PTE Reading and Listening questions

 PTE Reading and Listening questions

1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks (R&W FIB)

Skill tested: Grammar + Vocabulary + Collocations
Task: Choose the correct word from a dropdown for each blank.
Tips:

• Learn collocations (e.g., “commit a crime,” not “make a crime”).
• Read before and after the blank — grammar and logic help.
• Don’t spend more than 2 minutes per passage.
• Practice with Pearson collocation lists and “PTE Academic Official App.”

High-score tip:

Focus on words that commonly occur together; e.g., “take into account,” “play a role in.”

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2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (MCSA)

Skill tested: Reading comprehension and detail
Scoring: Partial credit (+1 for correct, −1 for wrong)
Tips:

• Read the question first, then skim for keywords.
• Don’t select more than 2–3 options — avoid over-selection.
• Practice “skimming for meaning,” not word-matching.

High-score tip:

If two answers seem correct, pick the one that answers the whole question, not part of it.

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3. Reorder Paragraphs

Skill tested: Logical order + cohesion
Task: Arrange sentences in correct order.
Tips:

• Identify topic sentence (introduces the idea).
• Look for connectors (e.g., however, moreover, therefore).
• Use pronoun referencing clues (“this,” “it,” “they”).
• First sentence never starts with “but,” “so,” or “however.”

High-score tip:

Build pairs first (sentences that clearly go together), then link them logically.

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4. Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop FIB)

Skill tested: Vocabulary & context understanding
Task: Drag correct words into blanks.
Tips:

• Check grammatical fit (noun, verb, adjective).
• Context clues matter more than meaning of one word.
• Focus on prepositions, articles, and collocations.

High-score tip:

Build a word-bank of academic collocations from Pearson’s Academic Collocation List.

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5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer (MCSA)

Skill tested: Understanding of main idea
Tips:

• Read question → Scan text → Eliminate wrong options.
• Avoid getting stuck; spend max 90 seconds.
• Don’t guess blindly; use logic from paragraph.

High-score tip:

Pay attention to contrast markers (“but,” “although”) — they often contain the correct idea.

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PTE Academic 2025 – Listening Section (30–43 minutes)

Overview:

• Based on audio/video clips (1–2 minutes each)
• You hear each recording once only
• Integrated scoring: Listening + Writing in some tasks

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1. Summarize Spoken Text

Skill tested: Listening + Writing
Task: Write 50–70 words summary.
Tips:

• Take notes using keywords (Topic – Reason – Example – Result).
• Use a template:

The speaker discussed [topic], explaining that [main idea]. He/She mentioned [key point 1] and [key point 2]. Overall, the talk emphasized [conclusion].

• Use synonyms and paraphrasing.

High-score tip:

Focus on content and grammar, not exact words.

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2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Tip: Only 1–2 correct. Avoid selecting all.

Listen for opinions, contrasts, and examples.

High-score tip:

Keywords are paraphrased — don’t expect exact word matches.

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3. Fill in the Blanks (Listening)

Task: Type missing words as you listen.
Tips:

• Listen for nouns, verbs, adjectives, and numbers.
• Check spelling carefully — no partial credit.
• Use “Ctrl + Right Arrow” to move quickly between blanks.

High-score tip:

Keep eyes slightly ahead of the speaker on the transcript.

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4. Highlight Correct Summary

Tip: Focus on the main idea and conclusion.

Eliminate summaries that add or omit details.

High-score tip:

Pay attention to tone and purpose (informative, persuasive, etc.).

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5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Tip: Listen for the speaker’s main point, not examples.

Eliminate options that are partially correct.

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6. Select Missing Word

Tip: The last sentence gives the clue.

Predict what logically completes it before options appear.

High-score tip:

Focus on the meaning flow (cause → effect, problem → solution).

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7. Highlight Incorrect Words

Tip: Read and listen simultaneously — click wrong words fast.

Practice active listening with British & Australian accents.

High-score tip:

Accuracy > speed — one missed click can drop 2 points.

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8. Write from Dictation

Task: Type exactly what you hear (3–5 seconds long).
Scoring: Full marks only for correct spelling & word order.
Tips:

• Listen once, write short forms (e.g., gov = government).
• Review grammar before moving on.
• Use daily “dictation drills” with apps like E2 PTE or ApeUni.

High-score tip:

Each correct word = +1; one missing letter = lose the entire word.