Millions of students appear for the famous PTE test every year with lots of hope and excitement. However, many fail at their first step itself, which is understanding the exam format. In other words, students must know all the fundamentals of the exam, from section breakdown to time allocation to question types. When you base your preparation on such knowledge, you can easily achieve your desired results.
Here’s a guide we’ve compiled to get you started on this. Read till the end and make sure to consider this in your study plan. First things first—
PTE Exam Pattern 2024
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based assessment conducted in secure test environments all over the world. It lasts for two hours and comprises 3 sections:
- Reading
- Speaking & Writing
- Listening
When you appear for PTE, you will be graded based on your skills in all four areas. In total, you will have to answer 20 types of questions. Based on your performance, you will receive a score between 10 and 90.
This is the basic gist of the exam, but you still have much to learn within each of the sections. Let’s tackle that one by one.
Speaking & Writing Section
This section evaluated your ability to speak and write in English. It takes about 77 to 93 minutes and contains 6 parts. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
| Segment | Duration |
| Personal Introduction | 25 seconds for prompt + 30 seconds to record answer = 55 seconds |
| Read Aloud | 30 to 40 seconds to get ready for reading a text of 60 words aloud |
| Repeat Sentence | 3 to 9 seconds for prompt + 15 seconds to record answer = 15 seconds |
| Describe Image | 25 seconds to examine the image and prepare your response |
| Re-tell Lecture | 90 seconds for prompt + 10 seconds to prepare + 40 seconds to answer = 140 seconds (2 mins 20 secs) |
| Answer Short Questions | 3 to 9 seconds for prompt + 10 seconds to answer = 20 seconds |
| Summarize Written Text | 10 minutes to answer a prompt of 300 words |
| Essay | 20 minutes to answer to a text prompt of 2 to 3 sentences |
The PTE test is scored by AI, so remember that consistency in grammar, pronunciation, and structure is important.
Reading Section
This section evaluates your ability to understand people’s instructions. It consists of 5 segments with an allocated time of 32 to 40 minutes.
| Section Pattern | Text Prompt Length |
| Multiple Choice (choose a single answer) | Read 300 words |
| Multiple Choice (choose multiple answers) | Read 300 words |
| Re-order Paragraphs | Read 150 words |
| Fill in the Blanks (Reading) | Read 80 words |
| Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing) | Read 300 words |
The time for each prompt varies depending on the length of the text.
Listening Section
This section lasts about 45 to 57 minutes, assessing your aptitude to grasp spoken English. It consists of 8 sub-sections, and here’s how they look.
| Section Pattern | Time Given |
| Summarize Spoken Text | 60 to 90 seconds to retain 50 to 70 words + 10 minutes to write |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 40 to 90 seconds for prompt |
| Fill in the Blanks | 30 to 60 seconds |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 30 to 90 seconds |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 30 to 60 seconds |
| Select Missing Word | 20 to 70 seconds |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 15 to 50 seconds |
| Write from Diction | 3 to 5 seconds for listening to the prompt |
Listen to the audio material presented in this section attentively and retain the important information.
PTE Test Syllabus
Your PTE exam covers various academic English topics through which you will be assessed. From comprehension to interpretation, all major areas will be covered in the test. Most importantly, you should be able to apply grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures effectively in your target academic setting.
Some key areas in your exam syllabus include:
- Understanding idiomatic expressions
- Using grammar and syntax accurately and confidently
- Comprehending academic-specific vocabulary
- Writing summaries and essays
- Listening to and understanding academic lectures and discussions
- Reading and writing academic texts
If you can master these skills efficiently, you will have a high chance of demonstrating an impressive proficiency in academic English. As a result, you will also attain your target score easily.
Practical Understanding of the PTE Format
Besides getting theoretical knowledge of the exam, it is also important to get practical, hands-on experience with the test. Here’s how you can ensure optimal understanding:
- Take practice tests
- Use exam simulation tools
- Review past test papers
- Join study groups
- Attend workshops or coaching sessions
- Familiarise yourself with test centre procedures
Final Word:
PTE is not rocket science, but it still needs accurate understanding and data-backed preparation. This guide may have demonstrated a clear picture of the PTE test you are going to appear for soon. If you need more guided support, feel free to reach out to us. English Wise is an excellent resource for PTE preparation, as we have proven methodologies and experienced instructors.
Call or email any time.
