If you're preparing for the PTE Academic, you know it's not just about knowing English—it's about knowing the test. The format, timing, and scoring rules can trip you up even if your language skills are solid. That's why we've put together 10 representative questions across all sections: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each one comes with a worked solution that shows the reasoning, not just the final answer. Use these to understand the test's logic, then practice under timed conditions.
Speaking & Writing Section
1. Read Aloud
Question: Look at the text below. In 40 seconds, you must read this aloud as naturally and clearly as possible.
The discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Alexander Fleming marked a turning point in medical history. It led to the development of antibiotics, which have saved millions of lives worldwide.
Worked Solution:
- Pacing: Read at a steady, conversational speed. Don't rush—aim for about 150 words per minute.
- Pronunciation: Emphasize key words: "discovery," "penicillin," "turning point," "antibiotics."
- Pausing: Pause briefly after the first sentence (after "history") to let the idea land.
- Intonation: Use a slight rising tone on "penicillin" and a falling tone at the end of each sentence.
- Common mistake: Do not add extra words or sounds. Stick exactly to the text.
2. Repeat Sentence
Question: You will hear a sentence. Please repeat it exactly as you hear it.
Audio: "University libraries are increasingly offering digital resources to students."
Worked Solution:
- Listen for the core: The key words are "university libraries," "increasingly," "offering digital resources."
- Shadow the speaker: As you hear the sentence, silently mouth the words to lock them in memory.
- Deliver clearly: Repeat with the same intonation and rhythm. Do not rephrase.
- If you miss a word: Keep going. Do not stop or correct mid-sentence—fluency matters more than perfection.
3. Describe Image
Question: Look at the graph below. In 25 seconds, describe the key trends.
(Graph: Line chart showing global smartphone sales from 2010 to 2020, with a steady rise from 300 million to 1.5 billion units, then a slight dip in 2020.)
Worked Solution:
- Structure: Start with the overall trend, then highlight key data points, then conclude.
- Sample response: "The line chart illustrates global smartphone sales from 2010 to 2020. Overall, sales increased dramatically from around 300 million units in 2010 to a peak of 1.5 billion units in 2019. However, there was a slight decline in 2020, likely due to the pandemic. The most significant growth occurred between 2010 and 2015."
- Tip: Use comparative language: "increased dramatically," "slight decline," "most significant growth." Avoid personal opinions.
4. Re-tell Lecture
Question: You will hear a short lecture. After listening, summarize it in your own words.
Audio: "Climate change is affecting agriculture in multiple ways. Rising temperatures reduce crop yields, while changing rainfall patterns lead to droughts or floods. Farmers are adapting by using drought-resistant seeds and improving irrigation systems."
Worked Solution:
- Identify the main idea: The lecture is about how climate change impacts agriculture and how farmers are adapting.
- Supporting points: Rising temperatures reduce yields; changing rainfall causes droughts/floods; adaptations include drought-resistant seeds and better irrigation.
- Sample response: "The lecture discussed the effects of climate change on agriculture. It mentioned that rising temperatures are lowering crop yields, and changing rainfall patterns are causing more droughts and floods. To cope, farmers are using drought-resistant seeds and improving irrigation."
- Note: Do not add your own knowledge. Stick to what was said.
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Writing Section
5. Summarize Written Text
Question: Read the passage below. In one sentence, summarize the main point.
The concept of sustainable development emerged in the 1980s, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental protection. It emphasizes meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Critics argue that the term is vague and often used to justify continued resource exploitation.
Worked Solution:
- Identify the core: Sustainable development seeks to balance economic growth and environmental protection for current and future generations, though critics find it vague.
- Write one sentence: "Sustainable development, which emerged in the 1980s, aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection for future generations, but critics argue it is vague and can justify resource exploitation."
- Check: Must be a single sentence (one full stop). Keep between 5 and 75 words. Use a comma or semicolon to connect clauses.
6. Write Essay
Question: Some people believe that technology has made communication between people less personal. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons and examples.
Worked Solution:
- Structure: Introduction (state your position), Body paragraph 1 (agree side), Body paragraph 2 (disagree side or counterargument), Conclusion.
- Sample outline:
- Introduction: While technology has changed communication, I largely disagree that it has made it less personal; it has simply evolved.
- Body 1: Agree? Video calls and messaging lack non-verbal cues, but they allow instant connection across distances.
- Body 2: Disagree? Tools like emojis, voice notes, and personalized messages can convey emotion effectively. Example: grandparents video-calling grandchildren.
- Conclusion: Technology has not made communication less personal; it has expanded how we express care.
- Tip: Use linking words: "however," "furthermore," "in contrast." Aim for 200–300 words. Check grammar and spelling.
Reading Section
7. Multiple-choice, Single Answer
Question: Read the text and answer the question.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers. It is home to thousands of marine species. However, climate change has caused mass coral bleaching events, threatening its survival.
Question: What is the main threat to the Great Barrier Reef mentioned in the text? A) Overfishing B) Pollution C) Climate change D) Tourism
Worked Solution:
- Scan for the key phrase: The text explicitly says "climate change has caused mass coral bleaching events, threatening its survival."
- Eliminate others: Overfishing, pollution, and tourism are not mentioned.
- Answer: C) Climate change.
8. Re-order Paragraphs
Question: The paragraphs below are in the wrong order. Arrange them to form a coherent text.
- 1As a result, many cities have implemented bike-sharing programs to reduce traffic congestion.
- 2In recent years, urban cycling has gained popularity as an eco-friendly mode of transport.
- 3These programs allow users to rent bikes from docking stations and return them at any station.
- 4However, challenges such as vandalism and maintenance remain.
Worked Solution:
- Logical flow: Start with the general trend (2), then the cause-and-effect (1), then the explanation of the solution (3), then the challenges (4).
- Correct order: 2 → 1 → 3 → 4.
- Tip: Look for transition words: "as a result" follows a cause, "however" introduces a contrast.
Listening Section
9. Summarize Spoken Text
Question: You will hear a recording. Write a summary of 50–70 words.
Audio: "The human brain processes visual information much faster than text. Studies show that people remember 80% of what they see, compared to only 20% of what they read. This is why infographics and videos are effective learning tools."
Worked Solution:
- Main idea: The brain processes visuals faster and remembers them better than text.
- Supporting detail: Studies show 80% recall for visuals vs. 20% for text.
- Sample summary: "The human brain processes visuals faster than text, with studies showing 80% recall for images compared to 20% for reading. This explains why infographics and videos are effective for learning."
- Word count: 38 words. Add more detail if needed, but stay within 50–70.
10. Highlight Incorrect Words
Question: You will hear a recording. Read the transcript and identify the words that differ from what you hear.
Transcript: "The company's revenue increased by 15% last quarter, mainly due to strong sales in Asia."
Audio: "The company's revenue increased by 50% last quarter, mainly due to strong sales in Asia."
Worked Solution:
- Listen carefully: The audio says "50%" not "15%."
- Mark the word: Click on "15%" in the transcript.
- Tip: Follow along with your cursor as you listen. Do not overthink—if it sounds different, it probably is.
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