PTE Academic Write Essay · Opinion (agree or disagree)

Should First Aid Be Taught in Primary School

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

The prompt

Some people believe that basic first aid skills, such as treating minor burns and cuts, should be taught to all students in primary school. Do you agree or disagree that first aid education should be part of the school curriculum? Give reasons for your answer.

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 integrating basic first aid training into the primary school curriculum is essential for fostering a safer and more responsible society.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    Early exposure to medical preparedness equips children with the confidence to handle emergencies effectively.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    Standardized training promotes a culture of safety and collective responsibility within the community.

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

The inclusion of basic first aid skills within the primary school curriculum is a subject of significant debate. I strongly agree that integrating such training into the education system is essential for fostering a safer and more responsible society.

Early exposure to medical preparedness equips children with the confidence to handle emergencies effectively. By learning to treat minor burns, cuts, or abrasions, students move beyond mere observation and become active participants in their own safety. For instance, a child who understands how to apply pressure to a bleeding wound or properly clean a graze is far less likely to panic during a minor accident at home or on the playground. This practical knowledge empowers young individuals to act decisively when immediate adult supervision is momentarily unavailable.

Furthermore, standardized training promotes a culture of safety and collective responsibility within the community. When first aid education is universal, it ensures that every student possesses a baseline of life-saving skills, regardless of their background. Consider the implementation of basic CPR training in schools; students who master these techniques early are better prepared to assist in cardiac emergencies. This widespread literacy in safety protocols transforms schools into hubs of health awareness, encouraging students to look out for their peers and family members, ultimately reducing the severity of domestic injuries.

In conclusion, teaching first aid in primary schools is a proactive measure that yields long-term benefits. By cultivating self-reliance and community awareness, this educational shift prepares the younger generation to handle unforeseen accidents with composure. Implementing such a curriculum is a vital step toward creating a safer, more resilient society.

Scoring traits

Why this scores well

This essay scores highly on development and coherence by using logical transitions and specific examples to support the thesis. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to address the 'primary school' aspect, with candidates instead focusing exclusively on adult-level medical training.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • integrating

    combining two or more things into one whole

  • preparedness

    the state of being ready for an event

  • abrasions

    areas of skin damaged by scraping or rubbing

  • empowers

    gives someone the authority or confidence to act

  • standardized

    made consistent in order to ensure quality control

  • literacy

    the ability to understand or use specific knowledge

  • proactive

    creating change rather than reacting to events later

  • resilient

    able to recover quickly from difficult life conditions

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?+

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 essay scores highly on development and coherence by using logical transitions and specific examples to support the thesis. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to address the 'primary school' aspect, with candidates instead focusing exclusively on adult-level medical training.

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