Writing study guide
Essay planning: give every paragraph a job
A simple way to turn a prompt into a clear position, connected paragraphs and a useful final review.
Answer the question in your own words
Before drafting, identify exactly what the prompt asks you to discuss or decide. Write a short private note with your position and two reasons that directly support it.
For an original practice prompt such as “Should universities offer more evening classes?”, a position might be that evening options improve access for working students. Keep your reasons connected to that position rather than listing unrelated facts about education.
Build paragraphs around reasons
Give each body paragraph one main point, explain it and add a relevant example. Explain why the example supports the point; simply naming an example leaves the reader to make that connection.
Use linking words when they clarify a relationship such as contrast or consequence. Repeating a stock phrase in every paragraph can obscure the argument instead of organising it.
Reserve attention for revision
Practise with enough time left to read your answer once. First check that it answers the prompt; then look for sentence boundaries, verb agreement, spelling and repetition.
Use PenPTE feedback as estimated guidance for the next draft. Pick one recurring issue to improve in a new essay instead of repeatedly editing one familiar response. Follow the instructions shown in your actual task.
Practice checklist
- State a position that answers this prompt.
- Assign one main reason to each body paragraph.
- Explain how examples support your argument.
- Review meaning before polishing individual words.
PenPTE is an independent practice platform. Feedback and scores are estimates, not official Pearson results.