
Prepare for the PTE (Pearson Test of English) with VisaCandy’s expert trainers. We focus on the Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening sections to help you gain fluency and confidence. Our intensive training includes strategies, mock exams, and personalized tips to maximize your performance in the test.
PTE Academic Overview
The PTE Academic is a globally recognized English language proficiency test developed by Pearson, primarily for non-native English speakers. It assesses the Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writingskills needed for academic and professional settings. Known for its computerized, AI-based scoring, the PTE is accepted by educational institutions, immigration authorities, and employers around the world.
The GRE is accepted by universities around the world, especially in North America, Europe, Asia
1. Higher Education :
Accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, the PTE is suitable for those applying to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in English-speaking countries (like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).
2. Immigration:
Recognized for immigration and visa purposes by various countries, includingAustralia and New Zealand.
3.Employment:
Some professional organizations and employers accept PTE scores for language proficiency, especially in industries where effective communication in English is crucial.
PTE Academic is accepted in many countries for various purposes. Here’s a breakdown of its recognition:
- Accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories, including student visas, work visas, and permanent residency.
- Over 500 Australian institutions accept PTE scores for admission, including prestigious universities like the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and University of Sydney.
- Recognized by Immigration New Zealand for student and migration visa applications.
- Accepted by most universities and educational institutions in New Zealand, such as the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington
- Accepted for student visas at universities listed as Student visa sponsorsby the UK government.
- Institutions like London School of Economics, University of Birmingham, and University of Manchesteraccept PTE scores.
- Over 1,000 institutionsin the USA accept PTE scores, including Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University.
- Primarily used for academic admissions; some employers may also consider PTE scores for job applications.
- Widely accepted by Canadian universities and colleges,includingzincludingMcGill University, University of British Columbia, and University of Toronto
- Not accepted for Canadian immigration purposes; IELTS is preferred for immigration, but PTE is still valuable for academic admission.
- Accepted byIrish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)student visas at universities listed as Student visa sponsorsby the UK government. for certain study visa applications.
- Recognized by universities such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.
- Some European institutions, especially those offeringEnglish-taught programs, accept PTE scores for admission. This includes universities in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy .
- Growing acceptance in Asian countries such as Singapore and China, especially for admission to international programs or English-speaking universities.
1. Australia:
2. New Zealand:
3. United Kingdom:
4. United States:
5. Canada:
6. Ireland:
7. Europe:
8. Asia:
- PTE Academic assesses four main skills in a single, three-hour session. Here’s a breakdown of each section:
- Content:
- Personal Introduction: A self-introduction that isn’t scored but sent to institutions as part of your score report.
- Read Aloud: Candidates read a text aloud to test pronunciation and fluency.
- Repeat Sentence: You listen to a sentence and repeat it.
- Describe Image: Describe a graph, chart, or image displayed on the screen.
- Re-tell Lecture: Summarize spoken information from a lecture.
- Answer Short Questions: Respond to simple questions based on general knowledge.
- Summarize Written Text: Summarize a passage in one sentence (for writing skills).
- Essay (20 minutes): Write an essay (200–300 words) on a given topic.
- Practice Clarity: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace; avoid overthinking.
- Develop Summarization Skills: Practice summarizing information from articles and lectures.
- Time Management: Keep an eye on the timer for the essay to ensure completion within the allotted time.
- Multiple-choice, Single Answer: Answer based on a passage.
- Multiple-choice, Multiple Answers: Select all relevant answers.
- Re-order Paragraphs: Arrange disordered paragraphs into a coherent passage.
- Reading Fill in the Blanks: AFill in missing words in a passage.
- Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks:Select the correct word from a dropdown menu for each blank.
- Tips for Reading:
- Skim for Main Ideas: Quickly read for context before focusing on the questions.
- Understand Question Types: Each question has a unique approach, so practicing different types is crucial.
- Practice Timing: Reading speed is essential to avoid rushing through passages.
- Summarize Spoken Text: Summarize a spoken passage in 50–70 words.
- Multiple-choice, Single & Multiple Answers: Answer questions based on listening.
- Fill in the Blanks: Type missing words while listening to a recording.
- Highlight Correct Summary: Select the most accurate summary.
- Select Missing Word: Choose the word that completes the recording.
- Highlight Incorrect Words: Identify words that differ from the transcription.
- Write from Dictation: Listen to a sentence and type it accurately.
- Tips for Listening:
- Practice Active Listening. Listen to varied English accents to become familiar with differences in pronunciation.
- Note Key Points: Focus on main ideas and specific details as you listen.
- Stay Calm: Since you only hear recordings once, staying focused and calm is important.
This section tests spoken and written English in an integrated format. Candidates answer various question types that assess grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency, and coherence.
1. Speaking & Writing (54–67 minutes)
Tips for Speaking & Writing:
2. Reading (29–30 minutes)
Content:
3. Listening (30–43 minutes)
This section evaluates listening comprehension with different types of audio clips, such as lectures, conversations, and monologues.
Content:
- Automated Scoring: PTE is known for its AI-driven scoring system, which eliminates potential bias.
- Scoring Scale: Scores are given on a scale from 10 to 90 for each section and as an overall score.
- 85–90: Proficient (equivalent to CEFR Level C2)
- 76–84: Advanced (equivalent to CEFR Level C1)
- 59–75: Competent (equivalent to CEFR Level B2)
- 43–58:Modest (equivalent to CEFR Level B1)
- 10–42: Basic English proficiency
- Score Report:Available within 48 hours and valid for two years. Reports include individual scores for Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing and an overall score.
- GRE is offered year-roundat test centers worldwide.
- Computer-based GRE is the most common version and is available throughout the year.
- Paper-based GRE is available in regions where the computer-based version is not available.
- You can check availability and register for the GRE on the official ETS website.
- 1. Understand the Test Format:Familiarize yourself with the structure and types of questions in each section.
- 2. Practice with Computer-Based Tests:Since PTE is a fully computerized test, practicing on a computer helps build familiarity.
- 3. Enhance Vocabulary and Grammar:Expand vocabulary, especially words related to academic and professional contexts.
- 4. Improve Note-Taking Skills:Effective note-taking is useful for summarizing tasks, such as Describe Image and Summarize Spoken Text.
- 5. Practice Speaking and Writing with Timers:Time yourself to ensure you’re completing tasks within the limits.
- 6. Use Official Prep Resources:Pearson offers resources like the PTE Practice App and PTE preparation materials available online.
Additional Resources
- Official PTE Websites:The official PTE website (pearsonpte.com) provides free practice questions, scoring guidelines, and test information.
- Preparation Books:Books like PTE Academic Testbuilder and The Official Guide to PTE Academic provide practice tests, answer explanations, and tips.
- Online Practice Tests:Websites like E2Language and Magoosh offer online practice materials that mimic the test environment.