PTE Syllabus 2023: Important Topics in Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing

PTE Exam Dates 2023
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The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Exam is an English language test which assesses speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. It is becoming increasingly popular as an accepted English language test for higher education, professional, and other purposes. The PTE syllabus 2023 marks a major upgrade to the test, introducing a more advanced level of difficulty, the introduction of new questions, and the incorporation of more technology-based elements.

The PTE exam syllabus 2023 has been designed to assess the English language proficiency of students from around the world. It is designed to measure both academic and professional language ability and assesses skills at a variety of levels. The new PTE academic syllabus will be divided into four main sections – Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking – and will include questions from a variety of topics and genres.

Reading will be assessed mainly through multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The questions require comprehensive comprehension of a wide range of topics and ideas from a variety of sources, such as academic articles, newspapers, magazines, and books. The exam will also assess students’ eligibility to recognize key patterns and structures within texts.

Particulars Details
Exam Full Name
Pearson Test of English
Exam Mode
Online
PTE Exam Fees
15,900
Application Mode
Online
Conducting Body
Pearson PL Group
PTE Syllabus

PTE Exam Syllabus 2023

As informed earlier, in this article we are going to mainly focus on the PTE course syllabus 2023.

PTE Syllabus

PTE Section PTE Exam Syllabus Total Questions/Duration
PTE Speaking & Writing
Personal Introduction • Read Aloud • Repeat Sentence • Describe Image • Re-Tell Lecture • Answer Short Questions • Summarize Written Text • Essay
No. of Questions: 28 – 36 Duration: 54 – 67 minutes
PTE Reading Section
Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer • Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers • Re-Order Paragraphs • Reading: Fill in the Blanks • Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks
No. of Questions: 13 – 18 Duration: 29 – 30 minutes
PTE Listening Section
Summarize Spoken Text • Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer • Fill in the Blanks • Highlight Correct Summary • Multiple Choice, Single Answer • Select Missing Word • Highlight Incorrect Words • Write From Dictation
No. of Questions: 12 – 20 Duration: 30 – 43 minutes

PTE Syllabus - by section

The PTE syllabus is a comprehensive guide for students preparing for the Pearson Test of English (PTE). It is divided into sections according to skill areas, including reading, listening, speaking, writing and use of English. The syllabus of PTE exam provides a comprehensive overview of the PTE assessment structure, as well as its various sections. PTE course details outlines the objectives of each skill area and describes the assessment criteria used in the PTE. It also provides tips and strategies for effectively tackling the different sections of the PTE. This guide is an essential resource for all students preparing for the Pearson Test of English.

PTE Exam Syllabus: Speaking & Writing Section: 54 - 67 minutes

  • The PTE Exam Speaking and Writing Section is designed to test an individual’s ability to communicate in English. This section of the exam generally lasts between 54 and 67 minutes.
  • The PTE Exam Speaking and Writing Section assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English and produce written texts on familiar topics. It tests the candidate’s proficiency in managing a variety of tasks involving verbal communication, such as delivering presentations, participating in conversations and giving opinions.
  • The tasks of the PTE Exam Speaking and Writing Section are divided into two parts: the Speaking Part and the Writing Part. During the Speaking Part, the candidate will be expected to answer questions, complete tasks and deliver a presentation. The Writing Part requires the candidate to complete tasks related to producing written material in English.
  • In the Speaking Part, the candidate will complete tasks such as describing a graph or image, giving opinions on a given topic, summarising a text, and comparing and explaining two or more cultural perspectives. The Writing Part tasks may include writing an essay and summarizing a text. Both the Speaking Part and the Writing Part may also include tasks such as paraphrasing a sentence or explaining the meaning of a word or phrases. The complete section is given on a time duration of 54 to 67 minutes and the time allotted to each segment is as follows:
Segments Pattern Time Duration
Personal Introduction
55 seconds: 25 seconds for prompt, 30 seconds to record
Read Aloud
30-40 seconds to prepare for reading out the text of 60 words
Repeat Sentence
15 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 15 seconds to record
Describe Image
25 seconds are granted to study the image as well as prepare your response on the same
Re-Tell Lecture
90 seconds for prompt length, 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to answer
Answer Short Question
20 seconds: 3-9 seconds for prompt, 10 seconds to answer
Summarize Written Text
10 minutes to answer to text prompt of 300 words
Essay
20 minutes to answer to text prompt of 2-3 sentences
Total Questions
28 - 36
Time Allocation
54 - 67 minutes

PTE Exam Syllabus: Reading Section: 29 - 30 minutes

  • The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Exam reading section is designed to measure an individual’s understanding of and proficiency in a wide range of reading comprehension topics. The reading section is a timed test, with a maximum duration of 29 to 30 minutes. This test section consists of several different types of reading comprehension questions, and includes multiple-choice, reordering, sentence completion and short-answer questions.
  • The multiple-choice questions assess an individual’s comprehension of the material being read. Reordering questions test an individual’s ability to rearrange elements of a passage to the logical order in which they should appear. Sentence completion questions require an individual to select the missing word or phrase that best fits the context of a passage. Finally, short-answer questions ask an individual to provide a specific answer to a detailed question regarding a passage.
  • The overall goal of the PTE reading syllabus is to measure an individual’s comprehension and comprehension-related skills. It is important to remember that all questions within this section must be answered accurately and quickly in order to receive a favourable score. With practice and preparation, an individual should have no difficulty achieving success in the PTE reading section. Check out the segment-wise pattern for the time distribution of this section:
Segments Pattern Time Duration varies on the length of the Text Prompt
Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer
Read 300 words of text
Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers
Read 300 words of text
Re-Order Paragraphs
Read 150 words of text
Reading: Fill in the Blanks
Read 80 words of text
Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Read 300 words of text

PTE Exam Syllabus: Listening Section: 30 - 43 minutes

  • The PTE Exam Syllabus: Listening Section is a component of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) exam. It consists of 40 questions and must be completed in 30-43 minutes. During this test, the student must listen to recorded audio passages that include a range of accents, topics, and situations. The student must then answer questions based on what they heard.
  • The sections of the test may include: Summarize spoken text, Multiple-choice, Choose single answer, Fill in the blanks, Highlight correct summary, Select missing word, Highlight incorrect words, Write from dictation. The student must demonstrate a high level of listening comprehension, understanding of grammar and syntax, and a working knowledge of idiomatic expressions.
  • The PTE syllabus for this section of the PTE Exam focuses on improving a student’s listening skills by combining foundational elements of language with the more complex aspects of language.This section is divided into 8 segments and the time given to each segment is as follows.
Segments Pattern Time Duration
Summarize Spoken Text
60-90 seconds to retain 50-70 words, 10 minutes to write
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer
40-90 seconds for prompt
Fill in the Blanks
30-60 seconds
Highlight Correct Summary
30-90 seconds
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
30-60 seconds
Select Missing Word
20-70 seconds
Highlight Incorrect Words
15-50 seconds
Write From Dictation
3-5 seconds

PTE Exam Pattern 2023

Candidates should note that the PTE subjects, PTE syllabus, and the PTE exam pattern go hand-in-hand. The PTE exam pattern constitutes the PTE test syllabus. The PTE Exam Pattern 2023 is as follows:

PTE Pattern Highlights

PTE Format Details
PTE Exam Pattern
An English language exam has been developed to test the Speaking & Writing Skills (54 – 67 minutes), Reading skills (29 – 30 minutes) and Listening skills (30 – 43 minutes) of candidates wanting to study abroad in an English-speaking country.
PTE Duration
2 hours and a Single test session
Medium
Computer-based with headset
Mode
Taken in a test centre / Home Edition
Test Type
Assesses real-life English
Test Layout
20 question types

The PTE test goes this way:

  1. Question: Time to Reading the Text Prompt: The time duration of each prompt you get varies depending on the length of the text. The length is measurable in words or sentences. You need to be active in this part.
  2. Prepare for Answer: Time granted to Relax and Think: You do not have to immediately answer the question. On average, you get 10 to 15 seconds to prepare for each segment. You should relax and think for a while about how to answer.
  3. Answer: Time for Action: This is the total time duration in which you have to perform. The answers are recorded when you speak, saved as text when you write and selected in options in multiple-choice questions. 

Refer to the segment-wise description boxes given along with each section explaining the PTE Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2023 in detail:

  • Speaking and Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening

Types of Questions Covered in the PTE Syllabus

The questions asked for the PTE Exam include the following:

Reading:

  • Fill in the blanks
  • Multiple choice answers
  • Re-order paragraphs 

Listening:

  • Summarize
  • Multiple choice answers
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Write from dictation
  • Highlight incorrect words

Speaking and Writing:

  • Personal introduction
  • Answer short questions
  • Re-tell lecture
  • Summarize
  • Read Aloud
  • Repeat sentence
  • Describe Image
  • Essay

PTE Registration 2023

PTE Registration 2023 is now open. This year, Pearson is offering a range of new services and products, as well as discounts on PTE registration and preparation materials.

  • The registration procedure for the PTE Academic Exam in 2023 is simple and straightforward. Candidates need to visit the official Pearson website and create a PTE account with a valid email address. This will enable them to access the various PTE services and products.
  • Once registered, candidates will have to fill in the necessary forms and documents required for the exam. This includes identity verification, course selection and fee payment. Once the payment is made, candidates will receive an email with their registration details and a link to their PTE dashboard.
  • Pearson also offers a range of resources and preparation materials to help candidates maximize their PTE score. These materials include sample papers and materials, online tutorials, preparation books, and mock exams. Candidates can also opt for PTE tutoring services and private coaching sessions to further improve their chances of success.

To get the latest updates on the upcoming PTE exam date, candidates are advised to subscribe to the official Pearson newsletter. Candidates can also follow and like Pearson on social media to stay in the loop.

PTE Test at Home

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language test that evaluates your ability to speak, write, read and listen in English. It is a widely accepted language proficiency test for those looking to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Now, the PTE test can be taken from the comfort of your own home. Home PTE allows you to take the PTE Academic exam from the safety of your own home. Home PTE is an online exam delivered by Pearson, the creators of the PTE Academic. It is offered in more than 130 countries and provides a secure and convenient way to take the PTE Academic exam.

The Home PTE exam experience is similar to taking the exam at an official PTE test center. The format, sections, and question types are the same, but are delivered through an online education platform. The exam uses a range of digital tools to ensure the security of your exam, without compromising on quality.

The Home PTE exam is a great option for those who are unable to attend a test center, or for those who prefer to work from the comfort of their own home. It also provides a secure, convenient way for employers and universities to receive your results.

PTE Exam Preparation

PTE Exam Preparation involves a comprehensive revision plan that includes some basic steps such as becoming familiar with the PTE structure, learning PTE specific language and grammar rules, and studying the types of questions you will face during the real exam.

  • First and foremost, thoroughly read all exam material and gain a solid understanding of the PTE structure. This includes familiarising yourself with the sections of the exam, understanding the scoring system, and knowing the key skills tested, such as speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.
  • Next, it’s important to cover important language topics such as grammar and vocabulary. Learning key grammar rules and understanding the nuances of English language will help you use the language correctly when answering exam questions. Additionally, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the vocabulary that is likely to be used in the exam.
  • Finally, it’s important to practice the types of questions you will encounter in the exam. This will help you become comfortable with the exam format and gain confidence when answering questions on the real exam day.

Overall, PTE Exam Preparation is important to help you achieve a high score on the exam. Following a thorough and comprehensive revision plan will give you the best chance at success!

PTE Syllabus - At a Glance

  1. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) assesses the English language ability of non-native English speakers.
  2. The PTE syllabus 2023 pdf covers all four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
  3. The PTE test includes two different types of questions: Multiple-choice and Open-ended.
  4. The PTE 2023 syllabus includes topics from academic, social and workplace contexts.
  5. The PTE syllabus tests a range of grammar, vocabulary and language knowledge.
  6. The PTE test assesses pronunciation, intonation and stress to evaluate speaking ability.
  7. The PTE test assesses the ability to construct coherent, accurate and complete sentences and paragraphs.
  8. The PTE test also measures your ability to understand and interpret written and spoken English.
  9. The PTE syllabus covers a variety of text types, including academic and non-academic texts.
  10. The PTE test requires you to demonstrate your general command of English by expressing and supporting opinions.

PTE results and scores

  • PTE results and scores are used to measure a student’s language proficiency level through standardized testing. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English language proficiency exam used to evaluate a student’s language skills in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The score range is from 10 – 90, with a higher score indicating a higher level of language proficiency.
  • The PTE exam is computer-based, and the results are scored using a complex algorithm, which is designed to give reliable and consistent results. The algorithm takes into account various elements such as length of responses, accuracy, fluency, script and pronunciation. After the exam is completed, the computer algorithm calculates a score and provides students with a PTE score report.
  • The PTE score distribution 2023 or PTE score report shows the student’s overall score, as well as scores for each individual language skill. It also shows scores for each item type on the exam, such as multiple-choice questions, re-tell lectures, writing essay tasks, and so on. The scores for each language skill and item type can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses so that they can focus on improving their language skills in the areas where they need to make the most progress.

PTE Syllabus 2023

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Syllabus 2023 or Pearson PTE syllabus is a comprehensive exam that tests a student’s English language proficiency. The syllabus for PTE includes four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In the reading section, the student will be required to read a variety of texts and answer comprehension questions. In the writing section, the student will be asked to write summaries and essays. The listening section requires the student to understand and answer questions about audio clips. Lastly, in the speaking section, the student must demonstrate their ability to use English in a conversation. The PTE Syllabus 2023 also includes an English grammar and vocabulary test. By the end of the exam, students should be able to use English in a variety of contexts with an advanced level of fluency.

What is the validity of the PTE test scores?

PTE test scores are a valid measure of language proficiency and are accepted by many universities and organizations around the world. The test is designed to measure the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It is also a reliable measure of language ability as it is based on real-life scenarios and tasks. Furthermore, the scores are consistent across all test centers and the Pearson Test of English has a high level of accuracy. Therefore, the validity of the PTE test scores is very high and they are reliable indicators of language proficiency.

How many times can I appear for the PTE Academic Exam?

You can attempt the PTE Academic Exam as many times as you need. However, you are limited to three attempts within a 12-month period.

Which Country Accepts PTE Scores?

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is accepted by over 3,300 institutions in over 50 countries worldwide. Some of the most popular countries that accept PTE scores include:

In addition to these countries, PTE scores are also accepted by a number of other countries. It is important to note that the acceptance of PTE scores may vary from institution to institution, so it is always best to check with the specific institution you are interested in applying to.

FAQS

The PTE syllabus chart is primarily made up of three sections, the Speaking & Writing Section, the Writing Section and the Listening Section. Candidates who want to excel in their PTE Exam should be aware of the latest PTE syllabus 2023.

IELTS is a better choice if you prefer a fixed-marks test. PTE is easier if you prefer to be tested and rewarded for your understanding. PTE and IELTS are both demanding tests. It is important for the test taker to be proficient both in spoken and written English language.

Is the PTE Academic test hard for first-time test-takers? No. You should understand that the test has been created to understand the English language proficiency of the student. Hence a candidate who has prepared for the PTE Academic test should not find this English exam a tough exam.

The full score for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is 90. This means that the maximum score a test-taker can achieve on the PTE Academic exam is 90, and this score is considered an indication of their overall English language proficiency level

The PTE exam fee 2023 in India is INR 15,900 whether you take the test in-person or online at home.

Some PTE exam preparation tips:

  1. Take numerous practice examinations so you are aware of what you are entering.
  2. Begin learning vocabulary pay attention to your topic
  3. Don’t disregard the other topic.
  4. Use quality materials.

The PTE Academic exam doesn’t have a specific cut-off score. But out of a total range of 10-90, if you score between 50-63, it is considered a good score. 

PTE ( Pearson Test of English ) is an English language test accepted by universities and colleges in Canada for admission and visa purposes. PTE for Canada is designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English language speakers. It tests all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – and is widely accepted by universities, colleges and immigration departments in Canada.

Speaking and Writing come first in PTE.

PTE scores are valid for up to two years from the date of the test

A PTE score of 54 is considered a good score. It is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0, which is the minimum required score for many undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Articles Updates:

09/6/23- Which Country Accepts PTE Scores?

16/5/23- General Update

15/5/23- PTE Exam Pattern 2023

PTE Exam Dates 2023
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