PTE tests the spoken and written skills of candidates by using the Pearson Test of English. The PTE exam is intended to determine whether a candidate is capable of studying, working and thriving in any international country, as well as being able to communicate and speak in the universal language of English. Here, we’ll discuss all the essential details you need to know about Pearson’s Test of English.
Educate yourself about the other three tests offered by Pearson before diving into the details of PTE Academic. Each is described briefly below:
- Pearson Test of English Academic
Pearson’s PTE Academic is one of many tests offered to universities, governments, and corporations around the globe. PTE is an online test that uses artificial intelligence to assess the candidate’s reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. The algorithmic nature of PTE makes it less prone to errors. Furthermore, students may take the exam at any one of 250 test centers located in more than 50 countries.
- Pearson Test of English General
Pearson Test of English General, designed especially for those who have English as their second or foreign language, is a six-level proficiency test. Although the paper consists of reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections similar to PTE Academic, the topics are divided into written papers and speaking tests. In place of just ability-testing, the test focuses on effective English language communication.
- Pearson Test of English Young Learners
In another type of PTE test, the Young Learner test is designed for students in the 6-to-13 age bracket or those who are at an A1-to-A2 level as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. During this test, students are assessed on their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The aim is to assess the candidate’s ability to structure his or her answers in simple terms.
Key areas of PTE exam
The key testing points of the PTE exam is similar to any other English proficiency pattern. The key areas test your ability to:
- Listen
- Read
- Speak and write
PTE Academic Exam: Structure
Aside from speaking and writing abilities, the PTE test format also assesses an applicant’s reading and listening skills. Furthermore, unlike the GRE, there is no limit to the number of universities to which your results can be sent, and you can expect to receive them in as little as 5 days. A mark is awarded for every correct answer, but there is no negative marking in the event of a wrong answer. Below is a breakdown by topic.
- Speaking and writing (77-93 minutes)
In contrast to the other English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL, the PTE exam has a very different speaking and writing pattern. These both exam areas happen simultaneously.
Speaking questions focus on communication within an academic environment, while writing questions examine written text in different ways.
- Reading (32-40 minutes)
In the reading section a student is asked to read and write, fill in the blanks, MCQ, re-order paragraphs, Single correct answer, etc. The length for these options vary accordingly.
- Listening (45-57 minutes)
Highlight incorrect words, Multiple choice, Fill in the blanks, Highlight correct summary, Select missing words, MCQ (multiple choice questions) comes in this type of section. You have to write from the dictation.
Who needs to give PTE?
A PTE exam is required for students who wish to settle in Australia or study there. Based on this exam, the student has a basic understanding of the English language in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). After passing the PTE exam, students are able to select their favorite university to study in Australia and other countries.
PTE with Visawebs
With the standardized platform where students can learn beyond studies, we make it easier to clear PTE examinations. In interactive PTE coaching sessions, we hold the student’s interest in the best manner. Based on our deep understanding of the PTE pattern, we provide the best notes.