PTE Academic Exam Format: Sections, Question Types, and Timing

PTE Academic consists of three sequential parts. Part 1 combines Speaking and Writing and lasts approximately 54 to 67 minutes. Part 2 focuses on Reading and takes approximately 29 to 30 minutes. Part 3 is dedicated to Listening and runs for approximately 30 to 43 minutes. Between Part 1 and Part 2, you are offered an optional 10-minute break. This break does not count toward your test time, and you can choose to skip it if you prefer to continue. Within each part, question types appear in a set order, though the specific content varies from test to test. The number of items for each question type can also vary slightly between test sessions, which is why the total time for each part is given as a range rather than an exact figure. Regardless of these minor variations, the overall structure and flow remain consistent. It is important to note that PTE Academic uses integrated scoring, meaning a single task can contribute to scores in multiple communicative skills. For example, a Read Aloud task primarily assesses Speaking but also contributes to your Reading score. Similarly, Summarize Spoken Text contributes to both Listening and Writing scores. This integrated approach means that strong performance on any given task can boost your scores across multiple skill areas.

Time management is one of the most critical factors in PTE Academic success. Unlike some tests where each question has its own individual timer, PTE Academic groups certain question types under shared timers. In the Reading section, for instance, all question types share a single countdown clock, meaning the time you save on easier questions can be allocated to more challenging ones. For speaking tasks, individual timers control when the microphone starts and stops recording. You must begin speaking before the timer runs out, or the task will be marked as incomplete. Each speaking task has a specific preparation time (usually a few seconds) followed by a recording period. Learning to use these brief windows effectively is crucial for achieving strong speaking scores. In the Writing section, the Essay task provides a fixed 20-minute window, while Summarize Written Text allows 10 minutes per item. These fixed timers mean you must practice writing within strict time constraints to ensure you can produce complete, well-organized responses on test day. We will discuss specific strategies for each section in our upcoming guides on individual question types, including our PTE Read Aloud tips and PTE Describe Image guide.

The Speaking portion of Part 1 includes five task types. The Personal Introduction is an unscored task that gives you 25 seconds to read the prompt and 30 seconds to introduce yourself. While this task does not count toward your score, it serves as a useful warm-up for your voice and microphone. Read Aloud presents a text passage on screen, and you must read it aloud clearly and fluently. You are given 30 to 40 seconds to prepare and the same amount of time to record your response. This task is one of the highest-value items in the entire test because it contributes to both your Speaking and Reading scores. You will encounter 6 to 7 Read Aloud items in a typical test. Mastering this task type is essential, and our dedicated PTE Read Aloud strategies guide covers everything you need to know. Repeat Sentence plays an audio recording of a single sentence, and you must repeat it exactly as you heard it. This task assesses your listening accuracy, short-term memory, and spoken fluency simultaneously. There are typically 10 to 12 Repeat Sentence items, making it one of the most frequently appearing task types. For detailed strategies, see our guide on PTE Repeat Sentence strategies. Describe Image shows you a graph, chart, map, diagram, or other visual, and you must describe it in 40 seconds. You get 25 seconds of preparation time. There are typically 3 to 4 Describe Image items. Our comprehensive PTE Describe Image guide provides templates and strategies for every image type you might encounter. Re-tell Lecture plays an audio or video recording of an academic lecture and asks you to retell the main points in your own words. You get 10 seconds of preparation after the audio ends and 40 seconds to record your response. This task tests your listening comprehension, note-taking ability, and spoken fluency. Answer Short Question plays a brief question and requires a one-word or short-phrase answer. These quick items test your vocabulary and general knowledge. There are typically 5 to 6 such questions.

The Writing portion of Part 1 includes two task types: Summarize Written Text and Essay. Summarize Written Text presents an academic passage and asks you to write a single sentence that captures the main idea and key points. You have 10 minutes per item, and there are typically 1 to 2 items. The challenge lies in condensing a complex passage into one grammatically correct sentence of between 5 and 75 words. This task contributes to both your Writing and Reading scores. The Essay task presents a prompt on a given topic and asks you to write an argumentative or discursive essay of 200 to 300 words. You have 20 minutes for each essay, and there are typically 1 to 2 essay prompts. The AI scoring engine evaluates your essay on content, formal requirements, grammar, vocabulary range, spelling, and the development and structure of your argument. Planning your essay briefly before writing, using clear paragraph structure, and proofreading before submission are all important strategies. For in-depth essay writing advice, check out our PTE essay writing guide.

Because the Speaking and Writing section combines two major skill areas into one part, stamina and focus are essential. Begin the test with steady energy, speak clearly and at a natural pace, and resist the temptation to rush through tasks to save time. For speaking tasks, remember that the AI evaluates fluency and pronunciation as key scoring criteria — hesitations, self-corrections, and unnatural pauses can lower your scores. For the writing tasks, allocate a minute or two at the start of each task for planning. A brief outline of your main points will help you write more coherently and efficiently. Leave at least a minute at the end for proofreading. Even small errors in spelling or grammar can affect your enabling skill scores. Practicing under timed conditions is the best way to build the speed and confidence you need. Platforms like GoPTE offer timed practice for every speaking and writing task type, with AI-powered feedback that helps you understand exactly where your responses are strong and where they need improvement.

Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks presents a text with several gaps, and you must select the correct word for each gap from a dropdown menu. This task type tests your understanding of vocabulary, collocations, and grammar in context. It contributes to both your Reading and Writing scores, making it a high-value question type. There are typically 5 to 6 items of this type. For targeted practice strategies, see our guide on PTE reading fill in the blanks. Multiple Choice Multiple Answer shows a reading passage followed by a question and multiple response options. You must select all the correct answers. Be cautious with this question type — incorrect selections result in negative marking, meaning you lose points for wrong answers. It is better to select only the options you are confident about than to guess wildly. There are typically 1 to 2 items. Re-order Paragraphs presents a set of text boxes in random order, and you must drag and drop them into the correct logical sequence to form a coherent paragraph. This task tests your understanding of text structure, discourse markers, and logical flow. There are typically 2 to 3 items. This question type can be challenging, and our PTE reorder paragraphs guide provides detailed strategies for identifying the correct sequence. Fill in the Blanks (reading only) presents a passage with gaps, and you must drag words from a provided word bank to fill each gap correctly. This task assesses vocabulary and contextual understanding. There are typically 4 to 5 items. Multiple Choice Single Answer shows a reading passage with a single question and several response options, from which you must select one correct answer. This straightforward comprehension task has 1 to 2 items and does not involve negative marking.

The shared timer in the Reading section creates both an opportunity and a risk. The opportunity is that you can move quickly through easier items and bank time for more difficult ones. The risk is that if you spend too long on a challenging Re-order Paragraphs task, you may run out of time for other questions. A smart approach is to work through the section in order but set mental time checkpoints. For example, aim to complete each Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks item in about two minutes. If a Re-order Paragraphs task is proving difficult after three minutes, make your best arrangement and move on. You can return to unanswered items if time permits, though in most cases it is better to attempt every question rather than leave items blank. Building your academic vocabulary is one of the most effective long-term strategies for the Reading section. Read English-language newspapers, academic journals, and non-fiction books regularly to expose yourself to the types of vocabulary and text structures that appear in PTE Academic. Pay attention to collocations, transition words, and the ways that ideas are connected across paragraphs.

Summarize Spoken Text plays an audio recording of an academic lecture or presentation and asks you to write a summary of 50 to 70 words within 10 minutes. This high-value task contributes to both Listening and Writing scores. Strong note-taking skills are essential for capturing the key points while listening. There are typically 1 to 2 items. Our PTE summarize spoken text guide provides detailed strategies and templates. Multiple Choice Multiple Answer plays an audio recording followed by a question with multiple response options. Like its reading counterpart, this task uses negative marking, so select only the answers you are confident about. There are typically 1 to 2 items. Fill in the Blanks plays an audio recording while displaying a transcript on screen with gaps. You must type the missing words as you hear them. This task requires simultaneous listening and reading attention, as well as accurate spelling. There are typically 2 to 3 items. Highlight Correct Summary plays an audio recording and presents several written summary options. You must select the one that best captures the main idea and supporting details. There is typically 1 to 2 items. Multiple Choice Single Answer plays an audio clip followed by a question with several options, from which you select one correct answer. There are typically 1 to 2 items. Select Missing Word plays a recording that ends abruptly, and you must select the word or phrase that best completes the final sentence. This task tests your ability to predict and follow the logical flow of spoken content. There are typically 1 to 2 items. Highlight Incorrect Words plays an audio recording while displaying a transcript that contains deliberate errors. You must click on the words that differ from the audio. This task requires extremely careful simultaneous listening and reading. There are typically 2 to 3 items. Write from Dictation plays a short sentence, and you must type it exactly as you heard it. Despite its simplicity, this task carries significant scoring weight and typically appears 3 to 4 times. Our PTE Write from Dictation guide covers effective strategies for maximizing your score on this critical task type.

The Listening section presents a unique challenge because audio recordings play only once — you cannot replay them. This means your first listen must be highly focused and efficient. Develop strong note-taking habits during your preparation, using abbreviations and symbols to capture key information quickly without losing track of the audio. For Summarize Spoken Text, focus on the main argument, supporting examples, and the speaker's conclusion. Your notes should capture these structural elements so you can write a coherent summary within the 10-minute window. For Fill in the Blanks and Highlight Incorrect Words, read ahead in the transcript before the audio starts (if possible) to anticipate where the gaps or errors might occur. Write from Dictation deserves special attention because of its high scoring impact relative to its apparent simplicity. Practice dictation regularly, focusing on accuracy with every single word including articles, prepositions, and plural forms. Even one missing word reduces your score for that item. Listen carefully, hold the sentence in your short-term memory, and type it immediately after the audio finishes. For comprehensive listening preparation, explore our complete PTE listening tips guide, which covers strategies for every listening task type and provides practice recommendations.

Maintain your concentration throughout the Listening section, even though it comes at the end of a three-hour test when mental fatigue may be setting in. If you took the optional break between Parts 1 and 2, the rest should help sustain your energy. Stay hydrated before the test and maintain good posture at your workstation to support alertness. Pay attention to signal words and discourse markers in the audio recordings. Words like however, therefore, in contrast, and for example indicate shifts in argument, conclusions, and supporting evidence. These markers help you follow the logical structure of the content and predict what information will come next. Finally, remember that the Listening section, like all parts of PTE Academic, uses integrated scoring. Your performance on listening tasks also contributes to your Reading and Writing scores through tasks like Summarize Spoken Text and Fill in the Blanks. By performing well in the Listening section, you are not only boosting your Listening score but also supporting your overall performance across multiple skill areas.

The most effective PTE preparation involves practicing under conditions that closely mirror the actual test. This means using a computer, wearing a headset with a microphone, timing your responses, and working through complete sections without pausing. Simulated test conditions help you build the stamina, speed, and focus you need for the real exam. GoPTE at gopte.com provides a comprehensive practice environment designed specifically for PTE Academic. With practice modules covering every question type, AI-powered scoring that mirrors the actual test's evaluation criteria, and detailed performance analytics, GoPTE helps you practice smarter, track your progress, and identify the areas that will deliver the biggest score improvements.

A comprehensive study strategy goes beyond simply practicing question types. It includes building your core English skills — expanding your vocabulary, refining your grammar, improving your pronunciation, and increasing your reading and listening speed. These foundational skills support your performance across all PTE task types and sections. Set specific, measurable goals for your preparation period. For example, aim to learn 10 new academic vocabulary words per day, practice speaking for 30 minutes daily, and complete at least two full timed reading sections per week. Track your progress with regular practice tests and adjust your study plan as your scores improve. For a detailed day-by-day preparation roadmap, refer to our PTE 30-day study plan guide. With a clear understanding of the exam format and a disciplined preparation approach, you can walk into the test center on exam day feeling fully prepared and confident. The PTE Academic format rewards candidates who understand the test structure, manage their time effectively, and demonstrate consistent English language skills across all four communicative areas.