Simple PTE Essay Template (“Argumentative” or “It is Argued That” Essays)

This template is designed for prompts that present a debatable statement (“It is argued that…”, “Some people believe…”, “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”) and require you to argue for your position.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Sentence 1: Acknowledge the Argument/Debated Statement: Start by acknowledging the statement or argument presented in the essay question. Use phrases like “It is often argued that…”, “The argument is frequently made that…”, “A common viewpoint is that…”, or “The statement that [rephrase the core argument] is a subject of debate.”
• Sentence 2: State Your Position (Agree, Disagree, or Partially Agree): Clearly state your overall stance on the argument. Will you agree, disagree, or partially agree? Be decisive. Phrases like “I strongly agree with this assertion…”, “However, I disagree with this viewpoint…”, “While there is some truth to this argument, I partially agree…”, “In my opinion, this argument is flawed/valid because…” are effective. This is your thesis statement.
• Sentence 3: Briefly Outline Your Main Arguments/Reasons (Optional but Highly Recommended):Briefly mention the key reasons or arguments you will use to support your stance. This acts as a roadmap for your essay and helps ensure a focused argument. e.g., “…this essay will argue in favor of this statement by exploring [Reason 1] and [Reason 2].”

Paragraph 2: Argument 1 Supporting Your Position (Body Paragraph 1)

• Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – State Argument 1: Clearly state your first main argument to support your position. Use clear topic sentence starters like “Firstly…”, “One compelling reason for my agreement/disagreement is…”, “To begin with…”, “A primary argument in support/against is…”
• Sentence 2 & 3: Elaborate and Explain Argument 1: Explain why this is a strong argument supporting your stance. Provide reasoning, details, and further explanation.
• Sentence 3 (or Sentence 4): Example (Personal or General Knowledge – Strongly Recommended): Provide a specific example (from personal experience, general knowledge, current events, statistics – if appropriate and concise) to illustrate and strengthen your argument. Examples make your arguments more concrete and persuasive.

Paragraph 3: Argument 2 Supporting Your Position (Body Paragraph 2)

• Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – State Argument 2: State your second main argument to support your position. Use transition words or phrases like “Secondly…”, “Another important reason is…”, “Furthermore…”, “Moreover…”, “In addition to this…”
• Sentence 2 & 3: Elaborate and Explain Argument 2: Explain why this is also a valid and important argument for your stance. Provide reasoning and details.
• Sentence 3 (or Sentence 4): Example (Personal or General Knowledge – Strongly Recommended): Provide another example (ideally different from the first) to further illustrate and strengthen your second argument.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Sentence 1: Summarize Your Main Arguments (Briefly): Briefly summarize the two main arguments you presented in the body paragraphs. Reiterate the core reasons in a concise way.
• Sentence 2: Reiterate Your Position/Concluding Statement (Firmly): Restate your overall position in a strong and definitive way. Reinforce your stance and offer a final, impactful thought that leaves the examiner with a clear understanding of your argument. Phrases like “In conclusion, for the reasons outlined above…”, “Therefore, based on these arguments…”, and “Ultimately, it is clear that…” are effective.

Why this template is effective for “Argumentative” PTE essays:

• Clear Stance & Argumentative Focus: The template immediately requires you to take a position and structure your essay around defending that position with clear arguments.
• Logical Structure: Provides a logical and easy-to-follow structure with distinct paragraphs for introduction, arguments, and conclusion.
• Emphasizes Reasons and Evidence: This encourages you to provide not just opinions but well-reasoned arguments supported by explanations and examples, which is crucial for argumentative essays.
• Persuasive Tone: Designed to help you build a persuasive case for your viewpoint, which is essential for argumentative writing.
• PTE Time-Efficient: Simple, structured, and focuses on presenting a clear and concise argument under timed conditions.

Sample Answer using the Template: “Argumentative” – Advertising’s Negative Impact

Essay Question: It is argued that advertising has a negative impact on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Sentence 1 (Acknowledge the Argument): The argument is frequently made that advertising exerts a detrimental influence on society.
• Sentence 2 (State Position – Partially Disagree): While I acknowledge that certain aspects of advertising can be problematic, I partially disagree with this viewpoint and believe that advertising’s impact is more nuanced, encompassing both positive and negative effects.
• Sentence 3 (Outline Arguments): This essay will argue that while advertising can contribute to consumerism and unrealistic expectations, it also serves vital functions in informing consumers and driving economic growth.

Paragraph 2: Argument 1 (Negative Impact – Supporting Partial Agreement)

• Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence – Negative Argument): Firstly, it is undeniable that advertising can contribute to a culture of excessive consumerism and materialistic values, potentially having a negative societal impact.
• Sentence 2 (Elaboration – Consumerism & Materialism): The pervasive nature of advertising constantly bombards individuals with messages emphasizing the acquisition of goods and services as a path to happiness and success, often leading to a focus on material possessions over more meaningful pursuits like personal relationships or community contribution.
• Sentence 3 (Elaboration – Unrealistic Expectations): Furthermore, advertising frequently promotes unrealistic beauty standards and lifestyles, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and body image issues, particularly among vulnerable populations like young people.
• Sentence 4 (Example – Beauty Ads): For example, advertisements for beauty and fashion products often rely heavily on heavily edited images and unattainable ideals, potentially fostering dissatisfaction and anxiety among viewers.

Paragraph 3: Argument 2 (Positive Impact – Disagreeing with Purely Negative View)

• Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence – Positive Argument): Secondly, however, it is crucial to recognize that advertising plays a vital role in informing consumers about available products and services and in stimulating economic activity.
• Sentence 2 (Elaboration – Information & Choice): Advertising provides valuable information to consumers, enabling them to make informed choices about products that can improve their lives or meet their needs. It introduces new innovations, options, and solutions that people might otherwise be unaware of.
• Sentence 3 (Elaboration – Economic Growth & Jobs): Moreover, advertising is a significant driver of economic growth, supporting numerous industries and creating jobs across various sectors, from media and marketing to production and retail. It fuels competition and innovation in the marketplace.
• Sentence 4 (Example – New Tech Ads): For instance, advertisements for new technological gadgets and services often educate the public about advancements that can enhance efficiency, productivity, and communication and drive demand that fuels technological progress and job creation.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Sentence 1 (Summarize Arguments): In conclusion, while advertising’s contribution to consumerism and the promotion of unrealistic standards cannot be ignored, it also serves important functions in informing consumers and driving economic growth.
• Sentence 2 (Reiterate Position – Partially Disagree): Therefore, based on these arguments, it is evident that the assertion of advertising having a purely negative impact is an oversimplification, and a more balanced perspective acknowledges its complex and multifaceted role in society.

Explanation of the Sample Answer with the Template

Let’s analyze how each part of the sample answer aligns with our “Argumentative” template:

Paragraph 1: Introduction – Explained

• “The argument is frequently made that advertising exerts a detrimental influence on society.” – Acknowledge the Argument: This sentence directly acknowledges the “It is argued that…” statement from the prompt.
• “While I acknowledge that certain aspects of advertising can be problematic, I partially disagree with this viewpoint and believe that advertising’s impact is more nuanced, encompassing both positive and negative effects.” – State Position (Partially Disagree): This clearly states a “partially disagree” stance. It uses “nuanced, encompassing both positive and negative effects” to signal a balanced, argumentative approach.
• “This essay will argue that while advertising can contribute to consumerism and unrealistic expectations, it also serves vital functions in informing consumers and driving economic growth.” – Outline Arguments: This sentence outlines the two main arguments that will be developed in the body paragraphs: negative aspects (consumerism, unrealistic expectations) and positive aspects (informing consumers, economic growth).

Paragraph 2: Argument 1 (Negative Impact) – Explained

• “Firstly, it is undeniable that advertising can contribute to a culture of excessive consumerism and materialistic values, potentially having a negative societal impact.” – Topic Sentence – Negative Argument: This clearly introduces the first argument: advertising contributes to consumerism. Uses “Firstly” and strong phrasing “undeniable,” “negative societal impact.”
• “The pervasive nature of advertising constantly bombards individuals with messages emphasizing the acquisition of goods and services as a path to happiness and success, often leading to a focus on material possessions over more meaningful pursuits like personal relationships or community contribution.” – Elaboration – Consumerism & Materialism: Explains how advertising contributes to consumerism, highlighting the constant bombardment of messages and the emphasis on material possessions over other values.
• “Furthermore, advertising frequently promotes unrealistic beauty standards and lifestyles, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and body image issues, particularly among vulnerable populations like young people.” – Elaboration – Unrealistic Expectations: Adds another negative aspect – promotion of unrealistic standards – and its negative effects on self-esteem and body image, especially for young people.
• “For example, advertisements for beauty and fashion products often rely heavily on heavily edited images and unattainable ideals, potentially fostering dissatisfaction and anxiety among viewers.” – Example: Provides a specific example – beauty and fashion ads – and explains how they contribute to negative feelings through unrealistic images.

Paragraph 3: Argument 2 (Positive Impact) – Explained

• “Secondly, however, it is crucial to recognize that advertising plays a vital role in informing consumers about available products and services, and in stimulating economic activity.” – Topic Sentence – Positive Argument: Introduces the second argument – positive role of advertising in information and economy. Uses transition “Secondly, however” to signal a shift to the opposing side of the argument.
• “Advertising provides valuable information to consumers, enabling them to make informed choices about products that can improve their lives or meet their needs. It introduces new innovations, options, and solutions that people might otherwise be unaware of.” – Elaboration – Information & Choice: Explains how advertising informs consumers and aids in decision-making, highlighting the introduction of new products and solutions.
• “Moreover, advertising is a significant driver of economic growth, supporting numerous industries and creating jobs across various sectors, from media and marketing to production and retail. It fuels competition and innovation in the marketplace.” – Elaboration – Economic Growth & Jobs: Adds another positive aspect – economic impact, job creation, competition, and innovation.
• “For instance, advertisements for new technological gadgets and services often educate the public about advancements that can enhance efficiency, productivity, and communication, and drive demand that fuels technological progress and job creation.” – Example: Provides a contrasting example – technology ads – and explains their positive role in educating the public and driving progress and jobs.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion – Explained

• “In conclusion, while advertising’s contribution to consumerism and the promotion of unrealistic standards cannot be ignored, it also serves important functions in informing consumers and driving economic growth.” – Summarize Arguments: Summarizes both the negative (consumerism, unrealistic standards) and positive (information, economic growth) aspects discussed in the body paragraphs, acknowledging both sides.
• “Therefore, based on these arguments, it is evident that the assertion of advertising having a purely negative impact is an oversimplification, and a more balanced perspective acknowledges its complex and multifaceted role in society.” – Reiterate Position (Partially Disagree): Restates the “partially disagree” position firmly and concludes by emphasizing the “complex and multifaceted role” of advertising, reinforcing the nuanced perspective taken throughout the essay.

In summary, the sample answer effectively utilizes the “Argumentative” template by:

• Clearly stating a position (partially disagree) in the introduction.
• Presenting two distinct and opposing arguments in separate body paragraphs (negative and positive impacts of advertising).
• Providing clear topic sentences, elaborations, and relevant examples for each argument.
• Using transition words (“Firstly,” “Secondly, However,” “In conclusion”).
• Summarize the arguments and restate the position firmly in the conclusion.
• Maintaining a formal, argumentative, and balanced tone suitable for a PTE essay.

This template and sample answer provide a robust framework for tackling “Argumentative” or “It is argued that” type PTE essay questions. Consistent practice with this structure across various argumentative topics will significantly enhance your PTE writing skills.

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