PTE
The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based English language examination that is recognised by universities all around the world. PTE stands for Pearson Test of English, and PTE-Academic stands for Pearson Test of English Academic. PTE-Academic is an English test taken by students and aspirants who wish to study or immigrate to a major English-speaking country. To demonstrate their English language proficiency, students must take the PTE exam.
In all three English assessment examinations, the following components are utilized to evaluate you.
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
The two-hour computer-based test focuses on everyday English rather than high-level English and assesses a student’s ability to understand the language as it is spoken on a daily basis. The PTE exam’s multi-level marking system allows for a better assessment of a student’s English language skills.
Thousands of educational institutions throughout the world recognise the PTE Academic test. Apart from that, the Australian and New Zealand governments recognise PTE Academic for visa applications. Those who wish to study in a major English-speaking nation such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, or Canada take the PTE Academic test to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Because the tests are entirely computerized, the PTE results and scores are usually available within five business days.
PTE Academic is administered on a computer in a safe and comfortable exam centre. It assesses your ability to communicate verbally and in writing, as well as read and listen. The test has 20 various sorts of questions, ranging from multiple choices to essay writing. Make sure you’re familiar with the various question styles before taking the test, as each section has different sorts of questions.
Part 1: Speaking and Writing: This section of the test lasts 54–67 minutes and includes seven distinct types of questions. It is the test’s longest portion. You’ll be assessed on your speaking and writing abilities, with English similar to what you’d hear in an academic setting.
Speaking & Writing Item type | Number of questions | Time allowed |
Personal introduction | 1 | 1 Min |
Read Aloud | 6 – 7 | 54 -67 minutes |
Repeat sentence | 10 – 12 | |
Describe image | 3 – 4 | |
Retell lecture | 1 – 2 | |
Answer short question | 5 – 6 | |
Summarize written text | 1 – 2 | |
Write Essay | 1 – 2 | |
Total questions | 28-36 |
(Part 2): Reading: This section of the test lasts 29–30 minutes and involves five distinct types of questions. Because the PTE Academic is a combined skills exam, one item type (‘Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks’) evaluates writing abilities as well.
Reading Item type | Number of questions | Time allowed |
Fill in the blanks – reading & writing | 5 – 6 | 29 – 30 minutes |
Multiple choice, multiple answers | 1 – 2 | |
Re-order paragraph | 2 – 3 | |
Fill in the blanks – reading | 4 – 5 | |
Multiple choice, single answer | 1 – 2 | |
Total questions | 13-18 |
(Part 3): Listening: Candidates will be given 30 – 43 minutes to complete the Listening Section. The following types of questions might appear in the PTE Listening section.
Listening Item type | Number of questions | Time allowed |
Summarize spoken text | 1 – 2 | 30 – 43 minutes |
Multiple choice, multiple answers | 1 – 2 | |
Fill in the blanks | 2 – 3 | |
Highlight correct summary | 1 – 2 | |
Multiple choice, single answer | 1 – 2 | |
Select missing word | 1 – 2 | |
Highlight incorrect word | 2 – 3 | |
Write from Dictation | 3 – 4 | |
Total questions | 12-20 |
The PTE Academic Exam is graded on a scale of 10 to 90, with 10 being the lowest and 1 being the highest. The score, which is based on a scale, demonstrates a person’s ability to read, talk, interpret verbal directions, and write in English. The results are shown on a graph, making it simple to see the candidate’s basic language abilities as well as areas for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no difference between the two examinations in terms of content or score. However, if you are looking for a UK visa, you must take the PTE Academic UKVI test since the test registration procedure differs somewhat and is required to support your visa application. Only the UKVI version will provide you a SELT Unique Reference Number (URN), which is required for your visa application.
The validity of PTE Academic certifications is two years from the date of issuance. After two years, a student must repeat the test in order to establish their eligibility.
Yes, you are allowed to take notes throughout the test, but not with a pen. You will be given an erasable note board and a marker by the examiner.
Pearson does not impose any limits on how many times a candidate can take the test.