PTE Speaking & Writing PART 1
This part of the test is 54–67 minutes long and it contains seven different question types. It is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an academic environment. It is important that you understand each question type.
| 1. Personal Introduction This question does not contribute to your score and is for familiarisation 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. | 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. |
| 2. Read Aloud Instructions: Do not start speaking before the tone because your voice will not be recorded. Speak before the progress bar reaches the end and the word “according” changes to “completed.” | Task: Text appears on the screen. Read the text aloud. Prompt Length: Text up to 60 words Skills Assessed: Reading and speaking Time to Answer: Varies by item, depending on the length of text. |
| 3. Repeat Sentence Instructions: When the audio finishes, the microphone opens. There’s no short tone, so speak into the microphone immediately and repeat exactly what you heard. | Task: After listening to a recording of a sentence, repeat the sentence. Prompt Length: 3–9 seconds Skills Assessed: Listening and speaking Time to Answer: 15 seconds |
| 4. Describe Image Instructions: For this item 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. | Task: An image appears on the screen. Describe the image in detail. Prompt Length: Not applicable Skills Assessed: Speaking Time to Answer: 40 seconds |
| 5. Re-tell Lecture Re-tell Lecture Instructions: For this item type, you need to re-tell what you heard. The audio begins to play automatically. You may also see an image related to the audio. After the audio finishes, you have 10 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. Important Points: 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 are only able to record your response once. Note: While the audio is playing, you can take notes on the erasable noteboard provided. | Task: After listening to or watching a lecture, re-tell the lecture in your own words. Prompt Length: Up to 90 seconds Skills Assessed: Listening and speaking Time to Answer: 40 seconds |
| 6. Answer Short Question Instructions: For this item type, you need to reply to the question in one or a few words. The audio begins to play automatically. You may also see an image. When the audio finishes, the microphone opens, and the recording status box shows “Recording.” Speak into the microphone immediately (there is no short tone) and answer the question with one or a few words. Important Points: 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 are not able to replay the audio. You are only able to record your response once. | Task: After listening to a question, answer with a single word or a few words. Prompt Length: 3–9 seconds Skills Assessed: Listening and speaking Time to Answer: 10 seconds |
| 7. Summarise Written Text Instructions: For this item type, you need to write a summary of the text in one sentence. You have 10 minutes to write your summary. Make sure to include the main points of the reading passage in a full, single sentence of no more than 75 words. Tools: 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. | Task: After reading the text, write a one-sentence summary of the passage. Prompt Length: Text up to 300 words Skills Assessed: Reading and writing Time to Answer: 10 minutes |
| 8. Essay Instructions: For this item type, you need to write a 200–300 word argumentative essay in response to a prompt. You have 20 minutes to write your essay. The Word Count at the bottom of the screen counts the number of words you write. Make sure to write a minimum of 200 words, but no more than 300 words. Tools: There are also cut, copy, and paste buttons which you may use while constructing your response. | Task: Write a 200–300 word essay on a given topic. Prompt Length: 2–3 sentences Skills Assessed: Writing Time to Answer: 20 minutes |