PTE Core’s exam structure features three main parts with specific question types and timings, as outlined in this picture. This format helps test-takers prepare effectively for real-life English use in immigration or work contexts.
Part 1: Speaking & Writing
Around 47-67 minutes with 28-36 questions across 8 types like Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Respond to a Situation, Answer Short Question, Summarise Written Text, and Write Email. This section tests fluency, pronunciation, and written responses in everyday scenarios, making it the longest part of the test. Practice speaking clearly into the microphone while managing time for writing tasks.
Part 2: Reading
Approximately 30 minutes featuring 17-27 questions in 5 types: Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice Multiple Answers, Re-order Paragraphs, Reading Fill in the Blanks, and Multiple Choice Single Answer. These assess vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension through passages up to 300 words, with partial scoring on many items. Focus on context clues for fill-in-blanks and avoid guessing on multiple-choice to dodge negative marking.
Part 3: Listening
Around 30-43 minutes with 17-30 questions across 7 types: Summarise Spoken Text, Multiple Choice Multiple Answers, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice Single Answer, Select Missing Word, Highlight Incorrect Words, and Write from Dictation. You’ll hear audio clips once, so note-taking is key for summaries and dictation. This integrates listening with writing, emphasising accuracy in capturing spoken details.
Total test duration is about 2 hours, shorter than PTE Academic, tailored for practical English skills.
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