PTE ACADEMIC

• Taken in a test center For this item type you need to read a written text
• Computer-based with headset aloud.
• Two hours long
• Assesses real-life English The recording status box displays a countdown
• 20 question types until the microphone opens. You have 30–40
• Single test session seconds to read the text and prepare. You will then
There are 20 different question types in the test, hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking
ranging from multiple choice through to essay immediately. Do not start speaking before the
writing. Make sure you review the different question microphone opens because your voice will not be
formats ahead of your test, as each part has recorded.
different types of questions.
You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
Part 1: Speaking & Writing
• 54–67 minutes Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches
the end. The word “Recording” changes to
• This part of the test contains seven different
“Completed”.
question types. You will be tested on both
your speaking and writing skills, and will use
You are only able to record your response once.
English you might hear in an academic
environment.
TIP: If you remain silent for longer than three
Part 2: Reading
seconds, the recording will stop.
• 29–30 minutes
• This part of the test contains five different Test tips
question types, and tests your ability to read Use punctuation to help you decide where to
academic English. One item type assesses pause when you read
both writing and reading skills.
• You have 30–40 seconds to look at the text
Part 3: Listening
before the microphone opens, so use this time
• 30–43 minutes to break the text up into meaningful chunks,
• This part of the test contains eight question using the punctuation as a guide. This will show
types and tests your listening skills, through you the places where you can make a tiny
a series of audio and video clips. pause and alter your intonation – going up
when you begin reading a chunk and falling a
little when you end a chunk.
The Personal Introduction is an opportunity for • Using appropriate pausing helps you to read
you to get familiar with PTE test technology and to more fluently and give the full meaning of the
help you prepare for your speaking and listening text. This will improve your score. Look at
questions. where the pauses / are indicated in the
• This question does not contribute to example:
your score and is for familiarization • Photography’s gaze widened during the early
purposes only. years of the twentieth century / and, / as the
• You will have 25 seconds to read the snapshot camera became increasingly popular,
prompt and prepare your response, and / the making of photographs became
then 30 seconds to record your response. increasingly available / to a wide cross-section
You are only able to record your answer of the public. / The British people grew
once. accustomed to, / and were hungry for, / the
photographic image.
READ ALOUD • Stress the words that carry important
information
Task Stress the words that carry important
Text appears on the screen. Read the text aloud. information
Prompt Length
• When you read the text, stress the words that
Text up to 60 words
help to convey meaning, by reading them in a
Skills Assessed
slightly louder voice and adding emphasis to
Reading and speaking
key syllables, e.g., development. Also, use
Time to Answer
rising and falling intonation patterns to show
Varies by item, depending on the length of text.
 how the ideas are linked or are coming to an REPEAT SENTENCE
end. Look at the patterns in this text; the
stressed words are underlined, and the rising Task
and falling intonation is marked by up ⬆ and After listening to a recording of a sentence, repeat
down ⬇ arrows: the sentence.
• The development of easy-to-use statistical Prompt Length
software ⬇ has changed the way statistics is 3–9 seconds
being taught and learned ⬇ . Students can Skills Assessed
make transformations of variables ⬆, Listening and speaking
create graphs of distributions of variables⬆, and Time to Answer
select among statistical analyses ⬇ all at 15 seconds
the click of a button ⬇. However⬆, even
with these advancements ⬇, students How to answer this question
sometimes find statistics to be an arduous For this item type, you need to repeat the
task ⬇ . sentence you hear.
The audio begins to plays automatically. When the
How this question is scored audio finishes, the microphone opens and the
Your score on Read Aloud is based on three recording status box shows “Recording”. Speak into
factors: the microphone immediately (there is no short tone)
Content: Does your response include all the words and repeat exactly what you heard.
in the reading text and only these words? • You should speak clearly. There is no need to
Content is scored by counting the number of rush.
correct words in your response. Replacements • Finish speaking before the progress bar
insertions and omissions of words will negatively reaches the end. The word “Recording”
affect your score. changes to “Completed”.
Oral fluency: Does your response demonstrate a • You are not able to replay the audio. You are
smooth, effortless and natural rate of speech? only able to record your response once.
Oral fluency is scored by determining if your
rhythm, phrasing and stress are smooth. The best TIPS:
responses are spoken at a constant and natural Listen to the phrasing of the sentence as it is
rate of speech with appropriate phrasing. read aloud
Hesitations, repetitions and false starts will • You will be scored on the correct word
negatively affect your score. sequences that you produce for this item type,
Pronunciation: Does your response demonstrate so the more phrases you understand, the better
your ability to produce speech sounds in a similar your reproduction of the sentence will be. For
way to most regular speakers of the language? example, there are three phrases in this
Pronunciation is scored by determining if your sentence, separated by /, and each one carries
speech is easily understandable to most regular a separate message that has its own meaning:
speakers of the language. The best responses • Next week’s tutorial / on Tuesday / has been
contain vowels and consonants pronounced in a cancelled.
native-like way, and stress words and phrases • If you listen for meaningful phrases in the
correctly. Responses should also be immediately sentence, you will have a better chance of
understandable to a regular speaker of the repeating what you hear accurately.
language. Copy the stress and intonation patterns of the
PTE Academic recognizes regional and national sentence you hear
varieties of English pronunciation to the degree that • Make a mental note of the way the speaker
they are understandable to most regular speakers uses stress and intonation on the recording.
of the language. These patterns help to convey the meaning.
Speak calmly and clearly, copying this stress
Note and intonation. For example, look at the pattern
• This item type affects the scoring of the in the example: the stressed words or syllables
following: reading, speaking, oral fluency are underlined, and the falling intonation is
and pronunciation. marked by down ⬇ arrows:
• Your listening and writing skills are not • I’m going to attend the briefing ⬇ for students ⬇.
tested by this item type.
How this question is scored How to answer this question
Your score on Repeat Sentence is based on three For this item type, you need to describe an
factors: image.
Content: Does your response include all the words The recording status box displays a countdown
in the sentence, and only these words? until the microphone opens. You have 25 seconds
Content is scored by counting the number of to study the image and prepare your
correct word sequences in your response. Having response. You hear a short tone. After the tone,
almost nothing from the prompt in your response start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking
will negatively affect your score. before the microphone opens because your voice
Oral fluency: Does your response demonstrate a will not be recorded.
smooth, effortless and natural rate of speech? • You should speak clearly. There is no need to
Oral fluency is scored by determining if your rush.
rhythm, phrasing and stress are smooth. The best • Finish speaking before the progress bar
responses are spoken at a constant and natural reaches the end. The word “Recording”
rate of speech with appropriate phrasing. changes to “Completed’’.
Hesitations, repetitions and false starts will • You are only able to record your response
negatively affect your score. once.
Pronunciation: Does your response demonstrate
your ability to produce speech sounds in a similar Focus on the main information in the image
way to most regular speakers of the language? • When you look at the image ask yourself ‘‘What
Pronunciation is scored by determining if your is the main idea being shown by the image?’’
speech is easily understandable to most regular and ‘‘What are the details relating to the main
speakers of the language. The best responses ideas?’’.
contain vowels and consonants pronounced in a • Use your erasable noteboard booklet to note
native-like way, as well as words and phrases down key ideas and phrases that relate to the
stressed correctly. Responses should also be main information and the explanatory details.
immediately understandable to a regular speaker of These can be put into sentences when you start
the language. to speak:
PTE Academic recognizes regional and national
varieties of English pronunciation to the degree that
they are understandable to most regular speakers
of the language.

Notes
• Partial credit scoring applies to Repeat
Sentence. No credit is given for no response or
an irrelevant response. This question type
affects the scoring of the following: listening,
speaking, oral fluency and pronunciation. Organize your description of the image
If you organize what you say, you will get a better
• Your writing skills are not tested by this
score. This is because a well-organized answer is
question type, and your reading skills are only
more likely to cover the main information as well as
used to read the instructions.
the additional details, and also talk about
implications or conclusions based on the
information. Look at how this sample description is
DESCRIBE IMAGE
organized:
Task
An image appears on the screen. Describe the
image in detail.
Prompt Length
Not applicable
Skills Assessed
Speaking
Time to Answer
40 seconds
 • Your listening and writing skills are not
tested by this question type, and your
reading skills are only used to read the
instructions.

The given image is about interesting topics

based on many different categories.

Firstly, we see that the image can show a major

point which is connected to our society, so it is
How this question is scored fair to say that it is important.
Your score on Describe Image is based on three
factors: Finally, KW1, KW2, KW3, KW4, KW5, KW6, KW7,
Content: Does your response accurately and KW8, KW9…
thoroughly describe the image?
Content is scored by determining if all aspects and
elements of the image have been addressed in RETELL LECTURE
your response. Your description of relationships,
possible developments and conclusions or Task
implications based on details from the image is also After listening to or watching a lecture, re-tell the
scored. The best responses deal with all parts of lecture in your own words.
the image, contain logical and specific information Prompt Length
and include possible developments, conclusions or Up to 90 seconds
implications. Mentioning just a few disjointed ideas Skills Assessed
will negatively affect your score. Listening and speaking
Oral fluency: Does your response demonstrate a Time to Answer
smooth, effortless and natural rate of speech? Oral 40 seconds
fluency is scored by determining if your rhythm,
phrasing and stress are smooth. The best How to answer this question
responses are spoken at a constant and natural For this item type, you need to re-tell what you
rate of speech with appropriate phrasing. heard.
Hesitations, repetitions and false starts will The audio begins to play automatically. You may
negatively affect your score. also see an image related to the audio. After the
Pronunciation: Does your response demonstrate audio finishes, you have 10 seconds to prepare.
your ability to produce speech sounds in a similar The recording status box displays a countdown
way to most regular speakers of the language? until the microphone opens. You hear a short tone.
Pronunciation is scored by determining if your After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not
speech is easily understandable to most regular start speaking before the microphone opens
speakers of the language. The best responses because your voice will not be recorded.
contain vowels and consonants pronounced in a • You should speak clearly. There is no need
native-like way, and stress words and phrases to rush.
correctly. Responses should also be immediately • Finish speaking before the progress bar
understandable to a regular speaker of the reaches the end. The word “Recording”
language. changes to “Completed’’.
PTE Academic recognizes regional and national • You are only able to record your response
varieties of English pronunciation to the degree that once.
they are understandable to most regular speakers Note: While the audio is playing, you can take
of the language. notes on the erasable noteboard provided.
Notes Make good use of the image to predict the topic
• Partial credit scoring applies to Describe of the lecture
Image. No credit is given for no response or You have three seconds before you listen to the
an irrelevant response. This question type recording to quickly look at the image on the
affects the scoring of the following: screen. Use this time to think about the
speaking, oral fluency and pronunciation.
vocabulary you might hear. This will give you an Hesitations, repetitions and false starts will
idea of the topic of the lecture and help you negatively affect your score.
predict what you will hear when the recording Pronunciation: Does your response demonstrate
begins: your ability to produce speech sounds in a similar
way to most regular speakers of the language?
Pronunciation is scored by determining if your
speech is easily understandable to most regular
speakers of the language. The best responses
contain vowels and consonants pronounced in a
native-like way, and stress words and phrases
correctly. Responses should also be immediately
understandable to a regular speaker of the
language.
PTE Academic recognizes regional and national
Make good use of the 40 seconds speaking time varieties of English pronunciation to the degree that
You only have 40 seconds to speak and make sure they are understandable to most regular speakers
that you include all the main points of the lecture. of the language.
If you repeat ideas, correct yourself or hesitate, you
will use up valuable time and lose score points. Notes
So keep talking and ignore any mistakes that • Partial credit scoring applies to Re-tell Lecture.
you make. No credit is given for no response or an
irrelevant response.
• This question type affects the scoring of the
following: listening, speaking, oral fluency and
pronunciation.
• Your writing skills are not tested by this
question type, and your reading skills are only
used to read the instructions.

The given lecture is about interesting topics

based on many different categories.
How this question is scored Firstly, we see that the lecture can show a major
Your response for Re-tell Lecture is judged based point which is connected to our society, so it is
on our ability to give a presentation on information fair to say that it is important.
from a lecture on an academic subject. Your score
is based on three factors: Finally, KW1, KW2, KW3, KW4, KW5, KW6, KW7,
Content: Does your response accurately and KW8, KW9…
thoroughly retell the information in the lecture?
Content is scored by determining how accurately
and thoroughly you convey the situation,
characters, aspects, actions and developments ANSWER SHORT QUESTION
presented in the lecture. Your description of Task
relationships, possible developments and After listening to a question, answer with a single
conclusions or implications is also scored. The best word or a few words.
responses retell all the main points of the lecture Prompt Length
and include possible developments, conclusions or 3–9 seconds
implications. Mentioning a few disjointed ideas will Skills Assessed
negatively affect your score. Listening and speaking
Oral fluency: Does your response demonstrate a Time to Answer
smooth, effortless and natural rate of speech? 10 seconds
Oral fluency is scored by determining if your
rhythm, phrasing and stress are smooth. The best How to answer this question
responses are spoken at a constant and natural For this item type, you need to reply to the
rate of speech with appropriate phrasing. question in one or a few words.
The audio begins to play automatically. You may answer. There are no extra marks for additional
also see an image. words.
When the audio finishes, the microphone opens For example, for this question: ‘What type of
and the recording status box shows “Recording”. periodical is published on a daily basis?’, both
Speak into the microphone immediately (there is no these answers would score the same marks:
short tone) and answer the question with one or a
few words.
• You should speak clearly. There is no need to
rush.
How this question is scored
• Finish speaking before the progress bar
Your response for Answer Short Question is judged
reaches the end. The word “Recording”
on your ability to understand a question presented
changes to “Completed”.
in a recording and provide a brief and accurate
• You are not able to replay the audio. You are
response. Your response is scored as either correct
only able to record your response once.
or incorrect based on how appropriate the words in
• Do not pause for too long when you answer
your response are. No credit is given for no
the question
response or an incorrect response.
• You hear a short question and then the
Note
recording status box will change to recording.
• This question type affects the scoring of the
• Start your answer as soon as this happens. If
following: listening, speaking and vocabulary.
you wait for more than three seconds, the
• Your writing skills are not tested by this
recording will stop and the item status will
question type, and your reading skills are only
change to ‘completed’, which means that
used to read the instructions.
you have lost your chance to give your
answer.
SUMMARIZE WRITTEN TEXT

Task
After reading the text, write a one-sentence
summary of the passage.
Prompt Length
• When you have started talking, don’t stop for Text up to 300 words
more than a second or two until you have Skills Assessed
finished. If you stop for three seconds whilst Reading and writing
speaking, the recording status will change to Time to Answer
‘completed’ even if you haven’t finished, 10 minutes
and you won’t be able to continue
answering. How to answer this question
• If the status changes to ‘completed’, you have For this item type, you need to write a summary
to click ‘Next’ to move on to the next item. This of the text in one sentence.
also applies to speaking item types Read aloud, You have 10 minutes to write your summary.
Repeat Sentence, Describe Image and Re-tell Make sure to include the main points of the reading
Lecture. passage in a full, single sentence of no more
than 75 words.
The word count at the bottom of the screen counts
the number of words you write. There are also cut,
copy and paste buttons which you may use while
constructing your summary.
Cut: Select text from your answer that you wish to
remove and left-click “Cut”.
Do not try to give a long answer
Copy: Select text from your answer that you wish
The instructions for this item type tell you how to
to copy and left-click “Copy”.
answer the question:
Paste: Place the cursor where you wish to paste
the cut/copied text and left-click “Paste”.
There is no point in saying more than you need to
say. Marks are awarded for a short, accurate
Make sure your response is in the correct form Grammar: Does your response demonstrate
When you have written your response, check to correct grammatical usage?
make sure that it is only one sentence, with a Grammar is scored by determining if the basic
capital letter at the beginning and only one full stop structure of the sentence is correct. The best
at the end. responses usually consist of a main clause and
Your response must be between 5 and 75 words subordinate clause.
so check the word count using the ‘Total Word Vocabulary: Does your response demonstrate
Count’ counter below the response box. If you write correct and appropriate word choice and usage?
fewer than five words or more than 75 words, your Vocabulary is scored according to its relevance to
response will not be scored: the passage and its appropriateness in an
academic environment. The appropriate use of
synonyms is also scored. The best responses use
words from the passage appropriately, demonstrate
an understanding of the context and use synonyms
effectively to show variety in language use.

Note
• Your response is scored as either correct or
incorrect based on the appropriateness of the
Practice using compound and complex words in your response. No credit is given for
sentences no response or an incorrect response.
Your response must be expressed within one • Your listening and speaking skills are not tested
sentence, so you will need to use a complex or by this question type.
compound sentence to be able to summarize
the main point of the passage and also briefly
mention the supporting detail. ESSAY
For example, look at the clause structures used in
these summaries to link supporting ideas to the Task
main point: Write a 200–300 word essay on a given topic.
Prompt Length
2–3 sentences
Skills Assessed
Writing
Time to Answer
20 minutes

How this question is scored How to answer this question

Content: Does your response summarize the main For this item type, you need to write a 200–300
points in the passage? word argumentative essay in response to a
Content is scored by determining if all key points of prompt.
the passage have been addressed without You have 20 minutes to write your essay.
misrepresenting the purpose or topic. If your The Word Count at the bottom of the screen counts
summary misinterprets the topic or the purpose of the number of words you write. Make sure to write
the passage, you will not receive any score points a minimum of 200 words, but no more than 300
for your summary on any of the four factors. Your words.
summary will be scored zero. The best responses There are also cut, copy and paste buttons, which
clearly summarize the main idea and condense you may choose to use while constructing your
essential supporting points. They focus on the response.
topic, including only key information and essential Cut: Select text from your answer that you wish to
supporting points. remove and left-click “Cut”.
Form: Does your response meet the requirements Copy: Select text from your answer that you wish
of a one-sentence summary? If your summary to copy and left-click “Copy”.
contains fewer than five words or more than 75 Paste: Place the cursor where you wish to paste
words, you will not receive any score points for your the cut/copied text and left-click “Paste”.
summary on any of the four factors. Your summary
will be scored zero.
Start by analyzing the task and/or explanations. Transitions between
Before you write anything, note key words in the paragraphs are smooth.
prompt. Find out the topic, what key points you Form: Does your response meet the length
should focus on to answer the question and any requirement of between 200 and 300 words?
points of view to present and discuss: Form is scored by counting the number of words in
your response. You will receive full credit if your
essay is between 200 and 300 words. Writing less
than 200 words or more than 300 words will
decrease your score. If your essay contains less
than 120 words or more than 380 words, you will
not receive any score points for your essay on any
of the seven factors. Your essay will be scored
zero.
General linguistic range: Does your response use
Analyze the essay prompt so you know how to language that precisely conveys your ideas?
answer General linguistic range is scored by determining if
Essay prompts can be written in a number of ways. the language in your response accurately
For example, you may need to discuss whether communicates your ideas. This includes your ability
you agree or disagree with a statement: to provide clear descriptions, change emphasis,
eliminate ambiguity, express subtleties in meaning,
and use stylistic features to communicate meaning.
You may have to consider how different groups You are more likely to receive full credit if you use
of people might feel about a particular situation: complex sentence structures and vocabulary
correctly, rather than consistently using simple
sentence structures and vocabulary. This is
because complex ideas are often expressed with
How this question is scored complex sentence structures and vocabulary. The
Your response on Write Essay is judged on our best responses use language that highlights key
ability to write a persuasive or argumentative essay ideas, creatively expresses opinions and ensures
on a given topic. Your score is based on seven clear communication.
factors: Grammar usage and mechanics: Does your
Content: Does your response address the topic? response demonstrate correct grammatical usage
Content is scored by determining if all aspects of and consistent control of standard written English?
the topic have been addressed in your response. Grammar usage and mechanics are scored by
The appropriateness of the details, examples and examining sentence structure, punctuation and
explanations used to support your point of view is capitalization. The best responses contain high
also scored. If your essay does not address the proportions of grammatically correct complex
topic, you will not receive any score points for your sentences that clearly communicate the intended
essay on any of the seven factors. Your essay will meaning.
be scored zero. The best responses are on topic, Vocabulary range: Does your response
contain logical and specific information and answer demonstrate command of a broad vocabulary
any questions asked. They also support any range?
arguments with details, examples and/or Vocabulary range is scored according to the variety
explanations. of words in your response and their
Development, structure and coherence: Does appropriateness in an academic environment.
your response demonstrate good development of Synonyms, idiomatic expressions and academic
ideas and a logical structure? terms are also assessed if appropriate. The best
Development, structure and coherence are scored responses use precise academic terms and avoid
according to the organization of your response. A repetition by using synonyms and idioms where
well-developed response uses a logical appropriate.
organizational pattern, connects ideas and explains Spelling: Does your response demonstrate correct
these connections. The best responses contain and consistent use of a single spelling convention?
multiple paragraphs and have a clear introduction, PTE Academic recognizes English spelling
body and conclusion that relate to the topic of the conventions from the United States, the United
essay. Within paragraphs, ideas are clearly Kingdom, Australia and Canada. However, one
presented and supported with details, examples
spelling convention should be used consistently in
a given response. READING & WRITING: FILL IN THE BLANKS

Note Task
• Partial credit scoring applies to Write Essay. No Text appears on-screen with several gaps. Drag
credit is given for no response or an irrelevant words from a box below to fill the gaps.
response. Prompt Length
• This question type affects the scoring of the Text up to 300 words
following: writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary Skills Assessed
and written discourse. Reading and writing
• Your listening and speaking skills are not tested Time to Answer
by this question type, and your reading skills Not applicable
are only used to read the instructions and the
prompt. How to answer this question
For this item type, you need to select the most
appropriate words from a drop-down list to
restore the text.
There is a passage with some missing words.
ESSAY TEMPLATE Beside each gap, there is a button with a drop-
down list. Left-click on this button to reveal the
In recent years, [TOPIC] has attracted numerous drop-down list of options for that gap. Select the
controversies and drawn the attention of the public. option you think best fills the gap.
Some people are firmly convinced that To change your mind, left-click on a different
[VIEWPOINT 1], while others argue that option.
[VIEWPOINT 2]. After thorough consideration of all
relevant factors, I believe that [PERSONAL For this item type, you need to select the most
OPINION] appropriate words from a drop-down list to
restore the text.
First and foremost, [VIEWPOINT 1]. [INSERT There is a passage with some missing words.
SUPPORTING SENTENCE]. Although the potential Beside each gap, there is a button with a drop-
risk of [NEGATIVE EFFECT] must be taken into down list. Left-click on this button to reveal the
account, I still reckon that [PERSONAL OPINION]. drop-down list of options for that gap. Select the
For instance, a prominent (researcher, scientist, option you think best fills the gap.
psychologist, teacher, leader…) once stated that To change your mind, left-click on a different
[INSERT STORY]. [INSERT SUPPORTING option.
SENTENCE].
Skim for overall meaning to help you choose
(Additionally/However/Moreover), [VIEWPOINT 2]. the correct word
[INSERT SUPPORTING SENTENCE]. For Understanding the meaning of the whole text helps
example, a recent article published in the Daily you choose the correct word for each blank. For
Journal revealed that [INSERT STORY]. example, if you skim the passage below, you will
Undoubtedly, this is a clear indication that find key ideas and words which point to a main
[PERSONAL OPINION]. topic of ‘change’.
When you click on the drop-down arrows, you
In conclusion, due to the reasons outlined above, I may find options that are also related to the
hold the view that [PERSONAL OPINION]. While main topic. You can then check grammar and
[TOPIC] (has/have) made our lives easier and more overall meaning to see whether the words fit the
convenient, we need to be mindful of their potential blanks:
drawbacks and use (them/it) in a balanced and
responsible way.

[TOPIC]
[VIEWPOINT 1]
[VIEWPOINT 2]
[PERSONAL OPINION].
Read before and after the blank to help you To select an option, click on it using the left button
identify the correct word on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click
The choices in the drop-down menus may look on the option again to deselect it.
quite similar but will have different meanings and The options you select are highlighted in yellow.
usage. Looking at the surrounding context will
help you choose the appropriate word. In the Make sure you know how the task is scored
example below, only ‘access’ fits in the phrase Read the instructions carefully. Remember
‘gained …………. to technologies’; pick words that that more than one option is correct in this type
match the meaning (gain access) and of multiple-choice item. You will score marks for
grammar (‘access to’). Reading either side of the any correct options but you will lose score points
blank will help you narrow down the choices you for any incorrect options.
have to make: These include options that you have clicked on as
Scan the text for the repeated words. Then read correct but which are wrong. If you click on all the
around them to find the answer more quickly: options because you do not know the answer, you
will lose score points. This applies to Multiple
Choice, Multiple Answers item types for reading
and listening.

How this question is scored

Your response for Reading & Writing: Fill in the
Blanks is judged on your ability to use contextual
and grammatical cues to identify words that
complete a reading text. If all blanks are filled
correctly, you receive the maximum score points for
this question type. If one or more blanks are filled
incorrectly, partial credit scoring applies.
Notes
• This question type affects the scoring of reading
and writing.
• Your listening and speaking skills Note any repeated words in the options
Quickly read through the response options
and note any words that are repeated,
particularly adjectives (e.g., ‘multigrade’) or nouns
(e.g., ‘classes’). If the same noun phrase occurs in
MULTIPLE CHOICE, MULTIPLE ANSWER a lot of the options, the answer is probably related
to this phrase.
Task Scan the text for the repeated words. Then read
After reading the text, answer a multiple-choice around them to find the answer more quickly:
question on the content or tone of the text by
selecting more than one response.
Prompt Length
Text up to 300 words
Skills Assessed
Reading
Time to Answer
Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this item type, you need to read the
passage and answer the multiple-choice
question. There is more than one correct
response.
You need to select all the response options that How this question is scored
you think are correct from the list of possible Your response for Multiple Choice, Multiple
options. Answers is judged on your ability to analyze,
interpret and evaluate a short reading text on an
academic subject. If all responses are correct, you
receive the maximum score points for this question
type.
If one or more response options are incorrect,
partial credit scoring applies.
This is the first of three question types where you
can lose points if you choose any incorrect options.
For any wrong options chosen one point is
deducted, whilst correct options are given one
point. Make sure you are confident in your choices. Find the topic sentence first
Note Every well-written paragraph has a topic sentence.
• This question type affects the scoring of It is usually a clear statement about the topic, and
reading. all the other sentences are related in some way to
• Your listening, speaking and writing skills are this sentence.
not tested by this question type. The topic sentence can stand alone; it does not
begin with a linker or a pronoun that refers back
to something or someone (e.g., ‘he’ or ‘this’), nor
does it does refer back to information or
REORDER PARAGRAPHS actions previously mentioned through the use of
things like passive verb tenses (e.g., ‘No link was
Task found’):
Several text boxes appear on the screen in a
random order. Put the text boxes in the correct
order.
Prompt Length
Text up to 150 words
Skills Assessed
Reading
Time to Answer
Not applicable

How to answer this question Accordion - 2. Reading - Part 2 - 2.3: Re-order

For this item type, you need to restore the Paragraphs - How this question is scored
original order of the text by selecting text boxes Your response for Re-order Paragraphs is judged
and dragging them across the screen. on your ability to understand the organization and
There are two ways you can move the text: cohesion of an academic text. If all text boxes are
1. Left-click on a box to select it (it will be in the correct order, you receive the maximum
outlined in blue), hold the left mouse button score points for this question type. If one or more
down and drag it to the desired location. text boxes are in the wrong order, partial credit
2. Left-click on a box to select it, and then left- scoring applies.
click on the left and right arrow buttons to Notes
move it across. On the right panel, you can • This question type affects the scoring of only
also use the up and down arrow buttons to reading.
re-order the boxes. • Your listening, speaking and writing skills are
To deselect a box, left-click elsewhere on the not tested by this question type.
screen.

Read all the text boxes quickly before you start FILL IN THE BLANKS
re-ordering them
Read the text boxes in order to understand the Task
main idea of each one. You can do this by noting The text appears on a screen with several gaps in
the key words. it. Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps.
Next, use the key words to form an overall idea of Prompt Length
what the original text is about. This will help you Text up to 80 words
find the logical order for the ideas in the text boxes:
Skills Assessed
Reading
Time to Answer
Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this item type, you need to drag and drop
words across the screen to correctly fill in the
gaps in the text.
There is a passage with some missing words. You
have a list of words in the blue box that you can
use to fill the gaps in the text. There are more
words than gaps so you will not use all the words
How this question is scored
provided.
Your response for Reading: Fill in the Blanks is
Left-click on a word to select it; keep the left mouse judged on your ability to use context and
button held down and drag the word to the gap
grammatical cues to identify words that complete a
where you want to place it. You can also drag
reading text. If all blanks are filled correctly, you
words between gaps. To remove a word from a
receive the maximum score points for this question
gap, drag it back to the blue box.
type. If one or more blanks are filled incorrectly,
partial credit scoring applies.
Think about words that you often see or hear
Notes
together
• This question type affects the scoring of only
Remember that some words often go together to
reading.
form a familiar phrase. This is called
• Your listening, speaking and writing skills are
‘collocation’. Using collocation can help you not tested by this question type.
recognize the correct word for each blank.
For example, the phrase ‘the general public’ is a
common collocation, so you can quickly see that
‘public’ might be a good choice for the first blank in
MULTIPLE CHOICE SINGLE ANSWER
the sentence below:
Task
After reading the text, answer a multiple-choice
question on the content or tone of the text by
selecting one response.
Prompt Length
Use your knowledge of grammar to help you Text up to 300 words
select the correct word Skills Assessed
Read around the blank in the text and decide what Reading
part of speech the missing word is. In the Time to Answer
example below, ‘beginning to’ tells you that an Not applicable
infinitive verb form is missing ‘to + verb’. Next look
at the answer options provided and rule out any How to answer this question
words that are not the right part of speech, e.g., For this item type, you need to read the
‘world’ is a noun and ‘formal’ is an adjective. Also, passage and answer the multiple-choice
rule out any verbs that are not in the infinitive form. question.
Finally, choose the word that has the correct There are several possible response options but
meaning from the words that are left: ‘view’ and only one is correct.
‘look’ mean ‘see’, but we ‘quote’ or ‘cite’ references, To select an option click on it using the left button
so only ‘cite’ fits the blank: on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click
on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a
different option.
The option you select is highlighted in yellow.

Note the key words in the prompt before you

read the text
The prompt for this item type may be a question or • Your listening, speaking and writing skills are
a sentence that you have to complete. Whatever not tested by this question type.
type of prompt you get, read it carefully because
it will tell you what information you need to find in
the text.
If you focus on the key words in the prompt, SUMMARIZE SPOKEN TEXT
you will find the answer more quickly and spend
less time reading the text. Task
After listening to a recording, write a 50–70 word
summary.
Prompt Length
60–90 seconds
Skills Assessed
Listening and writing
Time to Answer
Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this item type, you will hear an audio
recording and will need to write a 50–70 word
summary of what you heard.
Evaluate the response options You have 10 minutes to listen and write your
The response options may be words, phrases or summary.
sentences. Use your own knowledge to decide The audio begins to play automatically. You are
whether any of them are unlikely to be correct, only able to listen to the audio recording once.
or likely to be correct. You can do this before you The Word Count at the bottom of the screen counts
read the text. the number of words you write. Make sure to write
If you read the text but cannot answer the a minimum of 50 words, but no more than 70
question, choose the option that you think is words.
most likely to be correct. This strategy also There are also cut, copy and paste buttons, which
applies to multiple-choice questions with more than you may choose to use while constructing your
one answer. summary.
Cut: Select text from your answer that you wish to
remove and left-click “Cut”.
Copy: Select text from your answer that you wish
to copy and left-click “Copy”.
Paste: Place the cursor where you wish to paste
the cut/copied text and left-click “Paste”.

Make sure you summarize the main point and

include the supporting points
While you listen to the recording, make sure you
note down the supporting points as well as the
main idea in your erasable noteboard booklet. From
your notes, you can then summarize the main
How this question is scored point and refer briefly to the essential
Your response to Multiple Choice, Single Answer is supporting points, which will gain you good marks
judged on your ability to analyze, interpret and for content.
evaluate a short reading text on an academic
subject.
Your response is scored as either correct or
incorrect. No credit is given for no response or an
incorrect response. This question type affects the Remember to check grammar, spelling and
scoring of reading. punctuation
Note In your 50–70 word summary, you will be scored on
• This question type affects the scoring of only the enabling skills of grammar, spelling and
reading. vocabulary. So leave yourself one or two minutes
after you have written your summary to check your Grammar is scored by determining if the basic
sentences for things like subject/verb structure of the sentences is correct. The
agreement, tenses and word order. best responses use concise sentences that clearly
Use grammatical structures that you can use communicate the intended meaning.
confidently, and words that you are sure you have Vocabulary: Does your response demonstrate
spelled correctly. Finally, check your correct and appropriate word choice and Usage?
punctuation: check full stops and commas, and Vocabulary is scored according to its relevance to
make sure you have begun each sentence with a the lecture and its appropriateness in an academic
capital letter: environment. The appropriate use of synonyms is
also scored. The best responses use words from
the lecture appropriately, demonstrate an
understanding of the context and use synonyms
effectively to show variety in language use.
Spelling: Does your response demonstrate correct
and consistent use of a single spelling convention?
PTE Academic recognizes English spelling
conventions from the United States, the
United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. However,
one spelling convention should be used
consistently in a given response.
How this question is scored Note
Your response for Summarize Spoken Text is • Partial credit scoring applies to Summarize
judged on your ability to comprehend, analyze and Spoken Text. No credit is given for no response
combine information from a lecture, and then or an irrelevant response. This question type
summarize the key points in writing. You are also affects the scoring of the following: listening;
assessed on the quality of your writing and on how writing; grammar; spelling and vocabulary.
well your response presents the key points in the • Your speaking skills are not tested by this
lecture. question type, and your reading skills are only
Your score is based on five factors: used to read the instructions.
Content: Does your response summarize the main
points in the lecture?
Content is scored by determining if all the key
points of the lecture have been addressed without
misrepresenting the purpose or topic. If your MULTIPLE CHOICE, MULTIPLE ANSWERS
summary misinterprets the topic or the purpose of
the lecture, you will not receive any score points for Task
your summary on any of the five factors. Your After listening to a recording, answer a multiple-
summary will be scored zero. The best responses choice question on the content or tone of the
clearly summarize the main points and condense recording by selecting more than one response.
essential supporting points. They focus on the topic Prompt Length
and include only key information and essential 40–90 seconds
supporting points. Skills Assessed
Form: Does your response meet the length Listening
requirement of between 50 and 70 words? Time to Answer
Form is scored by counting the number of words in Not applicable
your response. You will receive full credit if your
response is between 50 and 70 words. Writing How to answer this question
fewer than 50 words or more than 70 words will For this item type, you will listen to the
decrease your score. If your summary contains recording and answer the multiple-choice
fewer than 40 words or more than 100 words, you question. There is more than one correct
will not receive any score points for your summary response.
on any of the five factors. Your summary will be The audio begins to play automatically. You are
scored zero. only able to listen to the audio recording once.
Grammar: Does your response demonstrate You need to select all of the response options that
correct grammatical usage? you think are correct from the list of possible
options.
To select an option click on it using the left button • This question type affects the scoring of only
on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click listening.
on the option again to deselect it. • Your speaking and writing skills are not tested
The options you select are highlighted in yellow. by this question type, and your reading skills
are only used to read the instructions, prompt
and response options.
Take notes of the main points and supporting
details
In the seven seconds before the recording begins,
read the question and get ready to take notes to
help you answer. Taking notes is likely to be more FILL IN THE BLANKS
helpful than trying to select options while you listen,
because you may not hear the information in Task
exactly the same order as the options. A transcript of a recording appears on the screen,
Note down details (e.g., times, places, things that with several gaps. After listening to the recording,
happened) as well as the main points, because type the missing word in each gap.
you will need to select more than one option: Prompt Length
30–60 seconds
Skills Assessed
Listening and writing
Time to Answer
Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this item type, you are presented with a
transcript of the audio recording; however,
some words are missing. Restore the transcript
by typing in the missing words.
The audio plays automatically. You are only able to
listen to the audio recording once.
Select for meaning, not just to match the words Left-click on each gap and type in the missing
you hear word. You can also use the Tab button on the
Select the options that best match the meaning keyboard to move between gaps.
of what you heard. Don’t just choose an option Note: While the audio is playing, you can take
because it has the same words or phrases as the notes on the erasable noteboard provided and then
recording. Several options may use words from the fill in the gaps.
recording but may not match the meaning of what
you have heard. Skim the text before the recording begins
In the seven seconds before the recording begins,
you only have time to skim the text. As you do this,
ignore the gaps and try to get an overall idea of
what the text is about. This will help you recognize
the words that fit the gaps, as you hear them.
Some of the things you can look for:
• Proper nouns (that begin with a capital letter).
How this question is scored They can give you information about people
Your response for Multiple Choice, Multiple and what they do (e.g., ‘Mike Griffiths …
Answers is judged on your ability to analyze, conservationist’), places (e.g., ‘Indonesian
interpret, and evaluate a brief audio or video island of Sumatra’) and organizations (e.g.,
recording on an academic subject. If all response ‘conservation group The Leuser International
options are correct, you receive the maximum Foundation’). (Don’t worry if you don’t know
score points for this question type. If one or more where or who they are).
response options are incorrect, partial credit • Nouns that are repeated in the text. They may
scoring applies. help you decide on the topic.
Notes
 HIGHLIGHT CORRECT SUMMARY

Task
After listening to a recording, select the paragraph
that best summarizes the recording.
Prompt Length
30–90 seconds
Skills Assessed
Listening and reading
Time to Answer
As you listen, write the words you hear for the
Not applicable
blanks on your ‘erasable noteboard booklet’
The recording is at normal speed and is only played
How to answer this question
once. When you are listening, you do not have time
to think about how to spell the missing words. Use For this item type, you need to select the
summary that best matches the recording.
your erasable noteboard booklet to write down
what you think you hear: The audio begins to play automatically. You are
only able to listen to the audio recording once.
After the recording has finished, you can read
There are several possible response options but
through the text, and use your notes to decide on
the words that are missing and how they are only one is correct.
To select an option click on it using the left button
spelled. Then type them into the gaps:
on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click
on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a
different option.
The option you select is highlighted in yellow.
Note: It may be difficult to read and listen at the
same time. It is recommended that you listen first,
Remember, the next item does not start until you
make notes on the erasable noteboard and then
click Next (N) at the bottom of the screen, so you
read the summaries.
have a little time to think about your answers.
Take notes and match them to the correct
How this question is scored
summary
Your response for Fill in the Blanks is judged on
Don’t read the options before or while you are
your ability to listen for missing words in a recording
listening to the recording as there is too much to
and type the missing words into a transcription.
read, and this will distract you. Instead, note down
Your score on Fill in the blanks is based on the
the key ideas on your erasable noteboard booklet
following factor:
as you listen (e.g., key words and phrases,
Content: Does your response include all the
numbers, names and dates and any information
missing words?
that is highlighted by the speaker through stress
Content is scored by counting the number of right
and intonation).
words with correct spelling in your response. Each
Then read the options and match the option that
correct word spelled correctly scores one point.
is closest in detail to your notes:
Notes
• If all blanks are filled with the right word spelled
correctly, you receive the maximum score
points for this question type. If one or more
blanks are filled incorrectly, partial credit
scoring applies. This question type affects the
scoring of listening and writing.
• Your speaking skills are not tested by this
question type, and your reading skills are only
used to read the instructions and the
transcription..
How this question is scored
Your response for Highlight Correct Summary is
judged on your ability to comprehend, analyze, and
combine information from a recording and identify
the most accurate summary of the recording. Your Or listening for the speaker’s purpose: Why
response is scored as either correct or incorrect. does the speaker talk about the fall in car
No credit is given for no response or an incorrect ownership?
response.
Notes Skim the question and answer options before
• This question type affects the scoring of you listen to understand the topic
listening and reading. In the five seconds before the recording
• Your speaking and writing skills are not tested begins, quickly read the question and answer
by this question type. options to make sure you understand the topic.
For example, in this sample, the question shows
that the speaker will talk about the future, and the
options show you they all include the word ‘media’.
So you are listening to hear what the speaker
MULTIPLE CHOICE, SINGLE ANSWER thinks will happen to the media in the future.

Task
After listening to a recording, select the paragraph
that best summarizes the recording.
Prompt Length
30–90 seconds
Skills Assessed
Listening
Time to Answer
Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this item type, you need to listen to the How this question is scored
recording and answer the multiple-choice Single Answer is judged on your ability to. Your
question. response is scored as either correct or incorrect.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are No credit is given for no response or an incorrect
only able to listen to the audio recording once. response.
There are several possible response options but Notes
only one is correct. • This question type affects the scoring of only
To select an option, click on it using the left button listening.
on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click • Your speaking and writing skills are not tested
on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a with this question type, and your reading skills
different option. are only used to read the instructions, prompt,
The option you select is highlighted in yellow. and response options.

Test tips
Focus on the kind of information you need SELECT MISSING WORD
For listening multiple-choice questions, the main Task
part of the question tells you what to listen After listening to a recording, select the missing
for. Being aware of the focus of the question will word that completes the recording from a list of
help guide your listening. options.
For example, it will tell you whether you are Prompt Length
listening for the main idea: What was the main 20–70 seconds
cause of the company’s collapse? Skills Assessed
Or listening for some supporting information or Listening
details: What aspect of past transport policy does Time to Answer
the speaker mention? Not applicable
Or listening for an inference drawn by the speaker:
What does the speaker suggest that the factory How to answer this question
may have to do? For this item type, the last word or group of
words in the recording has been replaced by a
beep sound. Select the most appropriate option
to complete the recording.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are
only able to listen to the audio recording once. How to answer this question
There are several possible response options but For this item type, you are presented with a
only one is correct. transcript of the audio recording; however, the
To select an option, click on it using the left button transcript contains some errors. While listening
on your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click and reading, you need to select the words in the
on the option again to deselect it, or left-click on a text that differ from those that the speaker says.
different option. The audio begins to plays automatically. You are
The option you select is highlighted in yellow. only able to listen to the audio recording once.
To select a word, click on it using the left button on
Know what to do if you change your mind about your mouse. If you change your mind, left-click on
the answer the word again to deselect it.
For each item in this task, there are three to five The words you select are highlighted in yellow.
response options but only ONE option is correct. At
the end of the recording, click on the option you Quickly read the transcription before you listen
think is correct. to focus on key words
The next recording does not begin playing until you In the 10 seconds before the recording begins, you
click ‘Next’. So you have a little time to think about cannot read word-for-word, but you can skim the
your answer. If you want to change your answer, transcription.
click on it again to ‘de-select’ it. Then click on Focus on the words that give you information: e.g.,
the option you think is correct. nouns (‘economy’), adjectives (‘industrial’), and
verbs (‘manufactured’). Decide what the general
topic is. This will help you pick out words that do
not fit this topic area, as you read and listen:

How this question is scored

Your response for Select Missing Word is judged
on your ability to predict what a speaker will say,
based on contextual clues in a recording. Your
response is scored as either correct or incorrect.
No credit is given for no response or an incorrect
response.
Note Follow the text with the cursor as you listen
• This question type affects the scoring of only In this item type, you have to select the wrong
listening. words as the text is read. Don’t try to make notes
• Your speaking and writing skills are not tested as you listen.
by this question type, and your reading skills Move the cursor along the screen as the words are
are only used to read the instructions and the spoken, and click on any words that sound different
response options. from the words on the screen:

HIGHLIGHT INCORRECT WORDS

Task
The transcript of a recording appears on the
screen. While listening to the recording, identify the
words in the transcript that differ from what is said.
Prompt Length
15–50 seconds
Skills Assessed How this question is scored
Listening and reading Your response for Highlight Incorrect Words is
Time to Answer judged on your ability to listen for – and to point out
Not applicable – the differences between a recording and a
transcription.
Each selected word is scored as either correct or How this question is scored
incorrect. If all the selected words are correct, you Your response for Write from Dictation is your
receive the maximum score points for this question ability to understand and remember a sentence you
type. If one or more selected words are incorrect, hear, and then write it exactly as you hear it, using
partial credit scoring applies. correct spelling.
This is the third of three question types where you Your score on Write from dictation is based on
can lose points if you choose any incorrect options. the following factor:
For any wrong options chosen, one point is Content: Does your response include all the words
deducted, while correct options are given one point. in the sentence and only these words? Content is
Make sure you are confident in your choices. scored by counting the number of correct words in
Notes your response.
• This question type affects the scoring of If all the words are right and spelled correctly, you
listening and reading. receive the maximum score points for this question
• Your speaking and writing skills are not tested type. If one or more words are incorrect, partial
by this question type. credit scoring applies.
Note
WRITE FROM DICTATION • This question type affects the scoring of
listening and writing. Your speaking skills are
Task not tested by this question type, and your
After listening to a recording of a sentence, type the reading skills are only used to read the
sentence. instructions.
Prompt Length
3–5 seconds
Skills Assessed
Listening and writing
Time to Answer
Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this item type, you hear a short sentence.
Type the sentence into the response box at the
bottom of the screen.
The audio begins to play automatically. You are
only able to listen to the audio recording once.
Note: While the audio is playing, you can take
notes on the erasable noteboard provided.
Remember to check your spelling.

Type as many correct words as you can

remember into the response box in the correct
order
You will score points for every correct word that you
write in the response box. If you can remember a
word but you are not sure where it goes in the
sentence, use your knowledge of English
grammar to help you decide: