposes and registers.
Are these official scored sample answers?
No. These are RealPTE original model emails with editorial comments, not Pearson questions, scores or calibrated predictions.
Can I practise the same email prompt?
Yes. Each model links to its matching RealPTE prompt. Sign in for saved feedback; the separate Write Email tool also offers an anonymous trial of its first prompt.
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