PTE (Pearson Test of English) Overview
1. PTE Academic 2025 — General Overview
PTE 2025 Overview
- Duration: ~2 hrs 25 mins
- Sections: 3 (Speaking & Writing →
Reading → Listening)
- New Tasks:
1. Respond to a Situation (Speaking)
2. Summarize Group Discussion (Speaking
+ Listening)
- Scoring: AI + Human (for content and
originality)
- Tip: Avoid memorized templates;
be natural and clear.
Total questions: ~ 52–65 (varies slightly by test)
Scoring range: 10–90 score scale across four skills — Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening
Assessment: AI + Human review (for key tasks) for fairness & clarity.
2. SPEAKING & WRITING (Part 1)
Duration: ~ 54–67 minutes
Number of tasks: ~~28–36 (varies)
But with updates, Pearson now includes two new task types:
✔ Summarize Group Discussion
✔ Respond to a Situation
So total tasks in this section are usually 30–40 questions
depending on test version.
Task List, Counts & Timings
|
Task |
Q Count |
Timing /
Response Time |
Skills
Tested |
|
Personal Introduction (unscored) |
1 |
~25 sec to think + ~30 sec to speak |
Speaking intro |
|
Read Aloud |
6 |
~30–40 sec each |
Speaking |
|
Repeat Sentence |
10 |
~15 sec response |
Listening + Speaking |
|
Describe Image |
5 |
~35–40 sec |
Speaking |
|
Retell Lecture |
2 |
Listen ~60–90 sec, prep ~10 sec, speak ~40
sec |
Listening + Speaking |
|
Answer Short Question |
5 |
~20 sec |
Listening + Speaking |
|
Respond to a Situation (new) |
2 |
~40 sec response |
Speaking |
|
Summarize Group Discussion (new) |
2 |
~2 min response |
Listening + Speaking |
|
Summarize Written Text |
2 |
~10 min each |
Reading + Writing |
|
Write Essay |
1 |
~20 min |
Writing |
Total Speaking + Writing tasks ≈
36–40 depending on the test version.
3. WRITING TASK DETAILS & Samples
Summarize Written Text
·
Task: Write a short summary (one sentence) of a given academic
text.
·
Words: 50–80 words
·
Time: ~10 minutes
·
Skills: Reading comprehension + writing clarity
Sample Prompt:
“Read the following passage and
summarize its main points in one sentence.”
Text: “The recent climate report shows that global temperatures
have increased by 1.2°C over the last decade …”
Sample Answer:
“The report reveals that global
warming has accelerated in the past decade due to increased greenhouse gas
emissions, risking more severe climate impacts worldwide.”
Write Essay
·
Task: Write an essay (200–300 words)
·
Time: ~20 minutes
·
Skills: Argue, explain, support with examples
Sample Prompt:
“Some people believe technology
makes life better; others argue it increases stress. Discuss both views and
give your opinion.”
Sample Outline:
·
Intro (state both views)
·
Para 1 (benefits)
·
Para 2 (downsides)
·
Conclusion (your opinion)
Sample Answer Highlight:
“While technology streamlines
communication and access to information, it also fosters digital overload; I
believe a balanced digital use promotes well-being.”
Human evaluators now review Essay
content, structure, coherence, language use, and relevance.
PTE Academic – Reading Section (Total time: 29–30 minutes)
|
Task Type |
No. of Questions |
Time |
Skills Tested |
|
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks |
5–6 |
Integrated |
Grammar, Vocabulary, Collocation |
|
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers |
1–2 |
~2–3 min each |
Comprehension, Detail |
|
Reorder Paragraphs |
2–3 |
~2–3 min each |
Logic, Cohesion |
|
Reading: Fill in the Blanks |
4–5 |
~2 min each |
Vocabulary, Context |
|
Multiple Choice, Single Answer |
1–2 |
~1–1.5 min each |
Main idea |
1 Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks (R&W FIB)
Number of questions: 5–6
Time: Not fixed (manage within reading time)
Scoring: Very high weight (Reading + Writing)
Skills Tested
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Collocations
- Sentence
structure
Task
Choose
the correct word from a dropdown for each blank.
Tips
- Learn academic
collocations
👉 commit a crime, play a role, take into account - Read before
and after the blank
- Grammar
often decides the answer
- Spend max
2 minutes per passage
High-Score Tip
These
questions decide 65–79 scores. Never rush. Accuracy matters more
than speed.
Sample Question (Real PTE Style)
Modern
cities must carefully ________ environmental concerns when planning large
infrastructure projects, as ignoring sustainability can lead to long-term
economic and social consequences.
Dropdown
options:
A. consider
B. consist
C. conclude
D. convert
Correct Answer: A. consider
Why?
- Correct
collocation: consider concerns
- Grammatically
fits the verb position
- Meaning
matches context
2 Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (MCMA)
Number of questions: 1–2
Time: ~2–3 minutes each
Scoring: Partial credit (+1 correct, −1 incorrect)
Skills Tested
- Detailed
comprehension
- Logical
understanding
Tips
- Read
the question first
- Skim for
keywords
- Avoid
selecting many options
- Usually 2
answers are correct
High-Score Tip
If
unsure, do not select. Wrong answers reduce your score.
Sample Question
According to the passage, which TWO factors contribute to employee
productivity?
Research suggests that workplace
productivity is influenced by both physical and psychological factors. Adequate
lighting and comfortable seating improve concentration, while recognition and
opportunities for growth increase motivation and job satisfaction.
Options:
A. Comfortable seating
B. Strict supervision
C. Recognition at work
D. Long working hours
E. High competition
Correct Answers: A and C
Why?
- A → physical
factor mentioned
- C →
psychological factor mentioned
- Others
are not stated or contradict the passage
Selecting
extra options would reduce marks.
3 Reorder Paragraphs
Number of questions: 2–3
Time: ~2–3 minutes each
Scoring: High weight
Skills Tested
- Logical
sequence
- Text
cohesion
- Discourse
markers
Tips
- Identify
the topic sentence
- Look for
connectors: however, therefore, moreover
- Pronoun
clues: this, it, they
- First
sentence never starts with but / however / so
High-Score Tip
Make sentence
pairs first, then connect pairs logically.
Sample Question
Reorder
the following sentences into a logical paragraph.
A.
However, many researchers argue that excessive screen time can affect mental
health.
B. Technology has transformed the way people communicate globally.
C. This change has increased access to information and social interaction.
D. As a result, balanced usage is now strongly recommended.
Correct Order
B → C → A → D
Logic:
- B introduces
topic
- C explains
the result
- A introduces
contrast (however)
- D gives
conclusion (as a result)
4 Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)
Number of questions: 4–5
Time: ~2 minutes each
Scoring: Medium weight
Skills Tested
- Vocabulary
- Context
understanding
Tips
- Check grammar
fit
- Focus on
collocations
- Eliminate
wrong options first
High-Score Tip
Learn noun–verb and adjective–noun combinations
from Pearson lists.
Sample Question
Economic
growth is often closely linked to investment in education, as a skilled
workforce can significantly ________ national productivity and innovation.
Word
Bank:
enhance | restrict | eliminate | ignore
Correct Answer: enhance
Why?
- Correct
verb-noun collocation: enhance productivity
- Meaning fits
positive context
5 Multiple Choice, Single Answer (MCSA)
Number of questions: 1–2
Time: ~1–1.5 minutes each
Scoring: Low–medium weight
Skills Tested
- Main idea
- General
understanding
Tips
- Read
question → Scan text
- Eliminate
extreme options
- Watch
contrast words (but, although)
High-Score Tip
The
answer usually appears after contrast markers.
Sample Question
What is the main idea of the passage?
Although remote work offers
flexibility and reduces commuting time, many employees report feeling isolated
and less engaged with their colleagues. Consequently, companies are now
experimenting with hybrid models to balance efficiency and collaboration.
Options:
A. Remote work completely improves employee satisfaction
B. Office work is more productive than remote work
C. Hybrid work models address problems of remote work
D. Employees dislike flexible working arrangements
Correct Answer: C
Why?
- Passage
contrasts remote work problems and solution = hybrid model
- Key idea
appears after contrast marker: “Although”
PTE Academic – Listening Section (Total time: 30–43 minutes)
|
Task Type |
No. of
Questions |
Skills Tested |
|
Summarize Spoken Text |
1–2 |
Listening + Writing |
|
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers |
1–2 |
Listening + Reasoning |
|
Fill in the Blanks |
2–3 |
Listening + Spelling |
|
Highlight Correct Summary |
1–2 |
Main idea |
|
Multiple Choice, Single Answer |
1–2 |
Detail |
|
Select Missing Word |
1–2 |
Prediction |
|
Highlight Incorrect Words |
2–3 |
Listening accuracy |
|
Write from Dictation |
3–4 |
Listening + Writing |
PTE
Academic – Listening Section
Total Time: 30–43 minutes
Very high scoring section (directly affects Listening + Writing +
Reading)
Summarize Spoken Text (SST)
No. of questions: 1–2
Time: 10 minutes each
Word limit: 50–70 words
Task
Listen
to a lecture and write a one-paragraph summary.
Skills Tested
- Listening
comprehension
- Paraphrasing
- Grammar
& coherence
Useful Tips
✔ Write 1–2
complex sentences
✔ Include main idea +
2 key points
✔ Avoid examples & numbers
✔ Use linking words (overall,
moreover, therefore)
Sample Audio Topic (Academic Style)
The
speaker discusses how urbanization affects environmental sustainability,
emphasizing increased pollution, resource consumption, and the need for
long-term planning.
✍ Sample Answer (60
words)
The
lecture explains that rapid urbanization has a significant impact on
environmental sustainability. It increases pollution levels and places pressure
on natural resources. The speaker emphasizes that without proper long-term
planning and sustainable policies, cities may face serious environmental challenges
in the future.
2 Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (MCMA)
No. of questions: 1–2
Scoring: Partial credit (+1 / −1)
Task
Select ALL
correct answers.
Useful Tips
✔ Read options before
listening
✔ Select only when
sure
✔ Usually 2 answers
correct
Sample Question
Which TWO factors influenced the study’s results?
Options:
A. Sample size
B. Weather conditions
C. Research funding
D. Participant motivation
E. Government policy
✅ Correct Answers: A,
D
3 Fill in the Blanks
No. of questions: 2–3
Scoring: Medium–High
Task
Type
missing words while listening.
Useful Tips
✔ Focus on spelling
✔ Don’t panic if you miss one
word
✔ Context helps recover missed
words
Sample
Technological
innovation has significantly improved healthcare ___ and patient outcomes.
✅ Answer: efficiency
4 Highlight Correct Summary
No. of questions: 1–2
Task
Choose
the summary that best matches the audio.
Useful Tips
✔ Eliminate summaries
with extra information
✔ Focus on overall
meaning, not keywords
Sample Audio Topic
Effects
of climate change on agriculture
Correct Summary
Climate
change affects agricultural productivity by altering rainfall patterns and
increasing extreme weather events, which threaten global food security.
5 Multiple Choice, Single Answer (MCSA)
No. of questions: 1–2
Score Weight: Low
Useful Tips
✔ Listen for specific
detail
✔ Don’t overthink
✔ Guess if unsure (no negative
marking)
Sample Question
What is the speaker’s main concern?
A.
Rising education costs
B. Declining student motivation
C. Lack of technological resources
D. Teacher workload
Answer: B
6 Select Missing Word
No. of questions: 1–2
Task
Predict
the last word/phrase.
Useful Tips
✔ Listen for tone
& logic
✔ Final word often summarizes
or contrasts
Sample
The
speaker concludes that without innovation, economic growth will likely ______.
Options:
decline | expand | stabilize | recover
Answer: decline
7 Highlight Incorrect Words
No. of questions: 2–3
Score Weight: Very High
Task
Click
words that differ from the audio.
Useful Tips
✔ Follow audio
carefully
✔ Click only when 100%
sure
✔ 1–4 incorrect words usually
Sample
Text:
The
results indicate a significant increase in efficiency.
Audio
says: slight
✅ Click: significant
8 Write from Dictation (MOST IMPORTANT)
No. of questions: 3–4
Score Weight: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highest in PTE)
Task
Listen
to a sentence and type it exactly.
Useful Tips
✔ Focus on content
words first
✔ Grammar & spelling =
marks
✔ Even partial
sentences get marks
Sample Dictation
Digital
literacy is essential for success in modern workplaces.
PTE READING – REAL QUESTION SETS + TRICKS
1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Question 1
Climate change has become one of the most serious challenges
facing modern society. Governments are increasingly ________ policies aimed at
reducing carbon emissions.
Options:
A. adapting
B. implementing
C. assuming
D. ignoring
✅ Answer: B. implementing
Trick
·
Verb needed after “are
increasingly”
·
Common collocation: implement
policies
·
Others don’t fit meaning
2. Reading: Fill in the Blanks
Question 2
Technological innovation has ________ transformed the way
businesses operate in the global market.
Options:
A. hardly
B. rarely
C. significantly
D. slightly
✅ Answer: C. significantly
Trick
·
Adverb needed
·
Meaning: big change → significantly
·
Positive tone sentence
3. Re-order Paragraphs
Question 3
Re-order the sentences.
A. As a result, many employees
report higher job satisfaction.
B. Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years.
C. This trend has allowed workers greater flexibility and autonomy.
D. Companies have also benefited from reduced operational costs.
✅ Correct Order:
B
→ C → A → D
Tricks
·
Opening
sentence has no pronoun → B
·
This
trend refers to previous sentence → C
·
As
a result = consequence → A
·
Extra supporting point → D
4. Multiple Choice – Single Answer
Question 4
What is the main idea of the
passage?
Online education provides access
to learning opportunities for people who cannot attend traditional classrooms.
It allows flexible schedules and reduces costs, making education more
inclusive.
Options:
A. Online education is cheaper than universities
B. Online education increases student competition
C. Online education improves accessibility and flexibility
D. Online education replaces teachers
✅ Answer: C
Trick
·
Question asks main idea,
not detail
·
Option C summarizes whole passage
5. Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers ⚠️
Question 5
According to the passage, which
are benefits of public transportation?
Public transportation reduces
traffic congestion and lowers pollution levels. It also provides affordable
travel options for people without private vehicles.
Options:
A. Reduces pollution
B. Increases traffic
C. Affordable travel
D. Requires private vehicles
✅ Correct Answers: A & C
Trick
·
Select only clearly
stated
·
Avoid negative marking → never guess extra
PTE LISTENING – REAL QUESTION SETS + TRICKS
1Summarize Spoken Text (SST)
Skill
Tested: Listening +
Writing
Task: Write 50–70 words summary.
Tips
- Take notes
using keywords:
Topic → Reason → Example → Result/Conclusion - 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, do not copy exactly.
- Focus on content
+ grammar, not exact words.
Example
Audio
Script:
The lecturer
discusses climate change and its effects on agriculture. While some regions
benefit from warmer temperatures, others face droughts and reduced crop yields.
Adaptation strategies include irrigation and crop rotation.
Sample
Answer (60 words):
The speaker discussed climate change and its impact on agriculture. He
explained that some regions experience benefits, while others face droughts and
reduced yields. The lecturer mentioned adaptation strategies such as irrigation
and crop rotation. Overall, the talk emphasized the importance of preparing
agriculture to cope with changing climate conditions.
High-Score Tips
- Use linking
words: however, therefore, moreover
- Avoid
unnecessary words or repetition
- Keep notes
short but clear
2Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers (MCMA)
Skill
Tested: Listening
Task: Select 1–2 correct options.
Tips
- Listen for opinions,
contrasts, examples.
- Avoid
selecting all options; usually 1–2 correct.
- Keywords are
paraphrased;
do not expect exact matches.
- Eliminate
obviously wrong options first.
Example
Audio
Script:
Regular exercise
improves heart health, reduces stress, and helps control weight. Busy schedules
often prevent people from exercising daily.
Question: Which benefits of exercise are
mentioned?
Options:
A. Improves heart health
B. Causes fatigue
C. Reduces stress
D. Helps control weight
E. Increases work hours
✅ Correct Answers: A, C, D
High-Score Tip
- Focus on explicitly
mentioned benefits
- Ignore
unrelated details
3Fill in the Blanks (Listening)
Skill
Tested: Listening +
Typing
Tips
- Listen for nouns,
verbs, adjectives, numbers.
- Check spelling
carefully — no partial credit.
- Use Ctrl
+ Right Arrow to jump blanks quickly.
- Keep eyes
slightly ahead of the speaker.
Example
Audio:
Economic growth
depends largely on technological innovation and skilled labor.
Text:
Economic growth depends largely on technological ________ and skilled ________.
✅ Answers: innovation, labor
High-Score Tips
- Predict word
type before the audio
- Familiarize
yourself with common PTE nouns, verbs, and adjectives
- British/American
spelling differences accepted
4Highlight Correct Summary
Skill
Tested: Listening +
Reading
Tips
- Focus on main
idea + conclusion.
- Eliminate
summaries that add or omit details.
- Check tone
(informative, persuasive, cautionary).
Example
Audio:
Climate policies
require cooperation between governments and industries to succeed.
Options:
A. Climate change is caused mainly by industries.
B. Governments alone can solve climate issues.
C. Cooperation between governments and industries is essential for climate
policies.
D. Climate policies are ineffective globally.
✅ Answer: C
High-Score Tips
- Ignore
examples or added information
- Select
neutral, complete summary
5 Multiple Choice – Single Answer
Skill
Tested: Listening
Tips
- Listen for
the main point, not supporting examples.
- Eliminate partially
correct options.
- Read options
before audio if possible.
Example
Audio:
Online learning
improves access for students who cannot attend traditional classes and reduces
costs.
Options:
A. Online learning replaces teachers
B. Online learning reduces costs
C. Online learning increases access
D. Online learning is competitive
✅ Answer: C (Main idea: improves access)
6 Select Missing Word
Skill
Tested: Listening
Tips
- The last
sentence often contains the clue.
- Predict the
logical completion before options appear.
- Think cause
→ effect, problem → solution.
Example
Audio:
Students often
procrastinate when tasks feel overwhelming, but breaking tasks into smaller
steps can improve ________.
Options: A. confusion B. motivation C. failure
D. anxiety
✅ Answer: B
7Highlight Incorrect Words
Skill
Tested: Listening +
Reading
Tips
- Read &
listen simultaneously
- Click the wrong
words quickly
- Practice British
& Australian accents
Example
Audio:
The university
will increase tuition fees next year to improve student facilities.
Text
on screen:
The university
will reduce tuition fees next year to improve student facilities.
✅ Incorrect Word: reduce
High-Score Tips
- Accuracy
> speed
- Missing 1
click = lost points
- Synonyms do
NOT count as incorrect
8 Write From Dictation (WFD)
Skill
Tested: Listening +
Writing
Tips
- Type exactly
what you hear (3–5 seconds).
- Check
spelling and word order
- Use short
forms if allowed (gov = government)
- Practice dictation
drills daily using apps like E2 PTE or ApeUni
Example
Audio:
Environmental
awareness should be promoted through education.
✅ Correct Answer:
Environmental awareness should be promoted through education.
High-Score Tips
- Each correct
word = +1
- One missing
letter = lose full credit for the word
- Focus on function
words (the, is, of)
Final Listening Module
Strategy
1.
SST
+ WFD + Fill in the Blanks
= major score boosters
2.
MCMA → select minimum, do not guess
3.
Highlight
Incorrect Words
→ accuracy counts
4.
Listen
fully once
— audio does not repeat
5.
Use
linking words, simple grammar, paraphrasing
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