For candidates who want to study abroad, or prove their proficiency in the English language for immigration purposes, PTE is one of the widely preferred options. PTE stands for the Pearson Test of English, and as the name suggests, the candidates are assessed in their abilities to speak, read, write and comprehend the language. Here, we are talking about PTE Exam Pattern. For more information on the exam, you can check the links given below:
PTE Exam Fees | PTE Exam Dates |
PTE Exam Preparation | PTE Test Scores |
The PTE exam structure is made up of three main sections. They include Speaking & Writing, Reading, and listening sections. Each section is scored independently, and you get an overall PTE exam score, too.
The speaking section of the PTE exam pattern will be an assessment of the English speaking abilities of the candidate. One will be asked to provide their introduction, read aloud from the academic texts, and so on. The writing is the same, as it will assess the abilities of a candidate to answer an academic test or an essay about a topic. There will be a dedicated time duration for the Essay writing, which is 20 minutes. The overall timings of the section are 77 to 93 minutes. You can also check out PTE Exam Syllabus for detailed information.
Section |
Duration |
Types of Questions |
Time Duration |
Speaking & Writing |
77 to 93 Minutes |
Personal Introduction |
25 seconds to Prepare 30 seconds to Record |
Read Aloud |
30-40 seconds to Prepare |
||
Repeat Sentences |
3-9 seconds to Prepare 15 seconds to Record |
||
Describe Image |
25 seconds to Study the Image and Respond |
||
Retell Lecture |
40 to 90 seconds to Answer |
||
Short Questions |
20 seconds (10 to Answer) |
||
Summarise Text |
10 Minutes |
||
Essay |
20 Minutes |
The reading section for the PTE is for around 32 to 41 minutes. The section is an assessment of a candidate’s ability to read and understand the written text. There are five sections in the reading section, which overall adds up to the 32-41 minute duration of the section. Here is the PTE Exam Pattern for the reading:
Section |
Duration |
Types of Questions |
Length of Text |
Reading |
32 to 41 Minutes |
Multiple Choice, Single Answer |
300 Words |
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer |
300 Words |
||
Paragraph Reorder |
150 Words |
||
Fill in the Blanks (Reading) |
80 Words |
||
Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing) |
300 Words |
The Listening section will have an audio or video clip that will be played once and therefore one has to listen to it carefully. The clips will play automatically. The candidate can decrease or increase the volume of the clips from the control bar on the screen. Here is all you need to know about the Listening section of the PTE Exam:
Section |
Duration |
Types of Questions |
Time Duration |
Listening |
77 to 93 Minutes |
Highlight the correct summary |
30-90 seconds |
Multiple-choice questions, Single Answer |
30-60 seconds |
||
Select missing word |
20-70 seconds |
||
Fill the blanks |
30-60 seconds |
||
Highlight incorrect words |
15-50 seconds |
||
Write from dictation |
3-5 seconds |
||
Summarize spoken text |
50 to 70 words, 60-90 seconds to Prepare 10 Minutes to Write |
||
Multiple-choice questions, Multiple Answer |
40-90 Answers |
The pattern for the PTE exam is very similar to the other English Language tests of a similar kind. If you prepare for the PTE, it will also give you an idea to prepare for the other tests. Moreover, for countries like Australia, PTE is also useful for immigration procedures.
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