PTE Academic Write Essay · Problem and solution

Impact of Weekend Screen Time Problem Solution

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

The prompt

Some people spend most of their weekends watching television or using their phones. Is spending too much time on screens during weekends a problem?

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

    Excessive weekend screen consumption is a significant concern that negatively impacts physical health and social connectivity, necessitating a shift toward balanced leisure activities.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    The sedentary nature of prolonged screen use leads to detrimental physical health consequences.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    Over-reliance on digital devices isolates individuals and diminishes the quality of interpersonal relationships.

  • →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 sample265 words. Use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences: PTE flags memorised templates.

The prevalence of digital consumption during leisure hours has sparked debate regarding its potential drawbacks. In my view, spending excessive time on screens during weekends is a detrimental trend that compromises physical well-being and social cohesion, requiring proactive measures to encourage healthier habits.

Primarily, the sedentary nature of constant screen engagement poses significant risks to physical health. When individuals spend their entire weekends watching television or browsing smartphones, they remain physically inactive for extended periods. This lack of movement is linked to obesity, poor posture, and chronic fatigue. For instance, a person who spends twelve hours daily on a couch watching streaming services is far less likely to meet the recommended threshold for cardiovascular exercise, thereby increasing their long-term susceptibility to lifestyle-related illnesses.

Furthermore, over-reliance on digital devices frequently leads to social isolation and the erosion of interpersonal connections. While screens offer virtual entertainment, they often replace meaningful face-to-face interactions with friends and family. This digital dependency creates a barrier to authentic communication and diminishes the quality of real-world relationships. As an example, families who prioritize individual screen usage over shared activities during weekends often report a breakdown in communication and a lack of emotional intimacy, which highlights the urgent need to reclaim this time for collective experiences.

In conclusion, the habit of excessive screen time during weekends is a pressing issue that undermines both physical health and social development. To address this, individuals should implement digital curfews and prioritize outdoor or communal activities. By consciously limiting device usage, people can foster a more balanced lifestyle that promotes holistic well-being and strengthens essential human bonds.

Scoring traits

Why this scores well

This essay scores highly on linguistic range and development by utilizing complex sentence structures and providing logical, well-supported arguments. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to provide a specific solution, as candidates often focus solely on listing the problems of screen time.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • sedentary

    tending to spend much time seated inactive

  • detrimental

    tending to cause harm or negative consequences

  • cohesion

    the action or fact of forming unity

  • susceptibility

    the state of being easily influenced or harmed

  • interpersonal

    relating to relationships between two or more people

  • digital dependency

    the state of relying excessively on electronic technology

  • holistic

    characterized by the treatment of the whole

  • curfews

    regulations requiring people to stop certain activities

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 265 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 development by utilizing complex sentence structures and providing logical, well-supported arguments. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to provide a specific solution, as candidates often focus solely on listing the problems of screen time.

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