Pearson PLC assesses and validates non-native English language usage through Pearson Language Test. You can take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, the Pearson Test of English General (formerly known as London Tests of English) and the Pearson Test of English Young Learners.
The PTE Academic test was introduced in 2009 by Pearson Language Tests. It is endorsed by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which administers the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the test has been aligned with the standard level of measuring language ability. The Pearson Test of English Academic is provided globally through Pearson Virtual User Environment (VUE) centres, delivering the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
Nearly 6,000 organisations recognised it upon its release. This test is accepted for visa applications by the Australian Border Agency and the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. In addition, PTE-A can also be used for migrating to New Zealand and the United Kingdom. To reduce waiting times for results, students are graded by computers rather than by humans.
Also Read: What is the PTE Exam? Everything You Need to Know to Ace this Exam
What is the PTE Academic Test?
PTE Academic TEST is designed to assess whether non-native speakers can participate in a university-level study program. The test is computer-based and examines real-life academic English. In the course of the test, students are exposed to the various accents and academic language they will encounter at an English-speaking higher education institution.
The exam includes an unmarked voice recording of the candidate that is part of advanced biometric records to assist institutions in verifying the candidate’s identity and facilitating their admission decisions. The test can be completed in three hours maximum, and the results are available online within five working days.
PTE Academic Test Scoring
Results are reported based on the Global Scale of English, a standardised numerical scale measuring English proficiency more precisely than the commonly recognised CEFR scale in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
PTE Exam Format
This examination measures four language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing in three hours’ duration. A 10-minute break is included in the assessment and an introduction to the test, excluding the time limit.
An introductory session will cover instructions about what to expect in each part of the test. Each part may contain several sections. The sections are timed individually. Each of the items in the test represents a specific function and circumstance you might encounter while studying in an English-speaking environment. Twenty item types are included in the PTE Academic, each of which measures a single language skill.
Also Read: PTE General Exam Sample Papers: Let’s Gather the Potential Knowledge about PTE
PTE Exam Section Details
#1. Speaking
You must speak with fluency, correct intonation, stress, and pronunciation that most native English speakers easily understand. Despite many regional and national varieties of pronunciation of English, PTE Academic recognises them to the extent that will be understandable to most regular English speakers.
There is no individual time for each speaking item. You can see a timer in the upper right-hand corner of your computer, called “Section Time Remaining,” which indicates the remaining speaking time.
#2. Reading
The reading items require you to comprehend an authentic text from an academic source. It presents authentic academic texts about subjects from the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. It does not matter if you are unfamiliar with the topics or not; you will find all the information you need to answer the questions in the texts. There is no individual time allotted to the reading section.
#3. Writing
In the writing section, you must write a response in the standard academic style. The spelling and grammar should be correct. The test recognises the spelling conventions of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. If you are responding to a specific question, you should use the same spelling convention.
The total time allocated to writing sections varies with the combination of items on a test. Each type of writing item is timed separately. Time is indicated for each section by the timer on the upper right corner of the computer screen, “Section Time Remaining.”.
#4. Listening
You will be tested on your ability to comprehend spoken English in an academic setting. This test includes questions related to the ability to understand multiple accents, both native and non-native. You have to comprehend audio or video recordings of an authentic talk, presentation, or conversation from a scholarly source in the listening items.
PTE Exam 2021 Registration
If you want to book PTE Academic online, you need a valid ID, generally a passport. PTE test candidates must also show their ID just before the exam, or they will not be allowed to enter the exam centre.
Here are the steps to registering for PTE Academic online:
#. Visit Pearson’s official website to learn more about assessments and certifications.
#. Fill out your personal information to create your Pearson account.
#. The Pearson email address with your login details will be sent to you within 48 hours of completing the registration.
#. Next, you will need to locate a test centre near you.
#. Make sure the date and time are convenient for you.
#. You will then be asked to select your details, such as time, date, and slot, before proceeding to check out.
#. You can then lastly complete your booking by making payment.
Note: You can change your exam date before 14 days of the exam without any fee.
Other Ways to Register for PTE
The PTE exam can also be taken via phone by the highly preferred online registration method. If you are an Indian student interested in taking the PTE Examination, you can contact the testing body by dialling: 00080 0440 2020. (Service hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. local time; closed local holidays.)
PTE Exam Fee
Rs 13,300 is the standard fee for the PTE Academic exam. Applicants who book their PTE exam within 48 hours of the test date will be charged Rs. 13,965 for the late booking fee. Rescheduling or cancellation of testing would require additional fees.
How to Clear the PTE Academic Test?
It is often the case that candidates taking PTE tests are confused about the direction of their PTE preparation. Here are the quick tips you can follow to ace your preparation:
#. Prepare in advance.
#. Make sure you don’t overlook the other subject.
#. Make use of quality materials.
#. Be familiar with question types.
#. Make a note of errors.
#. Make sure you take several practice tests.
#. Make vocabulary studies a priority.
Also Read: Is PTE General Valid for Australia PR? PTE Exam Preparation and Details of Application Process
PTE Academic Test Section-wise Preparation Tips
#1. Reading
The type of questions included are: Multiple choice with one answer, Multiple choice with multiple answers, Reorder paragraphs.
Answering questions from the reading section will take between 32-40 minutes. A single time limit will be applied to this section, which contains 15-20 independent questions.
Here are some points to remember:
#. Throughout the test, candidates will be required to use grammatical and contextual understanding to answer questions that will test their grammar skills and understanding of the context.
#. To reorder the passage, candidates should identify the keywords and understand the main theme. Every well-written paragraph has some keywords; you need to match the keywords to maintain the flow.
#. For the multiple-choice section, make sure you read through the passage carefully and avoid negative marking.
#. During the preparation phase, develop good reading skills to avoid spending too much time reading only the passage.
Also Read: Vocabulary Words for Speaking: List of Topic Related Vocabulary with Examples
#2. Listening
Question types: Summarising speech, choosing multiple answers, filling in blanks, highlighting correct summary, multiple-choice, choosing one response, highlighting incorrect answers, writing from dictation
#. Answer the question within the given word count, for example, ‘summarise a spoken text’ should be 50-70 words.
#. The computer will play the video and audio clips only once, so pay attention. As per their convenience, candidates can set the volume level.
#. There will be a lot of tasks in the listening section, so managing time is very important. Use the erasable note board wisely when writing the answers.
#3. Speaking
PTE Academic’s introduction section remains unscored. Scores will be given for other activities such as reading aloud, describing the image, and retelling lectures.
Following are some tips from PTE academics that will help you prepare for the speaking section:
#. The first rule of reading aloud is to read loudly and fearlessly. The volume must be good and the reading speed normal. If you speak quietly or rapidly, your score may suffer.
#. If you make a mistake while reading aloud, don’t stop. Move forward and carry on.
#. Focus on the phrases and words in the repeating sentences when you record. You must have good fluency and pronunciation.
#. The describe image section will ask you to respond to the image by using the microphone. The image will show some information, and you will need to record your answer.
#. It is important to manage your time effectively. Since the speaking and writing sections are taken together, time will be limited to 20 to 30 minutes.
#. Please note that the recording will stop if you stop speaking for more than 3 seconds.
Also Read: Unfamiliar with the New Vocabulary? Memorize Promptly with These Tips
#4. Writing
Here, candidates will be asked to summarise a written piece of text and write an essay. Please limit your answers to the prescribed word limits. It is suggested to summarise the text in short sentences. It is also recommended to follow the word limit in the essay section, where there should be a word count of 200-300 words.
Does the PTE Exam Take a Long Time to Prepare?
Every candidate requires a different preparation time. An already good English speaker will just need to take a few mock tests to become familiar with the test. If a candidate does not possess the required skills, he should focus more on PTE academic preparation.
The PTE does not test the depth of knowledge of the subject under consideration but rather the candidate’s basic English proficiency. A decent English speaker can prepare for the PTE academic test within a few weeks, while for others preparing for the PTE Academic test may take up to a month to complete.
Also Read: PTE General Valid for Which Countries: List of Top Colleges That Accepts PTE Scores
PTE Academic Preparation with IELTS Ninja
In PTE preparation, there’s one rule: Practice, Practice, and Practice. The candidates need to identify and work on their weak points during the preparation phase. You can do this by solving the academic sample papers for the PTE exam or seeking out our guide. This will allow you to identify your weak points and provide you with an understanding of the test pattern as well.
Time management is also one factor that the candidates need to learn in the preparation phase only, and IELTS Ninja is here to streamline that for you. Your journey through PTE Academic preparations can be a cakewalk with the expert mentorship and choicest materials on IELTS Ninja. Sign up and book a demo class to experience for yourself.
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