Pearson Test of English (PTE) Format/Rules/Tips

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is divided into four sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. Below is the task list for each section and some rules:

1. Speaking Section

Duration: 30–35 minutes

Tasks:

1. Personal Introduction (Not scored)

   • Introduce yourself (25 seconds to prepare, 30 seconds to speak).

2. Read Aloud

   • Read a text displayed on the screen.

3. Repeat Sentence

   • Listen to a sentence and repeat it exactly.

4. Describe Image

   • Describe an image (e.g., graph, chart, or picture) shown on the screen.

5. Re-tell Lecture

   • Listen to a lecture and summarize it in your own words.

6. Answer Short Questions

   • Listen to a question and provide a short response (e.g., single word or phrase).

2. Writing Section

Duration: 40–50 minutes (combined with Speaking)

Tasks:

1. Summarize Written Text

   • Write a one-sentence summary of a given passage.

   • Time limit: 10 minutes.

2. Essay Writing

   • Write an essay (200–300 words) on a given topic.

   • Time limit: 20 minutes.

3. Reading Section

Duration: 29–30 minutes

Tasks:

1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

   • Choose words to complete a text by filling in blanks.

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (-tive marked)

   • Select all correct answers for a given question.

3. Re-order Paragraphs

   • Arrange disordered text boxes into the correct sequence.

4. Fill in the Blanks

   • Drag and drop words to complete a text.

5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

   • Choose the best answer to a question.

4. Listening Section

Duration: 30–43 minutes

Tasks:

1. Summarize Spoken Text

   • Listen to a recording and write a summary (50–70 words).

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (-tive marked)

   • Select all correct answers for a question.

3. Fill in the Blanks

   • Type missing words in a transcript based on the audio.

4. Highlight Correct Summary

   • Choose the summary that matches the recording.

5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

   • Select the best answer to a question.

6. Select Missing Word

   • Choose the word or phrase that completes a beeped-out part of the recording.

7. Highlight Incorrect Words (-tive marked)

   • Identify incorrect words in a transcript while listening to the audio.

8. Write from Dictation

   • Type the sentence exactly as you hear it.

Quick Rules and tips

Speaking Section

Quick Rules

1. Speak clearly and fluently without long pauses.

2. Don’t worry about your accent; focus on correct pronunciation.

3. Use proper intonation and stress on keywords.

4. Avoid repeating or correcting yourself during responses.

Tips

• Read Aloud: Skim the text quickly to identify difficult words before speaking. Maintain a steady pace.

• Repeat Sentence: Focus on understanding the meaning of the sentence, not just memorizing it.

• Describe Image: Structure your response (e.g., introduction, key points, conclusion). Don’t pause too much.

• Re-tell Lecture: Take quick notes of keywords and concepts. Use phrases like "The lecture mainly discussed...".

• Answer Short Questions: Be concise; single-word or brief phrase answers are fine.

Writing Section

Quick Rules

1. Use formal language and avoid slang or informal expressions.

2. Stay within the word count limits.

3. Check grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Tips

• Summarize Written Text: Write one grammatically correct sentence. Use connectors like "and," "because," "which".

• Essay Writing: Use the standard structure:

  • Introduction (paraphrase the question + opinion).

  • Body paragraphs (with examples).

  • Conclusion (summarize and restate your opinion).

Reading Section

Quick Rules

1. Skim the text for the main idea before answering.

2. Use context to guess meanings of unknown words.

3. Pay attention to grammar when filling in blanks.

Tips

• Fill in the Blanks: Look for collocations (e.g., make a decision, strong argument).

• Re-order Paragraphs: Identify the topic sentence first, then link ideas logically.

• Multiple Choice: Eliminate obviously incorrect answers.

Listening Section

Quick Rules

1. Pay close attention to the audio; it’s played only once.

2. Use the pause button wisely to manage time between questions.

3. Take notes using abbreviations or symbols for speed.

Tips

• Summarize Spoken Text: Focus on the main idea and key details. Avoid copying exact phrases.

• Highlight Incorrect Words: Read the transcript while listening carefully. Click errors immediately.

• Write from Dictation: Type quickly but accurately. Double-check spelling and grammar.

General Tips for PTE

1. Time Management: Don’t spend too long on any question. Move on if stuck.

2. Keyboard Skills: Practice typing quickly and accurately.

3. Templates: Use pre-prepared structures for essays and summaries to save time.

4. Practice with Mock Tests: Familiarize yourself with PTE software and question types.

5. Noise Management: Practice in noisy environments to simulate test conditions.

   
   

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