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PTE Exam Syllabus & Pattern 2024: Section-wise PTE Format

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Updated on Aug 30, 2024, 14:37

If you want to excel in your PTE Exam, you should be aware of the most recent syllabus, 2024. If you plan to take the next PTE Exam, the syllabus is for you. 
 

The PTE Academic exam section includes Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. It has two formats: PTE Academic and PTE  Academic Online. The format for PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online is the same, but it can slightly differ.

 

The PTE Academic exam, administered by Pearson PLC Group, is a computer-based English language test accepted by educational institutions worldwide. PTE stands for Pearson Test of English. 
 

PTE-Academic is an English test taken by students and aspirants who want to study or immigrate to a significant English-speaking country. Students must take the PTE exam to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

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1. PTE Syllabus for Academic Test

The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) evaluates your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. 

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2. PTE Exam Pattern for Academic Test

The PTE exam pattern is like a roadmap for your test. It tells you what to expect and how the test is structured.

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1.

PTE Syllabus for Academic Test

This is important because it shows you can study and understand English, the main language used worldwide. 
 

Achieving a high score on this test demonstrates your English language proficiency to universities and visa officers and equips you with the skills to communicate effectively in English, preparing you for international study and enhancing your global career prospects. 
 

It also means you can share your thoughts, interact internationally, and handle situations with people from different countries, ensuring you're ready to learn in an English-speaking environment with students and teachers from around the globe. Learn more about the PTE Exam.

PTE Exam Syllabus & Pattern for Reading

In this part, you'll be tested on how well you understand written instructions. The section has five parts and takes about 29 to 30 minutes. 

Each part has a time limit, so pay attention to your time for each segment. This way, you can manage your time wisely and complete each part within the given time frame.
 

The PTE Reading test consists of 30-45 questions that assess different reading skills. These skills are:

 

  • Understanding the Main Idea: This skill involves grasping a passage's primary message or central theme.
  • Identifying Supporting Details: It requires recognising specific pieces of information that support or elaborate on the main idea.
  • Analysing Information Presented in Different Formats: This includes interpreting and understanding information in various formats, such as texts, graphs, charts, tables, and diagrams.

 

Different types of questions for Reading

 

  • Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer
  • Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers
  • Re-Order Paragraphs
  • Reading: Fill in the Blanks
  • Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks
PTE Exam Syllabus & Pattern for Listening Section

The PTE Academic listening part takes 30 to 43 minutes. It's all about checking how well you understand spoken English. 

You'll listen to different audio clips and need to remember what you hear. This section has eight parts, each with a time limit, so keep track of time for each one. This way, you can manage your time well and give your best shot in each segment.
 

Different types of questions for Listening 

 

  • Multiple Choice Questions
  • Summarising Tasks
  • Highlighting Key Points
  • Writing Short Answers Based on Audio
  • Fill in the Blanks
PTE Exam Syllabus & Pattern for Speaking & Writing Section

You'll showcase your speaking and writing skills in the PTE Speaking and Writing section. This part takes the longest, about 54 to 67 minutes. Seven tasks test how well you can communicate in English, especially in academic situations.
 

You'll face various tasks requiring you to speak or write based on prompts. Don't worry if the topics are new to you; they're designed that way. 

 

Here's a breakdown of the time you'll spend on each task:

 

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PTE Exam Syllabus for Speaking & Writing Section

Segments Pattern Duration
Personal Introduction 55 seconds: 25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record
Read Aloud 30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words
Repeat Sentence 15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record
Describe Image 25 seconds are granted to study the image as well as prepare your response on the same
Re-Tell Lecture 90 seconds for prompt length, 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to answer
Answer Short Question 20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer
Summarise Written Text 10 minutes to answer a text prompt of 300 words
Essay 20 minutes to answer a text prompt of 2-3 sentences
Total Questions 28 - 36
Time Allocation 54 - 67 minutes
2.

PTE Exam Pattern for Academic Test

Here's a simple breakdown of the PTE exam pattern for 2024:

 

  • Listening Section: You'll listen to audio clips and answer questions. This part lasts around 45 to 57 minutes.
  • Reading Section: You'll read passages and answer questions. This part takes about 32 to 41 minutes.
  • Speaking & Writing Section: This is where you'll speak and write your responses. It's the longest part, lasting around 54 to 67 minutes.
     

Refer to the segment-wise description boxes provided with each section for a detailed explanation of the PTE Exam Pattern and PTE Syllabus 2024:
 

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PTE Exam Pattern 2024

PTE Format Details
PTE Exam Pattern
  • Speaking & Writing Skills (54 – 67 minutes)
  • Reading skills (29 – 30 minutes)
  • Listening skills (30 – 43 minutes)
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

 

The PTE syllabus comprehensively evaluates candidates' proficiency in English language skills, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Learn more about the PTE Dates.

 

By familiarising themselves with the syllabus, test-takers can strategically prepare for each section, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in the PTE Academic exam and achieve their desired scores.

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FAQs

Q. How frequently can I take the PTE Academic Exam?

Ans. Pearson does not restrict how many times a candidate can take the PTE Exam 2023. Candidates can take the exam after a 5-day break. As a result, applicants may retake The Pearson Test of English Academic exam as often as they wish.

Q. How difficult is the PTE Academic test?

Ans. The difficulty level of the PTE Academic test varies from person to person, depending on their proficiency in English. However, the test is designed to assess a wide range of language skills, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Each section has a time limit, so it's essential to manage time wisely and be familiar with the test format and syllabus to perform well. 

Q. What is the syllabus for the PTE Academic test?

Ans. The PTE Academic exam assesses the candidate's reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The syllabus covers various topics such as academic vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, comprehension skills, and fluency. The test also evaluates the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English in different situations, such as academic and real-life scenarios.

Q. How is the PTE Academic exam scored?

Ans. The PTE Academic exam is scored based on a candidate's performance in each skill section, which includes speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The scores range from 10 to 90 for each section and are calculated using a computer algorithm that assesses the candidate's responses. The overall score is also provided, reflecting the candidate's proficiency level in English. The scores are available within five business days of taking the exam.

Q. Can you appear for the PTE Academic exam without studying?

Ans. It is possible to appear for the PTE Academic exam without any prior preparation or study. However, it is not recommended, as the exam assesses various aspects of the English language and requires a certain level of proficiency. It is important to understand the exam format, syllabus, and scoring system and practice accordingly to achieve a good score.

Q. What is the PTE course syllabus?

Ans. The PTE Academic exam syllabus assesses a candidate's proficiency in the English language across four skills - speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The exam evaluates a candidate's ability to understand and communicate effectively in an academic setting. The syllabus includes a range of question types that test a candidate's grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension skills.

Q. Is PTE harder than IELTS?

Ans. There is no straightforward answer to this question, as both exams have their unique format, syllabus, and scoring system. Some candidates may find PTE easier than IELTS, while others may find it more challenging. It ultimately depends on an individual's proficiency level in English and familiarity with the exam format and syllabus.

Q. What is the PTE exam format?

Ans. The PTE Academic exam is a computer-based test that assesses a candidate's proficiency in the English language across four skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The exam format includes 20 questions, such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and essay writing. It is three hours long and divided into three parts: speaking and writing, reading, and listening.

Q. How are marks distributed in PTE?

Ans. In the PTE Academic exam, marks are distributed across the four skills—speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Each skill is scored on a scale of 10 to 90 points, and the overall score is calculated based on performance in all four skills. The exam also includes enabling skills, such as grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary, which are scored separately and contribute to the overall score.

Q. What is the UKVI exam pattern?

Ans. The UKVI exam pattern is similar to the regular IELTS exam but with some additional security measures. It is also a four-skills exam that assesses a candidate's proficiency in the English language. The exam includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking modules and is designed to meet the immigration requirements for UK visas and citizenship.

Q. What is the score pattern of the PTE test?

Ans. In the PTE Academic exam, each skill—speaking, writing, reading, and listening—is scored on a scale of 10 to 90 points. The exam also includes enabling skills, such as grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary, which are scored separately and contribute to the overall score. The overall score is calculated based on performance in all four skills and enabling skills.