What the content is like
Pearson's PTE Academic FAQ says the test uses genuine academic content: real lectures rather than actors reading scripts, academic study texts, and texts about student life. Texts and settings come from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA, and recordings include non-native English accents. Any national variety of spelling is accepted as long as you use it consistently.
No subject knowledge is tested. An essay on economics is marked on how well you argue and write, not on what you know about economics.
Skill map: what each question type scores
From the scoring criteria in Pearson's Score Guide. Integrated items feed two communicative skill scores, so a weak Repeat Sentence costs you in both Listening and Speaking. Pearson's Reading format page adds that Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks also assesses writing.
| Question type | Part | Questions | Skills scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read Aloud | Speaking and Writing | 6–7 | Speaking |
| Repeat Sentence | Speaking and Writing | 10–12 | Listening, Speaking |
| Describe Image | Speaking and Writing | 5–6 | Speaking |
| Retell Lecture | Speaking and Writing | 2–3 | Listening, Speaking |
| Answer Short Question | Speaking and Writing | 5–6 | Listening |
| Summarize Group Discussion | Speaking and Writing | 2–3 | Listening, Speaking |
| Respond to a Situation | Speaking and Writing | 2–3 | Speaking |
| Summarize Written Text | Speaking and Writing | 2 | Reading, Writing |
| Write Essay | Speaking and Writing | 1 | Writing |
| Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks | Reading | 5–6 | Reading (also writing, per Pearson's format page) |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | Reading | 2–3 | Reading |
| Reorder Paragraph | Reading | 2–3 | Reading |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks | Reading | 4–5 | Reading |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Reading | 2–3 | Reading |
| Summarize Spoken Text | Listening | 1 | Listening, Writing |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | Listening | 2–3 | Listening |
| Fill in the Blanks | Listening | 2–3 | Listening |
| Highlight Correct Summary | Listening | 2–3 | Listening, Reading |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | Listening | 2–3 | Listening |
| Select Missing Word | Listening | 1–2 | Listening |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | Listening | 2–3 | Listening, Reading |
| Write from Dictation | Listening | 3–4 | Listening, Writing |
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free scored PTE mock →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
What the scoring looks for
Grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are not separate sections. They are traits marked inside individual question types. Spoken answers are judged on content, then pronunciation and oral fluency, each on a 0–5 scale. Written answers are judged on content and form, plus grammar, vocabulary and spelling; the essay also gets marks for development, structure and coherence and for general linguistic range.
Content and form work as gates. If either scores zero, the whole response gets nothing. The Score Guide's examples are an essay on a different topic, an essay under 120 words, and a response built largely from pre-prepared or memorised material. Since August 2025, content in seven question types is checked by a human as well as the automated system. Detail per task is in how PTE Academic is scored.
The eight areas in your Skills Profile
Alongside the five scores, the Score Report includes a private Skills Profile rating eight skill areas, with study recommendations linked to the Global Scale of English (Pearson FAQ). It is a good map of the syllabus in skill terms.
| Skill area | What it covers (Pearson's description) |
|---|---|
| Open response speaking and writing | Answering in your own words |
| Reproducing spoken and written language | Repeating or copying what you heard or read |
| Extended writing | Long written answers |
| Short writing | Short written answers |
| Extended speaking | Long spoken answers |
| Short speaking | Short spoken answers |
| Multiple-skills comprehension | Using more than one skill, such as listening then speaking |
| Single-skill comprehension | Using one skill, such as reading |
How to cover the syllabus
Start with the format pages so nothing on test day is a surprise. Then practise each question type in turn, beginning with those that have the most questions and feed two skills: Repeat Sentence, Read Aloud, Describe Image, Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks and Write from Dictation. Do not skip the 2025 tasks, Respond to a Situation and Summarize Group Discussion.
All of these are in our free PTE practice library, organised by question type. Finish with full timed tests on our PTE mock test and an official Pearson Scored Practice Test. A week-by-week order is in how to prepare for PTE.
PTE Core has a different syllabus
PTE Core tests everyday English: Pearson's examples are reading a magazine article or writing an email, with no lectures or academic articles. Pearson also says PTE Academic preparation materials are not suitable for PTE Core (Pearson Core FAQ). See the PTE exam pattern for the Core question types, and our PTE Core practice test.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed syllabus or topic list for PTE?+
No. Pearson defines PTE Academic by its question types and the skills they score. Content comes from real academic material on varied subjects, and no subject knowledge is tested.
Is grammar tested separately in PTE?+
No. Grammar, vocabulary and spelling are traits marked inside writing items such as Write Essay and Summarize Spoken Text.
Which PTE question types count for two skills?+
Repeat Sentence, Retell Lecture and Summarize Group Discussion (listening and speaking), Summarize Written Text (reading and writing), Summarize Spoken Text and Write from Dictation (listening and writing), and Highlight Correct Summary and Highlight Incorrect Words (listening and reading).
Is the PTE Academic UKVI syllabus the same?+
Yes. Pearson says PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI are the same test; UKVI only adds a SELT reference number to the Score Report.
Can I use British or American spelling?+
Either, as long as you use one consistently throughout the test.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE exam pattern 2026
- How to prepare for PTE
- How PTE Academic is scored
- PTE Score Report explained
- Free PTE practice by question type
- Free PTE mock test
- All 1288 guides
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