PTE Academic Read Aloud: Practice, Tips & Samples

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Updated on Mar 24, 2025, 09:42

The Read Aloud (RA) section of PTE (Pearson Test of English) is an important part of the speaking test that tests your English fluency and pronunciation. Many aspirants consider this the easiest part of the PTE exam, but they don't realise it takes a lot of practice to succeed in this part. Here, pronunciation and enunciation play a major role; clear articulation of words can boost your score. 

 

This blog will discuss everything about the Read Aloud section in the PTE English test. So read till the end to understand the PTE exam better!

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1. What is PTE Read Aloud in Speaking & Writing?

The PTE Read Aloud (RA) is a part of the speaking section.

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2. How to Answer PTE Read Aloud?

Mastering the PTE Read Aloud section demands a strategic approach that combines accuracy, fluency, and effective time management.

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3. PTE Read Aloud Example Passages

It is important to become acquainted with the test format and the required level of performance. 

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4. Common Mistakes in PTE Read Aloud & How to Avoid Them

Despite all the efforts, test-takers often make some common mistakes in the PTE Read Aloud section.

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1.

What is PTE Read Aloud in Speaking & Writing?

The PTE Read Aloud (RA) is a part of the speaking section. The exam tests the ability to read English text aloud clearly and fluently. Although categorised under "Speaking," it also contributes to your "Reading" score,

 

PTE academic read aloud test is designed to measure students' English language proficiency when applying to study abroad, and it is also accepted for visa applications from English-speaking countries. 

 

For the test, you'll be presented with a written text on the screen, which is 60 words long, and you're required to read it aloud into the microphone.

 

However, before the test starts, you’ll have a short preparation time of 30-40 seconds. During this time, you will have to silently read the text and familiarise yourself with it before speaking it into the microphone.

 

Once the prep time is up, candidates will hear a beep sound that signals at the start of recording. When it stops, you have to start speaking. 
 

Aspect Details
Examination PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic Examination
Test Section Speaking
Task Read Aloud (RA)
Length of paragraph 60 words
Duration 30-40 seconds (prep time) + 40 seconds (to read aloud)
Score Contribution Speaking: Fluency (5 marks), Pronunciation (5 marks). Reading: Content (5 marks)

 

To plan your PTE exam effectively, it's important to understand the test fees and available dates. You can find this information here: PTE Exam Fees

 

How PTE Read Aloud is Scored?

 

How PTE Read Aloud is Scored

 

The scoring of PTE academic read aloud is done based on three criteria:

 

  • Spoken Content: The exam confirms that you read every word correctly, in the right sequence, without making any changes. Points can be deducted if you make any changes to the original text.
  • Fluency in Speech: You also have to speak what you read quickly and fluently. The test is designed to examine the natural flow of your speech. It analyses your English speaking pace, rhythm, and the presence of unnatural pauses or hesitations.  
  • Pronunciation: The exams also judge the way you pronounce the words. Therefore, when speaking, focus on mastering one accent and avoid mixing two or more accents. It is advised to have a large vocabulary to understand difficult words.

 

Based on these three criteria, a score is given that contributes to your Speaking and Reading scores.

 

Still deciding between IELTS vs PTE - read this article to clear your doubts.

 

Check out our PTE to IELTS calculator to compare your test scores. 

2.

How to Answer PTE Read Aloud?

Mastering the PTE Read Aloud section demands a strategic approach that combines accuracy, fluency, and effective time management. Here's a breakdown of the most effective methods:

 

  • Strategic Preparation: Make good use of the first 30-40 seconds. Find difficult words and punctuation, silently go over the text, and practice your pronunciation in your head.
  • Focus on Pronunciation: Set aside time to practice pronouncing words clearly, particularly difficult ones. To make improvements, record and listen to your pronunciation.
  • Natural Rhythm Development: Try to maintain a constant speaking pace. To create an organic flow, practice reading a variety of texts aloud.
  • PTE Read Aloud Practice: It is important to practice regularly. Use practice exams and internet resources to simulate exam situations. Practising in a quiet setting can reduce distractions.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: Immerse yourself in native English speech by listening to podcasts, news broadcasts, and other media. This will help you develop a better understanding of natural rhythm and intonation.

 

Lastly, smartly manage your time in the PTE read-aloud section. Use the preparation period to pinpoint key phrases and pronunciation challenges. Start reading shortly after the beep at a relaxed and controlled pace. Plus, practice regularly to read the paragraph within the required time, avoiding rushed delivery or excessively slow reading.

 

Also Read: PTE Reading Tips and Tricks

Pay Attention and Dissect the Sentence

Listening well is imperative for success. Awareness of the sentence structure, keywords, and intonation will help keep the sentence from moving. Once the sentence approaches its end, you can break it into smaller constructs in your mind to facilitate memorisation.

Use Mnemonics for Easily Recalled and Easily Remembered Sentences

Mnemonic devices store and recall the more challenging parts of a complicated sentence. One helpful strategy is to connect the words to previous experience or to use acronyms you have developed in common daily objects. Example: For a sentence like "The economy is experiencing a steady recovery," your 3 acronyms could be E (Economy), S (Steady), and R (Recovery). 

Improve Pronunciation & Speaking Fluency
  • Practice Common Word Patterns – Identifying frequently occurring phrases and practising them can improve pronunciation.
  • Speak Naturally – Avoid robotic speech; aim for a smooth and natural tone instead.
  • Record and Self-Evaluate – Listening to your speech can highlight areas that need improvement.
Daily Drills for Improving Sentence Retention

Here are some PTE repeat sentence practice for you to improve your score: 

 

  • Shadowing Technique – Listen to a sentence and immediately repeat it while trying to match the speaker’s intonation and rhythm.
  • Chunking Method – Break long sentences into smaller segments and memorise them sequentially.
  • Writing & Repeating – Write down the sentence after hearing it and then practice repeating it.
  • Listening to Podcasts – Regularly listening to English podcasts can improve listening skills and sentence retention.
  • Using Speech-to-Text Apps – Record responses using speech recognition software to analyse accuracy.
3.

PTE Read Aloud Example Passages

It is important to become acquainted with the test format and the required level of performance. Here are three PTE read aloud examples for you to learn from:

 

Sample 1

The discovery of universal gravitation displays all the features of the new way of scientific reasoning, which is now so familiar to us. The discovery starts with Newton associating the Moon’s behavior with the behavior of rocks falling on the ground.

 

Sample 2

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. This complex reaction requires sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide and produces glucose and oxygen as byproducts.

 

Sample 3

Blue whales are the largest living mammals on this planet. Although the reports of maximum length and weight vary from one place to another, Antarctic blue whales are still known to be 100 feet long and weigh over 150 tons. The North Atlantic blue whales are expected to reach a size of 80 to 85 feet.

 

Online Practice Tests and PDF Downloads: How Can LeapScholar Help You?

 

LeapScholar offers full-length practice tests, including PTE read aloud PDF that replicate real exam conditions, helping you improve your score. Each test includes detailed answers to enhance your understanding and performance.

Download PTE test samples today!

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 1

Fortunate is the young man who has received the right type of training for business. Such training will make him a more efficient worker, no matter what his job or profession. Many young people had elders who shared valuable experience and advice with them. Others were favoured by entering high-calibre firms.  

 

Answer

 

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 2

While there is increasing interest in sustainable financing, the transition to a sustainable economy is not happening at the required scale.  At the same time, systemic risks are increasing, and there is a strain on the multilateral system. Experts argue that this challenge provides an opportunity to re-examine the global institutional architecture for sustainable development.

 

Answer

 

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 3

Energy Transition Index benchmarks 115 countries on the current level of their energy system performance, and the readiness of their macro environment for transition to a secure, sustainable, affordable and inclusive future energy system. It enables policymakers and businesses to identify the destination for energy transition, identify imperatives, and align policy and market enablers accordingly.

 

Answer

 

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 4

Working from home tends to be a relatively easy experience for the office professional. If your work involves using computers, it’s quite easy to do the same at home. It can save you a lot of money in fuel costs alone per year. It also helps you to strike a better balance between career goals and family life.

 

Answer

 

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 5

We are living through an extraordinary time with the rapid spread of the coronavirus, designated as COVID-19. A lockdown that restricts the movement of people and goods to prevent the spread of the deadly virus is in place. Citizens can only leave their homes for essential work and purchase food or medicine.

 

Answer

 

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 6

Ensuring access to proper nutrition and education is crucial for the development of both boys and girls. Empowering women and strengthening rural infrastructure is vital in achieving the Zero Hunger goal. Community resilience programs can also help reduce hunger. World leaders must prioritize resolving conflicts to address these issues immediately.

 

Answer

 

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 7

In Honduras, the tragic reality is that every day, a child under 18 loses their life to violence. This shocking statistic is even more distressing given that Honduras is not currently involved in any active warfare. Sadly, the country’s struggles with poverty, limited access to education, and rampant violence have resulted in countless families fleeing their homes.

 

Answer

 

PTE Read Aloud Free Practice 8

The Global Migration Compact is a historic achievement, the first global framework to address all aspects of international migration. It is the outcome of extensive negotiations, providing a robust foundation for collaborative efforts on migration, both currently and in the future. The compact incorporates international law and best practices to promote secure and beneficial migration.

 

Answer

 

4.

Common Mistakes in PTE Read Aloud & How to Avoid Them

Common Mistakes in PTE Read Aloud

 

Despite all their efforts, test-takers often make some common mistakes in the PTE Read Aloud section. By Understanding these errors and knowing how to avoid them helps in getting a high score.

 

Here’s what you should look at for during PTE read aloud practice:

 

1. Mispronunciation 

 

Regularly practise pronunciation with online dictionaries and phonetic resources, focusing on stress patterns and comparing your recordings with native speakers. You can explore the Speech Accent Archive. This site contains a huge database of people reading the same text, and it is very good for comparing different accents and hearing how the same text sounds.

 

2. Missing Punctuation and Pauses

 

When reading the text for the first time, paying attention to the punctuation would be a good idea. Take breaths in the middle of sentences to complement the content's tone and flow.

 

3. Skipping words

 

Avoid skipping words while reading aloud, as this affects clarity and accuracy. Focus on reading every word carefully, maintaining a steady pace without rushing.

 

4. Fast Reading

 

During read-aloud PTE practice, you should not read the text fast; obviously, the PTE assesses fluency rather than reading speed. Therefore, it is better to maintain a proper flow with enough space rather than trying to read quickly.

 

Furthermore, ensure a quiet environment on exam day to minimise distractions. Make sure the microphone is close to your mouth but not touching it. Plus, try to speak clearly and maintain a consistent volume throughout. 

 

Scoring high on the PTE exam 2025 requires thoughtful preparation, consistent practice, and time management. Whether you choose coaching or self-study, use the right study materials and mock tests to improve.

 

To perform better in the test, practice regularly, pay special attention to pronunciation, and maintain a natural rhythm. You should also strategically use preparation time and rehearse under timed conditions to avoid frequent errors like mispronunciations, awkward pauses, and monotonous intonation.

 

Boost your PTE exam preparation with Leap’s personalised learning resources and practice materials. Join our PTE Score 80 Course to improve your skills, boost your confidence for test day, and learn more tips and tricks for PTE Academic!

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FAQs

Q. How to read aloud in PTE?

Ans. Read the text displayed on the screen clearly and fluently. Utilize preparation time to preview the text and identify challenging words. Start reading immediately after the beep, maintaining a natural rhythm and pace. Focus on accurate pronunciation and intonation, ensuring clarity. Practice regularly with diverse materials.

Q. How to get 80 in read aloud?

Ans. Each Read Aloud item contributes 15 marks, impacting both Speaking and Reading. To reach 80 in PTE, near-perfect scores are needed. Missing even a few points per item significantly hinders your overall result. Mastering all three aspects (content, fluency, pronunciation) is crucial due to cross-scoring.

Q. What are the total marks of read aloud in PTE?

Ans. The Read Aloud section contributes a total of 44 points, distributed evenly between the Speaking and Reading sections (22 points each). It assesses content, oral fluency, and pronunciation, each scored out of 5 points per item. 6-7 items are presented.

Q. What is a read-aloud?

Ans. A Read Aloud is a task in the PTE Academic exam where test-takers read a provided text aloud into a microphone. It evaluates pronunciation, fluency, and accuracy in English. The task contributes to both Speaking and Reading scores, assessing the ability to communicate and understand English.

Q. How can I get full marks in Read Aloud PTE?

Ans. To achieve full marks, practice flawless pronunciation, maintain a natural, fluent pace, and accurately reproduce the text. Minimize pauses and hesitations, and pay close attention to stress and intonation. Consistent practice with diverse texts and recording your performance is crucial.

Q. How do I get Read Aloud?

Ans. Read-aloud questions appear in the Speaking section of the PTE Academic test. You'll see a text on the screen, have preparation time, and then read it aloud into the microphone. Practising with sample questions and timed sessions helps familiarize yourself with the process.

Q. How long is Read Aloud in PTE?

Ans. You have 30-40 seconds of preparation time to preview the text. After the beep, you read the text aloud until finished. There is no hard time limit for reading. However, overly slow or excessively paused readings will negatively impact your score.

Q. How fast is Read Aloud?

Ans. Read naturally, conversationally, not too fast or too slow. Maintain a steady rhythm and focus on clarity. Rushing can lead to errors and affect fluency scores while dragging can sound unnatural. Practice maintaining a consistent tempo.

Q. How can I improve my PTE Read Aloud score?

Ans. Practice regularly with diverse texts, focusing on pronunciation, fluency, and accuracy. Record and review your performance to identify weaknesses. Pay close attention to punctuation and intonation. Use online resources and practice tests to simulate exam conditions.

Q. What are the best free resources for PTE Read Aloud practice?

Ans. Leap Scholars provides PTE practice materials. YouTube channels offer tutorials and examples. Additionally, many websites offer free mock tests. You can also visit the official PTE website for potential free practice options.

Q. How is PTE Read Aloud scored?

Ans. PTE Read Aloud is scored based on content (accuracy), oral fluency (smoothness), and pronunciation (clarity). An automated system analyses your speech, assigning points for each criterion. Each of the three are scored from 0-5.

Q. Can I retake the PTE Read Aloud section?

Ans. You cannot retake individual sections of the PTE Academic exam. If you wish to improve your score, you must retake the entire exam. To improve your score, prepare thoroughly and schedule a new test. For details on retake fees, visit the official PTE website. 

Q. What strategies help with PTE Read Aloud?

Ans. Practice regularly, focus on pronunciation and fluency, manage preparation time effectively, maintain a steady pace, and accurately deliver content. Record and review your performance, practice under timed conditions, and listen to native speakers.

Q. Where can I find PTE Read Aloud examples?

Ans. You can find PTE Read Aloud examples on the official Pearson PTE website, YouTube tutorials, and various PTE preparation websites. Many online platforms and PDFs also offer sample passages and model answers.