Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: notes, cross out, compare and choose. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 10 cards
why the closest-sounding one loses
One summary repeats the talk's topic and many of its words, yet claims more than the speaker did.
You hear that a night bus shortenedsaid taxi queues. An option says it endedgoes further them. Same topic, a bigger claim.
Same topic is not the same message.
1 for the right summary, 0 for the rest
| PTE Academic | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Part of the section clock | Not in Core |
| Scored on | Right or wrong (1 or 0) | Not in Core |
| Counts for | Listening + Reading | Not in Core |
Timings: Pearson's test format. Scoring and skills: its Score Guides (Academic July 2025, Core January 2026).
Card 3 of 10 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 7 come with any plan.
Create a free account →10 cards
Start Cross out three, keep one free
Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.
Create a free account →Free practice
Keep reading
Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
It is written for PTE Academic.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
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