How Many Questions Are in the PTE Test? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you preparing for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and wondering about the number of questions you’ll face? Understanding the structure and question count of the PTE test is crucial for effective preparation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the number of questions in each section of the PTE test, helping you to better plan your study strategy and manage your time during the exam.

Overview of the PTE Test Structure

The PTE Academic test is divided into three main parts: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each part contains various question types designed to assess different aspects of your English language skills.

PTE Test Structure Overview

Speaking & Writing Section

Number of Questions

The Speaking & Writing section of the PTE test typically contains 7-9 different types of questions. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Personal Introduction (1 question)
2. Read Aloud (6-7 questions)
3. Repeat Sentence (10-12 questions)
4. Describe Image (6-7 questions)
5. Re-tell Lecture (3-4 questions)
6. Answer Short Question (10-12 questions)
7. Summarize Written Text (2-3 questions)
8. Essay Writing (1-2 questions)

In total, you can expect between 39-47 questions in this section.

Time Management Tips

• Personal Introduction: 25 seconds to prepare, 30 seconds to speak
• Read Aloud: 30-40 seconds to prepare, 30-40 seconds to read
• Repeat Sentence: 3-9 seconds per audio
• Describe Image: 25 seconds to prepare, 40 seconds to speak
• Re-tell Lecture: 10 seconds to prepare, 40 seconds to speak
• Answer Short Question: 3-9 seconds per audio
• Summarize Written Text: 10 minutes per summary
• Essay Writing: 20 minutes per essay

Reading Section

Number of Questions

The Reading section typically contains 15-20 questions spread across 5 different question types:

1. Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer (2-3 questions)
2. Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers (2-3 questions)
3. Re-order Paragraphs (2-3 questions)
4. Reading: Fill in the Blanks (4-5 questions)
5. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks (5-6 questions)

Time Management

You’ll have 32-41 minutes to complete the Reading section. It’s crucial to allocate your time wisely across all question types.

PTE Reading Section Questions

Listening Section

Number of Questions

The Listening section typically contains 28-30 questions across 8 different question types:

1. Summarize Spoken Text (2-3 questions)
2. Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers (2-3 questions)
3. Fill in the Blanks (2-3 questions)
4. Highlight Correct Summary (2-3 questions)
5. Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer (2-3 questions)
6. Select Missing Word (2-3 questions)
7. Highlight Incorrect Words (2-3 questions)
8. Write from Dictation (3-4 questions)

Time Management

The Listening section lasts approximately 45-57 minutes. Each question type has a specific time allocation, so practice time management for each task.

Important Considerations

1. Variable Question Count: The exact number of questions can vary slightly from test to test, but the overall structure remains consistent.

2. Integrated Skills: Many questions in the PTE test assess multiple skills simultaneously. For example, ‘Summarize Spoken Text’ evaluates both listening and writing skills.

3. Adaptive Testing: The PTE Academic is a computer-based test that adapts to your performance. This means the difficulty level of questions may change based on your responses.

4. Practice with Realistic Conditions: Use official PTE practice materials to familiarize yourself with the exact number and types of questions you’ll encounter.

5. Time Management is Key: Given the number of questions across different sections, managing your time effectively is crucial for success in the PTE test.

Next Steps in Your PTE Preparation

Now that you understand the structure and number of questions in the PTE test, here are some steps to enhance your preparation:

1. Take a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Focus on practicing each question type, paying attention to timing.
3. Use official PTE study materials to ensure you’re familiar with the exact format.
4. Practice time management strategies to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time.
5. Consider enrolling in a PTE preparation course for structured guidance.

Understanding the number and types of questions in the PTE test is just the beginning of your preparation journey. Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with the test format are key to achieving your desired score. Good luck with your PTE preparation!