PTE
Background
Exam Pattern
Speaking & Writing
Reading & Writing
Summarise spoken Test
Scoring System
Step 1 Background On PTE
The PTE test, also known as the Pearson Test of English, holds significant importance in the university application process for aspiring international students. Your scores in this exam can greatly impact your chances of studying abroad. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive information about the PTE test and offer guidance on how to prepare for it.
When planning to pursue studies abroad, it is essential to take various exams such as the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and an English proficiency test. Universities typically require either the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE to assess your English language proficiency. While other English tests exist, these three are the most widely recognized worldwide. Unlike the TOEFL or IELTS, the PTE test is fully computerized and offers distinct advantages. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the PTE exam, including its purpose, exam pattern and syllabus, scoring system, and preparation strategies. By understanding the intricacies of this test, you can embark on your preparation journey with confidence.
The PTE exam is a computer-based assessment designed to evaluate the English language skills of non-native English speakers. While students typically take the PTE Academic for educational purposes, the PTE General is suitable for individuals seeking to immigrate to foreign countries. Renowned by universities, colleges, and governments worldwide, the PTE test is regarded as an unbiased measure of an individual’s English proficiency.
If you decide to proceed with the PTE exam, you will need to follow a few steps. Firstly, create an account on the PTE website and provide your profile details, including personal information, test preferences, and exam history. Choose the test center nearest to your location and select a convenient date from the available options. You will be asked to confirm your account details and test day preferences before proceeding. At this stage, you can either continue with the chosen options or reconsider and change your test date if needed. Complete the necessary payment of 160 USD. Following this, you will receive a confirmation email containing your exam details and a payment receipt. These details can also be accessed in your PTE account.
Step 2 Exam Pattern
The PTE exam evaluates a student’s listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills within a single, three-hour session. Similar to the TOEFL, the PTE test is primarily based on American English. However, achieving good scores in the PTE can also open doors to colleges in Australia, the UK, and Europe. What’s even better is that the PTE is known for being a faster, fairer, and more convenient test. This is made possible by its fully computerized format, eliminating the need for human raters. How amazing is that?
The PTE exam has a duration of three hours. It consists of sections for speaking and writing (combined), listening, and reading. Additionally, there is a 10-minute break available between the reading and listening sections.
Throughout the exam, you will encounter 20 different question formats, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs), essay writing, and tasks that involve interpreting and repeating information.
Step 3 Speaking & Writing
Part 1: Speaking & Writing, 77 to 93 minutes
1. Personal Introduction: You will be provided with a prompt to read and prepare an answer, with approximately 25 seconds given for preparation. Then, you have 30 seconds to record your answer. Your response will not be scored separately, but the examiner will review it and include it in the report sent to your chosen institution during the university application process.
2. Read Aloud: You will read a sentence displayed on the screen and record your response within 35 seconds.
3. Repeat a Sentence: You will hear a sentence and need to repeat it to complete your answer.
4. Describe an Image: An image will be presented on the screen, and you will have a few seconds to comprehend it. Afterwards, you must record your response by describing the image within 40 seconds.
5. Retell a Lecture: The examiner will play a segment of a lecture, which may include an accompanying image. You are required to interpret and understand the content, and then record your answer within 1 minute.
6. Answer a Short Question: You will hear a recorded question and write a brief answer using only a few words.
7. Summarize Written Text: Read a passage and write a summary of it in a single sentence. You have 10 minutes to complete this task, and you can use the Cut, Copy, Paste options to quickly formulate your answer.
8. Essay: You will be provided with a brief paragraph for reference. Read the paragraph(s), comprehend the content, and compose an essay of 200 to 300 words. The Cut, Copy, Paste options are available to assist you in writing your essay.
Step 4 Reading & writing
Fill in the Blanks: Carefully read the paragraph and select the correct answer to fill in the blanks.
Multiple Answer MCQs: Read the passage and select two possible answers for the given questions.
Re-order Paragraphs: Read the paragraph and rearrange or rephrase the sentences to create a logical structure.
Reading, Fill in the Blanks: Read the paragraph and choose the correct option to fill in the provided blanks based on the question.
Single Answer MCQs: Read the passage and select one answer from the four options provided to answer the question.
Step 5 Summarise Spoken Test
Listen and Summarize: Listen to an interview segment or recorded clip and provide a summary of the main concept or idea.
Multiple Answer MCQs: Listen to the audio and select two appropriate or possible answers for the question.
Fill in the Blanks: Listen to the audio and fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
Highlight Correct Summary: Listen to the audio and choose the sentence that is most closely related to the content.
Single Answer MCQs: Listen to the audio and select one answer from the four options provided.
Select Missing Word: Listen to the entire audio and identify the missing word, then choose the correct answer from the given options.
Highlight Incorrect Words: Listen to the audio and read the paragraph or passage. Identify the incorrect words and replace them with the correct ones.
Write from Dictation: Listen to the audio and write your answer by comprehending the concept of what you have heard.
Step 6 Scoring System
Your PTE test results will be available within just 5 business days after the exam. Your overall score, as well as the scores for individual skills, will range between 10 and 90.
Each skill, including Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing, and other enabling skills such as Grammar and Fluency, will have its own score between 10 and 90. Your overall score will be an average of these individual scores.
The results will provide you with a graph displaying each skill score, allowing you to quickly assess your strengths and weaknesses. This information is valuable for universities worldwide that accept PTE scores, including prestigious institutions in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and other top study destinations.
Similar to TOEFL and IELTS, the PTE scores are valid for a period of 2 years, ensuring that your exam results retain their validity during this time.