PTE Introduction - What is PTE?

PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Questions often test 2 skills together, such as listening and reading or reading and speaking.

Please note that PTE General is not accepted for visa applications. To apply for an Australian visa or for most university applications, please use PTE Academic.

. The Pearson Test of English Academic

PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

PTE Academic is the English test you can use to prove your English ability as part of all Australian visa applications. PTE Academic is accepted by all Australian universities, as well as by professional associations and state government departments.

One advantage of this test is that you get your results very quickly; in about 5 days.

During the three-hour test session there will be three main parts to the test: speaking and writing (together), listening and reading. There are twenty different question formats, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing and interpreting information.

PTE Academic assesses real-life, academic content, so you will hear excerpts from lectures and view graphs and charts. You will hear a range of accents in the test, from British and American to non-native speakers, so you will be exposed to the type of accents you will encounter in everyday life.

TEST FORMAT:

PART 1: SPEAKING & WRITING (77 – 93 minutes)

• Personal Introduction
• Read aloud
• Repeat sentence
• Describe image
• Re-tell lecture
• Answer short question
• One sentence
• Paragraph
• Essay (20mins)

PART 2: READING (32 – 41 minutes)

• Multiple choice questions (x2)
• Re-order paragraphs
• Fill in the blanks (x2)

A ten minute break is optional

PART 3: LISTENING (45 – 57 minutes)

• Summarize spoken text
• Multiple choice x2
• Fill the blanks
• Highlight the correct summary
• Select missing word
• Highlight incorrect words
• Write from dictation

The Pearson Test of English General
Pearson Test of English General (PTE General) is a six-level general English test.

All levels of PTE General are recognised globally and are accepted by employers and national education authorities in many countries as evidence of a required level of English.

PTE General consists of two parts: a written paper and a spoken test. The written paper tests listening, reading comprehension and writing skills and is marked by external examiners in the UK. The spoken test is assessed by trained local examiners and is sent to the UK for moderation. There are six levels which are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). All levels in the test are awarded by Edexcel and accredited by Ofqual in the UK. PTE General certificates do not expire. English language learners are encouraged to seek opportunities to practice the language and confirm their progress regularly.

* Sourced from various websites available on the net.