Section-wisePTE Exam Pattern & Structure

PTE Academic has three sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening

The duration of PTE-A is 2 hours 15 minutes.

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What is PTE?

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based test that assesses an individual's English competence. The PTE test pattern is accepted as proof of English proficiency at over 3000 educational institutions worldwide, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The PTE is known for its outstanding syllabus and speedy results.

Types of PTE Exam: An Overview

PTE tests are classified into two types: PTE Academic Online and General. The PTE test pattern in these versions consists of several sections that assess a person's essential English language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Let's understand PTE Academic Online and PTE General in detail.

  • PTE Academic OnlineThis test can be taken any time in a year, depending on the test taker's availability and convenience. Its format assesses the candidate's reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The exam is conducted on a computer at a secure exam center. The scores are valid for up to 2 years.PTE Academic Sections and DurationSectionsTypes of Question/DurationSpeaking and WritingQuestion: 7Duration: 54-67 MinutesReadingQuestions: 5Duration: 29-30 MinutesListeningQuestions: 8Duration: 30-43
  • PTE GeneralThis exam can be taken 3 times a year, i.e., in May, June, and December. You can verify the available dates on the PTE official website. This exam is divided into two sections: a written exam and a spoken test similar to an interview, both of which assess the test taker's reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a realistic manner. The exam pattern includes six competency levels to evaluate and approve the test taker's overall English language ability. The scores are valid for a lifetime.Levels in PTE GeneralLevel of ProficiencyGrade/DurationA1Grade: FoundationDuration: 1 Hour 15 Minutes1Grade: ElementaryDuration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes2Grade: IntermediateDuration: 1 Hour 35 Minutes3Grade: Upper-IntermediateDuration: 2 Hours4Grade: AdvancedDuration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes5Grade: ProficientDuration: 2 Hours 55 Minutes

Overview of PTE Exam Format 2024

The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) evaluates candidates' speaking, writing, reading, and listening abilities to ensure that they are prepared to study in a global environment and have a solid knowledge of the universal language of English. The PTE test consists of 20 question types, which evaluate candidates: Speaking and Writing (54 - 67 minutes), Reading (29 - 30 minutes), and Listening (30 - 43 minutes).

PTE FormatDetails
PTE Eligibility CriteriaCandidate should 16 years of age
Duration2 Hours 15 Minutes
Exam ModeHome/Exam Center
MediumComputer-based
Test FormatTest consists of 20 questions
Exam FeesRs. 17000

PTE Exam Pattern Latest Update 2024

The PTE exam pattern has been changed and modified for 2024 test takers. Some recent revisions in the pattern of the PTE exam include:

  • The optional ten-minute break has been eliminated. However, the PTE exam time stays intact at three hours.
  • The number of questions asked has been decreased from 20 to 16.
  • The MCQs and Re-order paragraph questions are reduced in the reading section.
  • The describe image task has been eliminated from the speaking and writing section.

PTE Exam Structure 2024: Section-wise Details

The exam pattern for the PTE is divided into three parts. All three parts can be taken in one shot. The details of each PTE modules are provided below.

Part 1: Speaking and Writing (54-67 minutes)

This component of the PTE exam pattern assesses the aspirant's writing and speaking skills. The questions in this part are either shown on the screen or played out via video or audio recordings. Each question must be answered within a specific time frame, as detailed below.

PTE Test Format for Speaking and Writing

TasksNumber of Questions
Self Introduction1
Read Aloud6-7
Repeat the Sentence10-12
Describe Image1-2
Re-tell Lecture3-4
Answer Short Question5-6
Summarize the Written Text1-2
Essay1-2
Total Questions28-36

The skills measured in this section for each question are as follows:

  • Self Introduction: 55 seconds (Speaking)
  • Read Aloud: 30-40 seconds (Reading and Speaking)
  • Repeat the Sentence: 15 seconds (Listening and Speaking)
  • Describe Image: 25 seconds (Speaking)
  • Re-tell Lecture: 40 seconds (Listening and Speaking)
  • Answer Short Question: 20 seconds (Listening and Speaking)
  • Summarize the Written Text: 10 minutes (Reading and Writing)
  • Essay: 20 minutes (Writing)

Part 2: Reading

In this section, the candidate's reading abilities are evaluated. Solely one sort of fill-in-the-blank question tests the candidate's reading and writing capabilities, while the others solely examine reading abilities. For a better understanding, look at the PTE format for the reading section below.

PTE Test Format for Reading

TasksNumber of Questions
Fill in the blanks5-6
Multiple Choice Questions for single answers1-2
Re-order paragraph2-3
Fill in the blanks- Reading4-5
Multiple Choice Questions for multiple answers1-2
Total Questions13-18

Part 2: Listening

The listening part of the PTE test pattern 2024 includes questions based on various audio or video sources. The PTE syllabus for the hearing exam includes eight different types. Candidates can only listen to each audio or video clip once and take notes. Each question in the listening PTE pattern takes a different amount of time, depending on the length of the recordings. However, there is no time restriction for replying. The PTE exam time for this segment is 30-43 minutes.

PTE Test Format for Listening

TasksNumber of Questions
Summarize Spoken Test1-2
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer1-2
Fill in the Blanks2-3
Highlight Correct Summary1-2
Multiple Choice, Single Answer1-2
Select Missing Word1-2
Highlight Incorrect Words2-3
Dictation3-4
Total Questions12-20

The skills measured in this section for each question are as follows:

  • Summarize Spoken Test: 60-90 seconds (Listening and Writing)
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer: 40-90 seconds (Listening)
  • Fill in the Blanks: 30-60 seconds (Listening and Writing)
  • Highlight Correct Summary: 30-90 seconds (Listening)
  • Multiple Choice, Single Answer: 30-60 seconds (Listening)
  • Select Missing Word: : 20-70 seconds (Listening)
  • Highlight Incorrect Words: 15-50 seconds (Listening and Writing)
  • Dictation: 3-5 seconds (Listening and Writing)

PTE Marks Distribution

The PTE exam scoring is done by an electronic machine. The exam score of the PTE differs from 10 to 90. The PTE exam is scored electronically. The PTE exam score ranges between 10 and 90. The PTE academic exam scores are based on their ability of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

In the PTE test, scores are given in two ways:

  • Correct and Incorrect
  • Partial Credit
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I had the pleasure of attending Gradding for PTE coaching, and my experience was nothing short of excellent. Finally, I was able to achieve the desired scores.

Anshika Arora

University of Warwick

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Here’s my experience with Gradding. The trainers seemed super experienced and they made a good effort to ensure that the PTE course and resources was properly understood.

Mohak Singh

University of East London

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In my experience, Gradding is one of the best places to get PTE coaching online or offline at affordable cost. What distinguishes them from others is the practice tests they arrange on weekly basis.

Kanika Goel

University of South Alabama

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I found my experience at Gradding to be highly incredible. My trainer was so supportive in the entire PTE preparation online journey. They even helped me with PTE study materials to improve my score.

Ashvini Charan

University of Queensland

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Joining Gradding was my best decision. The trainers were super knowledgeable. From providing online PTE classes to practice sessions, they gave expert feedback that helped me improve my weaker side.

Harsh Shekhawat

Birmingham City University

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My experience with Gradding was phenomenal. Their dedicated tutors and comprehensive study materials empowered me to raise my PTE score. I'm immensely grateful for their support and guidance.

Jagjeet singh Rathore

Hodges University

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Specific Order in Which I Must Complete the Sections of the PTE Exam?

Yes! You need to follow a specific order for your PTE test, as the sections appear that way only. This means you will begin with Speaking & Writing, followed by Reading and then Listening. Thus, you must adhere to this when appearing for the test.

How Is the PTE Speaking Section Conducted?

PTE speaking section is the first part of the test that includes 5 types of questions. This section “Speaking & Writing” is 54 to 67 minutes long. The question types are: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture and Answer Short Question.

Are There Any Practice Tests Available to Help You Understand the PTE Exam Pattern?

YES! At Gradding, you will get many PTE practice tests to help you understand the pattern and everything about the PTE exam. These tests are designed as per the standards of the actual exam to provide a similar environment to avoid anxiety on the day of the actual test.

Can I Review or Change My Answers During the PTE Exam?

You can change or modify your answer only till you click on the “save & next button”. Thus, it is recommended that you proofread your answer before you move to the next question.

Are the Questions in the PTE Exam Randomized?

Yes! The question types in the PTE test can be random. The pattern you might have followed in the practice PTE test can differ from the one in the actual test. Thus, you must be prepared for the same.

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