How to Write Perfect Emails in PTE Core: Tips, Samples & Vocabulary for Canadian PR Test Takers

(Your Complete Guide to the PTE Core Writing Task)

If you’re planning to move to Canada, one of the most valuable English language tests you can take is the PTE Core — now accepted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for permanent residency, work, and study visas. The test evaluates your English proficiency across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (LRWS) skills.

Among these, the Email Writing task in the Writing section is often where candidates lose crucial points — not because their grammar is poor, but because they fail to understand what the examiner expects. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know to ace the PTE Core Email Writing task, with strategies, vocabulary, and sample answers tailored for the Canadian PTE Core version.

And if you’re looking for complete preparation, make sure to get my book on Amazon Canada — https://a.co/d/0z1I5mE. It includes 4 full-length LRWS mock tests for real exam practice and step-by-step guidance.

Understanding PTE Core Email Writing

In the PTE Core Writing section, you will be asked to write an email responding to a given situation. You must:

Write between 50–120 words
Use appropriate tone and register (formal or informal)
Organize your response clearly
Include all key points mentioned in the prompt

You will usually have 10 minutes for this task.

The question may give you a scenario such as:

Writing to your manager, landlord, customer service, or friend
Making a request, apology, complaint, invitation, or explanation

Your score depends on four key factors:

Content – Did you include all points from the question?
Organization – Is your email logically structured?
Vocabulary and Grammar – Are your words accurate and sentences well-formed?
Tone and Register – Is the style appropriate for the situation?

Structure of a Perfect PTE Core Email

Follow this simple and effective structure every time:

1. Greeting

Use a suitable salutation depending on the tone:

Formal: Dear Mr. Smith, / Dear Customer Service Team,
Informal: Hi John, / Hello Sarah,

2. Opening Sentence (Purpose)

Clearly state why you’re writing:

I am writing to inform you about…
I’m contacting you regarding…
I wanted to let you know that…

3. Body (2–3 sentences)

Cover all bullet points mentioned in the task. Each point should be written clearly.

4. Closing Sentence

Show politeness and closure:

I look forward to your response.
Please let me know if you need any further information.
Thanks for your time and understanding.

5. Sign-off

Formal: Yours sincerely, / Kind regards,
Informal: Best, / Take care,

Example 1: Formal Email (Complaint to a Company)

Question:

You recently purchased a washing machine online, but it arrived damaged. Write an email to the company explaining the problem, asking for a replacement, and requesting faster delivery.

Sample Answer (108 words):

Dear Customer Service,

I am writing to inform you that the washing machine I ordered on October 5 arrived in a damaged condition. The outer drum is cracked, and the machine does not start. I have attached photos of the damage for your reference.

Could you please arrange a replacement as soon as possible? I would also appreciate if the new unit could be delivered within the next three days, as I urgently need it.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Kind regards,
Anjali Mehra

Why this works:

Covers all task points (problem, request, urgency)
Uses polite and clear tone
Organized structure, 100+ words, accurate grammar

Example 2: Informal Email (Invitation to a Friend)

Question:

Your friend recently moved to another city. Write an email inviting them to visit you during the holidays.

Sample Answer (96 words):

Hi Liam,

Hope you’re doing great in Toronto! It’s been a while since we met, and I really miss our weekend get-togethers. My family is hosting a small party during the winter holidays, and I’d love for you to come.

You can stay with us for a few days — there’s plenty of room, and we’ll go skating and sightseeing around the city. Let me know your travel dates so I can plan accordingly.

Take care,
Ria

Why this works:

Informal tone and friendly expressions
Invites clearly, adds details and personal touch

Useful Vocabulary for PTE Core Email Writing

Formal Expressions

I am writing to request / inform / complain about …
I would appreciate if you could …
Please find attached …
I apologize for any inconvenience caused.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kindly let me know the next steps.

Informal Expressions

Just wanted to check in about …
Hope everything’s going well.
Let me know if that works for you.
Sounds great! / That would be amazing.
Can’t wait to see you soon!

Linking Words for Clarity

However, / Therefore, / Moreover, / In addition, / As a result,
First of all, / Secondly, / Finally,

Politeness Markers

Could you please …
Would you mind …
I’d really appreciate it if …

Tips to Score Higher in PTE Core Email Writing

Stay within word limits – Between 50 and 120 words is ideal.
Follow the tone carefully – Don’t use casual language in formal tasks.
Cover all bullet points – Missing one can lower your content score.
Avoid contractions in formal emails (use I am instead of I’m).
Proofread your email – Check for spelling, punctuation, and coherence.
Use variety in vocabulary – Don’t repeat the same words (e.g., “problem” → “issue,” “concern”).
Plan before typing – Spend 1 minute outlining the structure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Writing too short or too long (below 50 or above 120 words)
❌ Using informal tone in official emails
❌ Ignoring one or more task points
❌ Writing everything in one paragraph
❌ Using SMS-style abbreviations (e.g., u instead of you)

Remember, clarity and tone are more important than complex grammar. Simple, natural English works best for the PTE Core.

Practice Makes Perfect

To truly master email writing — and all modules of PTE Core — you must practice under exam-like conditions. The PTE Core Official Practice Book by Darshan Singh, available on Amazon Canada (https://a.co/d/0z1I5mE), offers:

4 Full-Length LRWS Mock Tests
Realistic Email Writing Tasks with model answers
Vocabulary and Grammar Notes for Writing and Speaking
Canadian Context Practice Questions

This book is designed for test-takers applying for Canadian PR who need targeted, authentic, and up-to-date preparation.

Final Thoughts

PTE Core Email Writing may seem simple, but success depends on clarity, tone, and structure. By mastering the strategies above, practicing with model answers, and using high-quality study material like the PTE Core Complete Test Book (https://a.co/d/0z1I5mE), you can easily secure a top score in the Writing module.

Whether you’re applying for Canadian PR, study visa, or work permit, strong writing skills can make all the difference. Start practicing today — one well-written email at a time.

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