PTE Academic is a computer-based

test designed to test your

English 1)Reading, 2)Writing,
3)Listening and 4)Speaking skills.
The test takes approximately three
hours to complete.
This includes an un-timed introduction
to the test and one optional scheduled
break of up to 10 minutes.

Part

Content

Time
allowed

Intro

Introduction

Not Timed

Part 1

Speaking and
Writing
Reading

77-93 Minutes

Part 2

32-41

Optional Scheduled Break

Part 3

Listening

45-57 Minutes

Test time The complete test is delivered in one session of

approximately three hours. There is a timer on each screen to show you
how much time remains for the current section. If you are in a room with
other test takers, you will each have a different version for security
reasons. Do not worry if you see or hear other test takers moving more
quickly or slowly than you through the test. Focus on your own screen and
how much time you have left.
Breaks You will have the option to take a short break after Part 2 of the
test, (Reading). Instructions will appear on the computer screen at the
appropriate time. To take the break, follow the directions on the screen.
The break is scheduled for 10 minutes, which includes the time it takes for
you to sign back into the testing room and return to your desk. If you
exceed the allotted 10 minutes, the time will be deducted from the
following part of the test. If you do not want a break, the break time will
not be added to your test time.

Listening items Some items test your ability to listen to spoken English. The test
makes use of different varieties of English, for example, British, American, and
Australian. You will hear audio and video clips only once, and you will be able to
adjust the volume on each item. You will not be able to replay the video/audio clips
during the test.
Speaking items Some items test your spoken English proficiency. You will be asked
to speak into a microphone and record your answer. You will not be able to re-record
your responses. If you do not respond within three seconds of hearing the tone, your
response will not be recorded and you will have to move to the next item.
Writing items Some items test your written English proficiency. You may write your
response in any standard form of English using a recognized spelling convention, e.g.,
British or American. For these items you have a specific amount of time to respond. If
you do not answer the item within this time, you will have to move to the next item .

The item types in PTE Academic are:

PTE Scoring
style

Course Structure
Day 1

Speaking

Day 2

Academic Writing

Day 3

Academic Writing

Day 4

Academic Reading

Day 5

Academic Listening

The speaking skills tested in PTE

Academic include the following:
Speaking
speaking for a purpose (to repeat, to inform, to explain)
reading a text aloud
supporting an opinion with details, examples and
explanations
organizing an oral presentation in a logical way
developing complex ideas within a spoken discourse
using words and phrases appropriate to the context
using correct grammar
speaking at a natural rate
producing fluent speech
using correct intonation
using correct pronunciation
using correct stress
speaking under timed conditions

The writing skills tested in PTE

Academic include the following:
writing for a purpose (to learn, to
inform, to persuade)
supporting an opinion with details,
examples and explanations
organizing sentences and paragraphs
in a logical way
developing complex ideas within a
complete essay
writing a summary
writing under timed conditions
using words and phrases appropriate
to the context
using correct grammar

using correct spelling

using correct mechanics
taking notes while reading a text
synthesizing information
communicating the main points of a
reading passage in writing
taking notes while listening to a
recording
communicating the main points of a
lecture in writing
writing from dictation
communicating the main points of a
reading passage in writing
writing to meet strict length
requirements

The reading skills tested in PTE

Academic include the following:
identifying the topic, theme or main
ideas
identifying supporting points or
examples
identifying a summary
identifying words and phrases
appropriate to the context
identifying a writers purpose, style, tone
or attitude
identifying the relationships between
sentences and paragraphs
understanding academic vocabulary
understanding the difference between
connotation and denotation
inferring the meaning of unfamiliar
words
comprehending explicit and implicit

comprehending concrete and abstract

information
classifying and categorizing information
following a logical or chronological
sequence of events
evaluating the quality and usefulness of
texts
reading a text under timed conditions
evaluating and synthesizing information
reading for information to infer meanings or
find relationships
reading for overall organization and
connections between pieces of information
identifying specific details, facts, opinions,
definitions or sequences of events
matching written text to speech

The listening skills tested in PTE

Academic include the following:
identifying the topic, theme or main
ideas
summarizing the main idea
identifying supporting points or
examples
understanding academic vocabulary
inferring the meaning of unfamiliar
words
identifying words and phrases
appropriate to the context
comprehending explicit and implicit
information
comprehending concrete and
abstract information
classifying and categorizing
information

forming a conclusion from what a

speaker says
predicting how a speaker may continue
identifying errors in a transcription
identifying a speakers purpose, style,
tone or attitude
inferring the context, purpose or tone
comprehending variations in tone,
speed, accent
identifying specific details, facts,
opinions and definitions or sequences of
events
identifying the overall organization and
connections between pieces of information
evaluating and synthesizing information