Pearson 21UKPTE89 PTE Academic User Guide

Pearson 21UKPTE89 PTE Academic User Guide

What’s inside

About the test
PTE Academic is a quick and convenient computer based test that helps you prove your level of English for work, study or visa applications. Typically get your results in two business days and  be confident your test has been marked fairly by our advanced machine-scoring technology.

Sitting the test

To take PTE Academic, you will need to attend one of our secure test centers which can be found in over 50 countries around the world. You will use a computer and a headset to listen, read and respond to questions.

Who accepts PTE
PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities and colleges in Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, Germany, and more. It is alsoapproved for all UK, Australian and New Zealand visa and migration applications. See the full list of institutions that accept PTE Academic: pearsonpte.com/who-accepts-pte

How do PTE Academic scores compare to other English tests?

Which exam is right for me: PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI?

Both PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI can be used for UK visa applications. While the test formats are identical, they are taken in different test centers. The type of visa you need to apply for will determine which test to take. Here’s how to decide which test is right for you:

TAKE PTE ACADEMIC UKVI
If you wish to study below degree level, or need a UK work visa that requires a four-skills English proficiency test.

TAKE PTE ACADEMIC
If you are applying for a degree-level study program or above at a UK Higher Education institution.

Please check with your Higher Education Institution (HEI) to confirm their specific English requirements.

The path to test day

BEFORE YOUR TEST

2–3+ months

• Make a study plan and refresh your English. Read, write and listen to as much English language material as possible.

30+ days

• Understand the exam format and question types. Use the preparation materials available and practice exam specific skills.

1+ day

• Be prepared and plan your journey. Pack your ID and check the time and exact address for your test.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your test to check in.
• Listen to an English podcast or chat to others in English.  This will help you relax and bementally prepared for the test.
• When you arrive the Test Center Administrators will guide you through the process.

DURING YOUR TEST

• The test is conducted at a secure Pearson test center and takes two hours.
• You will be tested on your English speaking, writing, listening and reading skills.
• You will use a computer and headset to listen to, read and respond to questions.

**AFTER YOUR TEST

**

• Typically get your results within two days.
• PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide and by the UK, Australian and New Zealand governments for visa purposes.
• Send your scores to as many institutions as you like.

Before you schedule your test please ensure you have read through the Test Taker Handbook, including the PTE Academic Test Taker Terms and Conditions. Download the test taker handbook: pearsonpte.com/test-taker- handbook

Before your test

Booking PTE Academic is simple:

• Create your PTE account
• Sign in using your details
• Follow the instructions
• Select your desired test center and test date Book your test now: pearsonpte.com

Find a test center
Regardless where you decide to take PTE Academic it will always be scored by the same automated scoring technology. We have test centers in more than 50 countries/regions worldwide. Find your closest test center today: pearsonpte.com/test-centers-and-fees

How to prepare
In order to get the best score possible, it’simportant that you are well prepared.Make sure you:

• know the score you need for your visa or university application;
• practice your English as much as possible to improve your level;
• and familiarize yourself with the format of the exam and the question types.

Two to three months before the exam

With two to three months to go, you have plenty of time to prepare for PTE Academic. Use this time to refresh your English. Read, write and listen to as much English language material as possible. Choose three or more time slots a week that you’ll dedicate to practicing your English and make sure you stick to it.
Here are some activities you can try:

ACTIVELY LISTEN TO A REGULAR PODCAST IN ENGLISH
Podcasts are great learning resources because there are so many topics  that might interest you. You can find podcasts on websites like Spotify, Soundcloud and on iPhone and Android apps. What’s more, many include transcripts and further information about each episode on  their websites.

Try the following exercise:

• When you listen, take notes on what the speakers say. If you’re unsure or don’t understand something, pause and listen again.
• In your notes, write any new wordsor phrases you find and practice how to say them.
• Using your notes, write a 100- word summary of a section from the podcast that you found most interesting.
• Next, write your own experience, opinion, or response to the summary you’ve written.
• Finally, record yourself using amobile phone or computer – imagine you are part of the podcast. What would you say if you were part of the conversation? Listen back and see where you can improve your grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation.

READ AN ARTICLE FROM A NEWSPAPER
It’s a good idea to read widely, on a number of different topics to discover as much new vocabulary as possible. This will help you broaden your understanding and use of English.

Try the following exercise:

• Highlight new words and phrases you find interesting.
• Check the meaning of the new language in a dictionary.
• Write the new language in full sentences, in a variety of tenses.
• Try to use the new language in different situations.

Nearer to the exam, you might want to focus on more academic articles or news related to business or economics. These will help you discover vocabulary which may be helpful in your test.

READ SHORT STORIES IN ENGLISH
Short stories are often easier to read than novels because they take less time to complete. Pick a genre you enjoy, even an English language translation of one of your favorite authors, or a story you’ve read in your own language. This will help you understand what’s happening.

Try the following exercise using dialogue:

• Pick a section of the story with lots of dialogue (conversation).
• Imagine you were having the conversation in the story. How would you answer one of the characters?
• Rewrite the dialogue: half should be from the story, half should be your own response.

This exercise will help you think creatively in English and respond to another person more fluently

WATCH SERIES OR FILMS WITH SUBTITLES

Watching TV and films helps you improve your listening skills. You’ll hear different accents and it will often help you learn new language. Subtitles in English can help support your comprehension. Try this simple activity:

While watching, “shadow” the characters. This means, try to repeat what they say, with the same speed, intonation and pronunciation.

In this exercise, you are not trying to sound like the character. Instead, it helps you improve your pronunciation, intonation, word stress, and general fluency.

WATCH TED TALKS ONLINE
TED.com talks often have interesting topics. Some feature personal stories, discoveries, and describe new ideas from around the world. Most TED talks have subtitles and transcripts. Try the following simple activity:

• Choose a talk that interests you.
• Using the title, predict what you think the talk will be about. Writedown your answer.
• Open the transcript and read the first ten or fifteen sentences.
• Stop and think: is your prediction correct?
• Now watch the whole talk and take notes one the ideas you hear.
• Try to briefly summarize the talk in your own words, including all the important parts.
• Finally compare the summary with the transcript. Did you miss anything?

This activity will help your listening and note taking skills, which are important for PTE Academic.

PTE Academic Study Plan

Here’s what your first month’s study plan might look like (remember to find a day/time that works with your schedule):

ReAD A chApter of A short story

|

WAtch An episoDe of A series I like

|

Listen to A poDcAst episoDe

2|

ReAD An AcADemic Article

| WAtch A TED TAlk AnD reAD the trAnscript|

WAtch A film in English

3|

Listen to A poDcAst episoDe

|

ReAD A chApter of A short story

|

Write A film review

4| WAtch A TED TAlk AnD write A summAry| ReAD An Article online AnD write A comment|

WAtch An episoDe of A series I like

30+ days before the exam

With less time to go before your exam, you should learn what to expect in PTE Academic. That means understanding the format of the test and practicing the type of questions you’ll find. This will help you feel more confident and ensure there are no surprises on test day. The best way to do this is by exploring the following PTE Academic preparation resources.

Preparation Resources

PTE BOOSTER
Our English Booster digital application gives you hundreds of self-study activities and practice questions to help you prepare for the PTE Academic test. It is designed for students, with at least a B1 level of English, who are at the very start of their PTE journey and who want to familiarize themselves with the test. It is also ideal if you need a bit more support applying your  learning to PTE Academic task types.

• Build your confidence in applying and practicing Academic English in context, through a series of activities and practice questions
• Develop your sub-skills, vocabulary, and grammar, as well as improves your technique for answering each of the different task types in PTE Academic
• Learn more about PTE Academic through informative videos and exam strategies
• Keep track of your progress on your own results dashboard
  Learn more: pearsonpte.com/preparation/pte-academic-english- booster

PTE ACADEMIC QUESTION BANK
Build your confidence and develop your English skills with 300 questions and answers broken down by each PTE Academic task type. You can work at your own pace to practice, and target the skills you most want to improve

• 300 authentically written PTE Academic questions and answers to build your skills and strengthen your performance
• Each question is timed and formatted to simulate a test experience
• Easy navigation gives you the flexibility to move between the questions you want to focus on
• Answer explanations help you to understand the reasons behind each answer
• Sample audio or written answers to help you learn what an effective answer is and adjust your own responses

Access the Question Bank:
pearsonpte.com/preparation/pte-academic-question- bank

SCORED PRACTICE TESTS

Find out whether you’re ready for PTE Academic with our Official Scored Practice Tests.  Using past test content and our official scoring algorithms, our practice tests give you an indication of how you will perform on test day, helping you to feel calm and confident. Once you have completed and submitted your practice test, we will send you a full score report

• Develop familiarity with the test format and question sequence, so you know what to expect on test day
• Learn how to manage your time, so you know how to pace yourself through each section and task
• Use your own computer to take a Practice Test any time, anywhere
• Identify areas for improvement with a full Score Report that shows you how you performed in each skill area
• Choose from five tests. Each with a unique set of questions.

Take a scored practice test:
pearsonpte.com/preparation/practice-tests

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO PTE ACADEMIC (FOR TEST TAKERS)
Our Official Guide supports you through every step of your journey as you prepare for your PTE Academic test. Find out everything you need to know to feel confident on test day.
Both the eBook and the print versions come with access to an online practice bank of questions and model answers, plus a range of other digital resources.

• Detailed test guidance and a step-by-step guide to each section and task type
• Tried-and-tested advice on how to successfully prepare, including study plans
• Tips for building confidence and strategies to apply before and during the test
• Advice on how to build skills in English for academic purposes
• A glossary of useful PTE Academic terms

Purchase a copy:
pearsonpte.com/preparation/official-guide

PREPARATION BUNDLES
If you’d like to purchase multiple preparation resources, why not check out our preparation bundles? You’ll get all our self-study digital resources and a number of scored practice tests and save more than 50% on the total individual price.

PTE OFFICIAL PRACTICE APP
You can also download our free practice app. Learn what to expect in the test and detailed information about the test format and expert guidance to support you as test day approaches.

• Learn what to expect in the test, with detailed information on the test format and 20 question types
• Complete interactive practice questions, with answers on and offline
• Track your progress on the study planner and receive daily practice suggestions based on your test date
• Explore our resources and ‘how to’ guides to help you improve your speaking, writing, listening, and reading scores
• Learn what to expect at one of our PTE test centers

Download now:
pearsonpte.com/preparation/practice-app

PTE Academic Study Plan

1

| FAmiliArize yourself with the test using the ExAm Booster|

DownloAD AnD try the free PrActice App

| TAke A ScoreD PrActice Test.Check Score Report to see whAt you neeD to prActice most
2| PrActice your weAker AreAs using the Question BAnk| ReAD the test tips in the OfficiAl GuiDe|

Write An essAy

3| SpenD 30 minutes on the free PrActice App| Complete  some self stuDy Activities using the ExAm Booster| PrActice the Describe ImAge tAsk
4| StuDy using the OfficiAl GuiDe| PrActice All AreAs using the Question BAnk| TAke A ScoreD PrActice Test AnD see where you improveD.

On the day of your test

What to expect on test day
You will take PTE Academic at a secure test center. You will need to show your ID, check in with the Test Administrator, and take a seat where they tell you in the computer room.

FIND YOUR TEST CENTER
You must arrive at least 30 minutes before your test and sign in at the Test Center reception.
Note: If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time of your test, you will not be permitted to take the test.

TEST TAKER RULES AGREEMENT
All candidates must read the ‘Test Taker Rules Agreement’ which will be given to you when you arrive. Once you have read the ‘Test Taker Rules Agreement’ you must return it to the Test Administrator.

ID CHECK AND BIOMETRIC DATA
The Test Administrator will check your Identification and biometrics. Please note the electronic signature you provide is legal confirmation that you accept the Test Center rules. ID requirements are strictly enforced. If you cannot meet the requirements listed on our  website you will be refused entry into the testing room and lose your fee. A passport is the safest form of ID as it meets all the requirements and it is accepted in all countries. Read more: pearsonpte.com/acceptable-id/

TEST CENTER RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Test Administrator will explain the Test Center rules and regulations. Personal belongings have to be stored in the secure storage facilities provided. You cannot access the storage facilities until you have completed the test.

TEST ROOM
Once it is time to start your test, the Test Administrator will escort you into the test room and assign you a computer. You will be provided with an erasable note booklet and pen. You must not take any notes until your  test has started. The Test Administrator will sign you into the computer and you will be presented with a nondisclosure reminder.

CHECKING YOUR EQUIPMENT
The screen will guide you through an equipment check to ensure your headphones and microphone are working correctly. Your test will then begin.

FINISHING YOUR TEST
Once you finish the test, raise your hand to get the attention of the Test Administrator, who will make sure the test has ended properly. You will be escorted out of the test room and your identification will be checked electronically. The test center staff will provide you with an End of Test Confirmation printout. This is not a score report, but a confirmation that you have completed the PTE Academic test. Once this is complete, you can take all your personal belongings from the storage facilities and are free to leave.

During your test

Test Format
PTE Academic tests your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills, via a computer in a single two-hour test session. It assesses real-life, academic English, so you can expect to hear excerpts from lectures and view graphs and charts. You will hear a range of accents in the test, from British and American to non-native speakers, so you will be exposed to the type of accents you will encounter in everyday life.

There are 20 different question types, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing and interpreting information.
There are three parts to the test:

• Speaking and Writing
• Listening
• Reading

Part 1: Speaking & Writing
(54–67 minutes)

• Personal introduction
• Read aloud
• Repeat sentence
• Describe image
• Re-tell lecture
• Answer short question
• Summarize written text
• Essay (20 mins)

Part 2: Reading
(29–30 minutes)

• Multiple choice, choose single answer
• Multiple choice, choose multiple answer
• Re-order paragraph
• Reading: Fill in the blanks
• Reading & writing: Fill in the blanks

Part 3: Listening
(30–43 minutes)

• Summarize spoken text
• Multiple choice, choose multiple answer
• Fill in the blanks
• Highlight correct summary
• Multiple choice, choose single answer
• Select missing word
• Highlight incorrect words
• Write from dictation

Test overview

Part 1: Speaking and Writing

seconds to give a recorded introduction about yourself. This part is not assessed, but is sent to institutions you choose along with your Score Report.| 1 minute
Read aloud| A text appears on screen. Read the text aloud.|

Approx. 54–67 minutes

Repeat sentence| After listening to a sentence, repeat the sentence.
Describe image| An image appears on screen. Describe the image in detail.
Re-tell lecture| After listening to or watching a video of a lecture, retell the lecture in your own words.
Answer short question| After listening to a question, answer with a single word or a few words.
Summarize written text| After reading a passage, write a one-sentence summary of the passage of between 5 and 75 words.
Summarize written text or Write essay| Either a Summarize written text task or a Write essay task, depending on the combination of tasks in your test.
Write essay| Write an essay of 200-300 words on a given topic.

Part 2: Reading

Task type| Task description| Time
allowed
---|---|---
Multiple-choice,
choose single
answer| After reading a text, answer a multiple-choice question on the
content or tone of the text by selecting one response.| Approx.
29–30
minutes
Multiple-choice,
choose multiple
answers| After reading a text, answer a multiple-choice question on
the content or tone of the text by selecting more than one
response.
Re-order
paragraphs| Several text boxes appear on screen in random order. Put the
text boxes in the correct order.
Reading: Fill in the
blanks| A text appears on screen with several blanks. Drag words or
phrases from the blue box to fill in the blanks.
Reading & writing:
Fill in the blanks| A text appears on screen with several blanks. Fill in the blanks
by selecting words from several drop-down lists of response
options.

Part 3: Listening

minutes
Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers| After listening to a recording, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording by selecting more than one response.
**Fill in the blanks| The transcription of a recording appears on screen with several blanks. While listening to the recording, type the missing words into the blanks.
Highlight correct summary| After listening to a recording, select the paragraph that best summarizes the recording.
Multiple-choice, choose single answer| After listening to a recording, answer a multiple-choice question on the content or tone of the recording by selecting one response.
Select missing word| After listening to a recording, select the missing word or group of words that completes the recording.
Highlight incorrect words| The transcription of a recording appears on screen. While listening to the recording, identify the words in the transcription that differ from what is said.
Write from dictation**| After listening to a recording of a sentence, type the sentence.

After your test

Interpreting your Score Report

PTE Academic is scored against the Global Scale of English, a granular scale from 10-90.

1. Score Report Code

2. SELT URN number
   If you are applying for a UK visa, use this number on your visa application form so that the UK Government can  access your result.

3. Overall Score
   Reflects your overall English language ability and is based on performance throughout the test.

4. Communicative Skills
   Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing scores are based on all test questions that assess these skills, either as a single skill or together with other skills.

Please note: The Score Report representation (above) may differ from current Score Reports. For a detailed understanding of PTE Academic scores, download the PTE Academic

Score Guide: pearsonpte.com/scoring

Results and further details available on MyPTE

You can learn more about your test performance by viewing your test skills profile on MyPTE, found under your Score Report. The Skills Profile covers performance in eight language skills areas. You will find a detailed overview of your strengths and weaknesses in reading, writing, speaking and listening which you can download as a PDF if needed. The performance bars give you a general indication of how well you did in each test area

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References

• Instagram
• PTE English Language Tests | Pearson PTE
• PTE English Language Tests | Pearson PTE
• What to expect on test day | Pearson PTE
• Preparation | Pearson PTE
• The Official Guide to PTE Academic | Pearson PTE
• PTE Academic Official Preparation App | Pearson PTE
• PTE Academic scored practice tests | Pearson PTE
• Guide to scoring | PearsonPTE
• Test Centers and Fees | Pearson PTE
• PTE Test Taker Handbooks | Pearson PTE
• Who accepts PTE tests | Pearson PTE
• PTE UK visa information | Pearson PTE
• TED: Ideas Worth Spreading

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