The PTE test contains 10–12 short answer questions, which you must answer in 1 or 2 words only.
You may see an image or a video as part of a question. For example, there might be a diagram and you will be asked something like:
On which floor is the post office located?.
This task assesses your listening and speaking skills and you have 10 seconds to answer each question.
You can’t replay a question and you can only record your answer once.
However, compared to other parts of the test, this part is relatively easy as you only need to give 1 or 2 word answers, rather than long answers or summaries.
So, you should be able to score well in this section.
The questions in this section of the PTE come from a range of general knowledge topics. You are not required to have specialized knowledge of any of the topics in order to answer the questions.
1. Listen carefully
It is vital to listen very carefully to each question to ensure you understand it because you only have 10 seconds to answer it.
Plenty of practice before your testis the only way to improve your listening skill if you struggle in this area. There are many online materials available to help you!
2. Don’t overthink a question
Each question typically requires a simple, straightforward answer. Don’t try to show how smart you are by giving a less common answer.
For instance, to the question:
What piece of furniture would you typically find in a bedroom?
Some might say a chest of drawers or a bedside table, but the most obvious and simplest answer is a bed.
3. Focus and concentration needed
Even though there are only 10–12 questions and they only require 1 or 2 word answers, there is no break in between questions, so you must stay focused and concentrate fully until the last question has been answered.
4. Vocabulary
Understanding a question and being able to answer it, of course, depends on your understanding of the words in the question.
Obviously, then, you need a large enough vocabulary to ensure you know all (or most of) the words in the questions.
You can find online PTE academic word lists to see how many words you actually know.
5. First answer, right answer
Often, the first answer that pops into your mind is the right answer.
If you over-think a question or go back and forth in your mind you will likely make a mistake and run out of time. Try to avoid this!
6. Imagine the scene or situation
When you hear a question, use the specific words in the question to paint a picture in your mind.
For instance, if the question is related to hospitals, imagine a hospital with doctors and nurses and medical equipment.
You may find this an effective way to recall correct answers and reduce your error count.
