I will join the PTE test in 2, May, so I need a plan for prepare.
PTE Academic Test Structure Summary
Part | Section / Task Type | Estimated Time | Number of Items | Approx. Score Contribution (%) | Affects Skills |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Speaking & Writing | ~54–67 minutes | 28–36 | ~50% | Speaking + Writing |
Read Aloud | – | 6–7 | High | Speaking, Reading | |
Repeat Sentence | – | 10–12 | Very High | Speaking, Listening | |
Describe Image | – | 6–7 | Moderate | Speaking | |
Retell Lecture | – | 3–4 | High | Speaking, Listening | |
Answer Short Question | – | 5–6 | Low | Listening, Speaking | |
2 | Writing | ~54–67 minutes | 28–36 | ~50% | Speaking + Writing |
Summarize Written Text | ~10 min/item | 1–2 | Moderate | Writing, Reading | |
Essay | ~20 minutes | 1 | Moderate–High | Writing | |
3 | Reading | ~29–30 minutes | 13–18 | ~25% | Reading (+ minor Writing) |
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks | – | 5–6 | High | Reading, Writing | |
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | – | 1–2 | Low | Reading | |
Re-order Paragraphs | – | 2–3 | Moderate | Reading | |
Fill in the Blanks | – | 4–5 | Moderate | Reading | |
Multiple Choice, Single Answer | – | 1–2 | Low | Reading | |
4 | Listening | ~30–43 minutes | 12–20 | ~25% | Listening (+ minor Writing) |
Summarize Spoken Text | ~10 min/item | 1–2 | Moderate | Listening, Writing | |
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | – | 1–2 | Low | Listening | |
Fill in the Blanks | – | 2–3 | Moderate | Listening, Writing | |
Highlight Correct Summary | – | 1–2 | Moderate | Listening, Reading | |
Multiple Choice, Single Answer | – | 1–2 | Low | Listening | |
Select Missing Word | – | 1–2 | Low | Listening | |
Highlight Incorrect Words | – | 2–3 | Moderate | Listening, Reading | |
Write from Dictation | – | 3–4 | Very High | Listening, Writing |
Notes:
- Speaking & Writing section has the highest combined weight (~50%).
- Repeat Sentence and Write from Dictation are the most valuable tasks across the whole exam due to their dual-score contribution.
- Reading and Listening sections, while shorter in time, contain tasks that impact multiple scoring areas.
- Good time management and use of templates/shortcuts can help maximize scores in limited prep time.
PTE All Task Types + Quick Strategy Table (For Short Preparation)
Skill Section | Task Type | Task Goal (What to Do) | Quick Strategy (How to Score) |
---|---|---|---|
Speaking | Read Aloud | Read the text clearly and fluently | Pause at punctuation, speak clearly, don’t rush or restart |
Speaking | Repeat Sentence | Repeat exactly what you hear | Memorize first & last chunk, keep rhythm even if incomplete |
Speaking | Describe Image | Describe a chart or picture | Use fixed template, speak confidently, don’t worry about accuracy |
Speaking | Retell Lecture | Summarize what you heard from a lecture | Write keywords, use structured template, include 2–3 points minimum |
Speaking | Answer Short Question | Answer a general knowledge question orally | Give 1-word or short phrase, skip if unsure |
Writing | Summarize Written Text | Write one-sentence summary of a passage | Use linking words (“and”, “which”, “that”), keep sentence 40–70 words |
Writing | Essay | Write 200–300 word argumentative essay | Use 4-paragraph template: Intro, 2 Body, Conclusion |
Reading | Reading & Writing Fill Blanks | Fill missing words in a passage | Focus on grammar + collocations (e.g. “strong demand”, “major issue”) |
Reading | Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | Choose all correct options after reading | Read question first, avoid overselecting answers (no partial credit) |
Reading | Re-order Paragraphs | Put sentences in correct order | Find topic sentence first, match references (“this”, “these”, etc.) |
Reading | Fill in the Blanks | Drag and drop correct word into blank | Focus on meaning + grammar fit, use collocations |
Reading | Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Choose one best option after reading | Read question first, scan quickly, avoid overthinking |
Listening | Summarize Spoken Text | Write 50–70 word summary of a lecture | Take notes, use simple structure: Intro + 2 points + summary |
Listening | Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer | Choose all correct answers after listening | Focus on main ideas, avoid clicking too many options |
Listening | Fill in the Blanks | Type missing words into transcript while listening | Focus on spelling + grammar; memorize common collocations |
Listening | Highlight Correct Summary | Choose best summary of what you heard | Match keywords from audio to options, eliminate wrong tone/detail |
Listening | Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Choose 1 correct answer after listening | Focus on question stem, find keywords in audio |
Listening | Select Missing Word | Pick the final word/phrase from 3 options | Focus on logic of sentence, predict before options appear |
Listening | Highlight Incorrect Words | Click words that differ from the audio | Read along carefully, click only obvious mismatches |
Listening | Write from Dictation | Type the sentence you heard | Practice spelling, focus on plural/singular, capitalize first word |
PTE Template-Based Answer Cheatsheet
This cheatsheet contains high-efficiency answer templates for four PTE Academic task types. These templates help candidates score safely even with minimal preparation, by ensuring fluency, structure, and grammar.
1️⃣ Describe Image
Task: Describe a visual (graph/chart/picture) in ~40 seconds.
Template:
The image is about [type of image, e.g., a bar chart, a line graph, a pie chart, etc.].
It provides information related to [...].
We can see that the highest point is [...], while the lowest is [...].
Overall, the image shows some clear differences or trends.
That’s the end of my description.
Replaceable Phrases:
- “shows” → “illustrates” / “presents”
- “clear differences” → “noticeable variations” / “significant contrasts”
2️⃣ Retell Lecture
Task: Retell what you heard in a 40-second lecture.
Template:
The lecture is about [main topic].
The speaker mentioned several points, such as [...], [...], and [...].
He/She also talked about [...], which is quite important.
In conclusion, the lecture emphasizes that [...].
That’s the end of my retelling.
Replaceable Phrases:
- “mentioned” → “discussed” / “pointed out”
- “emphasizes” → “highlights” / “stresses”
3️⃣ Summarize Written Text
Task: Write a single sentence (40–70 words) summarizing a passage.
Template:
The passage discusses [main idea],
and highlights several points including [...], [...], and [...],
ultimately emphasizing that [...].
Replaceable Phrases:
- “highlights” → “explores” / “addresses”
- “ultimately emphasizing” → “concluding with the idea that” / “underscoring the fact that”
4️⃣ Essay Writing
Task: Write a 200–300 word argumentative essay in 20 minutes.
Template:
Introduction:
It is often argued that [rephrase topic].
In my opinion, I [agree/disagree] with this view because [...].
Body Paragraph 1:
Firstly, [...].
This is important because [...].
For example, [...].
Body Paragraph 2:
Moreover, [...].
This means that [...].
A good example of this is [...].
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there are arguments on both sides, I still believe that [...].
Therefore, [restate your position].
Replaceable Phrases:
- “Firstly” → “To begin with”
- “Moreover” → “In addition”
- “In conclusion” → “To sum up”
✅ Use these templates to stabilize your score, especially under time pressure. Speak clearly and with natural pacing, and avoid long pauses or restarts.
Week Goals and plan
Study Log
All sum :
Week | Times | Times Sum | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Week7 | 1.5 | 16.6 | |
Week6 | 2.5 | 14.6 | |
Week5 | 4.5 | 12.1 | |
Week4 | 1 | 7.6 | |
Week3 | 3.5 | 6.6 | |
Week2 | 2.1 | 3.1 | |
Week1 | 1 | 1 |
Week log :
Week | Day | Type | Times | Week Times Sum | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Week7 | ALL | 2.0 | |||
Week7 | 1 May, 2025 | WFD | 0.3 | 2.0 | Listening |
Week7 | 30 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 1.7 | Describe Image - template practice |
Week7 | 30 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 1.2 | Listening |
Week7 | 28 Apr, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 0.7 | Listening |
Week7 | 28 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.2 | 0.2 | sentences-check- |
Week6 | ALL | 3 | |||
Week6 | 27 Apr, 2025 | ALL | 1.5 | 2.5 | full test:get score 49 |
Week6 | 24 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 1 | Listening list |
Week6 | 23 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 0.5 | Listening list |
Week5 | ALL | 4.5 | |||
Week5 | 20 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 4.5 | simple sentences-write-16 |
Week5 | 19 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.3 | 4 | simple sentences-listen-98 |
Week5 | 17 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 3.7 | simple sentences-listen-98 |
Week5 | 17 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.2 | 3.2 | Listening list-16 |
Week5 | 16 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 3 | Write list-16 |
Week5 | 16 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 2.5 | simple sentences-listen-98 |
Week5 | 15 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 2 | simple sentences-listen-98 |
Week5 | 15 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.2 | 1.5 | simple sentences-listen-70~98 |
Week5 | 15 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.3 | 1.3 | simple sentences-listen-98 |
Week5 | 14 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.2 | 1 | simple sentences-check-98 |
Week5 | 14 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.6 | 0.8 | simple sentences-listen-98 |
Week5 | 14 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.2 | 0.2 | simple sentences-listen-11 |
Week4 | ALL | 1 | |||
Week4 | 8 Apr, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 1 | simple sentences |
Week4 | 7 Apr, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 0.5 | simple sentences |
Week3 | ALL | 3.5 | |||
Week3 | 3 Apr, 2025 | RS | 1 | 3.5 | simple sentences |
Week3 | 2 Apr, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 2.5 | simple sentences |
Week2 | 1 Apr, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 2 | simple sentences,120/350 |
Week3 | 1 Apr, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 1.5 | simple sentences |
Week3 | 1 Apr, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 1 | simple sentences |
Week3 | 31 Mar, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 0.5 | simple sentences |
Week2 | ALL | 2.1 | |||
Week2 | 27 Mar, 2025 | WFD | 0.3 | 2.1 | simple sentences,92/350 |
Week2 | 27 Mar, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 2 | simple sentences,follow and read |
Week2 | 26 Mar, 2025 | WFD | 0.3 | 1.8 | simple sentences,72/97 |
Week2 | 26 Mar, 2025 | RS | 0.5 | 1.5 | simple sentences,follow and read |
Week2 | 25 Mar, 2025 | RS | 0.2 | 1 | 43 simple sentences,follow and read |
Week2 | 24 Mar, 2025 | Word | 0.2 | 0.8 | new words in RS |
Week2 | 24 Mar, 2025 | WFD | 0.3 | 0.6 | 25 simple sentences,try to listen and understand |
Week2 | 24 Mar, 2025 | RS | 0.3 | 0.3 | 43 simple sentences,follow and read |
Week1 | ALL | 1 | |||
Week1 | 23 Mar, 2025 | RS | 0.3 | 1 | 43 simple sentences, check new words |
Week1 | 23 Mar, 2025 | WFD | 0.5 | 0.7 | simple-20 sentences |
Week1 | 21 Mar, 2025 | WFD | 0.2 | 0.2 | simple-10 sentences |