Guide to the PTE Exam Format & Structure

Getting ready for the PTE exam is a big step toward achieving your academic or career goals. But before you dive into preparation, it’s important to understand the exam’s format. Knowing what to expect can significantly boost your confidence and performance on the day. The PTE exam is divided into three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Let’s break it down together, so you’re fully prepared.

PTE Exam Pattern

PTE exam isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about how well you can communicate in English in real-life situations, whether in a classroom or a workplace. The PTE exam is designed to reflect the kinds of tasks you’ll encounter in academic and professional settings, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

PTE Exam Structure

The PTE exam is a computer-based test that lasts around three hours. During this time, you’ll complete a variety of tasks designed to measure your skills in Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The exam is divided into three main sections, with Speaking and Writing combined into one part. Each section is carefully timed, so time management is key to performing well.

Section 1: Speaking & Writing

The first section of the PTE exam tests both your Speaking and Writing skills. This part lasts between 54 to 67 minutes, so it’s essential to manage your time wisely. Here’s what you can expect:

Personal Introduction: A warm-up task where you introduce yourself. It’s not scored but sets the tone.
Read Aloud: You’ll read a text aloud. Clear pronunciation and fluency are important here.
Repeat Sentence: Listen to a sentence and repeat it as accurately as possible. Don’t worry if you miss a word or two, just do your best.
Describe Image: You’ll see an image and need to describe it. Focus on the key details.
Re-Tell Lecture: Summarise the main points of a lecture you’ve just heard. It’s like giving a quick recap.
Answer Short Question: Answer simple questions based on general knowledge.
Summarise Written Text: You’ll write a one-sentence summary of a text. Stick to the main idea and be concise.
Essay (20 minutes): Write a 200-300 word essay on a given topic. Make sure to structure your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

PTE Speaking and Writing Section	Number of Questions	Duration per Task
Personal Introduction	1	55 seconds: 25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record
Read Aloud	6 – 7	30-40 seconds to prepare and read a 60-word text
Repeat Sentence	10 – 12	15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record
Describe Image	3 – 4	25 seconds to study and prepare your response
Re-Tell Lecture	1 – 2	90 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to prepare, 40 seconds to answer
Answer Short Question	5 – 6	20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer
Summarise Written Text	1 – 2	10 minutes to write a summary of a 300-word text
Write Essay	1 – 2	20 minutes to write an essay based on a 2-3 sentence prompt

Total Questions: 28 – 36
Time Allocation: 77 – 93 minutes

Pro Tip: Time management is crucial here, especially for the essay and summarising tasks. Practice makes perfect, so make sure you’re comfortable with the time limits.

Section 2: Reading

The Reading section is designed to test your ability to understand written English. This section lasts between 32 and 41 minutes and includes a variety of question types:

Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Choose one correct answer from the options.
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: There’s more than one correct answer, so select all that apply.
Re-order Paragraphs: You’ll need to rearrange shuffled paragraphs into the correct order.
Fill in the Blanks (Reading): Fill in the missing words in a passage.
Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing): Similar to the previous task, but it also tests your grammar and writing skills.

PTE Reading Section	Number of Questions	Duration per Task
Multiple Choice, Single Answer	1 – 2	Read 300 words of text
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers	1 – 2	Read 300 words of text
Re-order Paragraphs	2 – 3	Read 150 words of text
Fill in the Blanks (Reading)	4 – 5	Read 80 words of text
Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing)	5 – 6	Read 300 words of text

Total Questions: 13 – 18

Time Allocation: 32 – 41 minutes

Strategy: Skim through the text first to get a general idea, then read carefully when answering the questions. Don’t spend too much time on any one question; move on if you’re stuck and come back to it later if you have time.

Section 3: Listening

The Listening section, which lasts between 45 and 57 minutes, requires you to listen to audio clips and respond to various question types. This section tests how well you can understand spoken English in different contexts.

Summarise Spoken Text: Listen to a recording and write a summary. Aim for a concise and accurate summary.
Multiple Choice (Single and Multiple Answers): Similar to the reading section but based on audio.
Fill in the Blanks: Listen to the recording and fill in the missing words.
Highlight Correct Summary: Choose the summary that best matches the audio clip.
Select Missing Word: Identify the word that’s missing from the audio clip.
Highlight Incorrect Words: Spot the words in a transcript that don’t match the audio.
Write from Dictation: Listen to a short sentence and type it out exactly as you hear it.

PTE Listening Section	Number of Questions	Duration per Task
Summarise Spoken Text	1 – 2	60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write
Multiple Choice, Single Answer	1 – 2	30-60 seconds
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers	1 – 2	40-90 seconds
Fill in the Blanks	2 – 3	30-60 seconds
Highlight Correct Summary	1 – 2	30-90 seconds
Select Missing Word	1 – 2	20-70 seconds
Highlight Incorrect Words	2 – 3	15-50 seconds
Write from Dictation	3 – 4	3-5 seconds

Total Questions: 12 – 20

Time Allocation: 45 – 57 minutes

Pro Tip: Active listening is key in this section. Stay focused and jot down notes if it helps you remember key details.

Scoring and Results

Understanding how the PTE is scored and when you can expect your results can help alleviate any stress you might have about your performance. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know:

Automated Scoring System: The PTE uses a computer-based scoring system, which ensures that your results are objective and consistent. Unlike traditional exams, there’s no human bias involved in the scoring process.
Scoring Scale: Your performance is rated on a scale from 10 to 90. Each section of the exam—Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening—contributes to your overall score. The scores reflect how well you can use English in academic and professional contexts.
Result Timeline: You can expect to receive your results within five business days after you complete your exam. This quick turnaround allows you to move forward with your plans without unnecessary delays.
Accessing Your Results: Your scores are available online through your Pearson account. You’ll be able to view and download your score report, which provides detailed information about your performance in each section.
Score Interpretation: Each score reflects your ability to use English effectively. A higher score indicates a better command of the language. Make sure to understand the score requirements of your intended institution or organisation to set your target score.
Score Report Details: Your score report includes individual section scores and an overall score. It also provides a description of your proficiency level, which helps in understanding your strengths and areas for improvement.
Re-Taking the Exam: If you’re not satisfied with your score, you can retake the PTE after a 5-day waiting period. Use the feedback from your previous test to focus on areas where you can improve.

By familiarising yourself with the scoring process and the timeline for receiving results, you can approach your PTE exam with greater confidence. Remember, the key to achieving your desired score is consistent practice and a clear understanding of the test format.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and practice, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle each section of PTE confidently. If you’re serious about achieving a high score, consider enrolling in a PTE preparation course or seeking expert guidance.

ACE PTE Bangladesh is here to help you achieve your desired PTE score with effective strategies. We offer PTE courses at our Dhaka and Chittagong offices, as well as online.

FAQs

Q: Which part of PTE is difficult?

A: Many find the Speaking & Writing section challenging due to its time constraints and the need for precise language use, especially the essay writing task.

Q: How do I pass my PTE?

A: To pass the PTE, practice regularly with sample tests, focus on all language skills, and manage your time well during the exam. Familiarity with the test format is key.