PTE Course Information

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam designed to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who wish to study at universities in English-speaking countries. The PTE Academic test is structured into four key sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.

This combined section tests both speaking and writing skills through various tasks:

Duration: 54-67 minutes

  • Read Aloud: Candidates read a 60-word prompt aloud after preparation.
  • Repeat Sentence: After hearing a 3-9 second audio clip, candidates must repeat the sentence.
  • Describe Image: Candidates describe an image in 40 seconds.
  • Re-tell Lecture: After listening to a 90-second audio or video recording, candidates summarize it in 40 seconds.
  • Answer Short Question: Candidates give a brief response to a question.
  • Summarize Written Text: Candidates read a 300-word passage and summarize it in a single sentence.
  • Essay: Candidates write a 200-300-word essay on a given topic.

This section focuses on reading comprehension and consists of the following tasks:

Duration: 30 minutes

  • Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks: Candidates complete sentences with missing words.
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer: Candidates choose more than one correct answer, with penalties for incorrect choices.
  • Re-order Paragraphs: Candidates rearrange jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph.
  • Reading Fill in the Blanks: Candidates select the correct words from dropdown menus to complete sentences.
  • Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Candidates pick the correct answer from several options.

In this section, candidates listen to various audio and video clips and respond to related tasks. The clips are played only once, so attentive listening is crucial:

Duration: 30–43 minutes

  • Summarize Spoken Text: Candidates write a summary of the recording.
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: Candidates select more than one correct answer.
  • Fill in the Blanks: Candidates complete transcripts by filling in missing words.
  • Highlight Correct Summary: Candidates choose the best summary after listening to an audio clip.
  • Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Candidates select the correct word from options.
  • Select Missing Word: Candidates identify the missing word in a passage.
  • Highlight Incorrect Words: Candidates find and highlight incorrect words in a transcript.
  • Write from Dictation: Candidates listen to an audio clip and write down the sentences they hear.

The PTE Academic test offers a thorough evaluation of essential English language skills, enabling candidates to demonstrate their readiness for academic success in English-speaking environments.

PTE General Course Overview

The PTE General is designed for non-native English speakers who are learners of the language and wish to study, work, or settle abroad. Unlike the PTE Academic, the PTE General is not computer-based and consists of two main sections: a written section and a spoken interview.

PTE General Exam Pattern:

  • Written Section: This includes tasks that assess reading, listening, and writing skills.
  • Spoken Interview: This section evaluates a candidate's spoken English through an interview format.

Test Levels and Duration

The PTE General is divided into six levels, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). These levels range from beginner to advanced, catering to different proficiency levels. The entire test duration is approximately 3 hours.

Recognition and Use

PTE General scores are widely accepted by universities around the world, including in non-Englishspeaking European countries. The test serves as proof of a candidate’s English language proficiency and is valid indefinitely, meaning there is no need to retake the test for future use.

Registration
Candidates can easily register for the PTE General online through the Edexcel Online process, making it convenient to plan for study abroad applications or career opportunities overseas. Overall, the PTE General offers a comprehensive and flexible way to demonstrate English language proficiency, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to achieve their academic or professional goals in an English-speaking environment.
PTE Format Details
Pattern Speaking & Writing skills (54 – 67 minutes)
Reading skills (29 – 30 minutes)
Listening skills (30 – 43 minutes)
Duration 2 Hours
Medium Computer-based with headset
No. Of Questions 20 question types
PTE Exam Pattern: Speaking and Writing
PTE Speaking and Writing Question Topics No. of questions Duration
Personal introduction 1 55 seconds: 25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record
Read Aloud 6-7 30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words
Repeat sentence 10-12 15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record
Describe image 3-4 25 seconds to study the image and prepare answer
Retell lecture 1-2 90 seconds for prompt length, 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to answer
Answer short question 5-6 20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer
Summarize written text 1-2 10 minutes to answer to text prompt of 300 words
Write Essay 1-2 20 minutes to answer to text prompt of 2-3 sentences
Total questions 28 - 36 Time: 54 - 67 minutes
PTE Exam Pattern: Reading Section
PTE Reading Question Topics No. of questions Duration
Fill in the blanks –reading & writing 5-6 Read 300 words of text
Multiple choice, multiple answers 1-2 Read 300 words of text
Re-order paragraph 2-3 Read 150 words of text
Fill in the blanks –reading 4-5 Read 80 words of text
Multiple choice, single answer 1-2 Read 300 words of text
Total questions 13-18 Time Allocation - 29 - 30 minutes
PTE Exam Pattern: Listening
PTE Listening Question Topics No. of questions Duration
Summarize Spoken Text 1-2 60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers 1-2 40-90 seconds for prompt
Fill in the Blanks 2-3 30-60 seconds
Highlight Correct Summary 1-2 30-90 seconds
Multiple Choice, Single Answer 1-2 30-60 seconds
Select Missing Word 1-2 20-70 seconds
Highlight Incorrect Word 2-3 15-50 seconds
Dictation 3-4 3-5 seconds
Total questions 12 - 20 Time Allocation: 30 - 43 minutes

4.5

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instructor
William U.
a week ago

I still have a lot of studying to do using this course and the other practice exams, but so far it's been great! I have not taken my Security+ exam as well, so I'll update this at a later time.

instructor
William U.
a week ago

I still have a lot of studying to do using this course and the other practice exams, but so far it's been great! I have not taken my Security+ exam as well, so I'll update this at a later time.

This course includes:
Levels
Beginner
Duration
4-6 Weeks
Test Prepration
PTE
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