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PTE Exam Pattern 2024

Exam

Mayank Mishra

Updated on 10th January, 2024 , 5 min read

PTE Exam Pattern 2024

A good score on the PTE test also ensures that candidates would be able to represent their ideas, deliver presentations, work to gain international exposure, and function on the international front in front of foreign audiences. This helps the applicants ensure that they are ready to study amidst students from all over the world and international faculty members in the universal official language. In this section, we are going to talk about the latest PTE exam pattern 2024 for candidates looking to appear for the test.

 

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PTE Exam Pattern - Highlights 

PTE Format

Details

PTE Exam Pattern

An English language exam that has been developed to test the Speaking & Writing skills (54 – 67 minutes), Reading skills (29 – 30 minutes), and Listening skills (30 – 43 minutes) of candidates wanting to study abroad in an English-speaking country. 

PTE Duration

2 Hours and a Single test session

Medium

Computer-based with headset

Mode

Taken in a test centre / Home Edition

Test Type

Assesses real-life English

Test Layout

20 question types

PTE Exam Pattern Breakdown- Section Wise

Refer to the segment-wise description boxes given along with each section explaining the PTE Exam Pattern 2024 in detail:

PTE Exam Pattern: Speaking and Writing — 54 - 67 minutes

As the name implies, this section tests the candidates based on their 2 major skills of communication, which are spoken and written skills. This section comprises six small sections that test you on your promptness over speaking and writing the written test that you would get to read for the first time. The complete section is given a time duration of 54 - 67 minutes and the time allotted to each segment is as follows:

PTE Speaking and Writing Section Question Topics

PTE Questions per task (w.e.f November 16, 2021)

Duration per task

Personal introduction

1

55 seconds: 25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record

Read Aloud

6 - 7

30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words

Repeat sentence

10 - 12

15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record

Describe image

3 - 4

25 seconds are granted to study the image as well as prepare your response on the same

Retell lecture

1 - 2

90 seconds for prompt length, 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to answer

Answer short question

5 - 6

20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer

Summarize written text

1 - 2

10 minutes to answer to text prompt of 300 words

Write Essay

1 - 2

20 minutes to answer to text prompt of 2-3 sentences

Total Questions

28 - 36

Time Allocation: 54 - 67 minutes

PTE Exam Pattern: Reading Section- 29 - 30 mins

PTE Reading Format: This section tests the candidates on the basis of their ability to understand the written instructions in the language. The section further divided into 5 segments is 29 to 30 minutes long. Check out the segment-wise pattern for the time distribution of this section:

PTE Reading Section Question Topics

PTE Questions per task (w.e.f November 16, 2021)

Duration per task

Fill in the blanks –reading & writing

5 - 6

Read 300 words of text

Multiple choice, multiple answers

1 - 2

Read 300 words of text

Re-order paragraph

2 - 3

Read 150 words of text

Fill in the blanks –reading

4 - 5

Read 80 words of text

Multiple-choice, single answer

1 - 2

Read 300 words of text

Total Questions

13 - 18

Time Allocation - 29 - 30 minutes

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PTE Exam Pattern: Listening- 30 - 43 minutes

PTE Listening Format: The listening section of the PTE Academic is stretched over 30 to 43 minutes of duration. This one is designed to determine the ability to understand spoken English by the candidate. Here, the student needs to ascertain that they carefully hear the audio file played and retain what they heard. This section is divided into 8 segments and the time given to each segment is as follows.

PTE Listening Section Question Topics

PTE Questions per task (w.e.f November 16, 2021)

Duration per task

Summarize spoken text

1 - 2

60-90 seconds to retain  50-70 words, 10 minutes to write

Multiple choice, multiple answers

1 - 2

40-90 seconds for prompt

Fill in the blanks

2 - 3

30-60 seconds

Highlight correct summary

1 - 2

30-90 seconds

Multiple-choice, single answer

1 - 2

30-60 seconds

Select missing word

1 - 2

20-70 seconds

Highlight incorrect word

2 - 3

15-50 seconds

Write from Dictation

3 - 4

3-5 seconds

Total Questions

12 - 20

Time Allocation: 30 - 43 minutes

PTE Syllabus 2024

PTE Syllabus includes three sections - Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. You get marked on these three sections and you get the PTE Academic total score as well.

PTE Registration 2024

Candidates wanting to register for the PTE exam 2024 would be required to follow the steps mentioned below to successfully book their PTE exam slot. Candidates should note that for booking your PTE Academic online, you need a valid ID - a valid Indian passport. Candidates will also be required to show their valid ID on the day of the PTE exam or else they will not be allowed to enter the PTE Test centre.

PTE Test at Home

Launched by Pearson PLC Group - the conducting body of the PTE exam, PTE at Home testing is the PTE Academic Online Test that is being conducted from the safety of the homes of the PTE test takers. However, before you rush to book your PTE at Home testing, there are certain important factors that have to be kept in mind before you register for your online PTE at Home test. 

PTE Exam Dates 2024

The PTE exam is conducted throughout the year at designated PTE test centres across the country. The PTE exam dates 2024 might vary from centre to centre. Students must search for the seats available on the Pearson PTE Academic website. Simply select the test centres closest to you, and click next. The website would prompt you to the calendar with the available dates.

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PTE Exam Pattern       

PTE Exam Preparation

PTE Exam Preparation: Candidates looking to perform well in their PTE Academic Exam would be required to follow a solid PTE Preparation plan to achieve a good PTE score. Read on as we divulge in detail about PTE exam preparation 2024, PTE preparation online, PTE preparation material, and PTE exam preparation at home among other important topics revolving around PTE preparation.

Similar to other exam prep, you can choose to study on your own or join a PTE coaching centre for your PTE preparation. The decision lies entirely to you, as you need to see whether you have enough time and resources to opt for both or select either. Newer methods of studying are gaining popularity, like PTE preparation online. It includes both self-studying and coaching class methods. You join a virtual classroom and you learn in the comfort of your home. To choose the best method on how to prepare for the PTE test you first need to look at your criteria and decide accordingly. Candidates can also check out PTE Sample Papers. 

PTE Pattern - At a Glance

This is a quick glance at the PTE exam format that candidates would have to follow.

  1. The PTE exam is being conducted at a PTE test centre. The PTE at Home has been launched.
  2. The PTE exam is a Computer-based test with a headset
  3. The PTE test is responsible for assessing real-life English language skills

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall structure of the PTE exam?

The PTE exam consists of three main sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening.

How is the Speaking and Writing section structured in the PTE exam?

The Speaking and Writing section includes tasks such as Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Re-tell Lecture, Answer Short Questions, and Write Essay.

Can you provide details about the types of tasks in the Reading section of the PTE exam?

The Reading section includes tasks like Multiple-Choice, Re-order Paragraphs, Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing), and Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer.

What are the task types in the Listening section of the PTE exam?

The Listening section features tasks such as Summarize Spoken Text, Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers, Fill in the Blanks, Highlight Correct Summary, and Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer.

Is there a specific order in which the sections of the PTE exam are administered?

The sections are administered in a fixed order: Speaking and Writing, followed by Reading, and then Listening.

What is the duration of the Speaking and Writing section in the PTE exam?

The Speaking and Writing section takes approximately 77–93 minutes, depending on the combination of tasks in a given test.

How is the Reading section of the PTE exam scored?

The Reading section is scored based on reading and comprehension skills, with a focus on understanding written content and responding appropriately.

Can you provide details about the time allocation for the Reading section of the PTE exam?

The Reading section typically takes 32–41 minutes, depending on the number of tasks and their complexity in a particular test.

How is the Listening section of the PTE exam?

The Listening section is scored based on the ability to comprehend spoken English, including understanding main ideas, specific details, and overall listening skills.

What is the duration of the Listening section in the PTE exam?

The Listening section takes approximately 45–57 minutes, depending on the number of tasks included in a particular test.

How is the overall score calculated in the PTE exam?

The overall score is calculated by combining the scores from each section, providing a comprehensive measure of English language proficiency.

Are there any breaks between the sections of the PTE exam?

No, there are no scheduled breaks between sections. Test-takers move seamlessly from one section to the next.

Is there a specific order in which questions appear within each section of the PTE exam?

The questions within each section are randomized, ensuring a fair and varied testing experience for all candidates.

How are responses recorded in the PTE Speaking section?

Responses in the Speaking section are recorded through a microphone, and automated scoring technology evaluates various aspects of oral proficiency.

Are there any specific preparation materials available for each section of the PTE exam?

Yes, PTE provides a range of official preparation materials, including practice tests, sample questions, and scored practice tests to help candidates prepare effectively.

What is the importance of time management in the PTE exam?

Time management is crucial in the PTE exam to ensure that all tasks within each section are completed within the allocated time, maximizing the chance of obtaining a higher score.

Can test-takers review or change their answers in the PTE exam?

Once a section is completed, test-takers cannot go back to review or change their answers. It is essential to review and confirm responses before moving to the next section.

What is the role of automated scoring in the PTE exam?

Automated scoring technology is used to assess and score responses in the Speaking and Writing sections, providing consistency and objectivity in evaluation.

Are there specific word limits for written responses in the PTE Writing section?

Yes, tasks such as Summarize Written Text and Write Essay have word limits, and exceeding these limits may impact the score.

How are complex sentences and vocabulary assessed in the PTE Writing section?

Complex sentence structures and a varied vocabulary are positively evaluated in the Writing section, contributing to a higher score.

Are there any negative marking or deductions for incorrect answers in the PTE exam?

No, the PTE exam does not have negative marking, allowing test-takers to answer all questions without the fear of penalties for incorrect responses.

How soon can test-takers receive their PTE exam scores?

PTE scores are usually available within five business days after the test date, providing a quick turnaround for test-takers.

What is the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the PTE exam scoring process?

AI is employed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of scoring, ensuring a fair and reliable assessment of test-takers' language proficiency.

Are there specific proficiency levels associated with the PTE exam scores?

PTE scores align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), providing a clear indication of language proficiency levels.

Can test-takers request a re-evaluation or rescore of their PTE exam?

Yes, PTE offers a Score Review service that allows test-takers to request a re-evaluation of their scores for a particular section.

How can test-takers improve their reading speed for tasks in the PTE Reading section?

Regular reading practice and adopting strategies like skimming and scanning can help improve reading speed and comprehension.

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