PTE Core Listening

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 3: Listening

This section of PTE Core assesses your listening skills over seven question types

22–37 minutes

7 question types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing | Part 2: Reading

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one

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7. Write from Dictation

Write from Dictation

PTE Core | Listening | Write from Dictation

Task

Listen to a recording of a sentence. Then type the sentence.

Prompt length

3–5 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening and writing

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to listen to a sentence and then type it into the response box at the bottom of the screen.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

While the audio is playing, you can take notes on your erasable whiteboard.

Remember to check your spelling.

Test tips

Type as many correct words as you can remember into the response box in the correct order

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 3: Listening

This section of PTE Core assesses your listening skills over seven question types

22–37 minutes

7 question types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing | Part 2: Reading

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one

Browse tabs

6. Highlight Incorrect Words

Highlight Incorrect Words

PTE Core | Listening | Highlight Incorrect Words

Task

Listen to a recording. Then select the missing word that completes the recording from a list of options.

Prompt length

20–70 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to select the most appropriate word or group of words to complete an audio recording.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

There are several possible response options but only one is correct.

Click on an option to select it. You can change your mind by clicking on it again, or by clicking on a different option.

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 3: Listening

This section of PTE Core assesses your listening skills over seven question types

22–37 minutes

7 question types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing | Part 2: Reading

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one

Browse tabs

5. Select Missing Word

Select Missing Word

PTE Core | Listening | Select Missing Word

Task

Listen to a recording. Then select the missing word that completes the recording from a list of options.

Prompt length

20-70 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to select the most appropriate word or group of words to complete an audio recording.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

There are several possible response options but only one is correct.

Click on an option to select it. You can change your mind by clicking on it again, or by clicking on a different option.

Test tips

Know what to do if you change your mind about the answer

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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Book a test

PTE Core Test Format

Part 3: Listening

This section of PTE Core assesses your listening skills over seven question types

22–37 minutes

7 question types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing | Part 2: Reading

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one

Browse tabs

4. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Multiple Choice, Single Answer

PTE Core | Listening | Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Task

Listen to a recording. Select the paragraph that best summarizes the recording.

Prompt length

30-60 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

There are several possible response options but only one is correct.

Click on an option to select it. You can change your mind by clicking on it again, or by clicking on a different option.

Test tips

Focus on the kind of information you need

Skim the question and answer options before you listen to understand the topic

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 3: Listening

This section of PTE Core assesses your listening skills over seven question types

22–37 minutes

7 question types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing | Part 2: Reading

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one

Browse tabs

3. Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the Blanks

PTE Core | Listening | Fill in the Blanks

Task

You will see a transcript of a recording with several gaps. Listen to the recording and type the missing word in each gap.

Prompt length

30-60 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening and writing

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to complete a transcript of an audio recording by typing in the missing words.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

Click on each gap and type in the missing word. You can also use the tab button on your keyboard to move to the next gap.

While the audio is playing, you can take notes on the erasable whiteboard.

Test tips

Read all the text boxes quickly before you start re-ordering them

Find the topic sentence first

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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Book a test

PTE Core Test Format

Part 3: Listening

This section of PTE Core assesses your listening skills over seven question types

22–37 minutes

7 question types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing | Part 2: Reading

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one

Browse tabs

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

PTE Core | Reading | Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Task

Listen to a recording. Answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording. You can select more than one response.

Prompt length

50–90 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question. There is more than one correct response.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

You need to select all of the correct options from the list.

Click on an option to select it. You can deselect it by clicking on it again.

Test tips

Take notes of the main points and supporting details

Select for meaning, not just to match the words you hear

Make sure you know how the task is scored

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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Book a test

PTE Core Test Format

Part 3: Listening

This section of PTE Core assesses your listening skills over seven question types

22–37 minutes

7 question types

Part 1: Speaking & Writing | Part 2: Reading

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one

Browse tabs

1. Summarize Spoken Text

Summarize Spoken Text

PTE Core | Listening | Summarize Spoken Text

Task

You will see some text with several gaps. Choose the correct words from the drop-down boxes to fill in the gaps.

Prompt length

45–75 words

Skills assessed

Listening and writing

Time to answer

8 minutes

How to answer this question

For this question type, you will hear an audio recording and need to write a 20-30 word summary of what you heard.

You have 8 minutes to listen and write your summary.

The audio recording will play automatically. You can only listen to it once.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. Make sure to write a minimum of 20 words, but no more than 30 words.

There are also cut, copy and paste buttons, which you may choose to use while constructing your summary.

Test tips

Use your erasable whiteboard to take notes

Remember to check grammar, spelling and punctuation

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 2: Reading

This section of PTE Core assesses your reading skills over five question types

27–37 minutes

5 question types

Part 3: Listening | Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

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5. Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Multiple Choice, Single Answer

PTE Core | Reading | Multiple Choice, Single Answer

Task

Read the text. Then answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the text. You can select only one response.

Prompt length

Text up to 110 words

Skills assessed

Reading

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to read the passage and answer the multiple-choice question.

There are several possible response options but only one is correct.

Click on an option to select it. You can change your mind by clicking on it again, or by clicking on a different option.

The option you select is highlighted in yellow.

Test tips

Think about words that you often see or hear together

Use your knowledge of grammar to help you select the correct word

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 2: Reading

This section of PTE Core assesses your reading skills over five question types

27–37 minutes

5 question types

Part 3: Listening | Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

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4. Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the Blanks

PTE Core | Reading | Fill in the Blanks

Task

You will see some text with several gaps. Drag words from the box below to fill the gaps.

Prompt length

Text up to 80 words

Skills assessed

Reading

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to drag and drop words across the screen to correctly fill in the gaps in the text.

There is a passage with some missing words. You have a list of words in the blue box that you can use to fill the gaps in the text. There are more words than gaps so you will not use all the words provided.

Click and drag a word to each gap. If you need to change it, you can drag the word to a different gap or back to the blue box.

Test tips

Think about words that you often see or hear together

Use your knowledge of grammar to help you select the correct word

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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4. Fill in the Blanks

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 2: Reading

This section of PTE Core assesses your reading skills over five question types

27–37 minutes

5 question types

Part 3: Listening | Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

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3. Reorder Paragraph

Reorder paragraph

PTE Core | Reading | Reorder Paragraph

Task

You will see text boxes in a random order. Put the text in the correct order.

Prompt length

Text up to 110 words

Skills assessed

Reading

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to restore the original order of the text by selecting text boxes and moving them across the screen.

There are two ways you can move the text:

Click and drag the box to where you want to place it

Click on a box and then use the arrow buttons to move it. You can also use the up and down arrows to reorder the boxes.

To deselect a box, click elsewhere on the screen.

Test tips

Read all the text boxes quickly before you start re-ordering them

Find the topic sentence first

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 2: Reading

This section of PTE Core assesses your reading skills over five question types

27–37 minutes

5 question types

Part 3: Listening | Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

2. Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

PTE Core | Reading | Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Task

Read the text. Then answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the text. You can select more than one response.

Prompt length

Text up to 275 words

Skills assessed

Reading

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to select the most appropriate words from a drop-down list to complete the text.

You will see some text with missing words. Complete the text by clicking on the button next to each gap and choosing the correct option from the list.

You can change your answer by clicking on a different option.

Test tips

Make sure you know how the task is scored

Note any repeated words in the options

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 2: Reading

This section of PTE Core assesses your reading skills over five question types

27–37 minutes

5 question types

Part 3: Listening | Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

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1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks

PTE Core | Reading and Writing | Fill in the Blanks

Task

You will see some text with several gaps. Choose the correct words from the drop-down boxes to fill in the gaps.

Prompt length

Text up to 200 words

Skills assessed

Reading and writing

Time to answer

Not applicable

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to select the most appropriate words from a drop-down list to complete the text.

You will see some text with missing words. Complete the text by clicking on the button next to each gap and choosing the correct option from the list.

You can change your answer by clicking on a different option.

Test tips

Select the most appropriate words from a drop-down list to restore the text

Skim for overall meaning to help you choose the correct word

Read before and after the blank to help you identify the correct word

How this question is scored

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

Duration

50-65 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Speaking & Writing

Explore Speaking & Writing questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

7. Write Email

Write Email

PTE Core | Writing | Write Email

Task

Read the text. Then write an email in response.

Prompt length

Text up to 100 words

Skills assessed

Writing

Time to answer

9 minutes

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to write an email containing between 80 and 120 words in response to a prompt.

You have 9 minutes to write the email.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. There are also cut, copy, and paste buttons, which you may use to use while constructing your response.

Test tips

Analyze the task

How this question is scored

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

6. Summarize Written Text

Summarize Written Text

PTE Core | Writing | Summarize Written Text

Task

Read the text. Then write a short 25–50 word summary.

Prompt Length

Text up to 200 words

Skills assessed

Reading and writing

Time to Answer

10 minutes

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to write a short summary of the text.

You have 10 minutes to write your summary. Make sure to include the main points of the reading passage in 25 to 50 words.

The word count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. There are also cut, copy and paste buttons which you may use while constructing your summary.

Test tips

Make sure your response is in the correct form

Practice using compound and complex sentences

How this question is scored

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

5. Answer Short Question

Answer Short Question

PTE Core | Speaking | Answer Short Question

Task

Listen to a question. Then answer with a single word or a few words.

Prompt Length

3–9 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening and speaking

Time to answer

10 seconds

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to reply to the question in one or a few words.

The audio recording will play automatically. You may also see an image.

When the audio finishes, the microphone will open and the recording status box will show “Recording”. Speak into the microphone immediately (there is no short tone) and answer the question with one or a few words.

You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.

Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” will change to “Completed”.

You are not able to replay the audio. You are only able to record your response once.

Test tips

Do not pause for too long when you answer the question

Do not try to give a long answer

How this question is scored

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

4. Respond to a Situation

Respond to a situation

PTE Core | Speaking | Respond to a Situation

Task

Listen to and read a description of a situation. Then answer a question about it with an extended response.

Prompt length

Text up to 60 words

Skills assessed

Speaking

Time to answer

40 seconds

How to answer this question

For this question type you need to listen to and read a prompt describing an everyday situation.

You then need to provide a spoken response describing what you would say in the situation.

You will have 20 seconds to think about your response, and then 40 seconds to speak.

The audio recording will play automatically.

After the audio finishes you will have 20 seconds to prepare.

The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You will hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.

You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.

Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” will change to “Completed”.

You can only listen to the audio recording once.

You can only record your response once.

Note: While the audio is playing you can take notes on the erasable whiteboard provided.

Test tips

Make good use of the preparation time

How this question is scored

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

3. Describe Image

Describe image

PTE Core | Speaking | Describe Image

Task

You will see an image. Describe the image in detail.

Prompt length

Not applicable

Skills assessed

Speaking

Prompt length

40 seconds

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to describe an image.

The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You have 25 seconds to study the image and prepare your response.

You will hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.

You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.

Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed’’.

You can only record your response once.

Test tips

Focus on the main information in the image

Organize your description of the image

How this question is scored

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

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Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

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PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

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2. Repeat Sentence

Repeat Sentence

PTE Core | Speaking | Repeat Sentence

Task

Listen to a recording of a sentence. Then repeat the sentence.

Prompt length

3-9 seconds

Skills assessed

Listening and speaking

Prompt length

40 seconds

How to answer this question

For this question type, you need to repeat the sentence you hear.

The audio recording will play automatically.

When the audio finishes, the microphone will open and the recording status box will show “Recording”. Speak into the microphone immediately (there is no short tone) and repeat exactly what you heard.

You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.

Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” will change to “Completed”.

You can only listen to the audio recording once.

You can only record your response once.

Test tips

Listen to the phrasing of the sentence as it is read aloud

Copy the stress and intonation patterns of the sentence you hear

How this question is scored

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

Pearson logo

PTE tests

Preparation

About PTE

Help & policies

Partners & research

UK accreditation

Website terms and conditions

Policy center

Cookie Settings

Pearson Logo

Book a test

PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

1. Read Aloud

Read aloud

PTE Core | Speaking | Read Aloud

Task

You will see some text. Read the text aloud.

Prompt length

Text up to 60 words

Skills assessed

Speaking and reading

Time to answer

Varies by item, depending on the length of text.

How to answer this question

For this question type you need to read a written text aloud.

The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You have 30–40 seconds to read the text and prepare.

You will then hear a short tone.

After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.

You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.

Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed”.

You can only record your response once.

Test tips

Use punctuation to help you decide where to pause when you read

Stress the words that carry important information

How this question is scored

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

Pearson logo

PTE tests

Preparation

About PTE

Help & policies

Partners & research

UK accreditation

Website terms and conditions

Policy center

Cookie Settings

Pearson Logo

Book a test

PTE Core Test Format

Part 1: Speaking & Writing

This is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an everyday environment.

50-65 minutes

7 question types

Part 2: Reading | Part 3: Listening

Understand each question type

Use the menu to learn about the question types and how to answer each one.

Browse tabs

Personal introduction

The Personal Introduction is an opportunity for you to get familiar with PTE test technology and to help you prepare for your speaking and listening questions. This question does not contribute to your score and is for familiarization purposes only.

You will have 25 seconds to read the prompt and prepare your response, and then 30 seconds to record your response. You are only able to record your answer once.

Part 2: Reading

Duration

27-37 minutes

Question types

5 question types

Skills assessed

Reading

Explore Reading questions

Part 3: Listening

Duration

22-37 minutes

Question types

7 question types

Skills assessed

Listening

Explore Listening questions

Explore other parts of the test format

Learn about the other sections of the PTE Core test with videos, descriptions, and test tips for every question type.

Pearson logo

PTE tests

Preparation

About PTE

Help & policies

Partners & research

UK accreditation

Website terms and conditions

Policy center

Cookie Settings