The PTE is divided into three main parts:
Speaking and Writing (combined) – This section evaluates the test taker’s ability to express thoughts clearly and coherently in both spoken and written English.
Reading – This section evaluates the ability to understand written texts and answer questions based on them.
Listening – This section assesses the ability to comprehend spoken English, typically in academic contexts.
2. PTE Academic vs. PTE General
While both PTE Academic and PTE General are designed to assess English language proficiency, they have different focuses and purposes.
PTE Academic: This version of the test is primarily for individuals who want to apply for study programs in English-speaking countries, or for immigration purposes. It is used by educational institutions, government agencies, and immigration authorities.
PTE General: The PTE General is more focused on everyday English usage. It is a more generalized version and is used for purposes such as employment or general certification. It is typically more suited to individuals who do not have an academic focus.
For the purpose of this essay, we will focus primarily on PTE Academic as it is the most commonly taken test.
3. PTE Test Format
The PTE Academic test is entirely computer-based. The test typically lasts about 3 hours and consists of a series of tasks and sections designed to assess all areas of English proficiency.
Speaking and Writing Section (77-93 minutes)
This combined section assesses both spoken and written English. The tasks range from reading aloud to summarizing spoken text.
Task Breakdown:
Personal Introduction: This is an unscored section where the test taker introduces themselves. This is mainly for the institution receiving the score.
Read Aloud: You will be given a short text and asked to read it aloud. This assesses your pronunciation, fluency, and reading skills.
Repeat Sentence: You will hear a sentence, and you will need to repeat it exactly as you heard it. This tests listening comprehension and the ability to accurately repeat sentences in English.
Describe Image: You are shown an image (e.g., a graph, map, or picture) and asked to describe it in a coherent sentence or two. This assesses speaking skills and the ability to interpret and describe visuals in English.
Re-tell Lecture: After listening to a short academic lecture, you will be asked to summarize the main points in your own words. This tests listening comprehension and speaking ability.
Answer Short Question: A question will be asked, and you must answer with a short response. This tests your ability to understand simple queries in English.
Summarize Written Text: You are given a short passage to read, and then asked to summarize it in a single sentence. This assesses your ability to understand written English and summarize it effectively.
Essay Writing: You are required to write an essay (200-300 words) on a given topic. This tests your ability to organize and express ideas in written English, as well as your grammar and vocabulary usage.
Reading Section (32-41 minutes)
This section assesses your ability to read and understand written texts.
Task Breakdown:
Multiple Choice (Choose Single Answer): You are given a passage of text followed by a question. You need to choose the correct answer from the options.
Multiple Choice (Choose Multiple Answers): Similar to the previous task, but you may need to choose more than one answer.
Re-order Paragraphs: You are presented with a set of sentences that are jumbled. You must reorder them to form a coherent paragraph.
Fill in the Blanks: A passage of text with missing words is provided. You must select the correct word from a list to complete the text.
Listening Section (45-57 minutes)
The listening section is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts.
Task Breakdown:
Summarize Spoken Text: After listening to a short lecture or conversation, you will need to summarize the key points in writing.
Multiple Choice (Choose Single Answer): You will listen to a short audio clip and then choose the correct answer from the options provided.
Multiple Choice (Choose Multiple Answers): You will listen to an audio clip and select multiple correct answers.
Fill in the Blanks: While listening to a recording, you will have to fill in missing words in a transcript of the audio.
Highlight Correct Summary: After listening to an audio clip, you must choose the correct summary from a list of options.
Select Missing Word: You will listen to a short recording, and then the last word or phrase will be missing. You need to select the correct word from the options.
Highlight Incorrect Words: A transcript of the audio is provided, and you must identify the words that are incorrectly transcribed.
Write from Dictation: You will hear a short sentence and need to type it exactly as you hear it. This tests both listening and writing skills.
4. Scoring System
PTE Academic is scored on a scale of 10 to 90. Each section is scored separately, and the overall score is a reflection of the average performance across all sections.
Speaking and Writing: This combined section is assessed based on content, fluency, pronunciation, and grammar. The responses are evaluated by the computer, and scores are based on a variety of factors including pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.
Reading: The reading section is scored based on the accuracy of answers. A correct response earns points, and incorrect answers do not result in negative marking.
Listening: Similar to the reading section, the listening read more tasks are scored based on correct responses.
The PTE uses a "machine-learning" scoring system, meaning that the test is scored by an automated system that evaluates speech, writing, and grammar patterns. This system is considered to be highly reliable and consistent.
5. Comparison with Other English Tests
The PTE Academic is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests, but it competes with other tests such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Let’s explore how the PTE compares with these two popular tests.
PTE vs. IELTS
Test Format: The IELTS is a more traditional test, which includes both a written test and an in-person speaking interview. In contrast, the PTE is fully computer-based, and the speaking component is recorded and assessed by a computer.
Scoring: The IELTS scoring system ranges from 0 to 9 for each section, with the overall score being an average of the four sections. In contrast, the PTE score ranges from 10 to 90, with each section weighted differently.
Test Duration: IELTS lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the PTE takes about 3 hours. The PTE is longer, but the test is more streamlined with no speaking interviews.
PTE vs. TOEFL
Test Format: The TOEFL, like the IELTS, involves a mix of paper-based and computer-based components. The speaking section in TOEFL is also recorded but not assessed by a computer. In PTE, the speaking and writing sections are combined, whereas TOEFL treats them separately.
Scoring: The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120. Similar to the PTE, the TOEFL uses a computerized system to assess responses, but the PTE is often considered to have a more flexible and faster result delivery system.
Test Duration: The TOEFL lasts around 3 hours and is also largely computer-based, making it comparable to the PTE in terms of duration and format.
6. Preparation for PTE
To excel in the PTE Academic, it is important to prepare strategically. Here are a few key preparation tips:
Familiarize with the Format: Understanding the test format and timing is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the various types of questions and tasks in each section.
Take Practice Tests: Practice tests help you get used to the pacing and structure of the exam. Many official PTE practice materials are available.
Improve English Skills: Since the PTE tests all aspects of language proficiency, practicing listening, reading, writing, and speaking in real-world contexts can be very helpful. Watching English movies, reading books, and engaging in conversations in English can improve your skills.
Use PTE Preparation Software: There are various online platforms and software tools designed specifically for PTE preparation. These can provide timed practice exercises, feedback, and score predictions.