PTE Exam Pattern & Structure 2024
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a globally recognized exam and one of the most secure English language tests. It assesses your English proficiency for academic, professional, and immigration purposes.
PTE is accepted by more than 3,500 global educational institutions, making it your gateway to study or migrate abroad. The governments of various countries, such as Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and Canada, also recognize the PTE exam.
Relevance of PTE for Students and Professionals
PTE Academic is for students who want to study at international universities and apply for work and migration visas. The test is fully computer-based, and two of its best features are that it uses an unbiased assessment system and is completed within 48 hours.
Key Features and Benefits of Applying for PTE:
- PTE uses artificial intelligence to grade exams. This assessment process eliminates human bias and ensures secure results.
- Global academic institutions and government bodies accept the PTE score.
- You receive your scores within 48 hours, and the exam assesses your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills in a 2-hour session.
- You can book your exam in more than 475 test centers across the globe.
Types of PTE Exams
There are three types of PTE Exams:
- PTE Academic for students who want to study abroad and for visa applications in Australia and New Zealand.
- PTE General for vocational purposes with a written paper and interview. This exam is not recognized for immigration.
- PTE Home, which is approved for UK visa applications. This exam particularly focuses on speaking and listening skills.
Eligibility and PTE Exam Structure
- Candidates must be at least 16 years old for PTE Academic and General tests. There are no age restrictions for PTE Home.
- The PTE Academic test is divided into sections assessing speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills over 2 hours and 15 minutes.
PTE Exam Structure
The Pearson Test of English assesses candidates’ proficiency in key skills for students who want to study in an English-speaking environment. The PTE syllabus and exam format includes 20 question types that measure various language skills over different durations.
PTE Exam Pattern Overview:
| PTE Exam Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | 54 – 67 minutes |
| Reading | 29 – 30 minutes |
| Listening | 30 – 43 minutes |
| Total Duration | 2 hours and a test session |
| Medium | Computer-based |
| Test Layout | 20 types of questions |
PTE Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The PTE syllabus consists of four sections. Here is a detailed breakdown of the PTE exam pattern for 2024
Speaking and Writing
- Speaking: 5 Tasks
- Writing: 2 Tasks
- Speaking Duration: 20-30 minutes
- Writing Duration: 30-40 minutes
Reading
- 5 Tasks
- Duration: 29-30 minutes
- Number of Questions: 13-18
Listening
- 8 Tasks
- Duration: 30-43 minutes
- Number of Questions: 12-20
Students who excel in the PTE exam showcase their ability to communicate effectively in English. High PTE scores show that students can engage in international settings. It prepares them for success with international peers and faculty.
Overview of PTE Syllabus
The PTE Academic exam is divided into four sections – Listening, Speaking, Writing, and reading:
| PTE Section | PTE Exam Syllabus | Total Questions/Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing |
|
No. of Questions: 28 – 36 Duration: 54 – 67 minutes |
| Reading Section |
|
No. of Questions: 13 – 18 Duration: 29 – 30 minutes |
| Listening Section |
|
No. of Questions: 12 – 20 Duration: 30 – 43 minutes |
Speaking and Writing Part PTE Syllabus:
| 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 | 25 seconds to study the image as well as prepare for a 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 |
| Total Questions | 28 – 36 |
| Time Allocation | 54 – 67 minutes |
Reading Part PTE Syllabus – This part is divided into five sections:
| Segments PTE Exam Pattern | Time Duration varies according to the length of the Text Prompt |
|---|---|
| Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer | Read 300 words of text |
| Multiple Choice, Choose 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 |
| Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Read 300 words of text |
The PTE Academic Listening section can be attempted in 30 to 43 minutes and has 8 segments:
| Segments 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 Score Chart
The PTE Academic test score ranges from 10-90, and it uses Pearson’s automated scoring system.
PTE Score Chart 2024:
| PTE Score | Assessment Factors |
|---|---|
| 85+ | Can read and understand written English with ease and communicate effectively |
| 76 – 84 | Can read and understand various complicated texts and express oneself without difficulty |
| 59 – 75 | Can understand the major ideas of a difficult text and communicate with ease |
| 51 – 58 | Has a good knowledge of the language but needs to improve communication skills |
| 43 – 50 | Can understand mainstream English with ordinary speaking skills |
| 30 – 42 | Can understand basic phrases and expressions on various topics |
| 10 – 29 | Can interact |
PTE Preparation Tips and Strategies
You must follow these tips for preparing for the PTE exam syllabus:
- Begin your preparation at least 6-8 weeks before the test day.
- Understand the PTE exam syllabus format and question types and frame a consistent study schedule.
- Use study guides and online practice tests to understand the PTE exam structure better.
- Practice reading new words and sentences aloud to improve pronunciation.
- Focus on distinguishing the main ideas and practice describing images in general terms.
- Build a strong vocabulary and a good grasp of grammar.
Mock Tests
Take regular mock tests to understand actual exam conditions and adapt to the timing and pressure of the real test.
Practice All Four Skills
1. PTE Academic Reading Preparation Strategies:
- Read books, blogs, articles, and any content related to the test subjects.
- Increase your reading speed by setting WPM goals (word per minute speed).
- Note down new words and their meanings for future reference.
- Use techniques like skimming and scanning.
- Read the question twice and highlight the keywords.
- Eliminate incorrect options to find the right answer.
- Use mock tests to enhance your reading skills.
2. PTE Academic Speaking Preparation Strategies:
Practice speaking clearly and fluently. Understand the question types and PTE exam structure your responses effectively. Use a diverse vocabulary.
3. PTE Academic Writing Preparation Strategies:
Know the requirements of each task. Plan your writing strategy, focus on task organization, and use proper language. Pay heed to vocabulary and grammar, and ensure that your content looks coherent.
4. PTE Academic Listening Preparation Strategies:
Improve note-taking skills to capture key points. Focus on understanding the main ideas and supporting details. Practice multitasking by listening, understanding, and responding.
Test-Day Strategies:
- Allocate time strategically for each section.
- Maintain a calm and focused mindset during the exam.
- Take deep breaths to manage anxiety.
- Reserve time to review your responses.
- Check for any errors or improvements.
- Focus on grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Conclusion
PTE is one of the leading computer-based English proficiency language tests. It is accepted in several countries and can prove your English proficiency. Some key features of PTE include its easy booking process, global recognition, quick results, and use of advanced AI in assessments.
With the right guidance, coaching, and mentoring, it is easy to master the PTE exam syllabus. You must invest the right amount of time and take an ample number of mock tests to enhance your language skills. Follow best practices and thoroughly understand the concept of the PTE exam.
Prepare for PTE at Neethu’s Academy and enhance your chances of getting a high score. Stay focused and prepare well. Good luck!
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