PTE Syllabus – All About You Need To Know/Candidates who want to excel in their next PTE Exam should be aware of the latest PTE Exam syllabus. The PTE Exam syllabus mentioned below is for candidates looking to appear for their next PTE Exam. Here is the syllabus for the PTE Academic exam covering Speaking and Writing syllabus, Reading syllabus, and Listening Syllabus
Highlights of PTE Exam Pattern
Section-wise PTE 2020 Syllabus
The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) assesses the written, spoken, skills of the candidates to ensure that they are capable of studying in the international environment, with a good grasp over the universal language of English. By scoring well in this test, students can assure the admission committee as well as the visa officers that they are capable of understanding the globally accepted official language while studying on the foreign land. A good score in the test also ensures that candidates would be able to represent their ideas, deliver presentations, work to gain international exposure, and basically function on the international front in front of foreign audiences. This helps the applicants ensure that they are ready to study amidst students from all over the world and international faculty members in the universal official language.
As an English language test, PTE is no exception and has a similar kind of Exam Pattern like other English language tests. It focusses on the 3 major sections of the language proficiency
- Reading Section
- Listening Section
- Speaking and Writing Section
The test goes this way
- Question: Time to Reading the Text Prompt: The time duration of each prompt you get varies depending upon the length of the text. The length is measurable in words or sentences. You need to be active in this part.
- Prepare for Answer: Time granted to Relax and Think: You do not have to immediately answer the question. On average, you get 10 to 15 seconds to prepare for each segment. You should relax and think for a while on how to answer.
- Answer: Time for Action: This is the total time duration where you have to perform. The answers are recorded when you speak, saved as text when you write, and selected in options multiple-choice questions.
Refer to the segment-wise description boxes given along with each section explaining the PTE Exam Pattern 2020 in detail:
- Speaking and Writing
- Reading
- Listening
PTE Speaking and Writing Syllabus (77 to 93 minutes)
As the name implies, this section tests the candidate’s on the basis of their 2 major skills of communication, which are spoken and written skills. This section comprises of six small sections that test you on your promptness over speaking and writing the written test that you would get to read for the first time ever. The complete section is given time duration of 77 to 93 minutes and the time allotted to each segment is as follows:
| Segments Pattern | Time 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 |
| Summarize Written Text | 10 minutes to answer to text prompt of 300 words |
| Essay | 20 minutes to answer to text prompt of 2-3 sentences |
PTE Reading Syllabus (32 to 41 minutes)
This section tests the candidates on the basis of their ability to understand the written instructions in the language. The section further divided into 5 segments is 32 to 41 minutes long. Check out the segment-wise pattern for time distribution of this section:
| Segments Pattern | Time Duration varies on the Length of the Text Prompt |
| Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer | Read 300 words of text |
| Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers | Read 300 words of text |
| Re-Order Paragraphs | Read 150 words of text |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks | Read 80 words of text |
| Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Read 300 words of text |
PTE Listening Syllabus (45 to 57 minutes)
The listening section of the PTE Academic is stretched over 45 to 57 minutes of duration. This one is designed to determine the ability to understand spoken English by the candidate. Here, the student needs to ascertain that they carefully hear to the audio file played and retain what they heard. This section is divided into 8 segments and the time give to each segment is as follows.
| Segments Pattern | Time Duration |
| Summarize Spoken Text | 60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | 40-90 seconds for prompt |
| Fill in the Blanks | 30-60 seconds |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 30-90 seconds |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 30-60 seconds |
| Select Missing Word | 20-70 seconds |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 15-50 seconds |
| Write From Dictation | 3-5 seconds |
Types of Questions Covered in the PTE Syllabus
The questions asked for the PTE Exam include the following
Reading:
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple choice answers
- Re-order paragraphs
Listening:
- Summarize
- Multiple choice answers
- Fill in the blanks
- Write from dictation
- Highlight incorrect words
Speaking and Writing:
- Personal introduction
- Answer short questions
- Re-tell lecture
- Summarize
- Read Aloud
- Repeat sentence
- Describe Image
- Essay
Preparation tips for PTE Exam
Designed to verify the applicant’s English language skills, the standardized English language tests follow almost the same pattern. Hence, preparing for any one of these, you automatically are prepared for taking up any of the remaining two.
PTE Exam Pattern 2020
PTE General Exam Pattern
PTE General Exams are conducted in two categories: Speaking and Writing.
The written test is further divided into Listening, Reading Comprehension and Writing.
PTE General Exam scores are calculated based on 6 levels of assessment: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 which are based on the CEFR (The Common European Framework of Reference) grading system.
Individuals must acquire C1 or C2 level fluency to apply for being able to be accepted at universities or ministries abroad. However, not all universities accept PTE General as their entrance exam requirement as the scope of this exam is only limited to real-life communication. Also, the PTE General is not accepted for VISA purposes.
Few universities and ministries of the further mentioned countries accept PTE General Score for their entrance exam requirement – Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, UK, Estonia, Ukraine, Greece Vietnam, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
PTE Academic Exam Pattern
PTE Academic exam is divided into 3 categories namely Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening.
| PTE Exam Section | Duration |
| Speaking and Writing | 77 to 93 minutes |
| Reading | 32 to 41 minutes |
| Listening | 45 to 57 minutes |
PTE Academic: Speaking and Writing (Part 1)
Duration: 77 to 93 minutes
- Personal Introduction: You will be given around 25 seconds to read a prompt and prepare an answer. Further 30 seconds are allotted for recording your answer. You can only record your answer once. Scores are not noted for this however, the examiner will examine your answer and send a report to your desired institution at the time of university application submission.
- Read Aloud: You have read the prompted sentence on the screen aloud and record the sentence as your answer within 35 seconds.
- Repeat Sentence: You will hear a sentence. You will have to repeat the prompted sentence to complete your answer.
- Describe Image: A graphical representation will be put up on your screen. You will have a few seconds to understand the image after which you have record your response by describing the image within 40 seconds.
- Re-Tell lecture: The examiner will play a segment of an interview. An image may also be a part of the question. You will have to interpret, understand and record your answer within 1 minute.
- Answer Short Question: You have to hear a recorded question and write down your answer is not more than one or a few words.
- Summarize Written Text: Read the passage, write down a summary of the passage in not more than a sentence. The task is expected to be completed within 10 minutes. Cut, Copy and Paste option is available therefore select the words you would like use in your sentence and formulate your answer quickly.
- Essay: A brief paragraph is given for reference. Read the paragraph/s, understand it and compose an essay of 200 to 300 words. Cut, Copy, Paste is available.
PTE Academic: Reading (Part 2)
Duration: 32 to 41 minutes
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Read the passage and answer the question by choosing one of the four given options.
- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer: Read the passage and answer the question by choosing two possible answers.
- Re-order Paragraphs: Read the paragraph and rephrase or re-order the structure of the sentences.
- Fill in the blanks: Read the paragraph and answer the question by placing the right option in the provided blanks.
- Reading & Writing Fill in the blanks: Read through the paragraph and choose the right answer for the blanks.
PTE Academic: Listening (Part 3)
Duration: 45 to 57 minutes
- Summarize Spoken Text: Listen to a segment of an interview or a recorded clip. Write down your answer by summarizing the concept of the recorded audio.
- Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer: Listen to the audio. Choose two appropriate or possible answers to the question.
- Fill in the blanks: Listen to the audio. Fill the blanks with your answer.
- Highlight Correct Summary: Listen to the audio. Choose one sentence that is most closely related.
- Multiple Choice, Single Answer: Listen to the audio. Choose one out of four options as your answer.
- Select Missing Word: Listen to the entire audio. Identify the missing word and choose the correct answer from the given options.
- Highlight Incorrect Words: Listen to the audio. Read the paragraph or passage and identify the wrong words or incorrect words and replace them with correct words or right words.
- Write from Dictation: Listen to the audio. Write your answer by determining the concept of the audio.
PTE 2020 Registration
For booking PTE Academic online, you need a valid ID, generally a passport. Candidates are also required to show that ID on the day of the exam else they will not be allowed to enter the PTE Test center
Steps to register PTE Academic online
- Visit the official PTE Academic website.
- Create your Pearson account by giving your personal details.
- Once you complete the registration process, you will receive an email within 48 hours from Pearson with your login details.
- The next step is to search for your nearest test center.
- Also select a suitable time and date.
- After selecting all your details like time, date, and slot you will be asked to proceed to the checkout button.
- Then make payment and finalize your booking.
Other methods of registering for PTE
Apart from the much preferred online method of registering for the PTE exam, candidates can also register for the PTE Exam via phone. Indian students wanting to register for the PTE Exam can contact the PTE Academic testing body by dialing: 00080 0440 2020. (Operating hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm local time; closed on local holidays.)
Know all about PTE Slot Booking
Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic exam would be required to create a Pearson account to register for their PTE Academic Slot Booking. On successful registration, candidates would receive an email within 48 hours with their login credentials. Candidates are required to read the handbook carefully available on the official website before booking the exam.
PTE Exam Dates 2020
The exam is conducted throughout the year at the designated Test Centers across the country. These dates might vary from center to center. Students must search for the seats available on the Pearson PTE Academic website. Simply select the test centers closest to you, and click next. The website would prompt you to the calendar with the available dates.
PTE Exam Centres
Here is a list of PTE Academic Exam test centers for candidates looking to appear for their next PTE Academic Exam. Candidates are reminded to choose the exam test center that is most convenient for them to be able to perform their best on the day of the exam.
PTE Test Accommodations/ Special Arrangements
Committed to providing access for all individuals with disabilities, test accommodations also known as “special arrangements” or “reasonable adjustments” are made available by Pearson VUE to make the test assessable to everyone. Arrangements made possible include,
- A separate testing room
- Extra testing time
- A Reader or Recorder
How do I request a test accommodation?
Candidates who require special arrangements need to specify their needs and how the disability is hindering them from performing their best under standard conditions. Candidates would have to provide documentation proof and apply weeks in advance for the conducting body to make the required arrangements. Candidates are required to apply for the request before they book their exam.
PTE Exam Pattern
PTE Academic Syllabus includes three sections – Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. You get marked on these three sections and you get the PTE Academic total score as well. The PTE Exam Pattern mentioned below talks about the components of the PTE Academic Paper in detail for the benefit of the candidate. Candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic Exam can check out the PTE Exam Pattern mentioned below.
PTE Syllabus
It is important for candidates to understand the PTE Academic syllabus in order to appear for the exam. The PTE Academic is broadly divided into Speaking and Writing, Reading and Listening sections. Candidates can check out the detailed PTE Syllabus for each category below
Here is the detailed paper pattern
| Section | Duration | PTE Academic |
| Speaking & Writing | 77 – 93 minutes | Personal IntroductionRead AloudRepeat sentence Describe imageRe-tell lecture Answer short question Summarise written text (10 mins)Essay (20mins) |
| Reading | 32 – 41 minutes | Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks Multiple choice, choose multiple answersRe-order paragraphsReading: Fill in the blanks Multiple choice, choose single answer A 10-minute break is optional |
| Listening | 45 – 57 minutes | Summarise spoken text Multiple choice, choose multiple answers Fill the blanks Highlight the correct summaryMultiple choices, choose a single answer Select missing wordHighlight incorrect words Write from dictation |
PTE Results and Score
PTE Academic Results are usually available online within five working days from the test date. The PTE Academic results are issued online. And can be accessed from your PTE Academic student account. First, you will receive an email within five working days with instructions on accessing the results online. After that, you need to follow the instructions to log in to your Pearson account. You can share your results with the colleges and universities of your choice through your Pearson account.
PTE Academic Exam is scored on a scale of 10 – 90 where 10 is lowest, with increments of 1 point. Graded on the scale, the score showcase the person’s ability to read, speak, understand verbal instructions and write the English language. The scores are presented in a graph, giving an easy understanding of the candidate’s core skills in the language as well as improvement areas.
How to Access PTE Score
Candidates can access their PTE Academic scores via their online account. Candidates would receive an email notifying them about the availability of their scores. After receiving the notification, candidates would be required to log in to their Pearson VUE account that they created to book their tests and access their scores.
How to Send PTE Score Report?
Candidates who wish to send their score can do so via an online secure portal set up by PTE. Universities do not accept paper or PDF versions of PTE Academic score reports.
Steps to sending your PTE Score Report
- Login to your account.
- Click ‘View Score Reports’.
- Click ‘Send Scores’.
- Type the name of your chosen institution
- Review your details then scroll down the page and click ‘Next’ and then ‘Next’ again to confirm
Rescoring the Score?
If candidates are unsatisfied with their PTE Score they can request a rescore. However, since the PTE Academic is a computer-scored test, the chance of an error is highly minimalized. Only spoken responses and open-ended written responses are rescored. Candidates can only request a rescore for their most recent PTE Academic Test and candidates are barred from requesting a rescore if they have already either scheduled another test or sent their score to an institution. In the event the score changes, the new score will replace the previous score and the original score report will be reissued to reflect the new score.
Who Accepts PTE Academic?
One of the most widely accepted exams, PTE Scores are accepted by some of the top universities and countries abroad.
Colleges Accepting PTE
Candidates who have appeared for their PTE Academic Exam can choose from the huge number of colleges that accept PTE Scores.
- MS Colleges Accepting PTE Academic scores
- MBA Colleges Accepting PTE Academic scores
Countries Accepting PTE Score
Aspirants looking to pursue higher education in Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, and Germany among many other countries are required to appear for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic exam. One of the most widely accepted computer-based tests of English, PTE Academic is generally undertaken for studying abroad and immigration options.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for Rajasthan PTET 2020, the candidates are required to follow some terms and conditions set by the governing authority. Check the eligibility criteria stated below.
For PTET Exam
- Candidates with minimum 50% marks at the Bachelor‘s degree examination of any other University recognised as equivalent is eligible to apply for admission to B.Ed.
- S.C., S.T., OBC, special backward classes as well as physically challenged and widow or divorcee women candidates of Rajasthan securing a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate in the Bachelors /Masters Degree level examination are eligible to apply for admission.
For Pre B.A. B.Ed/B.Sc B.Ed Exam
- Candidates who have passed 10+2 from any board/instituions with minimum 50% marks in case of general class are eligible to appear in Pre B.A. B.Ed/B.Sc B.Ed Exam.
- Minimum 45% marks is required in case of S.C., S.T, OBC, special backward classes to appear in Pre B.A. B.Ed/B.Sc B.Ed Exam..
NOTE : Out of the total number of applications who are eligible, the selection is first made against the reserved quota in proportion to the seats available in each faculty and if there are vacant seats the same will be transferred to the general category and is filled in from the merit list.
PTE Exam Preparation Tips
Often students start the preparation with either joining a coaching center or simply signing up for free practice tests. What a student forgets is that, like any exam, even language proficiency exams have to be dealt with a methodology. Here are a few study tips that would help you perform in the PTE Academic Exam. It is, however, important to note that no amount of tips, tricks or tools can outwit the dedication and efficiency of the practice. So, improve these skills and practice them over and over again to succeed.
What are the best PTE Books and Resources?
Candidates can prepare for their PTE Academic using a range of official course books. Candidates can choose from the below-mentioned study material to excel in their PTE test.
PTE Sample Paper
Practicing PTE Sample Papers are a good way to prepare for your upcoming PTE Academic Exam. Candidates are advised to solve multiple PTE Practice Papers for the benefit of the student. With the objective of enhancing your communication skills, the PTE Academic exam is designed to test your command over the English language. No high-level language proficiency is required to clear the exam, it rather checks your regular English communication, thereby helping you become expressive. Practicing each section separately with a relaxed and focused mind is advisable to fully absorb the subject matter and score well.
What to expect on the test day?
Candidates are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before their test, to check-in and pass security. They should not forget to bring an acceptable ID, usually a passport for the smooth functioning of the exam formalities.
PTE Scholarships
With the availability of various Scholarships and education loans, students can finally make their dream come true. Scholarships are available on the official website of every college along with other fellowships and grants that are awarded to deserving students on a regular basis. Students can also opt for education loans from financial institutions for studying abroad.
PTE Results – Check PTE Academic Score here
After the completion of your PTE Academic exam, you will receive PTE Academic scores for each for the skill sections on a band range of 10 – 90. Along with that, you will also get an overall score. See the scoring pattern below to understand what does each range of score means –
| PTE Academic Score | Level Description |
| Above 85 | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. |
| 76 – 84 | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. |
| 59 – 75 | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of oral fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।" data-rx-term="strain" data-rx-definition="A strain is injury to a muscle or tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।">strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
| 51 – 58 | Has sufficient command of the language to deal with most familiar situations, but will often require repetition and make many mistakes. Can deal with standard spoken language, but will have problems in noisy circumstances. Can exchange factual information on a familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence. Can pass on a detailed piece of information reliably. Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. |
| 43 – 58 | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
| 30 – 42 | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need. |
| 10 – 29 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
Countries that accept PTE scores
PTE is a popular English Proficiency test that is accepted in several countries and universities. The PTE exam score is considered for immigration and is also accepted for university admission purposes.
List of countries that accept PTE exam scores for immigration and admission purposes –
| Argentina | Greece | Netherlands |
| Austria | Hungary | New Zealand |
| Australia | Indonesia | Nigeria |
| Belgium | Iran | Norway |
| Brazil | Iraq | Oman |
| Bulgaria | Ireland | Pakistan |
| Canada | Israel | Philippines |
| China | Italy | Poland |
| Cyprus | Japan | Russia |
| Czech Republic | Jordan | Singapore |
| Denmark | Korea | Slovenia |
| Egypt | Latvia | Somalia |
| Estonia | Lithuania | South Africa |
| Finland | Malaysia | Spain |
| France | USA | Taiwan |
| Sweden | UK | Thailand |
| Switzerland | UAE | Turkey |
| Vietnam | Uganda | |
| Germany | Malta |
