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PTE Complete Guide: Syllabus, Format, Tips, and Free Online Practice Test Materials

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PTE Complete Guide: Syllabus, Format, Tips, and Free Online Practice Test Materials

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a globally recognized English language proficiency exam accepted by thousands of universities, colleges, and government agencies worldwide. Renowned for its fair and accurate assessment of all core language skills—speaking, writing, reading, and listening—the PTE is essential for students, immigrants, and professionals seeking opportunities in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. A strong PTE score can unlock doors to academic, immigration, and career success.

The PTE is a 2-hour computer-based test that assesses candidates through 20 types of questions, which include interpreting graphs, real-life lectures, charts, and different accents, along with everyday scenarios. 

The syllabus is divided into three main sections: 

  • Speaking and Writing 
  • Reading
  • Listening
PTE Academic Question Types in Detail:
Speaking & Writing (8 question types, 54-67 minutes total):
  1. Personal Introduction:

A brief, ungraded introduction about yourself.

  • Prep time: 25 seconds for the prompt
  • Recording time: 30 seconds
  • Number of questions: 1 (unscored)
  1. Read Aloud:
    Read a short text aloud clearly and fluently.

    • Prep time: 30-40 seconds to prepare for reading a text of up to 60 words
    • Recording time: Up to 40 seconds to read aloud
    • Number of questions: 6-7
    • For example, Charles Darwin published his paper “On the Origin of Species” in 1859. It is one of the most well-known pieces of scientific literature in human history. In the paper, Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection. He states that for any generation of any species, there will always be a struggle for survival. Individuals who are better suited to the environment are “fitter”, and therefore have a much higher chance of surviving and reproducing. This means that later generations are likely to inherit these stronger genetic traits.
  2. Repeat Sentence:
    Listen to a sentence and repeat it verbatim.

  3. Describe Image:
    Describe a visual image in detail.

    • Prep time: 25 seconds to study the image
    • Recording time: 40 seconds to describe
    • Number of questions: 3-4
    • For example,
  4. Re-tell Lecture:
    Summarize a short lecture in your own words.

  5. Answer Short Question:
    Answer a spoken question with a short, concise response.

  6. Summarize Written Text:
    Write a one-sentence summary of a short text.

    • Prep time: 10 minutes to read and summarize a text of up to 300 words
    • Word limit: 50-70 words
    • Number of questions: 1-2
    • For example,Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. Type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.

      As a car owner, you may be concerned about your vehicle’s environmental impact. Transportation is responsible for approximately 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions, most of which are attributed to road transport. This has prompted research into alternative solutions that can help reduce the impact of vehicles on the environment, such as using ethanol as a fuel source.

      Ethanol is a renewable fuel compatible with most cars and particular trucks, and its use can increase vehicle efficiency. This not only helps reduce a vehicle’s carbon footprint but also enables car owners to save money on fuel costs. In addition to its potential to boost engine efficiency, ethanol has the added benefit of reducing harmful emissions and pollutants contributing to climate change.

      An essential aspect of ethanol as a fuel source is that it does not require significant infrastructure investment to deliver results. This is due to its ability to be integrated easily into existing fuel supply chains, making it a convenient option for car owners.

      Finally, using ethanol as a fuel source has positive environmental implications. This makes ethanol a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel option.

       

  7. Write Essay:
    Write a 200-300 word essay on a given topic.

    • Prep time: 20 minutes to plan and write an essay
    • Word limit: 200-300 words
    • Number of questions: 1-2
    • For example,Question 1

      Countries with high rates of university education report higher levels of technological development and productivity. Many people believe that university education should be free for all citizens. What are the advantages and drawbacks of free university education?

Reading (5 question types, 29-30 minutes total):
  1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks:
    Fill in missing words in a text, with options provided. This task integrates reading and writing skills.

    • Time per question: Varies depending on the text length
    • Number of questions: 5-6
    • For example,Fill in the blanks (reading & Writing)

      Newton’s law of gravity unveiled a 1) ……………… truth about comets: their orbits can take any shape, like elliptical orbits, parabolic paths, or even hyperbolic form. But among the hundreds of known comet paths, none exhibit a clear-cut hyperbolic form distinguishable from a parabola to our eyes. Even more intriguing, all observed ellipses are remarkably elongated, unlike the relatively round closed, circular tracks of planets. This has led astronomers to regard the parabola as the typical comet orbit and view deviations from it as unusual, requiring special explanation.

      The 2)………………. of parabolic or near-parabolic orbits explains why comets are like temporary guests in our solar system. Unlike planets confined to closed, circular tracks, comets travel on open curves, like parabolas. Once they brush past Earth and the Sun, their journey continues ever onward, 3)………………. disappearing from view. Their dramatic transformations during their brief visibility, with tails and nuclei forming and fading, are directly tied to their changing distance from the Sun, reaching peak complexity when closest.

      Imagine a comet’s path as a stretched-out slingshot, propelling it towards the Sun and then flinging it back out to the edges of our cosmic system. This explains why these celestial visitors are fleeting: their parabolic paths offer just a 4)………………. glimpse before taking them on journeys beyond our visible realm.

      In essence, comets are temporary members of our solar system, their grand spectacle a brief 5)……………… of their unique, elongated trajectories. We may marvel at their fleeting beauty, but it is precisely their parabolic paths that dictate their impermanence, carrying them on journeys beyond our gaze.

      Options

      1. Wonders, surprising, alarm, validity
      2. Honorary, baptism, prevalence, commonly
      3. Eventually, certain, meddle, crews
      4. Fondly, fleeting, floats, favour, fondly
      5. Grudges, consequence, summarily, blessings

  2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers:
    Choose multiple correct answers from a list of options.

    • Time per question: Varies
    • Number of questions: 1-2
    • Sample:Q1)

      Scattered across the globe, UNESCO World Heritage Sites stand as testaments to humanity’s cultural and natural wonders. These exceptional places, designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), bear exceptional universal value, representing the pinnacle of human achievement and the diversity of our planet’s natural beauty. Cultural World Heritage Sites encapsulate the ingenuity and creativity of humankind, ranging from ancient ruins like the Great Sphinx of Giza to architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal. These sites embody the spirit of human civilizations, reflecting their rich histories, artistic expressions, and technological advancements. Natural World Heritage Sites, on the other hand, showcase the awe-inspiring grandeur of our planet’s natural landscapes. From the towering peaks of Mount Everest to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, these sites preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems and the extraordinary biodiversity that sustains life on Earth. The designation of World Heritage Sites serves as a global recognition and a call to protect these treasures. It signifies their significance not only to the nations that host them but to the world as a whole. By safeguarding these irreplaceable landmarks, we ensure that their legacy will continue to inspire and enrich generations to come.

      Which of the following statements about UNESCO World Heritage Sites is supported by the text?

      (a) UNESCO has recognized these sites as possessing remarkable significance for humanity
      (b) These sites are only found in Europe and North America.
      (c) These places are only cultural sites.
      (d) These locations are only natural sites.
      (e) These sites are protected by law.

  3. Re-order Paragraphs:
    Put jumbled paragraphs in the correct order.

    • Time per question: Varies
    • Number of questions: 2-3
    • For example,A. This impact is evident in the recent surge of online shopping, with e-commerce surpassing traditional brick-and-mortar stores in many industries.

      B. Experts note that traditional brick-and-mortar stores are combating the rise of e-commerce by offering in-person, hands-on experiences that allow customers to physically interact with products before purchase.

      C. As a result, a seamless blend of convenience and tactile engagement enhances customer satisfaction.

      D. This interaction, coupled with the immediacy of access to products without the wait for shipping, also contributes to a more satisfying shopping experience for some consumers.

      E. The rise of e-commerce has had a significant impact on the retail industry

  4. Fill in the Blanks (Reading only):
    Fill in missing words in a text, without options provided.

    • Time per question: Varies
    • Number of questions: 4-5
    • For example,Recent DNA analyses have 1)……………. an astonishing revelation: parrots and falcons share a far more 2)……………. evolutionary history than previously assumed. This groundbreaking discovery has reshaped our understanding of their phylogenetic relationships, indicating that falcons are actually more 3)……………. linked to parrots than to hawks and eagles. This unexpected finding underscores the intricate web of nature’s interconnectedness, emphasizing the importance of 4)……………. scientific inquiry and the continuous expansion of our knowledge in the academic.

      analysing | unearthed | closely | intricate | historian | persistent | sphere | discovers

  5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer:
    Choose one correct answer from a list of options.

    • Time per question: Varies
    • Number of questions: 1-2
    • For example,Q1)

      The cost of mobile data varies significantly around the world, with some countries offering incredibly affordable rates while others charge exorbitant fees. According to recent studies, the global average cost of 1GB of mobile data is approximately $2.59. However, there are vast discrepancies between regions and countries. For instance, India boasts the cheapest mobile data in the world, with an average cost of just $0.16 per gigabyte. This incredibly low price is attributed to intense market competition and government policies that promote affordable access to the Internet.

      On the other hand, Zimbabwe stands as the most expensive country for mobile data, charging an average of $43.75 for 1GB. This staggering cost is a result of various factors, including limited infrastructure, high operational costs, and a lack of competition. The affordability of mobile data has a profound impact on individuals and societies. In countries with cheap data, internet access is widespread, enabling people to connect with others, access information, and participate in the digital economy. Conversely, in regions with expensive data, internet usage is restricted, hindering social interaction, educational opportunities, and economic development.

      Bridging the digital divide remains a crucial challenge for governments and policymakers worldwide. By addressing infrastructure limitations, fostering competition, and implementing supportive policies, countries can work towards ensuring affordable and equitable access to mobile data for all.

      What is the central idea conveyed in this paragraph?

      (a) Zimbabwe boasts the most affordable mobile data in the world.
      (b) The affordability of mobile data plays a significant role in the development of societies.
      (c) The price of mobile data is consistent globally across different countries and regions.
      (d) The affordability of mobile data stems from expensive operating expenses and a lack of market competition.

Listening (7 question types, 30-43 minutes total):
  1. Summarize Spoken Text:
    Write a 50-70 word summary of a short audio clip.

  2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers:
    Choose multiple correct answers from a list of options after listening to an audio clip.

  3. Fill in the Blanks (Listening):
    Fill in missing words in a transcript while listening to an audio clip.

    • Time per question: Varies
    • Number of questions: 2-3
    • For example,

      Learning a language in the classroom is never easy and, quite 1) …………… it’s not the way that most people would choose to learn if they had other 2)…………… Having said that, there are plenty of reasons for keeping languages on the school curriculum. For one thing, a fair number of students go on to take jobs in business and commerce that require a 3) …………… knowledge of a second language. When you talk to young 4) …………… in top companies, it seems that they had a career plan from the start; they were motivated to find additional things to put on their CVs – and of course, language is one of those added, but 5) …………… extras.

  4. Highlight Correct Summary:
    Choose the best summary of a spoken text from a list of options.

    • Time per question: Varies
    • Number of questions: 1-2
    • For example,

      A) Business students are finding it increasingly difficult to get employment, as the standard of law courses has declined since 2007. Employers have criticized the schools for adopting unsatisfactory teaching methods, and have urged them to ensure students get higher grades.

      B) In order to improve the chances of their students obtaining jobs after they have finished their courses, some business schools are adjusting their grades. These adjustments are being made to all grades awarded since 2007 but instead of benefiting the students it is, in some instances, having the opposite effect.

      C) Some business schools have realized that their grading system has been inaccurate since 2007 and are currently making changes to correct the errors. Students” grades are being revised, and employers have welcomed this move as it means that they will be able to employ better-qualified students.

      D) Since 2007, the education of business students has been improving but this has not been reflected in the grades that they are achieving. Business schools have been under pressure from employers to ensure that the grades that students are achieving match their abilities far better than in recent years.

  5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer (Listening):
    Choose one correct answer from a list of options after listening to an audio clip.

  6. Select Missing Word:
    Choose the missing word from a list of options to complete a sentence in an audio clip.

  7. Highlight Incorrect Words:
    Identify and highlight incorrect words in a transcript while listening to an audio clip.

    • Time per question: Varies
    • Number of questions: 2-3
    • For example,

      It seems we now know more about outer space than we do about the Earth’s core. This is because temperatures are so great at the center of the Earth that human beings have not been able to take a close look at it. However, new techniques of analysis may soon change all that. The seismic waves formed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions penetrate the Earth’s layers at different speeds. It is now hoped that by studying these waves, scientists will be able to make new findings and solve some of the mysteries of the inside structure of the Earth.

  8. Write From Dictation:
    Write down a sentence that you hear.

Important Notes:

  • The number of questions can vary slightly between test versions.
  • “Prep time” refers to the time specifically allocated before you have to start speaking or writing. It doesn’t include the time spent reading instructions or navigating between questions.
  • The overall time limits for each section are fixed, so effective time management is crucial.

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