Simple PTE Essay Template (“Many People Think” or Common Belief” Essays or “Popular Opinion” Essays)

This template is structured to handle essay prompts that begin with “Many people think…” or similar phrases that present a common belief and ask for your perspective or discussion around it.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Sentence 1: Acknowledge the “Many People Think” View: Begin by directly acknowledging the common belief presented in the essay question (“It is often argued that…”, “Many people believe that…”, “A common viewpoint is that…”). Rephrase it slightly using synonyms to show understanding.
• Sentence 2: State Your Overall Stance/Approach (Agree, Disagree, Balanced): Clearly indicate your general position in relation to the “many people think” statement. Will you primarily agree, disagree, or present a balanced perspective? Phrases like “While this view holds some merit…”, “However, I believe that…”, “This essay will explore both sides of the argument…” are useful.
• Sentence 3: Briefly Outline Your Essay Structure (Optional but helpful): You can briefly mention what your essay will cover. For example, if you’re disagreeing, you could say, “…this essay will argue against this notion by highlighting [reason 1] and [reason 2].”

Paragraph 2: Explore the “Many People Think” View (Body Paragraph 1)

• Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – Explain the “Many People Think” Argument: Elaborate on why many people hold this particular view. Explain the logic or reasoning behind the common belief. Use phrases like “Proponents of this view often argue that…”, “The reasoning behind this belief is that…”, “This perspective is often based on the idea that…”
• Sentence 2 & 3: Provide Supporting Points for the “Many People Think” View: Give reasons or supporting details that strengthen the “many people think” argument. Think about why this belief might be prevalent. You are essentially explaining the validity of this viewpoint, even if you ultimately disagree in your essay. You can give brief examples here if relevant.

Paragraph 3: Present Your Perspective (Body Paragraph 2) – Counter-argument, Agreement, or Nuance

• Option A (If Disagreeing): Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – Introduce Your Counter-argument: Clearly state your differing perspective. Use phrases like “However, I disagree with this view…”, “In contrast, I believe that…”, “A different perspective, however, suggests that…”
• Option B (If Agreeing/Adding Nuance): Sentence 1: Topic Sentence – Further Support or Nuance: If agreeing, you can further strengthen the argument or add a nuanced perspective. Phrases like “While there’s truth to this view, it’s also important to consider…”, “Building on this idea, it’s crucial to recognize that…”, “Furthermore, this perspective can be strengthened by considering…”
• Sentence 2 & 3: Provide Reasons and Elaboration for Your Perspective: Give your reasons, explanations, and supporting details for your own stance. Whether you are disagreeing, agreeing, or adding nuance, this is where you develop your own argument.
• Sentence 3 (or 4): Example (Personal or General Knowledge): Provide an example (personal experience, general knowledge, hypothetical) to illustrate your perspective and make it more convincing.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Sentence 1: Summarize Both Sides (Briefly): Briefly summarize both the “many people think” view and your own perspective as presented in your essay. Acknowledge both sides, even if you lean strongly to one.
• Sentence 2: Reiterate Your Overall Stance/Concluding Thought: Re-emphasize your overall stance in a concise way. You can restate your opinion or offer a final, balanced thought that reflects your essay’s main message. You can use phrases like “In conclusion, while…”, “Ultimately…”, “Therefore, it is evident that…”

Why this template works for “Many People Think” essays:

• Directly Addresses the Prompt: It explicitly engages with the “many people think” statement right from the introduction.
• Balanced Approach (Even When Disagreeing): Even if you disagree, the template forces you to first understand and explain why many people hold the opposing view, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the issue.
• Structured Argument: It provides a clear structure to present both sides of the argument and then develop your own perspective logically.
• Clear Stance: Despite exploring both sides, the template ensures you clearly state your own position and defend it with reasons and examples.
• PTE-Friendly: Simple, time-efficient, and focuses on presenting a structured and clear argument within the PTE essay format.

Sample Answer using the Template: “Many People Think” – Technology and Isolation

Essay Question: Many people think that technology isolates people rather than connecting them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Sentence 1 (Acknowledge “Many People Think”): It is often argued that despite its intended purpose of fostering connection, technology increasingly leads to social isolation among individuals.
• Sentence 2 (State Stance – Balanced): While there is a valid basis for this concern, I believe that technology’s impact on social connection is more nuanced and can be both isolating and connecting, depending on usage and context.
• Sentence 3 (Outline – Optional): This essay will explore both the arguments for technology as a source of isolation and the ways in which it can still facilitate meaningful human connections.

Paragraph 2: Explore the “Many People Think” View (Isolation Argument)

• Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence – “Many People Think” Argument): Proponents of the view that technology isolates people often highlight the reduction in face-to-face interaction.
• Sentence 2 (Support – Reduced Face-to-Face): The reasoning behind this is that individuals now spend considerable time engaging with screens – smartphones, computers, and televisions – which can replace real-world social engagements with virtual ones.
• Sentence 3 (Support – Superficial Online Interactions): Furthermore, online interactions can sometimes be superficial and lack the depth and emotional resonance of in-person communication, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness and detachment despite being “connected” online.

Paragraph 3: Present Your Perspective (Connection Argument)

• Sentence 1 (Topic Sentence – Counter-argument/Balanced View): However, it’s crucial to recognize that technology also offers unprecedented opportunities for connection and community building that can counteract isolation.
• Sentence 2 (Support – Global Connection, Communities): Technology facilitates communication across geographical barriers, enabling individuals to maintain relationships with loved ones who are far away and to connect with communities of like-minded people based on shared interests, regardless of location.
• Sentence 3 (Support – Access to Support, Information): Moreover, online platforms provide access to support networks and information that can be especially valuable for individuals who might feel isolated due to geographical limitations, health issues, or niche interests, providing a sense of belonging and shared experience.
• Sentence 4 (Example – Online Support Groups): For example, online support groups for people with rare diseases or mental health conditions offer a vital lifeline and community that would be nearly impossible to access without technology, directly combating isolation.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Sentence 1 (Summarize Both Sides): In conclusion, while concerns about technology’s potential to reduce face-to-face interaction and foster superficial online engagements are valid, it is also undeniable that technology simultaneously offers powerful tools for connection and community building across distances and shared interests.
• Sentence 2 (Reiterate Stance – Balanced): Ultimately, whether technology isolates or connects depends largely on how it is used and integrated into people’s lives, suggesting a nuanced reality rather than a solely negative impact on social connection.

Explanation of the Sample Answer with the Template

Let’s see how each part of the sample answer maps to our template:

Paragraph 1: Introduction – Explained

• “It is often argued that despite its intended purpose of fostering connection, technology increasingly leads to social isolation among individuals.” – Acknowledge “Many People Think” View: This sentence effectively acknowledges the common view about technology leading to isolation, using phrases like “often argued” and rephrasing the question.
• “While there is a valid basis for this concern, I believe that technology’s impact on social connection is more nuanced and can be both isolating and connecting, depending on usage and context.” – State Stance (Balanced): This sentence clearly states a balanced stance (“nuanced,” “both isolating and connecting,” “depending on usage and context”). It signals the essay will explore both sides, not just fully agree or disagree with the initial statement.
• “This essay will explore both the arguments for technology as a source of isolation and the ways in which it can still facilitate meaningful human connections.” – Outline (Optional): This briefly outlines the essay structure, informing the reader what will be discussed: arguments for isolation and arguments for connection.

Paragraph 2: Explore “Many People Think” View (Isolation) – Explained

• “Proponents of the view that technology isolates people often highlight the reduction in face-to-face interaction.” – Topic Sentence – “Many People Think” Argument: This clearly introduces the topic of this paragraph: explaining the isolation argument and uses a phrase “Proponents of the view…” to signal this is the “many people think” perspective.
• “The reasoning behind this is that individuals now spend considerable time engaging with screens – smartphones, computers, and televisions – which can replace real-world social engagements with virtual ones.” – Support – Reduced Face-to-Face: This sentence explains the reasoning behind the isolation view – time spent on screens replaces real-world interaction. It provides concrete examples of screens (smartphones, computers, TVs).
• “Furthermore, online interactions can sometimes be superficial and lack the depth and emotional resonance of in-person communication, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness and detachment despite being “connected” online.” – Support – Superficial Online Interactions:This adds another supporting point – the superficiality of online interactions – and explains how this can contribute to feelings of loneliness even when digitally connected.

Paragraph 3: Present Your Perspective (Connection) – Explained

• “However, it’s crucial to recognize that technology also offers unprecedented opportunities for connection and community building that can counteract isolation.” – Topic Sentence – Counter-argument/Balanced View: This sentence introduces the counter-argument (or the “connecting” side) using a contrasting transition, “However,”. It uses strong positive phrasing (“unprecedented opportunities,” “counteract isolation”).
• “Technology facilitates communication across geographical barriers, enabling individuals to maintain relationships with loved ones who are far away and to connect with communities of like-minded people based on shared interests, regardless of location.” – Support – Global Connection, Communities: This provides a key reason for technology being connecting – breaking geographical barriers, enabling long-distance relationships and interest-based communities.
• “Moreover, online platforms provide access to support networks and information that can be especially valuable for individuals who might feel isolated due to geographical limitations, health issues, or niche interests, providing a sense of belonging and shared experience.” – Support – Access to Support, Information: This gives another supporting point – access to support networks and information, especially beneficial for individuals who are already isolated.
• “For example, online support groups for people with rare diseases or mental health conditions offer a vital lifeline and community that would be nearly impossible to access without technology, directly combating isolation.” – Example: This sentence provides a specific and powerful example (online support groups) to illustrate the connecting power of technology, particularly for combating isolation for vulnerable groups.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion – Explained

• “In conclusion, while concerns about technology’s potential to reduce face-to-face interaction and foster superficial online engagements are valid, it is also undeniable that technology simultaneously offers powerful tools for connection and community building across distances and shared interests.” – Summarize Both Sides: This sentence effectively summarizes both sides of the argument, acknowledging the validity of the isolation concerns while also highlighting the undeniable connecting power of technology. It uses “while…undeniable” to balance both perspectives.
• “Ultimately, whether technology isolates or connects depends largely on how it is used and integrated into people’s lives, suggesting a nuanced reality rather than a solely negative impact on social connection.” – Reiterate Stance (Balanced): This sentence restates the balanced stance from the introduction and offers a concluding thought that reinforces the nuanced perspective. It emphasizes the role of “usage and integration” in determining technology’s impact, concluding with a balanced and thoughtful point.

In summary, the sample answer effectively uses the “Many People Think” template by:

• Clearly acknowledging and explaining the “many people think” view in a dedicated body paragraph.
• Presenting a balanced perspective by exploring both sides of the argument (isolation and connection).
• Providing clear reasons and supporting details for both viewpoints.
• Using a relevant and impactful example to illustrate the connecting power of technology.
• Summarize both sides and reiterate a balanced stance in the conclusion.
• Maintaining a formal and objective tone throughout, suitable for a PTE essay.

This template and sample answer provide a strong framework for approaching “Many people think” type PTE essay questions. Practice using this template with different topics to build your confidence and skills in handling this essay type.

Back to

PTE Speaking and Writing
https://www.mihiraa.com/pte-speaking-and-writing/