PTE Exam Pattern 2025: Format, Sections and Question Types

Latest update: Starting August 7, 2025, the PTE Academic exam introduces two new speaking tasks, Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation, enhancing real-life communication assessment.

The PTE Exam, an important language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL, test your Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking skills. The PTE Exam Pattern is designed to evaluate real-world English skills through an adaptive computer-based test. The exam completes in a single sitting of about two hours. 

The PTE Test Format consists of three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening, with AI-powered scoring ensuring fairness and fast results. Knowing the updated question types, timings and marks distribution will help candidates plan strategically for higher scores in university admissions or immigration applications. 

This guide helps you to fully understand how much time is allotted to each section, marks each section carries and discuss the question types for an effective PTE exam preparation. 

Check out: PTE Exam Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide. 

What is the Latest PTE Exam Pattern in 2025?

The format of PTE Academic is chosen to test the level of your English as it is applied in real-life situations. It is a pure computerized examination that takes about two hours in one session.  

The examination will be in three parts in total. 

• Speaking & Writing: 54–67 minutes 
• Reading: 29–30 minutes 
• Listening: 30 minutes 

Pearson utilises an AI-driven scoring system to ensure fairness and impartiality of the Evaluation, making it trustworthy for academic and migration use. Knowing this structure is important because it helps you strategies, manage time, and concentrate on the question types that have greater weightage in scoring. 

Is PTE easier than IELTS? 

PTE vs IELTS is easy or hard, depending on the test-taker. PTE is fully computerized; thus, persons fascinated with technology may find it smoother. The system with AI scoring decreases the level of subjectivity compared to IELTS, which is, in part, evaluated by human graders.  

IELTS, in its turn, can be improved by the candidates who prefer real-life speaking. In brief, PTE is advantageous to those candidates who feel comfortable with typing, computer interaction, and are satisfied with a grading that is not varied by the different human scorers. 

How many times can you take the PTE exam? 

Pearson allows unlimited PTE Academic test attempts, but you will have to wait a minimum of 5 calendar days before booking the next test (Pearson PTE). This flexibility allows you to retake the test until you get the score you wanted, compared to some other fact that has strict yearly retake allowances. 

For a more detailed guide, you can also check out our free PDF download of the PTE syllabus to help you organize your study plan. 

How is the PTE Test Format Divided Section-Wise? 

The PTE Academic is a completely computerized English assessment test that ensures evaluation of real-life communication skills. It takes approximately two hours and employs AI-scoring, where all grading is fair.  

The test rubric is separated into three large sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening, which test distinct aspects of skills in language. The section-wise division makes studying the preparation and focuses on improving the scores. 

1. Speaking & Writing (54–67 minutes) 

This section evaluates your ability to communicate fluently and write effectively in English. It combines spoken tasks and written responses. 

Tasks include: 

• Personal introduction: Brief self-introduction; not scored but sent to institutions. 
• Read aloud: Measures pronunciation, fluency, and oral clarity. 
• Repeat sentence: Tests listening, memory, and oral accuracy. 
• Describe image: Candidate explains a graph, chart, or picture; assesses analytical speaking and descriptive skills. 
• Re-tell lecture: Summarize a lecture in your own words; checks listening comprehension and summarisation. 
• Answer short questions: Quick oral answers to test understanding of general knowledge or context. 
• Summarize written text: Write a concise summary; tests comprehension and paraphrasing. 
• Essay writing: 200–300 words; evaluates grammar, coherence, vocabulary, and structuring ideas. 

Tips for Speaking & Writing: 

• Practice with timed mock tests. 
• Focus on pronunciation, pacing, and sentence variety. 
• Keep essays clear, structured, and concise. 

2. Reading (29–30 minutes) 

This section evaluates reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. It tests your ability to understand, analyse, and organize written content. 

Tasks include: 

• Multiple-choice questions (single/multiple answers): Test comprehension and critical thinking. 
• Reorder paragraphs: Assess logical flow and understanding of text structure. 
• Fill in the blanks: Evaluate grammar, context, and vocabulary. 
• Reading & writing fill in the blanks: Combine reading comprehension with accurate word usage. 

Tips for Reading: 

• Skim passages first to identify key ideas. 
• Look for context clues to fill in blanks correctly. 
• Manage time efficiently; avoid getting stuck on a single question. 

3. Listening (30–43 minutes) 

The listening section evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in different contexts. Tasks require note-taking, comprehension, and synthesis. 

Tasks include: 

• Summarize spoken text: Write a summary of an audio clip; tests comprehension and summarisation. 
• Multiple-choice questions (single/multiple answers): Based on audio; check attention to detail. 
• Highlight correct summary: Identify correct summaries of audio clips. 
• Fill in the blanks: Complete missing words from transcripts. 
• Select missing word: Identify words missing in sentences. 
• Highlight incorrect words: Compare written text with audio to spot errors. 
• Write from dictation: Test listening accuracy, spelling, and punctuation. 

Tips for Listening: 

• Practice with varied accents: British, American, and Australian. 
• Take short notes during audio clips to help summarize. 
• Stay attentive; AI scoring focuses on accuracy and relevance. 

Does PTE writing allow rechecking? 

No, once you submit responses, they cannot be edited or rechecked. Tips for managing this: 

• Allocate 5–10 seconds to quickly review each answer. 
• Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity before moving to the next question. 
• Use concise and structured writing for essays and summaries. 

Also Check: PTE Test Centers in India 2025 - City Wise 

PTE Exam Pattern: Time Duration and Question Types 

PTE Academic is a computer-based exam of a duration of 120 minutes. It is programmed to assess the four language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening, each in an individual test. The question difficulty can be set according to your responses, keeping in mind the fairness of the evaluation using the AI-based system. 

The test will point to some question types, including: 

• Multiple-choice questions (single & multiple answers) 
• Fill in the blanks 
• Essay writing 
• Summarize spoken/written text 
• Dictation 
• Reorder paragraphs 

How many questions are asked in PTE? 

• The PTE Academic typically contains 52–64 questions across all sections. 
• Section-wise distribution: 
• Speaking & Writing: 14–20 tasks 
• Reading: 15–20 tasks 
• Listening: 20–24 tasks 
• The exact number may vary slightly depending on adaptive question selection. 

Is the PTE exam conducted in one day? 

• Yes, the exam is completed in a single sitting of approximately 2 hours. 
• There is no separate speaking session, unlike IELTS, which makes it more convenient for test-takers. 
• All responses are recorded and scored immediately via AI, enabling faster result processing. 

Also Read: PTE Exam Fees 2025 - Registration, Types, City-Wise & Payment Guide 

How Does the PTE Test Format Scoring Work? 

The PTE Academic incorporates a 10 -90 scoring scale, which measures your command of the English language. The test reports outcomes in terms of scores given per section, speaking, writing, reading, and listening, with a total score. Besides, facilitating talents like grammar, spoken fluency, pronunciation, spelling, words, and written narrations are tested to give a fuller scale analysis of your language skills. 

The unbiased judgment owing to the human factors is eliminated through an AI-based automated scoring system that results in no errors or subjectivity. Knowledge of the scoring system will help in preparing specifically and in realistic goal setting in university admissions or approvals of Visas. 

What is the passing score for PTE? 

• PTE has no official pass/fail mark. 
• Universities generally recommend: 
• Undergraduate programs: 50–65 
• Postgraduate programs: 65–79+ 
• Your target score should align with the requirements of your chosen institution or scholarship. 

How many marks are needed for Canada/UK universities? 

• Typical PTE cut-offs for international studies: 
• Canada: 60–65+ 
• UK: 59–65+ (varies by university and program) 
• Students should always verify the latest requirements with the specific university before applying. 
• Achieving the minimum required score increases chances of acceptance and visa approval. 

What is the Marking Criteria and Negative Marking in PTE Exam Pattern? 

The PTE Academic examination is scored in a complex manner in a manner that relates to fairness and transparency. Candidates should be aware of how they can deduct or add marks in order to become strategic. 

1. Scoring Overview 

• Full Marks: Awarded for completely correct answers. 
• Partial Credit: Given for partially correct responses, especially in: 
• Fill in the blanks 
• Reorder paragraphs 
• Summarize written or spoken text 
• No Credit: For completely incorrect answers or skipped questions. 

2. Negative Marking 

• Applies only to: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer (MCMA) questions in the Reading section. 
• Does not apply to: 
• Single-answer MCQs 
• Speaking tasks 
• Writing tasks 
• Listening tasks 
• Strategy: Only select options you are confident about to avoid losing points. 

3. Partial Scoring Examples 

• Fill in the blanks: Points awarded for each correct word. 
• Reorder paragraphs: Partial points for correctly placed sentences. 
• Summaries: Points for including key ideas, even if the summary is not perfect. 

Is there negative marking in PTE reading? 

• Yes, negative marking is restricted to multiple-choice, multiple-answer questions in the reading section. 
• All other tasks, including single-answer MCQs, writing, speaking, and listening tasks, are not negatively scored. 
• Tip: In MCMA questions, select only the options you are confident about to avoid losing marks. 

Does PTE give partial scores? 

• Yes, partial credit is awarded in tasks where answers can be partially correct: 
• Fill in the blanks: Points are given for each correct word filled. 
• Reorder paragraphs: Partial points for correct placement of some sentences. 
• Summarize written or spoken text: Points assigned for including key ideas, even if the summary is not perfect. 
• Benefit: Even if you don’t answer a question completely correctly, you can still accumulate points, improving your overall score. 

What are the Tips to Prepare Effectively for PTE Exam? 

PTE Academic exam preparation should not be based on unplanned routines, but a combination of all three factors: practice, time management, and skill acquisition. Knowledge of the PTE Test Format, revision on a regular basis, and improving your areas where you have not mastered can go a long way in enhancing your performance.  

Here are some last-minute strategies for the PTE Exam categorised by section to help you maximise your score. 

1. Understand the Exam Format 

• Familiarize yourself with the three main sections: 

1. Speaking & Writing 
2. Reading 
3. Listening 

• Study the question types and their marking criteria. 
• Use official PTE practice tests to understand the computer-based adaptive format, which adjusts difficulty according to your answers. 

2. Develop Time Management Skills 

• Each section has a fixed duration, and pacing is critical. 
• Practice completing tasks within the allotted time: 
• Speaking & Writing: 54–67 minutes 
• Reading: 29–30 minutes 
• Listening: 30–43 minutes 
• Avoid spending too long on difficult questions; move on and return if time permits. 

3. Enhance Speaking Fluency and Pronunciation 

• Focus on clear pronunciation, intonation, and fluency. 
• Practice realistic prompts, like read aloud, repeat sentences, or describe images. 
• Record your responses to self-evaluate and improve. 

4. Improve Vocabulary and Grammar 

• A strong vocabulary improves writing and reading scores. 
• Practice essay writing and summarizing text to enhance sentence structure and grammar. 
• Learn common phrases and connectors for cohesive writing. 

5. Use Mock Tests and Adaptive Practice 

• Take full-length PTE mock tests to simulate the exam experience. 
• Focus on understanding the adaptive nature, where question difficulty changes based on performance. 
• Review results to identify weak areas and refine your strategies. 

6. Section-Specific Strategies 

• Speaking: Practice fluency and pronunciation daily; avoid memorized answers. 
• Writing: Summarize written text and essays under timed conditions. 
• Reading: Improve speed and comprehension with timed practice. 
• Listening: Focus on key ideas, details, and note-taking techniques. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the PTE Exam Pattern 2025 in detail (its sections, question types and scoring), is the first step to achieving your target score for study abroad or migration. The adaptive PTE Test Format with AI scoring makes preparation more predictable when you know the timing and marks distribution.

By practicing mock tests, strengthening vocabulary and grammar and following section-wise strategies, candidates can steadily improve their performance. With unlimited attempts and faster results, PTE remains one of the most convenient English proficiency tests for global opportunities. 

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