Updated Mar 2026

PTE Core Templates: Describe Image, Email & RTS

Copy-ready PTE Core templates for Describe Image, Write Email, and RTS. Full-score examples, tone guides, and scoring tips for CLB 7, 8, and 9 targets.

Set your score target first

Match these templates to your real Canada PR target before memorising them. Use the CLB table to see what each skill score actually needs.

PTE Core Template Pack (Describe Image, RTS, Write Email)

Use these templates to maintain structure and fluency under exam pressure.

Before applying templates, benchmark your score target with the PTE Core Score Calculator to CLB and IRCC PTE Core CLB equivalency table (2026).

PTE Describe Image (DI) Template

Reference template

Universal template for any graph/chart. Focus on fluency.

This task does not test grammar, does not test grammar, does not test grammar!

This is a graph showing [Title]. As we can see, this graph includes [X-Axis items]. As we can see, the highest value is [Value], which is [Category]. As we can see, the lowest value is [Value], which is [Category]. In conclusion, this is a very informative graph showing [Title].

Scoring Criteria

Oral Fluency
Most important — keep talking!
Pronunciation
Content
AI does NOT test grammar

Keywords to Memorize

as we can see
highest
lowest
in conclusion

Chart Type Quick Guide

Bar Chart
Use 'the highest bar / the lowest bar' to describe extremes.
Line Graph
Use 'increased / decreased / remained stable over [time period]'.
Pie Chart
Use 'the largest portion / accounts for [X]%'.
Table
Use 'the highest figure / the lowest figure in [row/column]'.
Process Diagram
Use 'the first step is… / the final step is… / the process begins with…'.
Map
Use 'located in / to the north of / surrounded by'.
Picture / Photo
Use 'we can see [object] / in the foreground / in the background'.

Pro Tip

The AI scores fluency higher than content. Don't stop if you make a mistake—just keep reading the template structure. For process diagrams, use keywords like 'first step', 'final step', 'recycle', 'repeat', etc. For photos, describe the scene using keywords like 'bike (bicycle)', 'women (riding)', 'foggy', 'street (avenue)', 'crowds', etc.

Real Exam Example

Prompt

Graph: The Rise of Smartphones in the US (2005-2020)

Sample Answer

This is a graph showing the rise of the smartphone in the US. As we can see, this graph includes year 2005 to 2020. As we can see, the highest value is 100 percent, which is Any Cellphone. As we can see, the lowest value is 40 percent, which is Smartphone. In conclusion, this is a very informative graph showing the rise of the smartphone in the US.

PTE Respond to Situation (RTS) Universal Template

Reference template

Memorize one opening, one restatement rule, and one universal closing.

Use one template for every RTS prompt.

Universal opening

Hello sir, this is [your name]. How are you doing today? I hope you are doing well. I have something important that I'd like to discuss with you.

Restatement rule

Restate the prompt once, changing "you" to "I" and "your" to "my".

Universal closing

I really hope we can work out a good solution together. Could you please give me some advice or recommendations? Thanks for your help, I think we should solve this problem as soon as possible. By the way, if there's anything I can do, please let me know. Thank you very much for your time and understanding.

Scoring Criteria

Fluency
Top raw weight
Pronunciation
Top raw weight
Appropriacy
Keep it relevant

Pro Tip

For CLB 9 prep, use the same template every time and spend your attention on smooth delivery.

Real Exam Example

Prompt

You missed your ride and want to ask your colleague for a lift home after work.

Sample Answer

Hello sir, this is Aaron. How are you doing today? I hope you are doing well. I have something important that I'd like to discuss with you. I missed my ride home, so I need to ask you for a lift after work today. I really hope we can work out a good solution together. Could you please give me some advice or recommendations? Thanks for your help, I think we should solve this problem as soon as possible. By the way, if there's anything I can do, please let me know. Thank you very much for your time and understanding.

PTE Core Write Email Template & Sample

Reference template

Formal structure for 100–120 words. Include all three themes.

100–120 words including greeting and signature. Grammar accuracy matters most.

Dear [Name], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to discuss about [Topic from the prompt]. Firstly, [Theme 1 + one supporting sentence]. Secondly, [Theme 2 + one supporting sentence]. Lastly, [Theme 3 + one supporting sentence]. If you need more information, please let me know. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Scoring Criteria

Content
Cover all 3 bullet points
Form
Greeting + body + closing
Grammar
Vocabulary
Spelling & Conventions
Word Count
100–120 words

Formal vs. Informal Tone Guide

FormalInformal
greetingDear [Name] / Dear Sir or MadamHi [Name] / Hey [Name]
openingI am writing to… / I would like to…Just wanted to… / I'm reaching out about…
closingThank you for your time.Thanks! / Talk soon!
signoffSincerely / Yours faithfullyBest / Cheers

Pro Tip

Stick to 100–120 words. Address each bullet point with one clear sentence. Don't be creative, be structured.

Real Exam Example

Prompt

Your company is considering implementing remote work options to offer greater flexibility to its employees. Write an email to your supervisor suggesting three policies.

Sample Answer

Dear Supervisor, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to discuss about ways to implement remote work options to offer greater flexibility for our employees. Firstly, I recommend clear communication guidelines so teams know response times, meeting norms, and shared tools. This structure will help managers track progress without micromanaging. Secondly, flexible work hours would help staff manage time zones and personal responsibilities while meeting deadlines. Lastly, remote work training and resources, such as security training and home office support, will keep productivity high. If you need more information, please let me know. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Aaron

PTE Core Template Downloads (PNG Cheat Sheets)

Save these quick-reference guides to your phone. Perfect for last-minute revision before the exam.

DI Template

PNG, high-resolution

RTS Template

PNG, high-resolution

Email Template

PNG, high-resolution

*High-resolution PNG files optimized for mobile viewing.

PTE Core Template Comparison Table

Compare DI, RTS, and Write Email in one view so you can choose the right template under time pressure.

TaskBest ForTarget LengthScoring FocusTemplate Move
Describe Image (DI)Graphs, charts, maps, and photosSpeak for the full 40 secondsOral fluency + pronunciationTitle -> highest -> lowest -> conclusion
Respond to Situation (RTS)Daily scenarios that need one polite, practical responseUse full recording time naturallyFluency + pronunciation firstUniversal opening -> restate once -> universal closing
Write Email3-bullet workplace/community prompts100-120 wordsContent + form + grammarGreeting -> 3 points -> closing -> signoff

If your score is stuck, optimize one template at a time instead of changing all three together.

Need guided drills? Try PTE Core writing template practice with score and PTE RTS practice prompts.

PTE Core Template Tips by Task

Key strategies to maximize your score in every section.

Speaking Template Tips

Read Aloud (RA)

Most important task. Read with confidence. If you get stuck, skip the word—never correct yourself.

Repeat Sentence (RS)

Fluency > Content. If you forget words, say what you remember and fill the rest with smooth intonation.

Describe Image (DI)

Use the template! Don't try to describe everything. Focus on key data points and maintain fluency.

Respond to Situation (RTS)

Keep the opening fixed, restate the prompt once, then use the same universal closing every time.

Writing Template Tips

Write Email

Critical

Stick to 100–120 words. Address bullet points with one sentence each. Don't be creative, be structured.

Summarize Written Text

Use the "One Sentence" rule. Connect ideas with "and", "but", "so". Never write two sentences.

Listening Strategy Tips

Write From Dictation (WFD)

Strategy

Prioritize a complete sentence first. If unsure, write two variants (e.g., "book books") to protect correct-word hits.

Fill in the Blanks

Typing speed matters. Use Tab key to jump to the next blank instantly.

WFD Pro Strategy

WFD 3-step method: write the core words first; add two variants for uncertain words (e.g., "book books"); use the last 3 seconds to check case and plurals.

PTE Core Templates FAQ