PTE Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Section-Wise PTE Test Pattern

The Pearson Test of English or PTE evaluates the test tasker’s English reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. The PTE exam pattern is designed to test whether candidates are eligible to study in international institutions and global settings. The PTE exam pattern consists of 20 different question types with three different sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing.

Students who perform well on the PTE test can prove to the admissions committee and visa authorities that they can communicate better in the English language. It allows the applicants to study with students from all around the world and international faculty members. A good PTE score is anywhere between 65-75. 

Table of Contents:

• PTE Exam Types and Their Uses
• PTE Exam Pattern, Format, and Important Aspects
• PTE Exam Pattern
• PTE Exam Structure: Section by Section Details
• Speaking & Writing
• Reading
• Listening
• PTE Academic Exam Pattern, Structure, and Format
• Conclusion
• FAQ

PTE Exam Types and Their Uses

PTE test can be categorized into two types: PTE Academic and UK Government tests (previously known as PTE General). Get to know about those two test types with the information provided, below:

PTE Academic Test: PTE Academic can be taken for study purposes and it is accepted globally by English speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. It tests four English language proficiency skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Also, it is accepted by the Australian and New Zealand governments for work and migration visa purposes. 

UK Government tests (formerly known as PTE General Test): It comprises four types of tests - PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home A1, PTE Home A2, PTE Home B1. 

If you want to work or pursue a non-degree level of study program in the UK, you can choose PTE Academic UKVI. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK government.

PTE Home A1 test can be taken to apply for a work or family visa in UK. To extend the family visa, you need to take the PTE Home A2 test. If you intend to settle permanently in the UK, then you can take PTE Home B1.

What is the PTE Exam Pattern?

The PTE Academic Examination tests candidates on their reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities. The exam duration is approximately 3 hours. The Speaking and Writing section takes 54-67 minutes with 7 question types, including a 20-minute essay. The Reading section lasts 29-30 minutes on average, with 5 question types. The listening section lasts 30-43 minutes with 8 question types.

PTE Syllabus

Before preparing for the PTE test, it is essential to understand the complete syllabus pattern to effectively take the test and score high. Below is a list of question types you can expect in each section:

PTE Exam Pattern, Format, and Important Aspects

PTE Exam Pattern is common for all the countries that accept PTE scores. Cut-off may vary from country to country. 

The following table will give you a clear understanding of the PTE exam pattern. 

PTE Exam Format

Category	Details
Eligibility Criteria	The age of applicants must be at least 16 years.
Test mode	Computer-based test
Test Availability	Throughout the year
Test Format	It has three parts: Speaking and Writing (54-67 minutes), Reading (29-30 minutes), and Listening (30-43 minutes)
Test lay out	20 Question types
Test Duration	Two hours long
Session type	Single test session to assess real-life English
Test Fee	₹15900 INR
Score Range	The PTE score ranges between "10 to 90"
Results	PTE Results will be delivered within 2 - 5 days

PTE Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Section by Section Details

PTE Exam Structure is divided into three sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. We have provided detailed information for all three sections.

PTE Syllabus & Exam Pattern for Speaking and Writing

This section tests the English speaking and writing skills of the test takers which they might be used to in an academic environment. It is 54-67 minutes long and has seven different question types. It is the longest section in the PTE test. Here is a detailed information on speaking and writing section:

Question types	PTE Questions (per task)	Task Description	Prompt length	Time to Answer
Personal Introduction	1	It is for familiarization purposes and it does not contribute to your overall score	You will have 25 seconds to read the prompt and 30 seconds to record your answer.	-
Read Aloud	6-7	Text will appear on the screen and you need to read it aloud	Text length is up to 60 words	Time varies depending on the item and length of the text
Repeat Sentence	10-12	Listen to the recording of the sentence and repeat it	3-9 seconds	15 seconds
Describe Image	3-4	You need to describe the image in detail which is appeared on the screen	Not applicable	40 seconds
Re-tell lecture	1-2	After listening to or watching a lecture, you need to retell the lecture in your own words	Up to 90 seconds	40 seconds
Answer Short Question	5-6	After listening to questions, you need to answer	3-9 seconds	10 seconds
Summarize the written text	1-2	After reading the given passage, you need to write a one-sentence summary of the passage	Text up to 300 words	10 seconds
Essay	1-2	You need to write a 200-300 word essay on a provided topic	2-3 sentences	20 minutes

PTE Syllabus & Exam Pattern for Reading

This section assess the test taker's ability to understand the instrutions. It is 29-30 minutes long and has five different question types. Since PTE Academic is an integrated skills, one question type ('Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks') tests the writing skills. Take a closer look at the PTE Reading section:

Question Types	PTE Questions (per task)	Task Description	Prompt Length
Reading & writing: Fill in the Blanks	5-6	Text will appear on the screen with few gaps. You need to drag the words from the box to fill the gaps.	Text up to 300 words
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer	1-2	After reading the text, answer multiple choice questions on content based on the content or tone of the text.	Text up to 300 words
Re-order Paragraphs	2-3	Some text boxes appear on the screen in random order. You need to re-order the text boxes to make it in the right order.	Text up to 150 words
Fill in the Blanks	4-5	Text appears on the screen with several gaps. You need to pick the words from the boxes and put them appropriately	Text up to 80 words
Multiple-choice, Single answer	1-2	After reading the text, select the one response to answer the multiple choice questions created based on the content or tone of the text.	Text up to 300 words

PTE Syllabus & Exam Pattern for Listening

This section of the test is 30-43 minutes long and it has 8 different question types. The questions will be derived from the audio or video clips. Candidates need to carefully listen to the audio and retain whatever they heard. You are allowed to take notes while listening the audio. 

Question types	PTE Questions (per task)	Task Description	Prompt length
Summarize Spoken text	1-2	After listening to a recording, write a 50-70 word summary.	60-90 seconds
Multiple choice, Multiple answers	1-2	After listening to a recording, you need to answer multiple-choice questions by selecting more than one response.	40-90 seconds
Fill in the blanks	2-3	A transcript of a recording appears on the screen with few gaps. You need to type the missing word in the gap after listening to a recording.	30-60 seconds
Highlight correct summary	1-2	After listening to the recording, you need to choose the paragraph that summarizes the recording at best.	30-90 seconds
Multiple Choice, Single Answer	1-2	After listening to a paragraph, choose a single option to answer multiple-choice questions.	30-90 seconds
Select missing word	1-2	After listening to the recording, choose the missing word from a list of options to complete the recording.	20-70 seconds
Highlight Incorrect words	2-3	The transcript will appear on the screen. After listening to the recording, identify the words in the transcripts which differ from the recording.	15-50 seconds
Write from Dictation	3-4	Type the sentence after you listened to the recording of a sentence.	3-5 seconds

PTE Academic Exam Pattern, Structure and Format

PTE Academic Exam is a computer-based test, which takes around just two hours. It measures the candidates skills on reading, listening, speaking & writing just like other language proficiency tests. 

The following table summarizes the PTE Academic exam format:

Sections	Question types	Duration
Speaking & Writing	Personal Introduction, Read aloud, Repeat sentence, Describe image, Re-tell lecture, Answer short question, Summarize written text, Essay writing	54-67 minutes
Reading	Fill in the blanks , Re-order paragraphs, MCQs for multiple answers, MCQs for a single answer	29-30 minutes
Listening	Summarize spoken test, MCQs for multiple answers, Fill in the blanks, Highlight correct summary, MCQs for a single answer, Select missing word, Highlight incorrect words, Write from dictation	30-43 minutes

Test takers can strategically prepare for each section by familiarising themselves with the PTE syllabus, ensuring they are well equipped to excel in the PTE Academic exam and  achieve their targeted score. To attempt the test, check out city-wise latest PTE exam dates and centres  here.

Check other links/resources

• PTE Coaching in Thrissur
• PTE Coaching in Vallabh Vidhyanagar
• PTE Exam Fee

Conclusion

In the PTE syllabus, each part has its own difficulties and challenges. Develop your skills and set the preparation for time for speaking & writing, reading, and listening. And, focus on improving your ability to answer the questions effectively. 

FAQ

1. What is the pattern of the PTE exam?

The PTE exam consists of 20 question types which test the English language proficiency of the candidates. It comprises three parts - speaking & writing (54-67 minutes), reading (29-30 minutes), and listening (30-43 minutes). 

2. What is the PTE passing score?

The PTE exam doesn’t set any minimum passing score. However, a score of 50-60 is considered an appropriate score for the candidate out of 10-90 score range.

3. Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Both tests cannot be considered either easy or difficult. As the pattern and syllabus for each test differs, depending on the individual, the difficulty level could change. IELTS has a fixed number of questions while PTE does an adaptive approach. So, one can choose the test based on the individual's purposes.

4. What is a good PTE Academic score?

There is not any good PTE Academic score. Each university has its own score requirements. So, aspirants need to contact the university and know about the PTE score requirements. And, candidates need to understand attaining high scores can help them get into their preferred university.

5. What is the validity of the PTE score?

Your PTE score report is valid for ‘two years’ from the date you took the test. Learn how to send PTE scores to colleges abroad.

6. How many times can I appear in the PTE Academic test?

There is no set limit to the number of times you can take the PTE Academic test. But, you need to slot in the next test after you receive your scores.

7. What is the pattern of the PTE General test?

PTE General test is designed to assess the general English language ability with all six levels of proficiency. These levels are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This exam will test your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. Authorities do not consider this for immigration purposes.

8. What are the six levels of proficiency in PTE General test?

CEFR Level	Grade	Exam Time
A1	Foundation	1 hour 15 minutes
1	Elementary	1 hour 30 minutes
2	Intermediate	1 hour 35 minutes
3	Upper-Intermediate	2 hours
4	Advanced (Operational Proficiency)	2 hours 30 minutes
5	Proficient (Mastery)	2 hours 55 minutes