What is the PTE Exam?
The PTE test is an exam for evaluating an individual’s English language proficiency. This computer-based exam covers all aspects of language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It provides a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s abilities in English. PTE has gained worldwide recognition, with test centres scattered across the globe. There are three different forms of the exam: Academic, General, and Home. Each form caters to specific needs and requirements, allowing individuals to choose the one that best suits them. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking to take the exam from the comfort of your own home, there’s an option for you. Let’s explore the differences between these three forms and help you decide which one is right for you. Get ready to dive into the world of the PTE exam as we guide you through all the essential information you need to know.
Full form of PTE:
PTE stands for Pearson Test of English.
This computer-based English language proficiency test is widely accepted by universities and institutions around the world. This exam can assess your speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills all at once in one session.
Who is eligible to take the PTE exam?
The minimum age requirement for the candidates is 16 years for Academic and General PTE tests. However, there is no age restriction for PTE Home test.
Types of PTE Tests:
There are three types of PTE tests:
- PTE Academic
- PTE General
- PTE Home
PTE Academic (PTE-A):
The PTE Academic test has been designed specifically for international students who wish to assess their English language proficiency. Many educational institutions recognize PTE as a valid measure of English proficiency.
PTE General:
The PTE General, also referred to as The International Certificate, is a comprehensive assessment that includes both a written paper and an interview. The exam has been carefully crafted to serve vocational purposes, aiming to recognize and celebrate the successful outcomes of English language study. However, it is worth noting that immigration authorities do not acknowledge this test.
PTE Home:
PTE Home is a speaking and listening test that has been approved by the UK Home Office. The test that most people applying for family or settlement visas in the UK typically have to take this exam.
PTE Syllabus and Exam Format 2024:
In the PTE Academic test, there are four key sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. These sections make up the syllabus and exam pattern that you’ll come across during your PTE journey. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these sections entails.
PTE Exam Format 2024:
Section | No. Of Questions | Duration (in minutes) |
Speaking and Writing | 28-36 | 54-57 |
Reading | 13-18 | 29-30 |
Listening | 12-20 | 30-43 |
PTE Exam Duration:
The duration of PTE Academic exam is 135 minutes (2 hours and 15 minutes). The duration of PTE General exam ranges from 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes to 180 minutes (3 hours).
Expected Questions in the PTE Academic Exam:
Speaking and Writing Modules:
- Introducing yourself based on a given prompt
- Reading text aloud
- Listen and repeat sentences
- Describe images
- Listen and re-tell a lecture in your own words
- Answer 4-5 short questions with one word
- Summarize written text in one sentence
- Essay writing based on a given prompt (200-300 words)
Reading Module
- Multiple choice questions (choose multiple answers)
- Multiple choice questions (choose single answer)
- Fill the blanks with the given words
- Re-order disarranged paragraphs
Listening Module
- Summarize the spoken text in recorded voice
- Multiple choice questions (choose multiple answers)
- Fill in the blanks
- Highlight the correct summary from the given options
- Multiple choice questions (choose single answer)
- Select the missing word while listening to the audio
- Highlight incorrect words while listening to the audio
- Write from dictation
The breakdown of PTE speaking and writing modules:
The PTE exam speaking and writing section assesses the candidate’s spoken and written communication skills in the English language.
The number of questions vary in different tests and the duration is 77-93 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes).
PTE Academic Speaking and Writing Modules Syllabus Breakdown 2024:
No. | Question Type | Duration breakdown |
1 | Introducing yourself | 55 seconds: 25 seconds for the prompt & 30 seconds for recording the prompt |
2 | Read aloud | 30-40 seconds to prepare the reading of 60 words |
3 | Repeat sentence | A prompt lasts from 3-9 seconds; recording takes 15 seconds overall |
4 | Describe image | 25 seconds for response preparation |
5 | Re-tell lecture | Prompt lasts for 90 seconds, 10 seconds for preparation and 40 seconds for answer |
6 | Answer short questions | Prompt lasts for 3-9 seconds, 10 seconds for the answer |
7 | Summarize written text | 10 minutes response time for a text prompt containing 300 words |
8 | Essay writing | 20 minutes to write an essay on a 2-3 sentences long text prompt |
The Breakdown of PTE Reading Module:
The PTE exam reading section assesses the candidate’s ability to read and comprehend written texts in the English language.
The number of questions vary in different tests and the duration is 32-41 minutes (1 hour and 10 minutes).
PTE Academic Reading Module Syllabus Breakdown 2024:
No. | Question Type | Duration breakdown |
1 | Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Text length: 300 words |
2 | Multiple Choice Questions: Choose Multiple Answers | Text length: 300 words |
3 | Reorder the Paragraphs in Disarranged Form | Text length: 150 words |
4 | Reading: Fill in the Blanks | Text length: 80 words |
5 | Multiple Choice Questions: Choose Multiple Answers | Text length: 300 words |
The Breakdown of PTE Listening Module:
The PTE exam listening section assesses the candidate’s ability to understand spoken texts in the English language through a variety of audio clips. This section is divided into eight different components.
The number of questions vary in different tests and the duration is 45-57 minutes (1 hour).
PTE Academic Listening Module Syllabus Breakdown 2024:
No. | Question Type | Duration breakdown |
1 | Summarize Spoken Text | A prompt lasts for 60-90 seconds, 10 minutes time for a text summary of 50-70 words. |
2 | Multiple Choice Questions: Multiple Answers | A prompt lasting from 40-90 seconds. |
3 | Fill in the Blanks | Fill in the blanks while listening to a prompt lasting from 30-60 seconds. |
4 | Highlight Correct Summary | Select the best summary of the paragraph spoken in an audio prompt of 30-90 seconds. |
5 | Multiple Choice Questions: Single Answer | Choose the best option while listening to a prompt of 30-60 seconds. |
6 | Select Missing Word | Select the missing word from an audio prompt of 20-70 seconds. |
7 | Highlight Incorrect Words | Choose incorrect words while listening to an audio prompt of 15-50 seconds. |
8 | Write from Dictation | Type the sentence while listening to a prompt of 3-5 seconds |
PTE Exam Booking and Registration:
For booking and registration of the PTE Exam, the candidates need to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Create an account on the official website of PTE.
Step 2: Complete your personal profile, give your test preferences, exam history, and previous score reports (if applicable). Include only those details that match with the information on your ID.
Step 3: Give your preferred PTE test centre.
Step 4: Select a date that is available and that suits your schedule.
Step 5: Before submitting the fee, review your particulars to avoid any inconvenience.
Your order will include the information about the type of PTE test, the fee, and the tax particulars. An email regarding your order will be sent to your designated email address.
In case you need to change the date or place of the test, it is possible at this point and there will be no extra cost for this. Only a small amount will be charged after the payment.
Step 6: After the order confirmation, pay the fee.
Note: PTE exam authorities allow the candidates to print out their payment acknowledgement receipt. Dashboards in their accounts will allow them to do so.
PTE Test Fee in Pakistan:
PTE Exam Type | PTE Test Fee in Pakistan |
PTE Academic | $215 |
PTE Academic online | $215 |
PTE Academic UKVI | $220 |
Concluding Remarks:
The post discussed in detail the overview of the PTE exam, eligibility for the exam, types of the PTE test, PTE Syllabus and Exam Format 2024, exam Duration, expected Questions in the PTE Academic Exam for all 4 modules, the breakdown of PTE speaking, writing, reading, and listening modules, PTE exam booking and registration, and lastly the PTE test fee in Pakistan.