Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: know where marks go, answer the real prompt, land in the word window and tick only what you can prove. 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 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.
Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.
The first 3 of 11 cards
the first PTE myth to drop
Many learners add up their four skill scores and divide by four. Pearson's Score Guides say the overall is not worked out that way.
Speaking 70, Writing 64, Reading 58, Listening 60. So my overall is 63.the myth
Scores run 10–90. The overall uses your whole test, not an average.
the rest of this lesson, in four moves
PTE Academic: where each task's marks go
| Task | Counts for |
|---|---|
| Repeat, Retell, Group Discussion | Speaking + Listening |
| Summarize Written Text | Reading + Writing |
| Summarize Spoken Text, Dictation | Listening + Writing |
| Highlight Summary, Incorrect Words | Listening + Reading |
| Every other task | One skill only |
Pearson calls these integrated skills questions: the marks count for both skills.
Card 4 of 11 onwards
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Questions
Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
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.
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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