PTE lesson · Start here

PTE The Test in One Page notesPTE Academic in one page

Three parts, 22 task types, one timeline. This PTE lesson is a deck of 11 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 11 cards
  • Free to read online
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 13 October 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

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

Preview

  1. PTEStart here · The test in one page

    Not four papers

    the four-paper picture

    Many learners picture four separate papers, one per skill. PTE Academic runs in three parts, and Speaking and Writing share the first one.

    Speaking first, then a Writing paper, then Reading, then Listening. Four papers, four skills.the myth

    Three parts, 22 task types, up to 2 hours 15 minutes.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 11
  2. PTEStart here · The test in one page

    The whole test, start to finish

    three parts, in this order

    Approximate · Score Guide pp15, 40, 41
    PartMinutesTypesClock
    1 Speaking & Writing76⁠–⁠849Per item
    2 Reading23⁠–⁠305Shared
    3 Listening31⁠–⁠398Shared
    • Part 1: every item runs its own timer.
    • Parts 2 and 3: one countdown per part.
    • Ranges, not sums: test versions are balanced (p15).
    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 11
  3. PTEStart here · The test in one page

    Part 1 opens with speaking

    the first four tasks

    TaskItemsCounts for
    Read Aloud6⁠–⁠7Speaking
    Repeat Sentence10⁠–⁠12Listening + Speaking
    Describe Image5⁠–⁠6Speaking
    Retell Lecture2⁠–⁠3Listening + Speaking

    Score Guide pp15–24. Each item has its own prepare-and-speak window.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material3 / 11
  4. Card 4 of 11 onwards

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11 cards

Contents

  1. 1Not four papersthe four-paper pictureIn the preview
  2. 2The whole test, start to finishthree parts, in this orderIn the preview
  3. 3Part 1 opens with speakingthe first four tasksIn the preview
  4. 4Three more speaking tasksstill Part 1Free account
  5. 5Three own-clock taskstwo end Part 1, one opens Part 3Free account
  6. 6Part 2: Reading, one clockabout 23–30 minutes for all of itFree account
  7. 7Part 3: Listening, one clockafter Summarize Spoken TextFree account
  8. 8Two myths about the mapswap the beliefFree account
  9. 9Your turnthree quick onesFree account
  10. 10Save thisthe test in one pageFree account
  11. 11Where next?pick one and goFree account

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Questions

FAQ

Is the PTE Academic in one page lesson free?+

Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.

Can I download the PTE Academic in one page PDF?+

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.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team. It is original BandLadder material from our own study library, not copied from books or other websites.

Is it for PTE Academic or PTE Core?+

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.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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