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
2. Repeat Sentence:
   Listen to a sentence and repeat it verbatim.
   • Prep time: 3-9 seconds to listen to the sentence
   • Recording time: 15 seconds to repeat
   • Number of questions: 10-12
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
4. Re-tell Lecture:
   Summarize a short lecture in your own words.
   • Prep time: 10 seconds to prepare after listening to a 90-second lecture
   • Recording time: 40 seconds to re-tell the lecture
   • Number of questions: 1-2
5. Answer Short Question:
   Answer a spoken question with a short, concise response.
   • Prep time: 3-9 seconds to listen to the question
   • Recording time: 10 seconds to answer
   • Number of questions: 5-6
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
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

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
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers:
   Choose multiple correct answers from a list of options.
   • Time per question: Varies
   • Number of questions: 1-2
3. Re-order Paragraphs:
   Put jumbled paragraphs in the correct order.
   • Time per question: Varies
   • Number of questions: 2-3
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
5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer:
   Choose one correct answer from a list of options.
   • Time per question: Varies
   • Number of questions: 1-2

Listening (7 question types, 30-43 minutes total):

1. Summarize Spoken Text:
   Write a 50-70 word summary of a short audio clip.
   • Prep time: 10 minutes to listen and summarize
   • Word limit: 50-70 words
   • Number of questions: 2-3
2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers:
   Choose multiple correct answers from a list of options after listening to an audio clip.
   • Time per question: Varies
   • Number of questions: 1-2
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
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
5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer (Listening):
   Choose one correct answer from a list of options after listening to an audio clip.
   • Time per question: Varies
   • Number of questions: 1-2
6. Select Missing Word:
   Choose the missing word from a list of options to complete a sentence in an audio clip.
   • Time per question: Varies
   • Number of questions: 2-3
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
8. Write From Dictation:
   Write down a sentence that you hear.
   • Time per question: Varies
   • Number of questions: 3-4

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.