PTE Academic Write Essay · Opinion (agree or disagree)

Should Primary Students Learn Essential Computer Skills

A high-scoring sample essay with the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it, and what the scoring traits reward.
  • 237 words
  • Opinion (agree or disagree)
  • beginner
  • 20 minutes

The prompt

Some people believe that every student should learn how to use a computer and basic software programs before finishing primary school. Do you agree that basic computer skills are essential for all young students? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

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

Opinion (agree or disagree)

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Position

    I strongly agree that foundational computer literacy is essential for primary school students to succeed in a digital era.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    Digital literacy fosters academic efficiency and prepares students for future learning environments.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    Early exposure to software develops critical problem-solving skills and logical thinking abilities.

  • →State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.
  • →Two body paragraphs that each give one reason for that position, with an example.
  • →A partial position is fine if it is stated precisely; a position that drifts is what caps task response at 6.

Model answer

Sample essay

High-scoring sample237 words. Use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences: PTE flags memorised templates.

The integration of technology into primary education has become a subject of significant debate. I strongly agree that foundational computer literacy is essential for primary school students to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital era, as these skills are now prerequisite for academic and professional advancement.

First, early digital literacy fosters academic efficiency and prepares students for modern learning environments. By mastering basic software programs, students can conduct research effectively, organize data, and present their findings with clarity. For instance, a student who learns to use word processing tools early can focus on the quality of their arguments rather than the mechanics of writing, thereby enhancing their overall cognitive engagement with academic tasks.

Second, early exposure to software develops critical problem-solving skills and logical thinking abilities. Navigating operating systems and understanding basic programming logic requires a methodical approach that encourages computational thinking. For example, primary students introduced to simple coding platforms often demonstrate improved persistence and analytical capabilities when faced with complex hurdles, which are transferable skills that benefit them across all subjects, including mathematics and science.

In conclusion, basic computer skills are no longer an optional luxury but a fundamental necessity for young learners. By incorporating technology into the primary curriculum, educators provide children with the essential tools required to navigate the complexities of the future. Ensuring students are digitally literate from an early age is a vital step toward promoting long-term academic and personal success.

Scoring traits

Why this scores well

This response scores highly on linguistic range and coherence by using precise vocabulary and logical transitions between paragraphs. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to provide specific examples, leading to vague arguments that lack depth.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • prerequisite

    a thing that is required as a prior condition

  • digital literacy

    the ability to use technology to find information

  • methodical

    done according to a systematic or established form

  • computational thinking

    a thought process involved in formulating problems for computers

  • transferable

    capable of being moved from one place to another

  • cognitive

    relating to the mental action of acquiring knowledge

  • mechanics

    the way in which something is done or operated

  • evolution

    the gradual development of something into a form

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 237 words, written for the 20-minute limit.

What type of essay is this?+

Opinion (agree or disagree). State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.

What does PTE reward in the essay?+

This response scores highly on linguistic range and coherence by using precise vocabulary and logical transitions between paragraphs. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to provide specific examples, leading to vague arguments that lack depth.

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