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PTE Academic Exam Structure
The PTE Academic test assesses four key language skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The test is completely computerized, and results are typically available within 48 hours.
Section | Duration | Key Tasks |
---|---|---|
Speaking & Writing | 54 – 67 minutes | Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Summarize Written Text, Essay Writing |
Reading | 29 – 30 minutes | Multiple-Choice, Fill in the Blanks, Reordering Paragraphs |
Listening | 30 – 43 minutes | Summarize Spoken Text, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple-Choice, Select Missing Word |
Total Duration: 2 hours
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Detailed Breakdown of Each Section
Speaking & Writing (54 – 67 minutes)
This section evaluates spoken fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and writing skills.
Speaking Tasks:
- Read Aloud – Read a short text aloud.
- Repeat Sentence – Listen and repeat the given sentence.
- Describe Image – Describe a graph, chart, or picture.
- Re-Tell Lecture – Summarize a short lecture in your own words.
Writing Tasks:
- Summarize Written Text – Write a one-sentence summary of a passage.
- Essay Writing – Write a 200–300 word essay on a given topic.
Tips for Speaking & Writing:
- Speak clearly and confidently, avoiding long pauses.
- Use correct grammar and sentence structures.
- In essays, organize content with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Reading (29 – 30 minutes)
This section tests reading comprehension and vocabulary skills.
Key Tasks:
- Multiple Choice – Single & Multiple Answers
- Reorder Paragraphs – Arrange jumbled sentences into a meaningful order.
- Fill in the Blanks – Choose the correct words to complete a passage.
Tips for Reading:
- Skim the passage quickly to get the main idea.
- Focus on keywords and synonyms in the questions.
- Practice time management—do not spend too much time on one question.
Listening (30 – 43 minutes)
This section tests the ability to understand spoken English.
Key Tasks:
- Summarize Spoken Text – Listen to an audio and write a short summary.
- Multiple Choice – Single & Multiple Answers
- Fill in the Blanks – Type the missing words while listening.
- Highlight Incorrect Words – Identify words that differ from the transcript.
- Select Missing Word – Choose the best word to complete an audio clip.
Tips for Listening:
- Take notes while listening and write down keywords.
- Pay attention to accent and pronunciation.
- Focus on understanding the meaning, not just words.
PTE Scoring System
The PTE Academic score ranges from 10 to 90.
Score Range | Proficiency Level |
---|---|
85 – 90 | Expert |
76 – 84 | Very Good |
59 – 75 | Good |
50 – 58 | Competent |
30 – 49 | Limited |
10 – 29 | Beginner |
Minimum scores required by universities:
- Top universities: 65 – 79+
- General universities: 50 – 65
- Work & Migration purposes: Minimum 50 – 60
Why Choose PTE Over IELTS?
- Faster Results – Get scores within 48 hours.
- Fully Computer-Based – No human examiner, making it unbiased.
- Accepted Worldwide – Recognized in Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, and more.
- Flexible Test Dates – Multiple test slots available every month.
How to Prepare for PTE?
- Take mock tests online (official PTE practice tests are available).
- Improve pronunciation and fluency by practicing with AI tools.
- Read newspapers, blogs, and articles to improve reading skills.
- Listen to podcasts and TED Talks to train your ears for different accents.
- Practice time management—PTE is a time-sensitive test.
Final Thoughts
The PTE Academic is one of the best options for students and professionals who need fast, fair, and widely accepted English proficiency scores. Whether you are applying for university admissions, work visas, or migration, preparing well can help you achieve your desired score.
Official Website: www.pearsonpte.com
PTE Speaking & Writing Section: A Comprehensive Guide
The Speaking & Writing section of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic assesses a test-taker’s spoken fluency, pronunciation, grammatical accuracy, vocabulary, and writing skills. This section is the longest in the PTE exam, lasting between 54 to 67 minutes, and consists of several integrated tasks where candidates must speak and write in real-time.
Speaking Section Breakdown
The Speaking section evaluates the ability to communicate clearly in English using proper pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.
1. Read Aloud
- You will see a short passage (50-60 words) on the screen.
- You must read the text aloud into the microphone.
Tips for Read Aloud:
- Speak clearly and confidently without hesitation.
- Focus on pronunciation and intonation.
- Avoid reading too fast or too slow—maintain a natural pace.
- Pay attention to punctuation marks for better fluency.
2. Repeat Sentence
- You will hear a short sentence (3-9 seconds).
- You must repeat the sentence exactly as you heard it.
Tips for Repeat Sentence:
- Listen carefully and focus on keywords.
- Try to remember the rhythm and intonation of the sentence.
- Speak immediately after hearing the audio to avoid forgetting words.
- If you forget part of the sentence, speak confidently with what you remember—fluency matters more than accuracy.
3. Describe Image
- You will see an image, graph, chart, or diagram.
- You must describe the key points within 40 seconds.
Tips for Describe Image:
- Analyze the image quickly and identify key trends or elements.
- Start with a general introduction, followed by specific details.
- Use structured sentences:
- “The image shows…”
- “The highest value is…”
- “There is an increasing trend in…”
- Avoid long pauses—keep speaking fluently.
4. Re-Tell Lecture
- You will hear a short lecture (60-90 seconds).
- You must summarize the key points in 40 seconds.
Tips for Re-Tell Lecture:
- Take quick notes while listening—write down keywords.
- Use structured responses:
- “The lecture discusses…”
- “The speaker mentions…”
- Maintain fluency and use synonyms if you forget exact words.
5. Answer Short Question
- You will hear a simple question (e.g., “What is the capital of France?”).
- You must respond with a one-word or short phrase answer.
Tips for Answer Short Question:
- Think quickly—this task is about general knowledge.
- Give direct answers; do not over-explain.
- Focus on pronunciation and clarity.
Writing Section Breakdown
The Writing section tests your ability to express ideas clearly and coherently in written English.
1. Summarize Written Text
- You will see a passage (100-300 words).
- You must write a one-sentence summary in 10 minutes.
Tips for Summarize Written Text:
- Identify the main idea of the passage.
- Use complex sentences with connectors (e.g., however, therefore, while).
- Keep your sentence concise (no more than 75 words).
- Ensure correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Example:
Passage: The global economy is undergoing rapid changes due to technological advancements, which influence market trends and employment opportunities. Businesses are adapting to automation, and workers are reskilling to stay relevant.
Summary: The global economy is evolving due to technology, impacting market trends and employment, prompting businesses to adapt and workers to reskill.
2. Essay Writing
- You will be given a topic and must write a 200-300 word essay in 20 minutes.
Essay Structure:
- Introduction (State your opinion or key idea)
- Body Paragraphs (Explain your points with examples)
- Conclusion (Summarize and restate your position)
Tips for Essay Writing:
- Follow a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Use formal language and varied sentence structures.
- Include examples and supporting arguments.
- Avoid grammar mistakes and proofread before submitting.
Example Topic: Should schools focus more on teaching practical skills than theoretical knowledge?
Sample Introduction: Education should strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. While academic knowledge builds a foundation, real-world skills are essential for career success.
Scoring Criteria for Speaking & Writing
Criteria | Description |
---|---|
Fluency | Speaking naturally without hesitation or long pauses. |
Pronunciation | Clear articulation of words. |
Content | Covering all key points in answers. |
Grammar & Vocabulary | Using correct grammar and appropriate words. |
Coherence | Logical flow of ideas in writing tasks. |
Speaking scores depend on fluency, pronunciation, and content, while writing scores focus on grammar, coherence, and spelling.
Final Tips for Speaking & Writing
✅ Practice speaking daily – Read aloud, listen to native speakers, and mimic pronunciation.
✅ Use structured responses – Follow logical formats for answering questions.
✅ Time management – Speak without long pauses, and plan writing tasks effectively.
✅ Expand vocabulary – Use diverse words and phrases in your responses.
✅ Check grammar & spelling – Always proofread written responses before submitting.
By mastering the Speaking & Writing section, test-takers can significantly boost their PTE Academic scores and improve their chances of achieving their desired results.
PTE Reading Section: A Comprehensive Guide
The Reading Section of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend written text, analyze information, and interpret meaning. This section typically lasts between 29 to 30 minutes and includes five types of questions, focusing on reading speed, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Overview of the PTE Reading Section
Task Type | Number of Questions | Skills Assessed | Scoring |
---|---|---|---|
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks | 5-6 | Grammar, vocabulary, contextual understanding | Partial credit |
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | 1-2 | Critical reading, analyzing details | Partial credit |
Reorder Paragraphs | 2-3 | Logical sequencing, coherence | Partial credit |
Fill in the Blanks | 4-5 | Word choice, grammar, contextual meaning | Partial credit |
Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 1-2 | Identifying key information | Correct/incorrect |
Each question type requires different reading strategies and skills. Let’s explore each task in detail.
1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
In this task, a passage with missing words is provided, and the candidate must drag and drop the correct word choices into the blanks.
What it Tests:
✅ Understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
✅ Ability to choose words based on context and meaning.
✅ Knowledge of collocations (word pairings that naturally occur together).
Tips for Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks:
- Read the entire passage first to get a sense of the topic and flow.
- Identify the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) required for each blank.
- Use collocations (e.g., make a decision, take a risk) to determine the best choice.
- Pay attention to grammar and tense consistency.
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
A reading passage is followed by a question with multiple correct answers. Candidates must select all the correct options.
What it Tests:
✅ Ability to analyze information from a text.
✅ Ability to differentiate between key ideas and distractors.
✅ Reading for details, inferences, and main ideas.
Tips for Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer:
- Skim the passage first, then read the question.
- Look for synonyms in the passage that match answer choices.
- Be careful of traps—some options will be partially correct but misleading.
- Avoid selecting too many answers—each incorrect selection reduces your score.
3. Reorder Paragraphs
A set of jumbled sentences is given, and the candidate must arrange them in the correct logical order.
What it Tests:
✅ Understanding of cohesion and logical flow.
✅ Ability to identify topic sentences, supporting details, and concluding statements.
✅ Knowledge of transition words and pronoun references.
Tips for Reorder Paragraphs:
- Identify the main topic sentence—it usually does not start with pronouns like he, she, it, they.
- Look for logical connections between sentences (cause-effect, time sequence, contrast).
- Use transition words (however, therefore, in contrast, moreover) to link ideas.
- Identify articles and pronouns—sentences using this, that, these, those usually follow an introductory statement.
4. Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop)
A reading passage appears with missing words, and candidates must drag and drop words from a list of choices.
What it Tests:
✅ Vocabulary knowledge.
✅ Understanding of sentence structure and context.
✅ Ability to recognize word forms (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.).
Tips for Fill in the Blanks:
- Read the entire passage before choosing words.
- Pay attention to word collocations (e.g., strong coffee, fast car).
- Eliminate words that don’t fit grammatically.
- Consider whether the missing word requires a positive or negative connotation.
5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer
A reading passage is followed by a question with only one correct answer.
What it Tests:
✅ Ability to identify key ideas, facts, and main points.
✅ Understanding of implied meanings and author’s tone.
✅ Reading for specific details.
Tips for Multiple Choice, Single Answer:
- Read the question first to know what to focus on.
- Look for keywords in the passage that match answer choices.
- Eliminate obviously incorrect options before selecting the best answer.
- Avoid overthinking—stick to information directly in the passage.
Scoring in PTE Reading Section
Skill | How It’s Scored |
---|---|
Reading Accuracy | Choosing correct answers and word placements. |
Grammar & Sentence Structure | Selecting grammatically correct words in blanks. |
Comprehension | Understanding the passage and identifying key details. |
Vocabulary Knowledge | Choosing appropriate words and phrases. |
- Partial credit is given for most tasks (except Multiple Choice, Single Answer).
- Accuracy is important, but fluency and comprehension matter just as much.
Final Tips for Success in PTE Reading
✅ Improve your reading speed – Practice reading articles, newspapers, and academic texts daily.
✅ Expand your vocabulary – Learn new words and their synonyms to improve comprehension.
✅ Skim & Scan techniques – Skim for main ideas, scan for keywords to save time.
✅ Use elimination strategy – Remove incorrect options before choosing an answer.
✅ Practice with real PTE mock tests – Get used to the format and time pressure.
By mastering these strategies, candidates can significantly enhance their reading comprehension skills and boost their PTE Academic scores in the Reading section.
PTE Listening Section: A Comprehensive Guide
The Listening Section of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend spoken English, interpret meaning, and extract key information from various audio recordings. This section lasts 30 to 43 minutes and includes eight different task types that evaluate listening comprehension, vocabulary, and note-taking skills.
Overview of the PTE Listening Section
Task Type | Number of Questions | Skills Assessed | Scoring |
---|---|---|---|
Summarize Spoken Text | 1-2 | Listening, writing, summarization | Partial credit |
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | 1-2 | Critical listening, analyzing details | Partial credit |
Fill in the Blanks | 2-3 | Spelling, grammar, vocabulary | Partial credit |
Highlight Correct Summary | 1-2 | Listening for key ideas, summarization | Correct/incorrect |
Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 1-2 | Identifying key information | Correct/incorrect |
Select Missing Word | 1-2 | Predicting missing information | Correct/incorrect |
Highlight Incorrect Words | 2-3 | Identifying differences between text & audio | Partial credit |
Write from Dictation | 3-4 | Spelling, grammar, listening accuracy | Partial credit |
Each task type has unique challenges and requires focused listening. Let’s explore each question type in detail.
1. Summarize Spoken Text
In this task, a 60-90 second audio clip is played, and candidates must write a summary of 50-70 words in 10 minutes.
What it Tests:
✅ Ability to identify the main idea and key points.
✅ Writing skills, sentence structure, and summarization.
Tips for Summarize Spoken Text:
- Take quick notes on key points while listening.
- Write a concise summary without unnecessary details.
- Use proper grammar and punctuation.
- Avoid copying exact phrases—paraphrase in your own words.
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
After listening to an audio clip, candidates must select all correct answers from the given options.
What it Tests:
✅ Ability to analyze details and make inferences.
✅ Listening for supporting details and key facts.
Tips for Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer:
- Read the question first before listening to focus on key information.
- Take quick notes on important points.
- Eliminate obviously incorrect options to avoid negative marking.
3. Fill in the Blanks
A transcript with missing words is provided, and candidates must fill in the blanks while listening to the audio.
What it Tests:
✅ Spelling accuracy and vocabulary knowledge.
✅ Ability to identify words based on context and pronunciation.
Tips for Fill in the Blanks:
- Predict missing words based on the sentence structure.
- Type as you listen—don’t wait until the audio ends.
- Be mindful of spelling and grammar.
4. Highlight Correct Summary
Candidates listen to an audio clip and choose the best summary from multiple options.
What it Tests:
✅ Ability to identify key ideas and supporting details.
✅ Summarization and comprehension skills.
Tips for Highlight Correct Summary:
- Focus on the main idea and overall theme.
- Avoid summaries with extra details or incorrect facts.
- Identify the speaker’s intent and tone.
5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Candidates listen to an audio clip and select one correct answer from multiple choices.
What it Tests:
✅ Understanding of main points and details.
✅ Listening for specific facts and implied meanings.
Tips for Multiple Choice, Single Answer:
- Skim the options first to understand what to listen for.
- Take brief notes on key points.
- Choose the most accurate answer, not just a partially correct one.
6. Select Missing Word
An audio recording is played, and the last word or phrase is missing. Candidates must choose the correct option that fits.
What it Tests:
✅ Prediction skills based on context and logical flow.
✅ Ability to recognize intonation and meaning.
Tips for Select Missing Word:
- Listen carefully to the sentence structure leading up to the missing word.
- Pay attention to tone—does it indicate a conclusion, contrast, or emphasis?
- Eliminate illogical options to improve accuracy.
7. Highlight Incorrect Words
A transcript is provided, and candidates must identify words that differ from the spoken audio.
What it Tests:
✅ Attention to detail and spelling recognition.
✅ Ability to distinguish similar-sounding words.
Tips for Highlight Incorrect Words:
- Follow the text while listening and highlight discrepancies.
- Be careful with homophones (e.g., their vs. there).
- Stay focused—errors are subtle.
8. Write from Dictation
A short sentence is played, and candidates must type it exactly as heard.
What it Tests:
✅ Spelling, grammar, and listening accuracy.
✅ Short-term memory and typing speed.
Tips for Write from Dictation:
- Listen actively and type while hearing the sentence.
- Focus on word order and punctuation.
- If unsure, write phonetically, then correct spelling afterward.
Scoring in PTE Listening Section
Skill | How It’s Scored |
---|---|
Listening Accuracy | Understanding and identifying key points. |
Spelling & Grammar | Writing correct words in blanks or dictation. |
Comprehension | Selecting correct summaries and answers. |
Attention to Detail | Identifying incorrect words and missing phrases. |
- Partial credit is awarded for most tasks.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes can lower scores.
- Typing speed and note-taking skills are crucial.
Final Tips for Success in PTE Listening
✅ Improve active listening – Watch English podcasts, TED Talks, and news.
✅ Practice note-taking – Jot down keywords and main ideas quickly.
✅ Enhance vocabulary – Familiarize yourself with academic terms.
✅ Stay focused – Don’t get distracted; every second counts.
✅ Use official PTE practice tests – Get used to the test format and speed.
By following these strategies, candidates can significantly enhance their listening comprehension skills and achieve a high score in the PTE Listening section.