PTE Exam Pattern and Syllabus 

PTE is a standardised English language readiness test that is computer-based and machine-scored. The PTE Exam Syllabus discloses a lot about the exam's testing objectives and skill-testing mechanism. PTE, for example, is divided into three sections:

• PTE Listening

• PTE Reading

• PTE Speaking & Writing

PTE's goal isn't to cover English usage in a particular region. PTE exam design seeks to assess and assure that verified students succeed in colleges and institutes of any country or continent, as an ELT with a global reputation and acceptance.

It includes 20 various types of exam items, each with different score criteria based on the communicative and enabling skills to be assessed. Reading Aloud test items, for example, are scored differently from Summarise Written Text test questions, despite the fact that they are both under the Speaking and Writing part.

Section-wise item types:

Section	Types of test items	Number of test items
Speaking & Writing	Personal Introduction Read aloud Repeat sentence Describe image Re-tell lecture Short question Summaries written test Essay writing	38 - 47 (77 - 93 Minutes)
Reading	Fill in the blanks MCQ - multiple answers Re-order paragraph Fill in the blanks MCQ - single answer	15 - 20 (32 - 40 minutes)
Listening	Summarise spoken text MCQ - multiple answers MCQ - single answer Fill in the blanks Highlight correct summary Highlight incorrect word Select missing word Write from diction	17 - 25 (45 - 57 minutes)

Speaking and Writing sections

The speaking and writing components are integrated into six tiny sub-sections, each with a different time limit. You will be assessed on your ability to speak and write English fluently. In these combined portions, you'll have between 77 and 93 minutes to answer questions. A personal introduction, reading aloud, repeating words, describing visuals, recreating a lecture, answering short questions, summarising written content, and composing an essay are among the subsections in this segment of the PTE exam.

1. Personal Introduction

The personal introduction is your chance to tell your chosen organisations a little bit about yourself. You'll have 25 seconds to read the prompt and plan your response, followed by 30 seconds to record it. This item is not scored, but it will be forwarded to the institutions you choose along with your score report. You can only record your response once.

2. Read Aloud

Task

On the screen, there is a text. Read the text aloud to yourself.

Skills assessed

Reading and speaking

Prompt length

Text up to 60 words

Time to answer

Depending on the length of the text, it varies by item.

For this item type, you need to read a written text aloud.

• A countdown appears in the recording status box until the microphone opens. Depending on the length of the passage, you get 30-40 seconds to prepare. A brief tone is heard. After the tone, begin speaking right away. Your voice will not be recorded if you begin speaking before the microphone has opened.

    • Be sure to talk clearly. There's no reason to hurry.

    • Complete your speech before the progress bar reaches the end. "Recording" is replaced           by "Completed."

    •Your response can only be recorded once.

    • HINT: The recording will end if you remain silent for more than 3 seconds.

3. Repeat Sentence

Task

After listening to a recording of a sentence, repeat the sentence.

Skills assessed

Listening and speaking

Prompt length

3-9 seconds

Time to answer

15 seconds

For this item type you need to repeat the sentence you hear.

• The audio starts playing on its own. The microphone opens when the audio is finished, and the recording status box reads "Recording." Speak directly into the microphone (no brief tone) and repeat exactly what you heard.

• Be sure to talk clearly. There's no reason to hurry.

• Complete your speech before the progress bar reaches the end. "Recording" is replaced by "Completed."

•You won't be able to listen to the audio again. Your response can only be recorded once.

4. Describe Image

Task

An image appears on screen. Describe the image in detail.

Skills assessed

Speaking

Prompt length

N/A

Time to answer

40 seconds

For this item type you need to describe an image.

• A countdown appears in the recording status box until the microphone opens. You have 25 seconds to examine the image and formulate an answer. A brief tone is heard. After the tone, begin speaking right away. Your voice will not be recorded if you begin speaking before the microphone has opened.

• Be sure to talk clearly. There's no reason to hurry.

• Complete your speech before the progress bar reaches the end. The word "Recording" is replaced with "Completed."

•Your response can only be recorded once.

5. Re-tell Lecture

Task

After listening to or watching a lecture, re-tell the lecture in your own words.

Skills assessed

Listening and speaking

Prompt length

Up to 90 seconds

Time to answer

40 seconds

For this item type you need to re-tell what you heard.

• The audio starts playing on its own. There may also be an image associated with the sounds. You have 10 seconds after the audio ends to prepare.

•A countdown appears in the recording status box until the microphone opens. A brief tone is heard. After the tone, begin speaking right away. Your voice will not be recorded if you begin speaking before the microphone has opened.

• Be sure to talk clearly. There's no reason to hurry.

•Before the progress metre reaches the conclusion, finish speaking. The word "Recording" is replaced with "Completed."

•Your response can only be recorded once.

• Note: You can take notes on the erasable noteboard provided while the audio is playing.

6. Answer Short Question

Task

After listening to a question, answer with a single word or a few words.

Skills assessed

Listening and speaking

Prompt length

3-9 seconds

Time to answer

10 seconds

For this item type you need to reply to the question in one or a few words.

• The audio starts playing on its own. There's also a chance you'll see an image.

• The microphone opens and the recording status box reads "Recording" after the audio is finished. Answer the question with one or a few words and instantly speak into the microphone (there is no short tone).

• Be sure to talk clearly. There's no reason to hurry.

• Complete your speech before the progress bar reaches the end. "Recording" is replaced by "Completed."

• You won't be able to listen to the audio again. Your response can only be recorded once.

7. Summarize Written Text

Task

After reading a text, write a one-sentence summary of the passage.

Skills assessed

Reading and writing

Prompt length

Text up to 300 words

Time to answer

10 minutes

For this item type you need to write a summary of the text in one sentence.

• You've got ten minutes to write a synopsis. Make careful to summarise the major themes of the reading passage in a single sentence of 75 words or less.

•The Word Count at the bottom of the screen keeps track of how many words you've typed. You can also use the cut, copy, and paste options to help you create your summary.

• Cut: Select the text you want to remove from your response and left-click "Cut."

• Copy: Select the text you want to copy from your answer and left-click "Copy."

• Paste: Left-click "Paste" and place the cursor where you want to paste the cut/copied text.

8. Essay

Task

Write a 200–300 word essay on a given topic.

Skills assessed

Writing

Prompt length

2-3 sentences

Time to answer

20 minutes

For this item type you need to write a 200-300 word argumentative essay in response to a prompt.

• You have a total of 20 minutes to complete your essay.

• The Word Count at the bottom of the screen keeps track of how many words you've typed. Make sure you write at least 200 words and no more than 300.

• You can also utilise the cut, copy, and paste buttons to help you put together your response.

• Cut: Select the text you want to remove from your response and left-click "Cut."

• Copy: Select the text you want to copy from your answer and left-click "Copy."

• Paste: Left-click "Paste" and place the cursor where you want to paste the cut/copied text.

The Reading section

This portion assesses candidates' ability to comprehend written instructions provided in English. The reading component is broken into five sections, each of which is 150 to 300 words long. The amount of time allotted to read each passage is determined by the length of the text. You must answer multiple-choice questions, complete blanks, and rearrange text. This phase of the PTE exam gives you 32 to 41 minutes to answer questions.

1) Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks

Task

A text appears on screen with several gaps. Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps.

Skills assessed

Reading

Prompt length

Text up to 300 words

TEST TIPS FOR READING

• Skim for overall meaning to help you choose the correct word

Understanding the overall meaning of the text will aid you in selecting the appropriate word for each blank. If you skim the section below, for example, you'll notice significant ideas and words that hint to a central theme of 'change.'

If you use the drop-down arrows, you may discover options that are linked to the main theme. Then, to examine if the words match the blanks, check their grammar and general meaning:

For this item type, you need to select the most appropriate words from a drop-down list to restore the text.

There is a section where some words are missing. A button with a drop-down list is located next to each gap. To see the drop-down list of alternatives for that gap, left-click on this button. Choose the one that you believe best fills the void.

Left-click on a different selection to change your mind.

• Read before and after the blank to help you identify the correct word

The options in the drop-down menus may appear to be the same, but they will have different meanings and applications. Considering the surrounding context will assist you in selecting the suitable word. Only 'access' fits in the phrase 'gained............. to technologies' in the example below; use words that meet the meaning (gain access) and grammar ('access to'). Reading on either side of the blank can help you limit down your options:

Look for words that are repeated throughout the text. Then, to locate the answer more quickly, read around them:

• How this question is scored?

Your ability to apply contextual and grammatical signals to find words that complete a reading text will be assessed in Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks. If you successfully fill in all of the blanks, you will obtain the highest possible score for this question type. Partial credit scoring is used if one or more blanks are wrongly filled.

Note

• This question type has an impact on reading and writing scores. This question type does not put your listening or speaking skills to the test.

•Download the Score Guide for additional details.

2) Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer

Task

After reading a paragraph, select various responses to a multiple-choice question about the content or tone of the text.

Skills assessed

Reading

Prompt length

Text up to 300 words

For this item type you need to read the passage and answer the multiple-choice question. There is more than one correct response.

From the list of possible responses, select all of the response options that you believe are correct.

To select an option, use the left mouse button to click on it. If you change your mind, deselect the option by left-clicking on it again.

Your chosen selections are highlighted in yellow.

Test tips

• Make sure you know how the task is scored

Select all of the response options that you believe are correct from the list of available responses.

To select an option, click it with the left mouse button. If you change your mind, simply left-click on the choice again to deselect it.

The options you've made are highlighted in yellow.

• Note any repeated words in the options

Read through the response options quickly and make a note of any words that appear more than once, especially adjectives (e.g.,'multigrade') and nouns (e.g., 'classes'). If the same noun phrase appears in several selections, the solution is most likely related to it.

• How this question is scored

Your ability to analyse, understand, and evaluate a short reading text on an academic subject is assessed by your response to Multiple-choice, Choose Multiple Answers. If all of your responses are correct, you will obtain the highest possible score for this question type. Partial credit is given if one or more response options are incorrect. This is the first of three question categories in which erroneous answers will result in a loss of points. One point is subtracted for each incorrect option selected, while one point is awarded for each correct option. Make sure you're comfortable with your decisions.

Note

• The type of question has an impact on the reading score.

• This question type does not put your listening, speaking, or writing skills to the test.

•Download the Score Guide for additional details.

3) Re-Order Paragraphs

Task

Several text boxes appear on screen in a random order. Put the text boxes in the correct order.

Skills assessed

Reading

Prompt length

Text up to 150 words

For this item type, you need to restore the original order of the text by selecting text boxes and dragging them across the screen.

You can move the text in one of two ways:

1. Left-click on a box to pick it (it will be outlined in blue), then drag it to the appropriate location while holding down the left mouse button.

2. To move a box across, left-click on it and then left-click on the left and right arrow buttons. The up and down arrow buttons on the right panel can also be used to re-order the boxes.

Left-click somewhere else on the screen to deselect a box.

Test tips

• Read all the text boxes quickly before you start re-ordering them

Read the text boxes carefully to grasp the primary theme of each. This can be accomplished by making a list of essential words.

Then, using the essential terms, come up with a general concept of what the original text is about. This will assist you in determining the logical sequence in which the concepts in the text boxes should be presented:

• Find the topic sentence first

A topic sentence appears in every well-written paragraph. It's usually a clear statement of the issue, and the rest of the phrases are linked to it in some way.

The topic sentence is self-contained; it does not begin with a linker or a pronoun that refers back to something or someone (e.g., 'he' or 'this'), nor does it use passive verb tenses ('No connection was found') to refer back to previously specified information or actions:

• How this question is scored

Your ability to understand the organisation and cohesion of an academic work will be assessed as part of your Re-order Paragraphs response. You get the most points for this question type if all of the text boxes are in the correct sequence. Partial credit scoring is used if one or more text boxes are in the wrong order.

Note

• Only reading scores are affected by this question type.

•This question type does not put your listening, speaking, or writing skills to the test.

•Download the Score Guide for additional details.

4) Fill in the Blanks

Task

A text appears on screen with several gaps. Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps.

Skills assessed

Reading

Prompt length

Text up to 80 words

For this item type you need to drag and drop words across the screen to correctly fill in the gaps in the text.

There is a section where some words are missing. The blue box has a list of words that you can use to fill in the gaps in the text. Because there are more words than gaps, you will not use all of them.

To choose a word, left-click it and hold down the left mouse button while dragging it to the gap where you want it to go. You may also use your mouse to drag words between gaps. Drag a word back to the blue box to remove it from a gap.

Test tips

• Think about words that you often see or hear together

Keep in mind that some words frequently combine to produce a well-known phrase. This is known as 'collocation.' Collocation can assist you in identifying the correct word for each blank. The phrase 'the general public,' for example, is a common collocation, therefore 'public' may be an acceptable candidate for the first blank in the sentence below:

• Use your knowledge of grammar to help you select the correct word

Determine what part of speech the missing word belongs to by reading around the blank in the text. 'Beginning to' indicates that an infinitive verb form ('to + verb') is missing in the example below. Next, go over the answer selections and eliminate any terms that aren't in the correct part of speech, such as 'world' being a noun and 'formal' being an adjective. Also, any verbs that aren't in the infinitive form should be eliminated.

Finally, choose the proper meaning from the remaining words: 'view' and 'look' both mean'see,' but we 'quote' or 'cite' references, thus only 'cite' suits the blank:

• How this question is scored

Your ability to use context and grammatical cues to find words that complete a reading text will be assessed in Reading: Fill in the Blanks. If you successfully fill in all of the blanks, you will obtain the highest possible score for this question type. Partial credit scoring is used if one or more blanks are wrongly filled.

Note

• Only reading scores are affected by this question type.

•This question type does not put your listening, speaking, or writing skills to the test.

•Download the Score Guide for additional details.

5) Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Task

After reading a text, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the text by selecting one response.

Skills assessed

Reading

Prompt length

Text up to 300 words

For this item type you need to read the passage and answer the multiple-choice question.

There are a few different responses to choose from, but only one is correct.

To select an option, use the left mouse button to click on it. If you change your mind, simply left-click on the choice to deselect it, or left-click on another option.

Your chosen choice is highlighted in yellow.

Test Tips

• Note the key words in the prompt before you read the text

This item type's prompt could be a question or a statement that you must complete. Whatever prompt you get, pay attention to it since it will tell you what information you need to look for in the text. You will get the answer faster and spend less time reading the text if you concentrate on the important words in the prompt.

• Evaluate the response options

Words, phrases, or sentences may be used as response alternatives. Determine if any of them are unlikely to be right or likely to be correct based on your own understanding. This can be done before reading the material. If you can't answer the question after reading the text, choose the option that you think is most likely to be correct. This method works for multiple-choice questions with multiple answers as well.

• How this question is scored

Your ability to analyse, understand, and evaluate a short reading text on an academic subject is assessed by your response to Multiple-choice, Choose Single Answer questions. Your response is given a correct or incorrect rating. No credit is provided if you don't respond or if you respond incorrectly. This question type has an impact on reading scores.

Note

• This question type solely affects your reading score.

• it does not assess your listening, speaking, or writing abilities.

The Listening section

You must listen to pre-recorded audio files, retain the information presented in the audio, and respond appropriately to the questions. The listening component of the test takes 45 to 57 minutes to complete. It's broken down into eight sections, each with its own time limit. Multiple-choice questions with single and multiple responses, fill in the blanks, select and remove missing words, highlight wrong words, write from dictation, highlight the correct summary played on the audio files, and summarise the spoken text are all included in the sections.

What to expect

Part 3 consists of questions based on audio or video snippets that immediately start playing. Each audio or video clip is only heard once, so pay attention. It is permissible for you to take notes. This section will take 45-57 minutes to complete.

You have the option to modify the loudness for each question. Move the control bar to the right to increase the volume or to the left to decrease the volume while the audio clip is playing.

1. Write a summary of the spoken text

2. Use multiple choice and multiple answer questions

3. Complete the blanks

4. Emphasize the correct summary

5. Single Answer, Multiple Choice

6. Choose a word that is missing.

7. Emphasize the words that are incorrect.

          8. Take notes from a dictation

Summarize Spoken Text

Task

After listening to a recording, write a 50-70 word summary.

Skills assessed

Listening and writing

Prompt length

60-90 seconds

For this item type, you hear an audio recording and need to write a 50-70 word summary on what you heard.

• You've got ten minutes to write a synopsis.

• The audio starts playing on its own. The audio recording can only be listened to once.

• The Word Count at the bottom of the screen keeps track of how many words you've typed. Make sure to write a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 70.

• You can also use the cut, copy, and paste buttons to help you put together your summary.

• Cut: Select the text you want to remove from your response and left-click "Cut."

• Copy: Select the text you want to copy from your answer and left-click "Copy."

• Paste: Place the cursor where you want the cut/copied text to be pasted, and then left-click "Paste."

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer

Task

After listening to a recording, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording by selecting more than one response.

Skills assessed

Listening

Prompt length

40-90 seconds

For this item type you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question. There is more than one correct response.

• The audio starts playing on its own. The audio recording can only be listened to once.

•From the list of possible responses, select all of the response options that you believe are correct.

•To select an option, use the left mouse button to click on it. If you change your mind, deselect the option by left-clicking on it again.

• You'll see that the alternatives you choose are highlighted in yellow.

Fill in the Blanks

Task

A transcript of a recording appears on screen with several gaps. After listening to the recording, type the missing word in each gap.

Skills assessed

Listening and writing

Prompt length

30-60 seconds

For this item type you are presented with a transcript of the audio recording, however, some words are missing. Restore the transcript by typing in the missing words.

• The audio starts playing on its own. The audio recording can only be listened to once.

• Type in the missing word by left-clicking on each gap. To travel between gaps, you can also use the Tab key on your keyboard.

• Note: You can take notes on the erasable noteboard provided while the audio is playing and then fill in the gaps later.

Highlight Correct Summary

Task

After listening to a recording, select the paragraph that best summarizes the recording.

Skills assessed

Listening and reading

Prompt length

30-90 seconds

For this item type you need to select the summary that best matches the recording.

• The audio begins to play automatically. You are only able to listen to the audio recording once.
• There are several possible response options but only one is correct.
• To select an option click on it using the left button on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a different option.
• The option you select is highlighted in yellow.
• Note: It may be difficult to read and listen at the same time. It is recommended that you listen first, make notes on the erasable noteboard and then read the summaries.

Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Task

After listening to a recording, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording by selecting one response.

Skills assessed

Listening

Prompt length

30-60 seconds

For this item type you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question.

• The audio starts playing on its own. The audio recording can only be listened to once.

• There are a few different responses to choose from, but only one is correct.

• To select an option, use the left mouse button to click on it. If you change your mind, simply left-click on the choice to deselect it, or left-click on another option.

• You'll see that the choice you choose is highlighted in yellow.

Select Missing Word

Task

After listening to a recording, select the missing word that completes the recording from a list of options.

Skills assessed

Listening

Prompt length

20-70 seconds

For this item type the last word or group of words in the recording has been replaced by a beep. Select the most appropriate option to complete the recording.

• The audio automatically starts playing. The audio recording is only available for one listen.

• Although there are several options for responses, only one is correct.

• Click the left mouse button on an option to pick it. If you change your mind, simply left-click on the choice again to deselect it, or select a new alternative.

• You'll see that the choice you choose has a yellow highlight.

Highlight Incorrect Words

Task

The transcript of a recording appears on screen. While listening to the recording, identify the words in the transcript that differ from what is said.

Skills assessed

Listening and reading

Prompt length

15-50 seconds

 You will be given a transcript of the audio recording for this item type, although the transcript contains certain inaccuracies. You must identify the words in the text that differ from what the speaker says while listening and reading.

• The audio starts playing on its own. The audio recording can only be listened to once.

• To pick a word, use the left mouse button to click on it. Left-click on the word again to deselect it if you change your mind.

• Your chosen words are highlighted in yellow.

Write From Dictation

Task

After listening to a recording of a sentence, type the sentence.

Skills assessed

Listening and writing

Prompt length

3-5 seconds

For this item type you hear a short sentence. Type the sentence into the response box at the bottom of the screen.

• The audio starts playing on its own. The audio recording can only be listened to once.

• Note: You can take notes on the erasable noteboard provided while the audio is playing.

•Always double-check your spelling.