PTE TEST FORMAT & SYLLABUS

The Three Parts of the Test

There are 20 different question types in the test, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing. Each part has different types of questions.

PART 1: Speaking & Writing (54-67 minutes)

This part of the test contains seven different question types. It is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on both your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an academic environment. 

QUESTION TYPES

1. Personal Introduction

2. Read Aloud

3. Repeat Sentence

4. Describe Image

5. Re-tell Lecture

6. Answer Short Question

7. Summarize Written Text

8. Essay

PART 2: Reading (29-30 minutes)

This part of the test contains five different question types, and tests your ability to read academic English. One item type assesses both writing and reading skills.

QUESTION TYPES

1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer

3. Re-order Paragraphs

4. Fill in the Blanks

5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

PART 3: Listening (30-43 minutes)

This part of the test contains eight question types and tests your listening skills, through a series of audio and video clips. The audio or video clips begin to play automatically, and each clip is played only once. You are allowed to take notes.

QUESTION TYPES

1. Summarize Spoken Text

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

3. Fill in the Blanks

4. Highlight Correct Summary

5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

6. Select Missing Word

7. Highlight Incorrect Words

8. Write from Dictation