PTE

Pearson Test of English Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. PTE was started by Pearson in 2009 and is one of the latest entrants into the field of testing English language proficiency of non-native speakers.

To complete a PTE Academic test, the applicant needs to attend a secure Pearson Test center. The test has three main parts: reading, writing and speaking. The test includes twenty different question formats, ranging from multiple choice to essay writing and interpreting information. The whole test is conducted in a single session, lasting three hours and is computer-based.

The three parts of a PTE exam are -

Part 1: Speaking and Writing

Part 1 will assess your speaking and writing skills and the duration of this test is around 77-93 minutes. During the speaking test, your skills will be tested by your ability to produce spoken English in an academic environment. The writing test will require you to write answers in academic English using correct grammar and spelling.

Speaking and Writing test includes -

• Personal Introduction
• Read Aloud
• Repeat Sentence
• Describe Image
• Re-tell lecture
• Answer short question
• Summarize written test
• Essay

Part 2: Reading

Part 2 is a single timed test which contains 15-20 integrated and skills items. Different response formats, including multiple choice, re-order paragraphs and fill in the blanks are used to test your ability to read, write and listen to data provided in English. The test duration is around 32-41 minutes.

The reading test includes -

• Multiple choice questions, choose a single answer
• Multiple choice questions, choose multiple answers
• Re-order paragraphs
• Reading, Fill in the blanks
• Reading and Writing, Fill in the blanks

Part 3: Listening

Part 3 includes questions that are based on audio or video clips. You will have to listen to each clip carefully, and you are allowed to take notes as well.

The listening test includes -

• Summarise spoken test
• Multiple choice questions, choose multiple answers
• Fill in the blanks
• Highlight correct summary
• Multiple choice questions, choose singe answer
• Select missing word
• Highlight incorrect words
• Write from dictation

PTE Academic vs PTE General

There are Two types of PTE exams - PTE Academic and PTE General.

Let’s discuss some of the differences between these two exams.

• The PTE Academic has four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
• PTE General exam is mainly divided into Two sections: A Written paper and A Spoken test. The Written segment is further divided into listening, reading comprehension, and writing skills section.
• While the PTE Academic exam score is only valid for two years from the date of issue.
• PTE General exam score does not have any validity limitation.
• The PTE General Exam is held in the months of May, December, and June.
• The PTE Academic Exam is held in more than 200 locations and over 360 days in a year.
• The PTE Academic exam benefits applicants who are planning for admission into a university/institution.
• The PTE General focuses more on realistic communication skills testing.
• The PTE General score is accepted in the following countries - Albania, Columbia, Czech Republic, Latvia, Ecuador, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK, Estonia.
• The PTE Academic score is accepted by 6000 academic institutes across the globe.

Prerequisites

To sit for a PTE exam you must provide - Acceptable identification documents, typically your passport. The same ID details provided during booking the test should be presented on the day of the exam. Another important point to note is that the original ID must be provided.

Preparation

Here are some of the preparation tips for PTE -

• Write full sentences with proper punctuation.
• Paraphrasing is crucial as you can lose marks if you repeat many words.
• Arrive early to the exam center so that you have enough time before the test to settle yourself.
• Practice with sample question papers and focus on improving your time managing skills.
• The best way to prepare for a test is to join a class and receive tuition face-to-face or online.