Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: who, goal, details and close. 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
the trap in this task
The prompt describes a situation, so you describe it back. But you are meant to speak to the person in it.
The situation is thatnarrating my neighbour's dog barks at night. The neighbour shouldtalking about him keep it quiet.
Talk to the person, not about them.
the official figures, both tracks
| PTE Academic | PTE Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Speak up to 40 s | Speak up to 40 s |
| Scored on | Content 6 · Fluency 5 · Pronunciation 5 | Appropriacy 3 · Fluency 5 · Pronunciation 5 |
| Counts for | Speaking | Speaking |
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
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Start Respond to a Situation free
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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.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
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