PTE Academic Write Essay · Problem and solution

Challenges and Proposed Solutions for Education Reform

A high-scoring sample essay with the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it, and what the scoring traits reward.
  • 254 words
  • Problem and solution
  • beginner
  • 20 minutes

The prompt

What are some of the challenges related to education reform, and what solutions can you suggest? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

20 minutes. Write 200 to 300 words. A BandLadder practice prompt, not a recalled exam question.

Problem and solution

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Position

    Education reform faces significant hurdles regarding funding disparities and outdated curricula, which can be mitigated through equitable resource allocation and integration of digital literacy.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    The primary challenge of systemic inequality in school funding leading to disparate educational outcomes.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    The problem of stagnant, traditional curricula failing to prepare students for the modern labor market.

  • →Name one or two specific problems, not a general complaint.
  • →Match each solution to a problem and say who would carry it out.
  • →Keep problems and solutions in separate paragraphs so the structure is visible.

Model answer

Sample essay

High-scoring sample254 words. Use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences: PTE flags memorised templates.

Education systems globally are under pressure to evolve, yet meaningful reform remains elusive. The primary obstacles to progress include systemic funding disparities and curricula that fail to align with contemporary demands. Addressing these issues requires a strategic shift toward equitable resource distribution and the modernization of teaching frameworks.

Financial inequality often dictates the quality of instruction, particularly in marginalized communities. When schools rely heavily on local property taxes, students in impoverished areas receive inferior resources, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. A viable solution is the implementation of a centralized funding model, as seen in countries like Finland. By ensuring that state-level resources are allocated based on student needs rather than geographic wealth, governments can bridge the achievement gap and provide every pupil with a fair opportunity to succeed.

Furthermore, many educational institutions cling to rigid, outdated pedagogical structures that ignore the necessity of technological proficiency. Students frequently graduate without the digital literacy required for the modern workforce. Integrating interdisciplinary curricula that prioritize critical thinking and technical skills is essential. For instance, vocational programs that partner with local tech industries allow students to gain hands-on experience, ensuring that academic training remains relevant to the evolving labor market.

In conclusion, while education reform is hindered by fiscal imbalances and stagnant instructional methods, these challenges are not insurmountable. By centralizing educational funding to promote equality and updating curricula to emphasize practical, digital skills, nations can cultivate a more capable workforce. Prioritizing these structural changes will ultimately foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment for the next generation.

Scoring traits

Why this scores well

This essay scores highly on linguistic range and formal register by utilizing precise vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The most common error on this prompt is failing to provide specific examples, which leads to a loss of marks for development and coherence.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • elusive

    difficult to find, achieve, or accomplish

  • disparities

    significant differences or inequalities between groups

  • mitigated

    made less severe, serious, or painful

  • pedagogical

    relating to the methods and practice of teaching

  • stagnant

    showing no activity or current development

  • interdisciplinary

    relating to more than one branch of knowledge

  • insurmountable

    too great to be overcome or addressed

  • fiscal

    relating to government revenue or public money

See also the Write Essay guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a PTE essay be?+

Between 200 and 300 words; outside that range the form score drops to zero. This sample is 254 words, written for the 20-minute limit.

What type of essay is this?+

Problem and solution. Name one or two specific problems, not a general complaint.

What does PTE reward in the essay?+

This essay scores highly on linguistic range and formal register by utilizing precise vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The most common error on this prompt is failing to provide specific examples, which leads to a loss of marks for development and coherence.

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