Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based test specially designed for the people who are not the natives of English speaking countries. Most of the universities in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia and not only these countries but many institutions across the globe accept PTE - as it got its best standards. Australia, accepts PTE scores for immigration (Permanent Resident) purpose as well.
The best part of this test is – results can be achieved within 5 business days. Besides, test dates are available at any time. There are over 200 test centers across the globe.
In order to book the PTE test, one must create a Pearson account through the website www.pearsonpte.com. An email will be sent to you by the PTE organization with your login details. The questions are system generated and the marking is done by the computer itself. PTE scores are valid for 2 years from the date you appear for the exam. You can take the PTE test as many times as you can. PTE consists of three main sections. The test generally lasts nearly 3 hours depending on the combination of questions in 3 sections.
Section 1: Speaking and writing
Speaking section is designed in a way where it assesses your English speaking ability skills in an academic environment. In writing section, you have to write the responses in academic English with proper grammar and spelling.
Part A: Personal introduction
This section is not marked. You will be given 25 seconds to prepare your response and 30 seconds to record your answer. You can record the answer only once.
We need to carry a valid passport, have an e-mail confirmation print out of the exam confirmation date. PTE test generally lasts for approximately 3 hours depending on the combination of the questions.
In the PTE Academic exam format, there are four sections having 20 Question types viz.
Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing
The PTE-general is divided into two parts: A written paper and a spoken test. The written test is used to judge a candidate’s listening, reading comprehension and writing skills –the marking is done by external examiners. The spoken test is examined by trained local examiners who then send it to the UK for moderation. The overall test comprises six levels which are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF).
Score Reporting
As PTE is a computer-based exam, the correction is done by the computer which is known as an automated scoring system. The quality of the answers given by the student will be checked through enabling skills. Two types of scoring appear in PTE exam – correct or incorrect and partial credit scoring.
Evaluation Criteria
If your response is correct you will receive 1 point if it is incorrect or not attempted you will not receive any score point for that question.
Partial credit scoring
If your response is correct, you will receive maximum score points for each question. If your responses are partially correct, you will not receive full points but less than the maximum score points. Three item types in PTE is having partial credit score: Multiple – choice, choose multiple answers (Reading), Multiple – choice, choose multiple answers (Listening) and Highlight incorrect words (Listening).
PTE scores are totally based on the student’s performance on all item types. The overall score for PTE is based on 10 – 90 points.
Communicative skills
Speaking and Writing, Reading and Listening are the communicative skills tested here. Each communicative skill will be given the points 10 – 90.
Enabling skills
Grammar, Oral fluency, Pronunciation, Spelling, Vocabulary and Written discourse are the enabling skills tested here. Each enabling skill will be given the points 10 – 90.