Missed Birthday Apology: PTE Write Email Question with Sample Answers
Your task
Read the situation below, then write an email of 80 to 140 words in response.
30 community answers with AI feedback
30 community answers with AI feedback
SCORE 15/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
The email is 110 words long, which is within the required range of 100-120 words.
Content:
The email adequately addresses the topic by apologizing for the absence and suggesting an alternative plan to meet.
Grammar:
The email shows consistent grammatical control with complex structures and no noticeable errors.
Spelling:
There are no spelling errors in the email.
Vocabulary Range:
The email uses a broad lexical repertoire with appropriate expressions and vocabulary.
General Linguistic Range:
The email demonstrates a wide range of language with precise formulation of thoughts.
Development Structure Coherence:
The email is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
SCORE 13/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
The email exceeds the word limit, being more than 120 words.
Content:
The email adequately addresses the topic, including an apology and an alternative plan.
Grammar:
The response shows consistent grammatical control with no noticeable errors.
Spelling:
There are no spelling errors in the response.
Vocabulary Range:
The email displays a good command of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions.
General Linguistic Range:
The response demonstrates a wide range of language, formulating thoughts precisely.
Development Structure Coherence:
The email is well-structured with logical flow and coherence.
SCORE 12/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
The email is 120 words long, which is within the required range.
Content:
The email adequately addresses the topic by explaining the absence and suggesting an alternative plan.
Grammar:
There are several grammatical errors, such as incorrect use of articles and verb forms, but they do not lead to misunderstandings.
Spelling:
There are no spelling errors in the email.
Vocabulary Range:
The vocabulary is adequate but not very broad, with some imprecise expressions.
General Linguistic Range:
The language used is clear but lacks complexity and precision in some parts.
Development Structure Coherence:
The email is well-structured with a clear introduction, explanation, apology, and alternative plan.
SCORE 12/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
The email is 91 words long, falling between 30 and 90 words.
Content:
The email adequately addresses the apology and suggests an alternative meeting plan.
Grammar:
The email demonstrates consistent grammatical control with no noticeable errors.
Spelling:
There are no spelling errors in the email.
Vocabulary Range:
The vocabulary is sufficient but lacks idiomatic expressions and broader lexical range.
General Linguistic Range:
The language used is clear, but lacks some complexity and precision.
Development Structure Coherence:
The email is well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
SCORE 11/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
Word count (94) is between 50-120 inclusive
Content:
Fully addresses the task by apologizing and suggesting an alternative plan
Grammar:
Mostly accurate grammar with only minor errors
Spelling:
Maximum of two spelling or typing errors
Organization:
Well-structured with logically presented ideas and smooth transitions
Email Convention:
Correct and appropriate email formatting, including structure and tone
Vocabulary Range:
Uses a varied and appropriate vocabulary for the situation
SCORE 10/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
The length is between 30 and 90 words.
Content:
Adequately deals with the topic by apologizing and suggesting an alternative plan.
Grammar:
Relatively high degree of grammatical control with some errors.
Spelling:
No spelling errors.
Vocabulary Range:
Good range of vocabulary but some imprecision.
General Linguistic Range:
Sufficient range of language to provide clear descriptions.
Development Structure Coherence:
Incidentally less well-structured with some poorly linked elements.
SCORE 10/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
The email is 88 words long, which is between 30 and 90 words.
Content:
The email adequately addresses the topic by apologizing, explaining the reason for absence, and suggesting an alternative plan.
Grammar:
There is a grammatical error with 'apologise' instead of 'apology' and 'apologize'.
Spelling:
There is one spelling error: 'apologise' should be 'apologize' (American English) or 'apology'.
Vocabulary Range:
The vocabulary is appropriate but not extensive, with some idiomatic expressions like 'fit as a fiddle'.
General Linguistic Range:
The language range is sufficient but lacks precision in some areas.
Development Structure Coherence:
The email is well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
SCORE 10/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
Word count (93) is between 50–120 inclusive.
Content:
Fully addresses the task by apologizing and suggesting an alternative plan.
Grammar:
Mostly accurate grammar with only minor errors.
Spelling:
Maximum of two spelling or typing errors.
Organization:
Well-structured with logically presented ideas and smooth transitions.
Email Convention:
Correct email formatting with appropriate structure and tone.
Vocabulary Range:
Some appropriate vocabulary, but lacks precision.
SCORE 9/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
Word count (115) is within the range of 50-120.
Content:
Fully addresses the task with apology and alternative plan to meet.
Grammar:
Noticeable grammatical errors such as capitalization and punctuation issues.
Spelling:
Maximum of two spelling or typing errors.
Organization:
Some organization present, but transitions between ideas could be clearer.
Email Convention:
Correct email formatting with appropriate structure and tone.
Vocabulary Range:
Some appropriate vocabulary, but lacks precision and variety.
SCORE 9/15

AI Feedback
AI Feedback
Form:
Word count (119) is within the 50-120 inclusive range.
Content:
Fully addresses the task by apologizing and suggesting an alternative plan.
Grammar:
Noticeable grammatical errors such as missing punctuation and awkward phrasing.
Spelling:
Maximum of two spelling or typing errors.
Organization:
Some organization present, but transitions between ideas are not smooth.
Email Convention:
Correct email format with appropriate subject, greeting, and closing.
Vocabulary Range:
Some appropriate vocabulary, but lacks precision and variety.
How to approach it
- Match the register. Formal for institutions, semi-formal for colleagues.
- Use email structure. Greeting, purpose, details, polite close.
- Cover every point. Address each bullet the prompt asks for.
- Keep it concise. Clear and complete beats long and rambling.
Model Answer
To: Mohan Subject: Apology for Missing Your Birthday Celebration Dear Mohan, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for not being able to attend your birthday party last weekend. Unfortunately, I had an urgent work commitment that required my immediate attention and could not be postponed. I was genuinely looking forward to celebrating with you and feel terrible for missing such an important occasion. I hope you had a wonderful time surrounded by family, and that the day was as special as you are. To make it up to you, I would love to take you out for lunch sometime this week, at your convenience. It would be great to catch up and celebrate together. Warm regards, [Your Name]