Practice for PTE Academic with this mock-test plan!

PTE Author
PTE Author
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We have all been there; it’s normal to be full of nerves before a test, with uncertainty of what to expect, and doubts about how you’re going to perform. 

However, whilst nerves and anticipation are an unavoidable part of the testing experience, there are ways to reduce this when preparing for your PTE test, so you can grow in confidence before test day and achieve your desired score.

At PTE, we are all about doing it worry-free!  

And to do it worry-free, you need to know what’s coming up and familiarise yourself with the PTE test.

Here are 4 ways you can start your PTE preparation and get the practice in, so you are confident for when test day comes. 

1. Familiarize yourself with the test and what’s expected:

A great way to prepare is to know all about what you can expect on test day. We have lots of resources available on our Preparation page. We'd recommend that you explore this section of our site and gather any top tips that you can from our range of free resources, also known as our A-Z of PTE. This includes a run-through of each question type as well as a video of what to expect on test day, which you can also watch below on this page!

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2. How might you score if you took a PTE test today?

It's the question that every test taker wants to know the answer to… "What score am I going to achieve and what level are my English skills?". The truth is, your true score will only be available to you on your test day, after completing the real PTE test. It will accurately reflect your English skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. So, you will want to make sure that you put in the work to refine your skills as much as possible to be awarded the highest marks.

However, just like other tests that you may have taken during your academic studies, you can do practice rounds, or mock tests, before the big day, with PTE too. These come in the form of our 5 PTE Academic Scored Practice Tests.

These are just like the real thing: the same test format, the same time limit, the same question types and an indicative score of your performance at the end, with a breakdown of your skills assessment. The best thing about Pearson’s Scored Practice Tests is that they are the only mock tests which go through the exact same AI scoring engines as the actual test, so they are as close to the real test as you can get.

You can discover the likely indicative score that you would achieve if you were to take the PTE test today. From this, you can evaluate areas of strength and areas that need development, so you can refine your preparation and increase your practice in specific English language skills areas.

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3. Practice, apply and measure

Now you have taken a mock test and have a plan of action, commit your spare time to improving on skills where you are less confident.

Then, halfway through your PTE Academic preparation journey, try taking another Scored Practice Test (remember there are 5 in total which you can buy as part of our money-saving packages).

This will help you to see the progress that you have made and refine your skills even more!

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4. Finally, get PTE ready, just before test day

Your PTE test day is just around the corner. So, it’s time to get that last minute practice in before the real thing.

By taking a Scored Practice Test just before test day, you can be sure that you are well acquainted with the test format and the details, including keeping an eye on time limits, the microphone opening and any other key details.

This way, you will be fully ready when you enter the test centre.

Also, at this point, make sure to re-watch the video on this page on what to expect on PTE test day, so you can pack all the essentials and be ready to go!

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So, as you prepare to get the practice in before your PTE test, remember:

  • nerves are normal - embrace them and turn them into positive energy.

  • practice makes perfect – make full use of the official PTE preparation resources available to you and save money with our money-saving packages.

  • be prepared – make sure on test day, you have everything you need to ensure a smooth, worry-free experience.

 Explore our preparation resources

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    Vocabulary

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    Want more prep ideas?

    Explore Smart Prep, which combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track with your PTE preparation.

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    • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

    • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

    Ready to get started?

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    Part 3: Listening Test Introduction
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    Part 3 of PTE Academic will take 45-57 minutes to test your listening skills.

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    Multiple-choice, multiple answer

    The second question type, Multiple-Choice, Multiple Answer will test listening skills.

    First, you will be given information to help answer the question. You only have 7 seconds to read this. A recording will then play that is between 40-90 seconds long.

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    In this question type, you can receive 1 point for each correct option, but will lose -1 point for each incorrect option. You cannot score below 0.

    Fill in the blanks

    In the third question type, Fill in the Blanks, listening and writing skills will be tested.

    Similar to the previous task, you will be given 7 seconds to read some information before hearing the recording.

    A recording between 30-60 seconds will play. As you listen, type each word in the blank spaces as you hear them so that you do not miss any.

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    You receive 1 point for each correct word which is spelled correctly.

    Highlight correct summary

    The fourth question type, Highlight Correct Summary, will test listening and reading skills.

    You will be given 10 seconds before the recording starts to read the options. A recording will be played that is between 30-90 seconds long.

    To complete the task, select only one correct response. If unsure, choose the one you think is correct as you cannot lose points in this question.

    Your response will either be marked as correct or incorrect.

    Multiple-choice, single answer

    The fifth question type, Multiple-Choice, Single Answer will test listening skills.

    To complete this task, you will be given information to read for context, you will then need to listen to a recording between 30-60 seconds long.

    Choose the option that best suits.

    Your response to this question type will be marked as correct or incorrect.

    Select missing word

    In the sixth question type, Select Missing Word, will test your listening skills.

    A recording between 20-70 seconds long will be played and you will need to predict the last word or words of the text to complete the task.

    You will be marked on this question type as either correct or incorrect.

    Highlight incorrect words

    In the seventh question type, Highlight Incorrect Words, your listening and reading skills will be tested.

    In this question type, you will be shown information and have 10 seconds to read it before a recording starts.

    A recording between 15-50 seconds will play and you will need to select the words that are incorrect and do not match the recording.

    You can receive 1 point for each correct word and lose -1 point for each incorrect word. You cannot score below 0.

    Write from dictation

    The eighth and final question type, Write from Dictation, tests listening and writing skills.

    You will have 7 seconds to read the instructions before the recording starts. The recording is between 3-5 seconds long and once it starts, listen and type the sentence in the response box.

    You can receive 1 point for each correct word you write. Write the words in the right order and spell them correctly in order to receive 1 point. Points are not lost for incorrect words.

    What's next?

    We recommend reviewing the core listening skills required for PTE Academic.

    Want more prep ideas?

    Plus, explore Smart Prep, which combines all our practice materials in one place, so it's easier for you to stay on track with your PTE preparation.

    • Smart Prep is a clear path to test day, guiding you through the official paid and free resources available for your test

    • It can be accessed whether you’ve booked a test or not – just create, or sign in to your myPTE account

    • Preparation materials include guided practice tests, introductory videos, video courses and test tips.

    Ready to get started?