PTE Exam Pattern & Structure 2024: Check Section-wise Test Pattern, Question Topics and Duration

PTE Exam Pattern

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) measures the English language proficiency of learners who wish to study abroad in educational institutions that utilize English as the main language of instruction. The PTE exam pattern is similar to other English proficiency tests and involves assessing the abilities of the examinee in terms of understanding, speaking, and writing in English. The PTE exam focuses on three main areas, namely, Reading, Listening, and Speaking & Writing, in order to evaluate the English proficiency of the candidate.

PTE Tests Types

The PTE assessment is highly esteemed by organizations, universities, and governments to evaluate an applicant’s language proficiency in English. This has brought about the popularity of the two assessments, the PTE Academic and PTE General. 

1. PTE Academic:  It is undertaken by candidates who wish to pursue their studies or work in countries where English is the primary language, such as the USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. 

2. PTE Genera l: It is not a language proficiency test, but rather, it recognizes exceptional accomplishments in learning English. The format of the PTE exam is standard in the nations that accept its scores, with the only difference being cut-off.

PTE Exam Pattern: Overview

The PTE Academic exam consists of three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each section assesses different language skills and has specific tasks you must complete. Here is an overview of the PTE exam pattern:

Now, let's delve into each section in detail.

Part 1: PTE Speaking & Writing Exam Pattern

The Speaking & Writing section of the PTE Academic exam evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. This section is divided into several tasks assessing your speaking and writing skills. Here are the tasks included in the Speaking & Writing section:

1. Personal Introduction:  In this task, you have 25 seconds to prepare and 30 seconds to record a personal introduction. Although this task is not scored, it allows you to introduce yourself.

2. Read Aloud: You will be presented with a text on the screen and have to read it aloud. This task assesses your reading and speaking skills.

3. Repeat Sentence : After listening to a sentence recording, you need to repeat it. This task measures your listening and speaking abilities.

4. Describe Image: An image will appear on the screen, and you have to describe it in detail. This task evaluates your speaking skills.

5. Re-tell Lecture : After listening to a lecture, you need to re-tell it in your own words. This task assesses your listening and speaking skills.

6. Answer Short Question : You will listen to a question and respond with a single word or a few words. This task measures your listening and speaking abilities.

7. Summarize Written Text: After reading a passage, you need to write a one-sentence summary of the text. This task evaluates your reading and writing skills.

8. Write Essay : You are required to write a 200-300 word essay on a given topic. This task assesses your writing skills.

It is important to note that there is also a summary section in the Speaking & Writing part of the exam. In this section, you are given 10 minutes to read a paragraph and write a one-sentence summary of the passage. The instructions on the screen will guide you through this task.

PTE Speaking & Writing sections (54-67 minutes) Pattern

Part 2:  PTE Reading Exam Pattern

The Reading section of the PTE Academic exam evaluates your reading comprehension skills. It consists of various tasks that assess your ability to understand and analyze written texts. Here are the tasks included in the Reading section:

1. Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer: After reading a text, you need to answer a multiple-choice question by selecting one response. This task assesses your reading skills.

2. Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers : After reading a text, you need to answer a multiple-choice question by selecting more than one response. This task measures your reading skills.

3. Re-order Paragraphs: Several text boxes appear on the screen in a random order, and you have to put them in the correct order. This task evaluates your reading skills.

4. Reading: Fill in the Blanks: A text appears on the screen with several gaps, and you need to drag words from the box below to fill the gaps. This task assesses your reading skills.

5. Reading and Writing:  Fill in the Blanks: A text appears on the screen with several gaps, and you need to select the most appropriate words from a drop-down list to restore the text. This task measures your reading and writing skills.

PTE Reading Section (29-30 minutes) Pattern

Part 3: PTE Listening Exam Pattern

The Listening section of the PTE Academic exam assesses your ability to understand spoken English. It consists of tasks based on audio or video clips. Here are the tasks included in the Listening section:

1. Summarize Spoken Text: After listening to a recording, you need to write a 50-70 word summary of the content. This task evaluates your listening and writing skills.

2. Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers: After listening to a recording, you need to answer a multiple-choice question by selecting more than one response. This task measures your listening skills.

3. Fill in the Blanks : A transcript of a recording appears on the screen with several gaps, and you need to type the missing word in each gap. This task assesses your listening and writing skills.

4. Highlight Correct Summary : After listening to a recording, you need to select the paragraph that best summarizes the content. This task evaluates your listening and reading skills.

5. Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answe r: After listening to a recording, you need to answer a multiple-choice question by selecting one response. This task measures your listening skills.

6. Select Missing Word: After listening to a recording, you need to select the missing word that completes the content from a list of options. This task assesses your listening skills.

7. Highlight Incorrect Words: While listening to a recording, you need to identify the words in the transcript that differ from what is said. This task evaluates your listening and reading skills.

8. Write from Dictation:  After listening to a sentence recording, you need to type the sentence. This task measures your listening and writing skills.

It is essential to carefully read the instructions on the screen before starting each section of the PTE Academic exam. Manage your time effectively and stay within the specified word limits.

PTE Listening Section (30-43 Minutes) Pattern

Preparing for the PTE Academic Exam

To prepare for the PTE Academic exam, it is recommended to practice with sample papers and familiarize yourself with the exam format. This will help you understand each section's tasks and scoring criteria. Additionally, consider the following tips:

1. Improve Your English Skills : Improve your overall English language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and fluency.

2. Take Mock Tests : Regular mock tests to assess your progress and identify improvement areas. This will also help you become familiar with the time constraints of the exam.

3. Develop Time Management Skills: Practice managing your time effectively during each exam section. This will ensure you can complete all tasks within the given time limits.

4. Listen to English: Engage in activities that involve listening to English, such as watching movies, listening to podcasts, or having conversations with native English speakers. This will improve your listening comprehension skills.

5. Read Widely: Read various English texts, such as newspapers, magazines, and books, to improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary.

6. Practice Speaking : Regularly practice speaking in English with a language partner or by recording yourself. Focus on fluency, pronunciation, and expressing your ideas clearly.

7. Write Regularly : Set aside time to practice writing essays and summaries. Pay attention to grammar, sentence structure, and coherence.

PTE Exam Format - Quick Overview

Here's a brief overview of the PTE exam format that candidates must follow.

The PTE exam is administered at designated test centers, and a new option called PTE at Home has been introduced.

1. It is a computer-based test that requires a headset. Starting from November 16, 2021, the PTE exam lasts two hours.

2. The PTE test aims to assess practical English language skills.

3. There are 20 different question types in the PTE exam pattern.

The PTE exam consists of the following components:

1.  Reading the Text Prompt:  The time allocated for this part varies depending on the length of the text. You should actively engage with the prompt during this time.

2. Prepare for Answer : You are given 10 to 15 seconds to relax and think about your response before answering each segment.

3.  Answer : This is when you need to perform. Your spoken answers are recorded, written answers are saved as text, and multiple-choice questions require you to select the appropriate option.

PTE Results and Score

Typically, PTE results are available online within two working days of the test date. You can access your PTE Academic results.

Helpful Calculators:

• CGPA to Percentage
• SGPA to CGPA
• SGPA to Percentage