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The Best Tips & Tricks To Write A PTE Essay

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Writing your PTE essay will not be difficult if you follow a system and practice writing essays using this system. The test requires you to write a 200–300 word essay in which you may have to:

• Give your opinion on a topic
• Discuss the disadvantages and advantages
• Describe problems or causes and solutions for it

Regardless of which of the above you are required to do, they all follow the same essay format.

Here are the PTE writing tips we'll be covering in-depth in this article with real examples :

• Tip 1 : Plan your main points.
• Tip 2 : Keep your writing simple.
• Tip 3 : Use a PTE essay-writing format.

You'll be surprised by how much you will improve your score following these tips. Make sure to read till the end of this article not to miss them!

Tip 1: How to start and plan your PTE writing essay

• Read the essay prompt carefully. Be clear about what you have been asked to discuss.
• Plan your essay and the points you want to discuss.
• You only have 20 minutes to write your essay, but you should still take a few minutes to think about it and jot down some notes.
• Keep your points on topic — do not add irrelevant information just to make your essay longer.
• Use examples, where possible, to illustrate your points.
• Be careful not to overuse certain words, like linking words

Tip 2: Keep your writing simple

The test assessors are looking for clear, logical sentences. It doesn’t mean you should only write short, simple sentences.

You do need to show you can write complex sentences, but the more you try to write long, grammatically-complicated sentences the greater your chance of making errors .

Want to improve your PTE writing score? Write simpler sentences

Example: How to simplify your writing

Here is an example of a very long sentence that could be simplified:

A parent-teacher meeting will be held at the school on Tuesday September 11th at 4pm for you to meet your child’s teachers and to discuss his/her progress, but please note you must inform us by September 4th if you are coming and, if English is not your first language, whether or not you require an interpreter.

Simplified version:

A parent-teacher meeting will be held at the school on Tuesday September 11th at 4pm. You will be able to meet your child’s teachers and discuss his/her progress. Please inform us by September 4th if you are coming. Also, if English is not your first language let us know if you require an interpreter.

Tip3: Use a PTE writing format

You can use the same basic format to write your PTE essay, no matter the topic or whether you have to give your opinion or describe the advantages and disadvantages.

Here is an example essay prompt:

Recently, cases of capital punishment have raised the issue of human rights of the guilty. Though it has been criticized by human rights organizations, the death penalty is still a form of punishment in some countries. Should it be abolished? Give reasons and examples.

How to write your PTE essay introduction

Keep your introduction short, precise and clear. About 3–4 lines is enough.

Your stand (or viewpoint) on the issue should be mentioned in your introduction (but only in opinion articles, in others just provide a short description as your introduction.)

Here is a sample introduction for the above question about the death penalty:

Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is when an individual is sentenced to death for a crime considered to be serious according to a nation’s laws. Some say everyone has the right to live, regardless of their crime. However, it can be argued in cases of crimes such as murder, that offenders should be punished by death. This is my belief too, therefore capital punishment should not be abolished.

What is a great PTE essay structure?

Introduction Argument 1 (for) Argument 2 (for or against) Conclusion

The body of your essay should be at least 2 or 3 paragraphs. In total you will have 4 or 5 paragraphs, depending on the essay prompt and how many points you choose to write about.

For instance:

• Paragraph 1: Introduction
• Paragraph 2: Argument 1 (e.g. for capital punishment)
• Paragraph 3: Argument 2 (e.g. against capital punishment)

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Regarding the conclusion you have 2 main choices:

Say which argument is most convincing in your opinion.

Summarize arguments from paragraphs 2 & 3.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence, which is the main point of the paragraph, then explain it and give examples.

Note that every paragraph must connect to the one before it to keep your PTE essay flowing. This makes it easy for the reader to follow your writing.

See the previous article on how to use linking words to connect your paragraphs and the points within each paragraph.

Paragraph 2: This is where you start providing your arguments for or against the issue of capital punishment.

Many people believe capital punishment is a justifiable penalty for serious crimes such as murder. Their belief is if you deliberately take the life of another human being you forfeit your right to live and should be put to death. People in favor of the death penalty also say their taxes should not be wasted providing for criminals to live their life in prison, especially if they are deemed a permanent threat to society. If murderers and the like are unable to be rehabilitated and, therefore, cannot contribute to society, the death penalty is warranted. Furthermore, proponents of capital punishment believe it acts as a deterrent to heinous crimes and is, consequently, an apt punishment for such crimes.

Paragraph 3: Continue with the flow of the previous paragraph and provide your next argument or point.

On the other hand, there are, of course, people who are completely against capital punishment, regardless of the crime committed. They say no one has the right to kill another human being and if a court of law sentences someone to death it is just the same as murdering them. Those against the death penalty believe dangerous criminals should be jailed and given a chance to mend their wicked ways, for example through rehabilitation programs set up for such people in prison.

This is the final paragraph of your essay.

• Sum up by briefly rephrasing your arguments in 2 or 3 sentences.
• Do not copy word for word what you have already written.
• Keep it short and precise and do not add any new ideas.

In conclusion, capital punishment is deemed by many people to be absolutely necessary and justified in order to keep society safe, while others believe death by law is no different to death by unlawful means in that they are both murder. I believe we need the death penalty. When someone deliberately kills another person and the legal system has found them to be beyond rehabilitation, the death penalty is warranted, rather than the offender spending the rest of their life in jail contributing nothing to the betterment of society.

Here is the entire PTE essay on capital punishment for you to read again:

Full article:.

On the other hand, there are, of course, people who are completely against capital punishment, regardless of the crime committed. They say no one has the right to kill another human being and if a court of law sentences someone to death it is just the same as murdering them. Those against the death penalty believe dangerous criminals should be jailed and given a chance to mend their wicked ways through rehabilitation programs set up for such people in prison.

Extra writing tip: Read every day

You may say, thanks for this very basic tip! So, why am I saying this?

Because, memorizing word lists is not the way to build your vocabulary bank .

The best way is reading real language in books, magazines and newspapers.

Make it a daily habit and you will quickly learn and remember more words, and the ways they are used by native speakers. Moreover, you will also improve your grammar !

Language learners and test takers understandably try to use “new” or “big” words, however they often use them incorrectly. This is how you learn the collocations list.

• To convey a message
• To cover a topic
• To conduct a survey

For some actions, it is important to use the proper verb. To say a message doesn't sound right, right?

That is why memorizing word lists is a bad habit because that doesn’t teach you how to use words in the right context.

As you can see, writing a PTE essay can be simplified once you follow a proper structure.

Try to practice at least 5 to 10 questions following our steps above, and you'll see, you'll start writing in less time and get better results.

Additionally, I'd recommend you to memorize a couple of PTE essay templates. I'll attach one to this page in a couple of days.

What makes writing an essay so challenging for you? Do you have difficulties with grammar/vocabulary, or you don't know what to say? Let us know, and we'll provide you solutions.

Need help for your PTE preparation ?

Simple and madly effective Online Preparation Tool that helps you boost your score from 50 up to 90 in no time. Try out now, no credit card needed!

Divya Umesh

Divya is a blog writer and Netflix addict. Like many international students, she moved to Australia to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. Her passion and determination took her from an internship program to a leading role in the communication team.

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PTE Essay Writing Examples and Tips: Boost Your Score Today

Writing essays is a crucial component of the PTE Academic test, and mastering this skill can significantly impact your overall score. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore practical examples and expert tips to help you …

Written by: PTE Online

Published on: October 4, 2024

Understanding PTE Essay Writing Requirements

Before diving into examples and tips, it’s essential to grasp the basic requirements of PTE essay writing:

• Time limit: 20 minutes
• Word count: 200-300 words
• Clear structure: Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Coherent arguments and relevant examples
• Proper grammar, vocabulary, and spelling

How to structure responses in PTE writing is crucial for achieving a high score. Let’s explore some effective strategies to enhance your essay writing skills.

PTE Essay Writing Examples

Example 1: agree/disagree essay.

Topic: “In the future, all cars should be electric. Do you agree or disagree?”

Introduction: As environmental concerns grow, the debate over transitioning to electric vehicles has gained momentum. While electric cars offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges to consider. This essay will examine both sides of the argument and present a balanced view on whether all cars should be electric in the future.

Body Paragraph 1: Electric cars undoubtedly have significant advantages. They produce zero direct emissions, reducing air pollution and combating climate change. Additionally, they are more energy-efficient and have lower operating costs compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles.

Body Paragraph 2: However, there are obstacles to universal adoption of electric cars. The current infrastructure for charging stations is inadequate in many areas, and the production of batteries raises environmental concerns. Moreover, the initial cost of electric vehicles remains high for many consumers.

Conclusion: While the transition to electric cars is desirable for environmental reasons, a complete shift may not be feasible in the immediate future. A gradual approach, combining improved electric vehicle technology with sustainable practices in traditional car manufacturing, may be more realistic and effective.

Example 2: Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

Topic: “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.”

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, prompting many to consider the pros and cons of working from home. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this increasingly popular work arrangement.

Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages): Working from home offers several benefits. It eliminates commuting time and costs, provides a flexible schedule, and can lead to improved work-life balance. Additionally, remote work can increase productivity for some individuals by reducing office distractions and allowing for a personalized work environment.

Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages): However, working from home also presents challenges. It can lead to feelings of isolation and reduced social interaction with colleagues. Some people may struggle with maintaining work-life boundaries, leading to longer working hours and burnout. Furthermore, remote work may hinder collaboration and team-building efforts within organizations.

Conclusion: While working from home offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility and potential productivity gains, it also comes with drawbacks related to social interaction and work-life balance. The effectiveness of remote work largely depends on individual preferences and organizational support. As the workforce continues to evolve, a hybrid model combining both remote and in-office work may prove to be the most beneficial approach for many.

Essential Tips for PTE Essay Writing

Now that we’ve examined some examples, let’s explore key tips to enhance your PTE essay writing skills:

Analyze the prompt carefully : Ensure you understand the question and address all parts of it in your essay.

Plan your essay : Spend 2-3 minutes outlining your main points before writing. This will help you maintain a clear structure and coherent flow of ideas.

Use a clear structure : Follow the standard essay format with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. How to improve coherence in PTE essays is crucial for achieving a high score.

Develop strong body paragraphs : Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea and include relevant examples or evidence to support your argument.

Use transition words : Employ connectors like “however,” “moreover,” and “consequently” to improve the flow between sentences and paragraphs.

Vary your vocabulary : Demonstrate your language proficiency by using a range of advanced vocabulary and avoiding repetition.

Mind your grammar : Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, tenses, and sentence structure. Proofread your essay for any errors.

Practice Makes Perfect

To excel in PTE essay writing, consistent practice is essential. Here are some ways to improve your skills:

• Set aside time each day to write practice essays
• Use official PTE practice materials and past exam questions
• Time yourself to simulate exam conditions
• How to practice essay writing for PTE offers valuable insights into effective preparation strategies

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a renowned PTE expert, emphasizes the importance of targeted practice: “Focus on your weaknesses and gradually increase the complexity of your essays. This approach will help you build confidence and improve your overall writing skills.”

Managing Word Count and Time

One of the challenges in PTE essay writing is managing the word count within the given time limit. Here are some strategies to help you:

• Aim for 250-280 words to allow for minor adjustments
• Practice writing essays of different lengths to build flexibility
• Use a simple structure: introduction (40-50 words), two body paragraphs (80-100 words each), and conclusion (40-50 words)
• PTE essay writing word limit tips can provide more detailed guidance on this aspect

Remember, it’s not just about meeting the word count, but also about the quality and relevance of your content.

Mastering PTE essay writing requires a combination of understanding the test requirements, practicing regularly, and applying effective strategies. By following the examples and tips provided in this guide, you can significantly improve your essay writing skills and boost your PTE score. Remember to analyze prompts carefully, plan your essays, use clear structures, and practice consistently. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any PTE essay topic with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a PTE essay be? PTE essays should be between 200-300 words. Aim for 250-280 words to ensure you meet the requirement while allowing for minor adjustments.

What is the time limit for writing a PTE essay? You have 20 minutes to write your essay in the PTE Academic test.

How can I improve my vocabulary for PTE essays? Read widely on various topics, use a thesaurus to find synonyms, and practice incorporating new words into your writing regularly.

Is it necessary to include personal examples in PTE essays? While personal examples can be effective, it’s not mandatory. You can use hypothetical scenarios or general examples if they’re relevant and support your argument.

How important is grammar in PTE essay scoring? Grammar is crucial in PTE scoring. Ensure you use correct tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structures to maximize your score.

Can I use the first person (I, me, my) in PTE essays? It’s generally better to use third-person perspective in academic essays. However, if the prompt specifically asks for your opinion, using first person sparingly is acceptable.

How can I practice for PTE essays effectively? Use official PTE practice materials, set time limits for yourself, and get feedback on your essays from tutors or language exchange partners. PTE academic preparation books can also be valuable resources for structured practice.

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About PTE Online

Mastering Skimming and Scanning Techniques for PTE Success: A Comprehensive Guide

How to manage speaking anxiety for pte: expert tips and strategies.

PTE Writing Practice: Proven Tips & Format to High Scores

Posted on 07/08/2023 by Moni PTE Magic

The PTE Writing section is critical for those aspiring to study or work in English-speaking countries.

It reflects their ability to use English effectively in both academic and professional environments. Moreover, it can significantly impact your chances of success in various visa applications.

Writing is an art. Mastering writing skills can be a game-changer for a competitive edge in the PTE exam.

This post will give you a better understanding of the PTE Writing section and help you develop the necessary skills to express your ideas convincingly, eloquently, and confidently.

So, let’s embark on this journey! 

(Read our Vietnamese version here )

Key Takeaways

• PTE Writing assesses a candidate’s aptitude for conveying thoughts, opinions, and information through well-structured essays.
• PTE Summarize Written Text and PTE Essay Writing are the two main tasks in the PTE writing section.
• The PTE Writing scores are determined by automated scoring algorithms assessing your responses based on predefined linguistic features and proficiency indicators.
• Check out our PTE practice tests that can improve your scores fast!
• An updated guide about the PTE full-form exam

PTE writing format

The PTE Writing is the second part of the Speaking section. Once you complete the Speaking tasks, you will be directed to the Writing test. PTE Writing assesses a candidate’s aptitude for conveying thoughts, opinions, and information through well-structured essays.

The PTE writing section consists of the following two main tasks.

Summarize Written Text

You must summarize a passage of the text in a complete, single sentence of no more than 75 words. Comprehension is key in this task. You need to write concisely while conveying the core of the topic and the primary points.

Tips for Summarize Written Text

• Identify key concepts : Read the passage carefully and identify the central theme and main points. Focus on the most important information.
• Note keywords : Highlight or underline essential keywords best determining the content. Use these keywords in your summary.
• Stick to word limit : Be concise and to the point. Focus on the facts. Avoid including lengthy explanations, inferences, or examples.
• Use complex sentences : Incorporate complex sentence structures to show off your linguistic skills, but ensure they are grammatically correct.
• Use your voice : Use your own words by thinking of synonyms and paraphrasing. Use the third person. Avoid using “I,” “Me,” or “We”.
• Be mindful of time: Give yourself enough time to produce a summary with an effective structure: Read, plan, write, and check.

You have 20 minutes to create an argumentative essay of 200–300 words. This task will assess your grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and writing skills.

Tips for Essay

• Understand the prompt : Do not start writing immediately. Take time to carefully read the essay question and identify the type of essay: opinion/balanced argument/problem and solution.
• Plan your writing : Always outline your essay. Organizing your ideas logically will help you save time and earn more points for the PTE Written Discourse criteria.
• Follow proper essay structure : Your essay should include a straightforward introduction, well-developed body paragraphs with supporting ideas, and a concise conclusion
• Stick to the topic : Stay focused on the given topic and avoid off-topic or unnecessary information.
• Give examples and evidence : Support your arguments with relevant examples, research, statistics, or personal experiences in the body paragraphs to strengthen your essay.
• Maintain balance in arguments: When writing essays, present a balanced viewpoint, considering both sides of an argument, especially in opinion-based prompts.
• Diversify your language : Try to use synonyms to avoid repetition of words. Ensure you use words correctly.
• Be concise and clear : Convey your ideas concisely and coherently. Avoid confusing sentences.
• Manage time wisely : Monitor the time during the exam. Allocate sufficient time for each part of your essay.
• Proofread your essay : Give yourself some time to review and make any necessary corrections before submitting.
• PTE tips and tricks for a 79+ score

PTE Writing scoring guidelines

Scores in the PTE Writing section are determined by automated scoring algorithms assessing your responses based on predefined linguistic features and proficiency indicators. 

The scoring system will consider the following factors of the write-up in the grading process. 

• Development structure
• Coherence of the written content
• The length of responses
• General linguistic range
• Grammar usage and mechanics
• Vocabulary range

12 PTE writing practice tips for better scores

Here are 12 practical PTE writing tips to boost your scores:

Tip 1: Follow the format

Familiarize yourself with the standard essay structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and summary sentence format (single sentence).

Tip 2: Address all aspects of the prompt

Ensure you fully address all parts of the essay or summary prompt to maximize your score.

Tip 3: Keep sentences simple

Try to limit your use of lengthy, complex sentences. Ensure all of your phrases are clear and easy to understand.

Tip 4: Give a logical sequence to your ideas

In both essay and summary tasks, always stay on the topic and deliver your answer in a logical sequence.  You should repeat the text’s main points many times in your writing.

When starting with a logical explanation, always come to a reasonable conclusion about it. Your response should be specific and consistent.

Tip 5: Do not use jargon

Avoid using slang words in daily life at all costs. Remember that PTE writing requires an academic formal tone.

Tip 6: Enhance your vocabulary

A strong vocabulary is one of the keys to success in PTE writing tasks. Therefore, you should equip yourself with an excellent vocabulary and proper use to achieve higher scores in PTE.

You can increase your vocabulary through English articles, magazines, or newspapers. However, don’t leave your new words alone. Do some examples when encountering them for better memorization.

Tip 7: Grammar practice

Focus on standard grammar rules, sentence structures, and verb tenses. Work on eliminating grammatical errors in your writing.

Tip 9: Learn from mistakes

Identify your weak points in writing. Find out which mistakes you frequently make and try to correct them by practicing.

Tip 8: Ensure coherence and cohesion

Ensure your writing flows logically and coherently. Use transitional phrases to connect ideas and create a smooth, well-structured response.

Tip 10: Practice with different topics

Challenge yourself with diverse essay and summary topics to broaden your knowledge base and adaptability.

Tip 11: Seek advice from a PTE coach

Consider getting feedback from a qualified English language tutor or teacher to receive personalized guidance.

Tip 12: Practice, practice, practice

Mastering writing skills takes time and effort. You need to put up enough practice to get your dream score.

Have you got any additional helpful PTE writing tips? Kindly share them with us and our fellow students!

Remember that practice and perseverance are key to improving your writing skills. With dedication and effort, you will confidently conquer the PTE writing challenge and excel in expressing your ideas with flair.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need further help with your PTE writing. Best of luck!

Moni PTE Magic

My name is Moni, and I am a seasoned PTE teacher with over 6 years of experience. I have helped thousands of students overcome their struggles and achieve their desired scores. My passion for teaching and dedication to my student’s success drives me to continually improve my teaching methods and provide the best possible support. Join me on this journey toward PTE success!

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PTE Write Essay Tips and Tricks | Top 15 Tips | Updated for 2024

What are the most important things to keep in mind if you want to do well in PTE Write Essay ? Based on our years of experience in PTE teaching we have complied a list of top 10 PTE Write Essay Tips and Tricks. Read these carefully and follow the advice along with sincere practice!

Let’s discuss these Top 10 PTE Write Essay Tips and Tricks one by one:

Don’t start writing the essay immediately

Many test takers are so nervous or excited that the moment they see the essay on the screen they start writing. They do this even before they have properly understood the essay topic. Most of the times this is because of a lack of proper preparation. They are not confident about their ability and don’t have a systematic approach. As a result they end up writing a poorly structured essay which at times even misses the question asked. Therefore, never start writing the essay immediately. First spend some time understanding the topic and planning your response.

Write according to a well-defined structure

Next in our PTE Write Essay Tips and Tricks list is: Structure!

The PTE software expects to see an essay which looks like an academic essay. An academic essay has a very well defined structure – an introduction, key ideas discussed in the middle paragraphs and then a final concluding paragraph. You should also develop your essay according to the same structure.

Make sure to understand the topic clearly and what is expected of you in the essay

Spend a minute to properly analyze the essay topic and what aspect of that topic you have to write on. Often the essay topic is very broad and then you are asked to address a particular point of that topic. But if you only talk about the broad topic your essay will be considered inaccurate.

Decide your position on the essay topic in the first couple of minutes

Most of the essays will require you to express your opinion on a certain topic – either in the form of advantages, disadvantages, pros or cons or might ask you to express your views in general. In the first couple of minutes you have to decide which side you are going to take. This need not be the side that you actually believe in. It should simply be the side that is easy to write about. Often it is safer to address both sides of an argument.

( Note : Our expert tutors have put together a full series of PTE Tutorials and PTE Tips and Tricks articles. Make sure to read all! Also, check out the PTE Mock Test packages for mock tests with score cards, section tests, mini tests – all with authentic questions and real PTE like software!)

Write down some ideas before you start developing them

Before you jump into writing the essay come up with an outline. Write down what you are going to address in paragraph 1, what you are going to address in paragraph 2, and so on. It is helpful to come up with multiple ideas and then pick the ideas which are easy to develop into full paragraphs.

Don’t repeat the same point again and again

Each paragraph should address a specific point. Don’t think just about filling the space and meeting the word limit. You also need to demonstrate your command over English language. By addressing different points you have an opportunity to use different words, different sentences and get more marks.

Don’t leave any point half baked

When you begin a point in a paragraph, make sure to elaborate it fully. Don’t jump away to another point before writing about one point in full. Discuss all aspects of that point and provide an example where possible and relevant.

Do not consider your personal opinions

This is especially relevant for essays that ask about pros and cons. You don’t have to write exactly what you believe in. Instead you should write what is easy for you. In most cases it is easier if you take the middle position – write about both advantages and disadvantages by acknowledging both sides, instead of trying to passionately defend on point of view and then struggling to write an essay around that.

Use academic language in your PTE Essays

The test is PTE Academic ! This is a test of your English ability in academic and formal situations. Therefore use language that conveys that. Don’t use slang, don’t use informal structures! PTE Mock Tests packages include essay questions as per the exact PTE Academic standards, for you to practice along with the scored mock tests. Practice with these essays and learn how to write proper academic essays.

Show your variety and diverse vocabulary in your essay responses

Don’t use the same words again and again. Try to use synonyms or other words that can convey a similar thought. In the last few minutes of your task go through the essay and improve the language wherever possible.

Always write a proper introduction and conclusion

In the introduction show that you understand the topic, and then explain what the rest of essay is going to be about. Clearly tell your position on the topic. In the conclusion reiterate what you have written and your position on the topic.

Try to write about 250 words in your PTE Write Essay task

Though you can write as much as 300 words it is possible to write a perfect crisp essay in about 250 words. That is enough to address the key points of a topic in sufficient depth, and also not so long that you run the risk of making spelling or grammar mistakes.

Turn off the spell checker and grammar checker if you are practicing on your computer

If you practice on your computer then it is a good idea to turn off the spell checker and grammar checker in your text editor (MS Word or anything else that you might be using). You won’t have the help of these tools in exam, so don’t use them in your practice.

Spend some time reviewing the basic grammar concepts

In the essay writing task in PTE a lot depends upon your grammar skills. So make sure that you have studies the basic grammar concepts before your exam. You don’t need to be an expert but know enough to not make silly mistakes.

Practice writing essays on a variety of topics

Expose your mind to a wide variety of essay topics. First of all this will get you ready for the kind of essays you might face in exam, and second it will prepare you to come up with ideas related to a wide range of topics.

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