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Content Curator | Updated On - May 13, 2024

Highlights - 

  • You will complete between 52 and 64 tasks in any given test and a range of 20 different task types.
  • For PTE speaking and writing part, you will have 25 seconds to read the prompt and prepare your response, and then 30 seconds to record your response. You are only able to record your answer once.
  • PTE exam pattern for reading consists of text of about 300 words. 
  • PTE listening test questions are based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically, and you will have to write a 50-70 word summary. 

PTE Academic is a computer-based English test that assesses your academic-level speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. PTE exam pattern for Academics is taken only if you want to study at a university globally or want to work or migrate to Australia or New Zealand. PTE academic exam pattern contains 4 sections - Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The total duration of the test is 2 hours. PTE academic pattern for speaking and writing contains 7 different question types for 54 to 67 minutes. PTE exam structure for reading is 29 to 30 minutes and has 5 types of questions. PTE listening is 30–43 minutes long, and it contains eight different question types. The overall score ranges between 10–90 points.

PTE Academic Exam Pattern

PTE academic exam pattern is uniform across locations globally that accept the PTE score pattern. Cut-off is the only element that is subjected to vary in the PTE exam pattern. PTE pattern for academic exam comprises a total of 20 questions that is an inclusion of essays, MCQs, and further evaluation of information.

PTE Speaking and Writing

This section in the PTE full exam pattern assesses candidates based on two major abilities of candidates; speaking and writing. This PTE test pattern is further divided into six different sections. The table below summarises the types in the PTE speaking and writing, along with the time allocated for each section of PTE questions pattern:

PTE Question Pattern Time Duration
Personal Introduction 55 seconds: 25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record
Read Aloud 30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words
Repeat Sentence 15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record
Describe Image 40 seconds are granted to study the image as well as prepare your response on the same
Re-Tell Lecture 90 seconds for prompt length, 10 seconds to prepare, and 40 seconds to answer
Answer Short Question 20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer
Summarize Written Text 10 minutes to answer to text prompt of 300 words
Essay 20 minutes to answer to text prompt of 2-3 sentences

PTE Reading Pattern

This section of the PTE test pattern assesses candidates ability to read and comprehend a given text and has five different sub-sections. PTE reading pattern is 29-30 minutes. Mentioned below is a table that highlights the aspects associated with PTE reading pattern:

PTE Reading Sections Time Duration varies on the length of the Text Prompt
Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks Read 300 words of text
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers Read 300 words of text
Re-Order Paragraphs Read 150 words of text
Reading: Fill in the Blanks Read 80 words of text
Multiple Choice; Single Answer Read 300 words of text

PTE Listening Pattern

This section of the PTE question pattern requires test takers to listen to audios and answer questions associated with it. PTE listening section of the PTE new exam pattern determines candidates’ ability to listen and comprehend certain audios and data represented in them. Mentioned below is a table that highlights the sections asked in PTE listening and time allocated:

PTE Exam Pattern Time Duration
Summarize Spoken Text 60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer 40-90 seconds for prompt
Fill in the Blanks 30-60 seconds
Highlight Correct Summary 30-90 seconds
Multiple Choice, Single Answer 30-60 seconds
Select Missing Word 20-70 seconds
Highlight Incorrect Words 15-50 seconds
Write From Dictation 3-5 seconds

PTE Academic Online

PTE academic online test is similar to that of the test center exam pattern. PTE academic online test requires candidates to download a software. This is provided by the conducting body in accordance with maintaining the minimum specs requirement for the system. Certain guidelines are to be ensured by candidates for PTE speaking exam pattern and PTE writing pattern along with other sections. These guidelines include; browser checks and availability of live proctors. This will ensure that candidates appear for the test in a fair and secure manner. Candidates can check PTE exam dates from the official website and book their slot accordingly. Results for PTE academic online are declared within a time-frame of 48 hours post the exam dates.

Criteria for opting for PTE academic online are as mentioned below:

  • PTE test centres are closed
  • Lack of PTE test centres in a given region
  • Lack of access to PTE test centres due to certain challenges
  • Availability of system that supports home-based test opportunity

PTE Scoring Pattern

PTE academic scoring system is faster and automated, the algorithms are based on thousands of real test responses. PTE band score range from 10-90. Candidates can draw a conclusion from the below-mentioned table and ensure accuracy of their score for PTE exam pattern:

PTE Scores Level of Excellence
30-36 Limited
36-43 Modest
43-50 Modest
50-58 Competent
58-65 Competent
65-79 Good
79-86 Very Good
86-90 Expert

PTE Score Range Evaluation

Table provided below evaluates the PTE score card based on the skills assessed in PTE exam structure:

PTE Score Range Skills Evaluated
10-29 Basic use of phrases and everyday expressions along with basic introductory and interaction skills.
30-42 Skills to discuss relevant topics with basic usage of daily phrases and expressions. Better interaction approach and sharing of basic personal information.
43-50 Understanding of standard language and ability to explain experiences. Ability to have an opinion over general topics.
51-58 Good hold over languages skills. Ability to share factual information based on everyday life experiences. Skills to record and broadcast information.
59-75 Fluent communication and interaction with other people with negligible errors. Ability to highlight major information associated with a given topic.
75-84 Ability to understand a range of complex texts and highlight major ideas related to the topic. Effective communication skills and ability to describe themselves potentially.
Above 85 Expert level of communication skills. Ability to understand information from various sources. Presence of clarity within their explanation.

PTE academic exam pattern has been provided in the above mentioned sections. PTE score has also been evaluated based on score ranges and skills assessed. Candidates might consider an effective schedule for PTE exam preparation in order to score appropriate marks.

FAQs

Ques: What is PTE Academic test for?

Ans: PTE academic test is designed to evaluate a candidate's English language skills. PTE examines the candidate's reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.

Ques: What is the PTE score for academic?

Ans: PTE academic score ranges on a scale of 10-90. Candidates need to achieve a score of 80+ in PTE academics to get admission to some of the top universities worldwide.

Ques: What is the fee for PTE Academic exam?

Ans: The fee for PTE academic online and offline exams is INR 17,000. Candidates can pay the exam fee through credit/debit cards.

Ques: Is PTE online or offline?

Ans: PTE is a computer-based exam, candidates can take the exam at a test center or at home. The exam is 2 hours long and consists of 20 different question types.

Ques: What is PTE course syllabus?

Ans: PTE exam syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates reading, writing, speaking, and writing abilities. The exam pattern is divided into 3 sections: speaking and writing, reading, and listening.

Ques: Is PTE Academic easy?

Ans: PTE Academic is designed to assess real-life English. Candidates can choose to take the exam at a test center or home. With proper preparation and good knowledge of the English language, candidates can easily achieve a good score in PTE academics.

Ques: How can I practice PTE at home?

Ans: You can practice PTE at home by taking online coaching classes, reading comprehensive books, and by regularly solving practice papers.

Ques: How many days preparation is required for PTE?

Ans: The preparation time for PTE depends on the candidate's English language abilities and academic skills. Most of the candidates on average require 2 to 3 months of preparation to clear PTE.

Ques: How many questions are asked in PTE?

Ans: There are in total 20 different types of questions in PTE academic, and candidates are allocated 2 hours to complete the exam.

Ques: Is 1 month enough for PTE?

Ans: To prepare for PTE in 1 month, candidates need to make a proper study plan for effective preparation. Candidates can effectively prepare with regular practice tests, taking coaching classes, and reading effective books.
 

Ques. What is the pattern of PTE exam?

Ans. The PTE exam format consists of 20 different question types. Speaking & Writing skills (54 – 67 minutes), Reading skills (29 – 30 minutes), and Listening skills (30 – 43 minutes) 

Ques. What is PTE passing score?

Ans. PTE does not have any passing score. Candidates are scored in the range of 10 – 90.

Ques. Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Ans. Both PTE and IELTS are English language proficiency test. The easy or difficultly lies on the preparation level of the candidate.

Ques. What are the 4 sections of the PTE exam?

Ans. The four section of PTE are reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Ques. Can I pass PTE in first attempt?

Ans. The answer to this question is subjective. It depends on the preparation level of the candidate.

Ques. What is PTE syllabus?

Ans. PTE Academic Syllabus 2023 for Reading, Listening, Speaking. 

Ques. Is there negative marking in PTE?

Ans. Negative markings come into play for incorrect answers in certain PTE test questions. 

Ques. How to calculate PTE score?

Ans. The score of enabling skill ranges between 10 and 90 points. For the overall PTE score, all scores under Enabling Skills are added, and the total is divided by 6. 

Ques. Is PTE pattern changed?

Ans. No, the format of the test, its level of difficulty, and the skills it tests are all still the same. Basically, each test section and question type has fewer questions in it.

Ques. What is the PTE Score for Australia?

Ans. PTE is valid for applying for an Australian Visa. PTE score of a minimum of 65 and above is required. 
 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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