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PTE Exam Pattern 2024: Format, Structure, Sections, Marking Scheme

PTE Exam Pattern 2024: Format, Structure, Sections, Marking Scheme

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Sep 02, 2024 06:26 PM IST | #PTE Academic

PTE exam pattern comprises three major sections, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The PTE speaking & writing section evaluates both the speaking and writing skills of an individual. Whereas, the other two sections, reading and listening, are conducted individually. The overall PTE exam duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes. The PTE new pattern 2024 comprises 20 types of questions.

The Speaking & Writing section consists of 7 different question types for 54–67 minutes. The Reading section of the PTE exam pattern is 29–30 minutes and has 5 different question types. The Listening section lasts around 30–43 minutes which consists of 8 different question types based on video and audio clips.

Is there any negative marking in PTE 2024? No, there is no negative marking in the PTE exam in 2024. The PTE exam score is based on the number of correct answers provided by the candidate, without any deduction for incorrect answers. Read the complete article to learn about PTE exam pattern 2024, testing modes, question formats, duration, and scoring of each section in detail.

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PTE Exam Pattern Highlights

PTE format

Details

PTE exam type

PTE Academic Exam

Duration of PTE Exam

2 hours 15 minutes

Exam mode

Home / Test Centre

Medium

Computer-based test

Assessment

Real-life English

Test layout

20 questions


What are the changes in PTE exam?

As per the PTE changes 2024, the exam pattern and syllabus have been revised and have undergone some modifications and changes. Some of the latest changes in the PTE new format 2024.

Key Changes in PTE Exam

  • Reduced Exam Duration: The total PTE exam duration has been reduced to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Fewer Questions: The exam now includes fewer questions compared to previous years. The "Multiple Choice – Choose Single Answer" and "Re-order Paragraphs" tasks have been decreased in the reading section.While, the "Describe Image" task has been removed from the Speaking and Writing section.
  • No Breaks: There are no breaks in between sections.
  • Automated Scoring: The PTE exam uses an automated scoring system that evaluates candidates' responses based on their accuracy, fluency, pronunciation, and overall language ability.
PTE Academic Preparation Tips
In order to achieve a good score in your PTE Academic test you will need to have a preparation strategy in place.
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PTE Academic Exam Pattern 2024

The PTE Academic is a computer-based English test attempted at home and PTE test centres. There is no difference in the PTE test format 2024 for the home-based and test centre exam. Similarly, there is no change in the PTE exam pattern and syllabus for PTE Academic and PTE UKVI Academic.

PTE Academic Exam Pattern Outline

PartsQuestion typesDuration
Speaking & Writing7 different question types54–67 min
Reading5 different question types29–30 min
Listening

8 different question types - based on video and audio clips

30–43 min

PTE 2024 Exam Pattern: Section Wise

The new PTE format 2024 consists of three parts. All 3 parts can be taken in one single take. The details of each part are mentioned below.

PTE Exam Pattern: Speaking and Writing

This speaking and writing part of the PTE exam pattern evaluates both the writing and speaking skills of the aspirant. The questions in this section are either displayed on the screen or listened to through video or audio clips. Each question has to be answered in a defined timeline and its details are mentioned below.

PTE Test Pattern for Speaking & Writing

Item

Task

Answering time

Personal Introduction

Read the prompt and prepare a response. Only this question in this section is unscored.

30 seconds to record

Read Aloud

Read out the given text which is 60 words.

Varies

Repeat sentence

Listen to a sentence recording and repeat

15 seconds

Describe Image

Describe the displayed image in detail.

40 seconds

Re-tell Lecture

Listen/watch a lecture and describe it own words

40 seconds

Answer short question

Listen to the question and answer it in a single or few words

10 seconds

Summarise written text

Read the text of up to 300 words and write the summary in one sentence.

10 minutes

Write essay

Write an essay of 200 to 300 words on a given topic

20 minutes

In the PTE exam pattern and syllabus of the speaking and writing section, the skills measured for each question type are as follows.

  • Personal Introduction -Speaking

  • Read Aloud - Reading and Speaking

  • Repeat sentence - Listening and Speaking

  • Describe Image - Speaking

  • Re-tell Lecture - Listening and Speaking

  • Answer short questions - Listening and Speaking

  • Summarize written text - Reading and Writing

  • Write essay - Writing

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This speaking section of the PTE exam pattern is considered very challenging. As in the PTE test format 2024 speaking, a computer record is used where errors cannot be fixed. Anxiousness and nervousness may affect the final result as the scoring is done by machine which is not the case with IELTS speaking where a human listener is present.

PTE 2024 Exam Pattern: Reading

The reading skills of the candidate are assessed in the PTE exam pattern of reading section. Only one type of fill-in-the-blank question assesses the candidate's reading and writing skills while the rest measure only reading skills. Observe the following PTE exam format for the reading section to get a better idea.

PTE Format for the Reading Section

Item

Task

Prompt length

Multiple-Choice, Choose Single Answer

Read the text and answer the MCQs by selecting only one option.

300 words

Multiple-Choice, Choose Multiple Answers

Read the text and answer the MCQs by selecting more than one option.

300 words

Re-order Paragraphs

Arrange the text boxes in random order to the correct order.

150 words

Fill in the blanks

Fill out the gaps in the text using the words in the box below it. Drag the words and drop them in the gaps.

80 words

Reading and Writing-Fill in the blanks

Fill out the gaps in the text (300 words) using the words in the box below it. Drag the words and drop them into the gaps.

300 words

PTE Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Listening

The listening section in the PTE exam pattern 2024 consists of questions based on several audio or video clips. There are a total of 8 different types in the PTE syllabus of the listening section. Candidates get to hear each audio or video clip only once and are allowed to take notes. Based on the length of recordings, each question in the listening PTE exam pattern and syllabus occupies a variable time. Whereas a time limit is not applicable for the answering. PTE exam pattern and time for this section is 30-43 minutes.

PTE Exam Format for Listening Section

Item

Task

Prompt length

Summarize spoken text

Listen to the recording and write a summary of 50-70 words.

60-90 seconds

Multiple choice, choose multiple answers

Listening to the recording. Then answer the MCQs by selecting more than one response

40-90 seconds

Fill in the blanks

The transcript of a recording appears on the screen with several gaps. Candidates can listen and simultaneously type the missing words in the gaps.

30-60 seconds

Highlight correct summary

Listen to the recording and select the paragraph that gives the best summary of the recording.

30-90 seconds

Multiple choice, choose a single answer

Listening to the recording. Then answer the MCQs by selecting only one response.

30-90 seconds

Select missing word

Listening to a recording. Select the missing word that completes the recording from the given list of options

20-70 seconds

Highlight incorrect words

The transcript of a recording appears on the screen. Candidates can listen to the recording and simultaneously identify the words that are incorrect in the transcript.

15-50 seconds

Write from dictation

Listen to a recording of a sentence and then type it.

3-5 seconds

In the PTE test format 2024 and syllabus of the listening section, the following skills are assessed for the given question type.

  • Summarise spoken text - Listening and Writing

  • Multiple Choice, choose multiple answers - Listening

  • Fill in the blanks - Listening and Writing

  • Highlight correct summary - Listening

  • Multiple Choice, choose a single answer - Listening

  • Select missing word - Listening

  • Highlight incorrect words - Listening and Reading

  • Write from dictation - Listening and Writing

Candidates are advised to read the instructions and then proceed to begin the new section or the question in the PTE academic exam pattern 2024. In the writing tasks, the candidate must make sure that the answer maintains the given word limit.

PTE Question Pattern 2024

Here is a detailed breakdown of the question pattern for PTE exam for each section:

PTE Speaking & Writing Section

Duration: 54-67 minutes

Question Types:

  • Personal Introduction
  • Read Aloud
  • Repeat Sentence
  • Describe Image
  • Retell Lecture
  • Answer Short Questions
  • Summarize Written Text
  • Essay

PTE Reading Section

Duration: 29-30 minutes

Question Types:

  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
  • Re-order Paragraphs
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Multiple Choice, Single Answer

PTE Listening Section

Duration: 30-43 minutes

Question Types:

  • Summarize Spoken Text
  • Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Highlight Correct Summary
  • Multiple Choice, Single Answer
  • Select Missing Word
  • Highlight Incorrect Words
  • Write From Dictation

PTE Scoring Pattern 2024

The PTE test scoring is done by machine. The total PTE score chart marks range from 10 to 90. The scoring in the PTE academic exam pattern is done by measuring the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, etc. Each section (Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening) is scored separately. The overall PTE score is calculated by adding up the scores from each section.

The tasks in the PTE test are scored in two ways.

  • Correct or incorrect

  • Partial credit

Few tasks are scored based on correct or incorrect, while many tasks are scored on a partial credit basis. In the correct or incorrect scoring, if the answer is correct then 1 score point is given, and if it is incorrect zero score. Here, the partial credit is measured based on the correctness, formal aspects like word limit, and quality aspects like fluency, pronunciation, etc.

PTE Score Validity

PTE exam 2024 scores are valid for up to 2 years after the announcement of the result. Candidates can send their PTE scorecards to various institutions for up to 2 years.

What is a Good PTE Score?

The Pearson Test of English does not have a "good" score. The required score for successful admission varies depending on the specific requirements of each university. The PTE Academic score range is from 10 to 90. A score between 50 and 63 is generally considered satisfactory. However, for admission to top-tier universities abroad, aiming for a score between 65 and 75 or higher is recommended. While some universities may accept scores around 65 or even lower (such as 55-60), many well-established universities often seek candidates with scores above 75. In general, a PTE score of 65-75 is considered acceptable, typically fulfilling the admission requirements for top colleges.

PTE Practice Tests 2024

Candidates can get familiar with the PTE exam pattern by working on the PTE practice tests. The PTE test online provides the correct exam environment to the candidate where they can practise time management for the original test day. This will also help them understand how to tackle the PTE format and score high in each section individually.

PTE Exam Preparation

To improve English language proficiency, it is necessary to take a systematic approach when preparing for the PTE exam syllabus. Here are some guidelines for effective preparation:

  1. Familiarise yourself with the PTE 2024 format, including the types of tasks included in each section and the time allocated to each task.

  2. Set aside consistent time to practice each section of the exam. Students can study materials like practice examinations, sample questions, and online materials to improve their knowledge and skills.

  3. Candidates can improve their English language skills by focusing on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and comprehension.

  4. They are recommended to take part in activities such as reading English texts, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, and interacting with English speakers.

  5. Take mock tests regularly to become familiar with the exam environment and to learn time management skills. This will help students to identify their strengths and areas of improvement.

  6. Learn effective ways to address multiple tasks, such as skimming and scanning materials, taking notes, and prioritising tasks based on their level of difficulty.

  7. Use authorised PTE preparation resources including practice exams, study guides, and internet resources to supplement your preparation.

  8. Students must begin their preparations early in advance to have enough time for practice and improvement.

By following these guidelines and adding a structured study plan to their preparation, aspirants can improve their chances of clearing the PTE Academic exam.

Know more about PTE:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the pattern of the PTE exam?

The PTE exam is a computer-based test. The test is divided into 3 parts. Part 1 is speaking and writing. This is the lengthiest part with 54 to 67 minutes of duration. While the reading part is up to 30 minutes and the listening part is of  30 to 43 minutes. The overall test consists of 20 different question types. The PTE test asses the English proficiency in real-life scenarios.

2. What are the new changes in the PTE test pattern?

The exam duration and the number of questions are shortened. The break time is removed. The overall test layout and presentation have been improved to make it visually clear. All the remaining like the PTE scoring scale and test format are the same as the previous one.

3. What is the PTE syllabus?

The PTE academic syllabus consists of questions related to real-life academic and general scenarios. The test syllabus consists of parts that measure the skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, etc. There are a total of 20 different question types like MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, essay writing, missing words, re-ordering paragraphs, etc which successfully measure the candidate's English proficiency level.

4. Does PTE test have a negative marking?

There is no negative marking in the PTE academic exam pattern. If the answer is incorrect either partial marks or zero marks are allotted to the question. Candidates are free to guess the answer and there is no negative marking in the test.

5. What is the pattern of reading in PTE?

The Reading component of the PTE Academic exam assesses comprehension abilities using a variety of assignments. Candidates are presented with tasks such as multiple-choice questions, which require them to pick one or more answers. They also re-order jumbled paragraphs into comprehensible sections and fill in blanks with relevant words using a dropdown menu, typing, or dragging and dropping. Furthermore, candidates summarise written materials in a single sentence and choose missing words to complete sentences. 

6. What is the PTE passing score?

The PTE exam does not have a fixed passing score. Instead, it has a band scoring system that ranges from 10 to 90. Universities set their own minimum PTE scores for admission and other purposes. Here's an overview of what various PTE ratings often represent.

  • 50-63: While this range covers the fundamental standards for certain schools, it may not be sufficient for competitive colleges or higher education courses.
  • 65-75: This score range is regarded as good and is commonly required by universities and institutes for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
  • 79-90: This scoring range is regarded as exceptional and indicates a high level of English proficiency, which may allow entrance to prestigious colleges and highly competitive programmes.
7. Is PTE easier than IELTS?

PTE offers a computer-based test, whereas IELTS is a paper-based test. The test duration of PTE exam is shorter than that of IELTS. Both IELTS and PTE focus on the English language speaking, writing and reading skills of an individual. Neither of the test is easier except their test pattern and mode of examination. 

8. What are the changes in PTE 2024?

The PTE Academic test underwent some changes in 2024. The total PTE exam duration has been reduced to 2 hours and 15 minutes. The PTE exam 2024 evaluates questions across the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections to assess the English language proficiency of students. 

9. What is the format of the PTE exam 2024?

The PTE exam in 2024 is a computer-based test, divided into three sections: speaking and writing (54-67 minutes), reading (29-30 minutes), and listening (30-43 minutes). There are around 20 different question types that measure an individual's English competence through these categories. Compared with prior years, the exam duration has been reduced, with fewer questions and no breaks in between.

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Questions related to PTE Academic

Have a question related to PTE Academic ?

The ease of the IELTS versus the PTE can vary depending on your strengths and preferences. IELTS tends to focus more on British English and has a variety of question types that might be familiar if you are accustomed to traditional exams. PTE, on the other hand, is computer-based and features a more integrated approach to language skills, which some find more straightforward. For tailored guidance, especially if you're considering studying abroad, Invicta Career Consultancy can offer valuable insights and support in choosing the test that aligns best with your goals and strengths. Additionally, consider researching other well-reviewed consultancy firms to find the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.


For students aiming to study in public universities, English language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and TOEIC are often required because they are specifically designed to assess English skills in an academic context, which is crucial for success in such institutions. DELF, which tests French language proficiency, may not be sufficient for English-speaking universities. For personalized guidance on which exams are necessary and how to prepare, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide valuable support and tailored advice, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

With a PTE score of 55 and a writing score of 47, you might face some challenges in meeting the language requirements for a student visa in Finland. It's essential to check the specific visa requirements for the institution and program you're applying to, as they can vary. For personalized guidance and to explore potential solutions, including improving your language scores or finding alternative pathways, consider consulting with Invicta Career Consultancy. They can offer tailored advice to help you navigate the visa process effectively, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

With an overall PTE score of 50 and a 57% in your 12th grade, you may be eligible to apply for certain programs in Australia, although specific requirements can vary by institution and course. It's important to verify the exact admission criteria of the universities or colleges you are interested in. For detailed advice and assistance in choosing the right program and ensuring your application meets all requirements, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy. They can provide personalized support to enhance your application and guide you through the process, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Since you've completed your MSc in IT in 2023 and scored 57 on the PTE, the next step for studying in Canada involves selecting a suitable program and university. Research Canadian institutions offering advanced IT or related programs that accept your PTE score. Additionally, ensure your PTE score meets the minimum requirements for your chosen program. You will need to prepare and submit your application along with necessary documents such as transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. After receiving an acceptance letter, you can apply for a study permit (student visa) through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays. For personalized and expert guidance throughout this process, consider consulting Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide tailored advice and support for your study abroad plans, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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