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PTE General

A Comprehensive Guide to the PTE Exam Pattern 2025: Questions in Each Section

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The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is an English proficiency test designed to evaluate candidates' skills in Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. With the global demand for English language proficiency, PTE provides a comprehensive assessment that ensures candidates are well-prepared for international academic and professional settings. Understanding the number of questions in each section and their distribution is crucial for effective preparation.

Overview of the PTE Exam Pattern

The PTE Academic exam is structured into three main sections, each assessing a critical aspect of English proficiency:

  • Speaking & Writing: 54 - 67 minutes
  • Reading: 29 - 30 minutes
  • Listening: 30 - 43 minutes

This format evaluates your ability to communicate clearly and comprehend spoken and written English, which is essential for studying or working in an English-speaking environment.

PTE Speaking and Writing: Question Breakdown

Duration: 54-67 Minutes

This section tests your ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. It includes six tasks:

  1. Personal Introduction: 1 question - 55 seconds
  2. Read Aloud: 6-7 questions - 30-40 seconds each
  3. Repeat Sentence: 10-12 questions - 15 seconds each
  4. Describe Image: 3-4 questions - 40 seconds each
  5. Retell Lecture: 1-2 questions - 90 seconds total
  6. Answer Short Questions: 5-6 questions - 20 seconds each
  7. Summarize Written Text: 1-2 questions - 10 minutes each
  8. Write Essay: 1-2 questions - 20 minutes each

Total Questions: 28 - 36
Time Allocation: 54 - 67 minutes

PTE Reading: Question Breakdown

Duration: 29–30 Minutes

The reading section assesses the ability to understand written English and is divided into five parts:

  1. Fill in the Blanks: 5-6 questions
  2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: 1-2 questions
  3. Re-order Paragraphs: 2-3 questions
  4. Fill in the Blanks (Reading & Writing): 4-5 questions
  5. Multiple-choice, Single Answer: 1-2 questions

Total Questions: 13 - 18
Time Allocation: 29 - 30 minutes

PTE Listening: Question Breakdown

Duration: 30-43 Minutes

This section measures the ability to comprehend spoken English:

  1. Summarize Spoken Text: 1-2 questions - 10 minutes each
  2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers: 1-2 questions
  3. Fill in the Blanks: 2-3 questions
  4. Highlight Correct Summary: 1-2 questions
  5. Multiple-choice, Single Answer: 1-2 questions
  6. Select Missing Word: 1-2 questions
  7. Highlight Incorrect Word: 2-3 questions
  8. Write from Dictation: 3-4 questions

Total Questions: 12 - 20
Time Allocation: 30 - 43 minutes

For each of these tasks that do not have a prescribed time limit, the pace you maintain will influence your overall score. It's important to manage your time effectively throughout the exam.

Additional Information

There is no limit to how many times you can take the PTE test within a year. Candidates can retake the PTE Academic exam after a 5-day interval.

For more effective test preparation, familiarize yourself with each section’s format and practice answering questions within the allotted time. Understanding the structure and questions of each section is imperative for success. For further assistance, consider exploring PTE Success for additional resources and practice materials.

Need help for your PTE preparation ?

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Radhesh Patel

Radhesh arrived in Sydney in 2014 from India and graduated with a Masters of Professional Accounting. He enters the tech world to bring his business expertise to startup companies. After achieving his desired score at the PTE test, he recently received his permanent residency in Australia where he now lives.

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