PTE Essay Writing 3

Question 1

Which transition phrase would best begin a paragraph that presents a contrasting viewpoint?

Accepted Answer

On the other hand,

Answer

"On the other hand" is a contrastive discourse marker used to introduce an opposing or alternative viewpoint. "In addition" and "similarly" add supporting points, and "as a result" shows a consequence.

Question 2

What is a "compound sentence" in the context of PTE Academic grammar?

Accepted Answer

A sentence joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction

Answer

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — FANBOYS) or a semicolon. Example: "The study was extensive, but the sample size was small."

Question 3

Which verb tense is most commonly used in PTE Academic essays when discussing research findings?

Accepted Answer

Present simple

Answer

Present simple is standard for discussing established research findings and general truths in academic writing. Example: "Research shows that..." or "The data indicates..." Past tenses describe specific completed studies.

Question 4

What is "hedging" and why is it important in PTE Academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Using cautious language to acknowledge uncertainty and avoid overgeneralization

Answer

Hedging involves using cautious language (e.g., "may," "appears to," "tends to," "it is possible that") to avoid overstating conclusions. Academic writing values epistemic humility, and PTE Academic rewards appropriate hedging as part of written discourse.

Question 5

Which sentence contains an error in tense consistency?

Accepted Answer

Scientists collected data and analyze the results carefully.

Answer

"Scientists collected data and analyze the results carefully" mixes past tense ("collected") with present tense ("analyze"). Consistent tense use is essential in PTE Academic writing and assessed under the Grammar criterion.

PTE Practice Test

PTE Practice Test

PTE Essay Writing 3