PTE General

Level 1
Exam
practice Teacher’s Resources

T E AC H I N G N OT J U S T T E S T I N G

P O W E R E D B Y

Contents
Answer Key 2 Practice
Audioscript 6
Score Guide 9 Tests Plus
PTE General: Teaching not just testing
Top 20 Questions 13
 ANSWER KEY: PTE GENERAL LEVEL 1
Answer Key
Practice Test 1
Section 1
1 C : I’m a taxi driver.
2 B  : … her bike has got a basket. But it’s at the back,
not the front.
3 B: … John isn’t very well today, so I’m keeping
him at home. Can you phone me later about
his homework?
4 A: … I’ll call a taxi.
5 C: Mary is very tall with long black hair. …Gill is also
tall … her hair is blond. …Amy has blond hair, too.
6 A: … you can help me in the house instead.
7 B: … I’m your dentist’s secretary.
8 C: It’s on the table in the dining room.
9 A: … don’t forget your tennis match at eleven
o’clock this morning.
10 B: … train to York is now leaving from platform six.
Section 2
11 T omorrow there is a program(me) about pets. It is
about rabbits and what they eat. Please tell your
children so that they can watch it.
Section 3
12 ( next) Thursday: We’re now moving next Thursday.
13 8.00 (am/pm) // 8/eight o’clock // 0800 (hours) //
eight/8: … make that eight o’clock.
14 (some/lots of) (news)paper/s: Bring some newspapers
with you …
15 clean (the [old] flat): You and I can clean the flat.
16 16992: It’s oh seven eight four nine, one six double
nine two.
17 01271 398332: … the number is oh one two seven
one, three nine eight double three two.
18 12:30/twelve thirty/half past twelve: … open … from
half past eight till half past twelve.
19 Marley: … it’s about my dog, Marley …
20 evening(s): If you can get an evening appointment,
that’s best for me.
21 (an) email: … if it’s this evening, can you send me an
email, please?
Section 4
22 A: The other options don’t fit in the context: you
‘put’ your name on a list.
23 B: The other options don’t make sense in the
context: ‘as many times as you wish’ shows the
user can choose how often to use the bus.
24 B: The other options don’t make sense in the
context: the work is at a restaurant.
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A N SW ER KEY: PTE G EN ERAL LEVEL 1
25 A: The other options don’t make sense in the context:
the correct option needs to be about something
that can be covered.
26 A: The other options don’t fit in the context.
Section 5
27 B: The garden is small, but it has a big tree.
28 B: … past the supermarket … next to Clegg’s garage.
29 B: … with front and back wheels. Black only.
30 C: Preparing fruit and vegetables … . No cooking ...
or waiting on tables.
31 C: … finishing at 11:30 p.m.
Section 6
32 s ailing (and) diving (lessons) (both answers necessary):
We are also near the coast and offer sailing and
diving lessons.
33 any age/all ages/no limit: Adventure for all ages.
34 (at) Compton Farm: Accommodation and all meals at
Compton Farm.
35 (when/if you) book 12/twelve weeks before: 10
percent off when you book twelve weeks before.
36 (It’s/It is) 800/eight hundred years (old): It was built
800 years ago.
37 (from the beginning of) November: … open to visitors
from 1st April to 31st October.
38 (You/We can park) (in) (the) town centre car park: …
but you can use the town centre car park.
39 (a) (new) restaurant (in) (the gardens of) (the
castle): This year, for the first time, a restaurant is
now open …
Section 7
40 A pril: … open from April …
41 (about) four hours/4 hours: … we suggest you allow
about four hours for your visit.
42 £10(.00)/ten pounds/10 pounds: … boats are
available … and cost £10.00.
43 20(th) (of) Aug(ust): … on 20th August there will be no
boats for hire …
44 (the) Ticket Office/ticket office: Audio guides are
available from the Ticket Office …
45 £2.50/ two pounds fifty: Parking is £2.50 per vehicle.
46 in the garden(s): Photography … is permitted in
the gardens.
2

Section 8
Model answer:
Hi, Miranda. How are you? I saw this brochure about
Buntleigh Castle. It sounds really interesting. There are
some lovely gardens and a lake where you can hire a
boat if you want. I know you love boating. Shall we
go there after we’ve finished our exams? We can ask
some of the other students to come, too! Let me know
what you think! Brikena.
(65 words)
Section 9
Model answers:
A Please tell me what you can see and what is
My friend Jessie was having trouble walking his dog.
He would try to walk straight down the sidewalk,
but his dog would try to pull him across the street.
That’s bad, because the dog could get into a fight
with another dog. So, Jessie took his dog to a training
school. Jessie and his dog learned a lot, and they liked
the class. Jessie learned how to get his dog to sit. Now
Jessie and his dog know what to do. Now, they enjoy
their walks together.
(87 words)
B Examiner: How old are the people?
Last night I had a birthday party with my friends.
The music was great and there was lots of dancing.
Everyone was wearing exciting clothes. It was such a
fun night and I had such a good time, but I got home
very late. When I woke up for work this morning, I
was very tired. At the office I had lots of work to do. I
bought lots of coffee, but I could not stay awake. I fell
asleep at midday. My boss was very angry because I did
not finish my work.
(94 words)
Section 10
Model answer: Prompt 1
Examiner: Now, I’d like you to speak on your own for
about one minute.
Do you enjoy music?
Student: Yes, I do.
Examiner: Tell me the type of music you enjoy listening to.
Student: I like listening to any kind of music, but I enjoy
listening to classical music very much. It is very
relaxing. My favourite instrument is piano.
Examiner: Where do you usually listen to music?
Student: I listen to music in my bedroom. I have a lot
of music on my phone so I can listen to it
wherever I go.
Examiner: Do you know any songs in English?
Student: I know some songs in English. I often listen
to some English songs. There are many good
songs, famous songs …
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A N SW ER KEY: PTE G EN ERAL LEVEL 1
Examiner: What’s the most popular music in
your country?
Student: In my country the most popular music is
classical music. Many people listen to it.
Examiner: How often do you buy CDs?
Student: I don’t buy CDs very often. I download music
online: that is easier and cheaper, too.
Section 11
There is no Section 11 in the Level 1 test.
Section 12
Model answer:
Examiner: Now, here is a picture of a football match.
happening in the picture.
Student: There are a lot of people in the picture. I can
see four boys and a girl. They are playing
football. I think they are in the same team.
There is a goal and a football. The ball is in
the goal. Some people are standing behind
the goal. They are watching the match.
Examiner: How many girls can you see?
Student: I can see two girls in the picture.
Examiner: What are the people wearing?
Student: The boys and girls are wearing a T-shirt and
shorts. That lady is wearing a T-shirt and skirt.
Student: I think they are about nine or ten years old.
Examiner: Who are these people? (pointing to the
people behind the goal)
Student: They are the players’ family: parents, or sisters
and brothers.
Examiner: What do you think has just happened?
Student: I think they have just scored a goal.
Section 13
Model answer:
Examiner: Now we are going to take part in a role play.
Here is a card with a situation on it. You are
on a football field. I am your friend and you
are inviting me to play on your team.
Ready? You start.
Student: Good morning
Examiner: Good morning.
Student: We want you to play on our team.
Examiner: Why do you want me to play on your
football team?
Student: Jim is not feeling well and we have a match.
We need someone.
Examiner: I can’t play today because I must go home.
Student: OK, we have another match tomorrow. Can
you play tomorrow?
Examiner: Yes, I’d love to play football with
you tomorrow.
3

Practice Test 2
Section 1
1 B: … but I was busy with my homework.
2 A: … he finds it hard when students behave badly.
3 A: … next to the pharmacy …
4 C: … think about her stories … she just wrote
everything down …
5 A: M2: the sea is nice and flat …
 M1: … We should arrive in Cyprus by lunchtime.
6 B: We have a sale on …
7 C: … I’m watching football now …
8 C: … a cottage on the east coast, miles away from
the nearest town.
9 B: Josh: … I’m not texting anyone. I’m playing
a game.
 Lucy: … I don’t like playing games on my phone.
10 B: You can exchange money there and … check in or
out twenty-four hours a day …
Section 2
11 M
 y grandfather was a doctor. He worked in a small
clinic near his house for many years. I sometimes went
to see him after school.
Section 3
12  20/one hundred and twenty: With 120 shops …
1
13 read books: … where children can read books.
14 free: The learning centre is free to use …
15 8/eight p.m. // 8/20.00: The shopping centre is open
… from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
16 (Edge Hill) (railway) station: … free shopper’s bus
which leaves the Edge Hill railway station …
17 (over) 125 years: It’s over 125 years old.
18 square: … its base is square …
19 every 7/seven years: The tower is painted every
seven years.
20 (by) lift: From the second floor you can go up in the
lift … to the third level.
21 online: Tickets can be purchased online to avoid the
long queues.
Section 4
22 B: Only this option creates an expression with “out
of” which makes sense in the context.
23 B: The other options don’t make sense in the context.
24 C: The other options don’t make sense in the context.
25 A: Only this option creates an expression with the
preposition “with”.
26 B: The other options don’t make sense in the context.
Section5
27 C: … he usually wears glasses … but he isn’t wearing
them in the photo. The only thing wrong is his hat.
28 B: You will deliver the orders by bicycle …
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A N SW ER KEY: PTE G EN ERAL LEVEL 1
29 B : I think I’ll do karate …
30 A  : You will see the bank on the left, it is opposite
the library.
31 B: … travels … with his backpack to discover
new locations … He likes taking photographs, …
Section 6
32 S he will be/is going on a business trip: … Jane is
going on a business trip ...
33 (the) night before: We need to get there the
night before ...
34 (at) Bird Lodge: … I have booked a room at Bird
Lodge.
35 (They will travel/go by) // (by) train: … but then I got
very cheap train tickets ...
36 (They found/looked for it on the)/(They used the)/(on
the)/(the) Internet: They used the Internet to book a
nice cottage …
37 (The house/It was) next to a busy road: The house was
next to a busy road.
38 The cooker/It didn’t work: Then the cooker
didn’t work.
39 Because they (only) had thin blankets/their blankets
were thin: … we were terribly cold because we only
had thin blankets.
Section 7
40 Bulgaria: … a … hotel in one of Bulgaria’s best
known … resorts.
41 200 metres: It is situated 200 metres from the
Black Sea …
42 sandy: … on a golden sandy beach …
43 45/forty-five square metres/m2: You will have some
amazing forty-five square metres to relax in.
44 flat-screen: There’s a flat-screen TV …
45 (of) the sea: There’s a large balcony with a view of
the sea …
46 (long) after dinner: The fun and games … continue
until long after dinner.
Section 8
Model answer:
Hi, Tom,
I am at the Neptune Hotel in Bulgaria. It is very close to
the beach. I have a big room with a large balcony. I can
see the sea from my bedroom. The view is very nice.
Every morning after breakfast I go swimming in the
sea. In the afternoon I play volleyball on the beach until
dinnertime. It’s fun.
See you soon,
Mark
(66 words)
4
 A N SW ER KEY: PTE G EN ERAL LEVEL 1

Section 9 Examiner: Why?

Model answers: Student: Because I am not shy and I talk to people
A very easily.

My dad had a day off yesterday. We had a father- Section 11

and-son day. First, we had breakfast together. After There is no Section 11 at Level 1.
breakfast we went to the garage and made something
together with wood. I helped a little bit. When we Section 12
finished we went to the garden. We did a little bit Model answer:
of gardening. I planted something. After dinner, we Examiner: Now, here is a picture of a class. Please tell me
brushed our teeth, and went to bed. It was a very good what you can see and what is happening in
day. I can’t wait for the next one. Dad has planned the picture.
something different. We are going fishing next time. Student: The picture shows a small group of people.
(88 words) There are three women and three men who
are sitting at desks. I think it is a lesson or
B lecture. The people are listening to a man. He
is sitting on a desk and talking to the people.
Last weekend when we woke up we were all shocked.
There is a big window. I can see a tall building.
Everything was white! Snow was everywhere. My sister
I think they are on about the twentieth floor
and I helped our parents with the snow. My dad had a
of the building.
surprise for us. He decided to take us skiing. We drove
Examiner: Where are they?
to the mountains and then went up to the top. The
Student: They are in a lecture room, maybe in an office.
sky was blue and it was a lovely day. I don’t know how
It’s hard to say …
to ski, so my dad started to teach me. After an hour it
Examiner: What are they using?
started snowing so we had to stop. It was fun and we
Student: They are using computers, laptops.
all had a great time.
Examiner: What is the man doing? (pointing to the man
(95 words)
sitting on the desk)
Section 10 Student: The man is explaining something. He is the
teacher or the lecturer.
Model answer: Examiner: What is he wearing?
Examiner: Now, I’d like you to speak on your own for Student: He is wearing a shirt and trousers. He is also
about one minute.
wearing a watch.
Do you have many friends?
Examiner: What can you see on the table?
Student: I have many friends.
Student: I can see a laptop on a stand and two books.
Examiner: Tell me about one of your close friends.
Student: Tim is my closest friend. We are in the same Section 13
class. We live on the same street, too. We see
Model answer:
each other every day. We sometime study
Examiner: Now we are going to take part in a role play.
together. He sits in front of me in class. Every
Here is a card with a situation on it. We are in
day we walk to school together. We became
a travel agency. I am the travel agent and you
friends when we moved there five years ago.
want to book a holiday in India.
Examiner: What do you usually do with your friends?
Ready? I’ll start.
Student: We go to the park and play football there.
Hello, how can I help you?
Sometimes we go to the cinema or we go
Student: I would like to book a holiday to India.
swimming. Sometimes we do our homework
Examiner: When do you want to go?
together.
Student: I want to go in October.
Examiner: How often do you talk to your friends?
Examiner: How long do you want to be away for?
Student: Tim and I talk every day, but I don’t see or talk
Student: I would like to stay there for two weeks.
to all my friends every day. Sometimes I talk to
Examiner: That’s fine.
them only once a week.
Student: How much is the ticket?
Examiner: Where do you usually meet your friends?
Examiner: It’s £1,350.
Student: I sometimes meet them in the park when we
Student: OK, thanks for the information.
play football. We sometimes go to the library
Examiner: No problem. Here’s my number if you decide
to study or we go to a coffee shop if we want
to book it.
to talk.
Examiner: Do you make friends easily?
Student: Yes, I do.

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Audioscript: PTE GENERAL LEVEL 1
Audioscript
Practice Test 1
Section 1
Narrator: You will have ten seconds to read each
question. Listen and put a cross (✗) in the
box next to the correct answer, as in the
example. You have ten seconds to choose
the correct option.
Example
Listen to the man and woman talking. What
does Anna want to buy?
Man: Are you going into town this
morning, Anna?
Girl: I want to spend my birthday money.
Man: What are you going to buy? A bag or
another CD?
Girl: No! I want to get a new dictionary.
Narrator: The correct answer is B.
Number 1
Listen to the people speaking. What is the
woman’s job?
Man: What do you do?
Woman: I’m a taxi driver. Before that I worked in
a café.
Man: Did you work part-time when you were
at school?
Woman: Yes, in a shop.
Narrator: Number 2
Listen to the conversation. Which is
Elizabeth’s bike?
Man: Is this Elizabeth’s bike? With the basket?
Woman: Well, her bike has got a basket. But it’s at
the back, not the front.
Narrator: Number 3
Listen to the voicemail. Who is the
message for?
Woman: Oh, hello. It’s Mrs. Williams here. I’m calling
because John isn’t very well today, so I’m
keeping him at home. Can you phone me
later about his homework? Thank you.
Narrator: Number 4
Listen to the man and woman speaking.
How is the man going to the station?
Man: Excuse me. Can I get a bus to the
railway station?
Woman: Not from here. But it’s only ten minutes
on foot.
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A u dioscript: PTE G EN ERAL LEVEL 1
Man: No. I’ll call a taxi. These bags are too heavy
to carry.
Narrator: Number 5
Listen to the man. Which is the
correct picture?
Man: I have three sisters. Mary is very tall with
long black hair. Gill is also tall, but her hair
is blond. My little sister Amy has blond hair,
too. She’s my favourite!
Narrator: Number 6
Listen to the conversation. What’s the boy
doing this afternoon?
Boy: Mum? I’m not playing football this
afternoon.
Woman: Oh. Are some of the team on holiday?
Boy: No. The weather’s too bad.
Woman: Yes, it’s raining again. Well, you can help me
in the house instead.
Narrator: Number 7
Listen to the man speaking. What is Mr.
Hammond’s job?
Man: Mrs Jones, my name is John. I’m your
dentist’s secretary. I’m sorry, but Mr
Hammond is ill, and is not working today.
Please call back to make a new appointment.
Narrator: Number 8
Listen to the man speaking. Where is the
sandwich?
Man: Tom, Dad here. There’s a sandwich for your
lunch. It’s on the table in the dining room.
There’s also some soup on the cooker or
some salad in the fridge.
Narrator: Number 9
Listen to the woman speaking. What is Julia
going to do that morning?
Woman: Julia, Dad and I are going to go for a walk
in the hills today. Can you clean your room
after lunch? Oh, and don’t forget your tennis
match at eleven o’clock this morning.
Narrator: Number 10
Listen to the woman. Which platform is the
train to York leaving from?
Woman: The eight fourteen train to York is now
leaving from platform six. This is a change
from platform two. Please go to platform six
for the eight fourteen to York.
6

Section 2
Narrator: Number 11
You will hear a recording about pets. Listen
to the whole recording once. Then you will
hear the recording again with pauses for you
to write down what you hear. Make sure you
spell the words correctly.
Woman: Tomorrow there is a programme about pets.
It is about rabbits and what they eat. Please
tell your children so that they can watch it.
Narrator: Now listen again and write down
your answer.
Woman: Tomorrow there is a programme about pets.
// It is about rabbits // and what they eat.//
Please tell your children // so that they can
watch it.
Section 3
Narrator: Numbers 12–16
You will hear a voicemail message. First, read
the notes below, then listen and complete
the notes with information from the
voicemail. You will hear the recording twice.
Man: Oh, hi, Angie. It’s Nick here. Thanks for
offering to help us move to the new flat.
We‘re now moving next Thursday, not
Tuesday. I know you’re free on both those
days. So, can you come to our old flat at half
past eight please – no sorry, make that eight
o’clock. There’s so much to do! Bring some
newspapers with you – lots of them, please!
We’ll need it for wrapping things up. Tom’s
packing everything – he’s good at that. You
and I can clean the flat. You know, for the
new people. I hope that’s OK with you. I’ve
got a new phone number by the way. It’s oh
seven eight four nine, one six double nine
two. Thanks again, Angie.
Narrator: Now listen again.
Numbers 17–21
You will hear a telephone message. First,
read the notes below, then listen and
complete the notes with information from
the telephone message. You will hear the
recording twice.
Man: Hello. This is Tom. I’m at work. Can
you phone the vet for me and make an
appointment? They’re called The Ark and the
number is oh one two seven one, three nine
eight double three two. I think they’re open
this morning from half past eight till half
past twelve. If they ask, it’s about my dog,
Marley – that’s M-A-R-L-E-Y. If you can get
an evening appointment, that’s best for me.
Oh, and if it’s this evening, can you send me
an email, please? Thanks a lot. See you later.
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A u dioscript: PTE G EN ERAL LEVEL 1
Narrator: Now listen again.
That is the end of the listening section of
the test. Now go on to the other sections of
the test.
Practice Test 2
Section 1
Narrator: You will have ten seconds to read each
question. Listen and put a cross (✗) in the
box next to the correct answer, as in the
example. You have ten seconds to choose
the correct option.
Narrator: Example
Listen to the man and woman talking. What
does Anna want to buy?
Man: Are you going into town this
morning, Anna?
Girl: I want to spend my birthday money.
Man: What are you going to buy? A bag or
another CD?
Girl: No! I want to get a new dictionary.
Narrator: The correct answer is B.
Number 1
Listen to the people speaking. What was Ben
doing last night?
Girl: Ben, did you watch that documentary about
body language last night?
Boy: I saw it was on, but I was busy with my
homework. What was it about?
Girl: What different body moves mean.
Narrator: Number 2
Listen to the woman. Who is she describing?
Woman: He really enjoys his job. He really enjoys
his job. He is very happy when he can help
young people, but sometimes he finds it
hard when students behave badly.
Narrator: Number 3
Listen to the man speaking. What is next to
the Majestic?
Man: We’re meeting at six in front of the Majestic
and then going to a restaurant. The Majestic
is the cinema next to the pharmacy, not the
one near the bookshop.
Narrator: Number 4
Listen to the man talking. Who is he
talking about?
Man: She started when she was very young.
She used to sit around and think about
her stories. She didn’t draw the pictures
herself, she just wrote everything down and
someone else did the pictures.
7

Narrator: Number 5
Listen to the people talking. Where are they?
Man 1: Good morning. How are you feeling?
Man 2: Much better this morning. It isn’t so windy
and the sea is nice and flat.
Man 1: Yes, it’s a perfect day. We should arrive in
Cyprus by lunchtime.
Narrator: Number 6
Listen to the woman speaking. What’s
her job?
Woman: We have a sale on at the moment. These
are all from last year, but the style is still very
popular. Hmmm, I think this dark green one
would suit you. What a lovely colour!
Narrator: Number 7
Listen to the conversation. Where is Tom?
Mum: Tom, can you help me in the kitchen, please?
Tom: Mum, I’m watching football now. What
would you like me to do? I want to take a
shower, too. Can I do it after that?
Narrator: Number 8
Listen to the man. Where do they go
on holiday?
Man: We always go on holiday to the same place.
It’s a cottage on the east coast, miles away
from the nearest town. It isn’t even on a
bus route!
Narrator: Number 9
Listen to the conversation. What is
Josh using?
Lucy: Hey, Josh, who are you texting?
Josh: Hi, Lucy. I’m not texting anyone. I’m playing
a game.
Lucy: Oh, right. I don’t like playing games on my
phone. I don’t know how you do it.
Narrator: Number 10
Listen to the man speaking. What is he
describing?
Man: It’s very close to the beach so it’s easy to get
to. You can exchange money there and you
can check in or out twenty-four hours a day,
which is perfect if you have a flight in the
middle of the night.
Section 2
Narrator: Number 11
You will hear a recording about Ann’s
grandfather. Listen to the whole recording
once. Then you will hear the recording again
with pauses for you to write down what you
hear. Make sure you spell the words correctly.
Woman: My grandfather was a doctor. He worked in
a small clinic near his house for many years. I
sometimes went to see him after school.
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A u dioscript: PTE G EN ERAL LEVEL 1
Narrator: Now listen again and write down
your answer.
Woman: My grandfather was a doctor. // He worked
// in a small clinic near his house // for many
years. // I sometimes went to see him //
after school.
Section 3
Narrator: Numbers 12–16
You will hear an advertisement. First,
read the notes below, then listen and
complete the notes with information
from the advertisement. You will hear the
recording twice.
Woman: The new Edge Hill Shopping Centre is now
open. With 120 shops, 6 restaurants, 5
cafés, a cinema and a children’s play area,
the Edge Hill Shopping Centre is the biggest
shopping centre in this area. We also have a
“learning centre” where children from five
to eighteen can read books. Children under
twelve must have an adult with them at all
times. The learning centre is free to use, but
you must join first.
The shopping centre is open from 7 a.m.
until 10 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays
and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. There
is also a free shopper’s bus which leaves the
Edge Hill railway station every half hour.
Narrator: Now listen again.
Numbers 17–21
You will hear a presentation about the Eiffel
Tower. First, read the notes below, then listen
and complete the notes with information
from the presentation. You will hear the
recording twice.
Tour guide: Here we are in the centre of Paris standing
right in front of the Eiffel Tower, one of
the most famous monuments in the world.
Almost seven million tourists visit this tower
every year. Today, it is over 125 years old!
The tower is 320 metres tall; its base is
square and is 125 metres long on each side.
The tower is painted every seven years. And
guess how much paint they use each time?
Fifty tonnes of paint! There are 1,665 steps!
If you want a challenge, you can climb the
stairs to the second level. From the second
floor you can go up in the lift and travel 180
metres up to the third level. Tickets can be
purchased online to avoid the long queues.
Narrator: Now listen again.
That is the end of the listening section of
the test. Now go on to the other sections of
the test.
8
Score Guide

Score Guide

Score Guide (Levels A1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Who is it for?
This Score Guide is designed for centres and teachers
who are preparing test takers for Pearson Test of English
General (PTE General).
Scoring overview
The written component of PTE General is scored out of a
maximum of 75 points, and the spoken component out
of a maximum of 25.
Each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, and
speaking) contributes 25 points (25%) towards the
overall score of 100 score points for the whole test.
Written component:
Listening, reading and writing
Types of scoring: correct, incorrect and
partial credit
Item types in the written component of the test are
scored as correct, incorrect or partially correct. Items
that have a maximum score of 1 can only be marked
correct or incorrect, and each correctly answered item is
awarded 1 point. Items with a score higher than 1 can
be given partial credit if the response is partially correct.
Responses that are incorrect are marked 0, those that
are correct are rewarded with the maximum available
score for the item, and those that are partially correct
receive a positive score that is lower than the maximum
available for that item.
Sections 1 and 3–7 are scored as either correct or
incorrect. Each item has a weighting of 1 score point.
Hence, the number of points available for each section
is equivalent to the number of items test takers are
required to respond to. For example, there are 10 items
to answer in Section 1, and the maximum score points
available is also 10. The total number of items in Sections
1 and 3–7 is 45 together, giving a maximum score of
45 score points.
For Sections 2, 8 and 9 partial credit scoring applies.
In these sections, responses are scored as correct, incorrect
or partially correct. Test takers complete a dictation
(Section 2), write a piece of correspondence (Section
8) and write a creative text (Section 9). Each of these
sections has a maximum of 10 points for responses that
deserve full credit. The total maximum number of score
points for these three sections is 30 score points.
The maximum score points available for the written
component of the test is 75 in total: 45 points from
Sections 1 and 3–7; 30 score points from Sections 2, 8
and 9. These score points are evenly allocated to the three
skills assessed, which is 25 for listening, 25 for reading
and 25 for writing.
The information in the table below provides an
overview of the score points available within the written
component of the test, and the type of scoring applied
across all levels.

Sections Skills Item types Score points Types of scoring

1 Listening 3-option (graphical) multiple choice 10 Correct/incorrect
2 Listening and Writing Dictation 5 (Listening) Partial credit
5 (Writing)
3 Listening Text, note completion 10 Correct/incorrect
4 Reading Gap-fill 3-option multiple choice 5 Correct/incorrect
5 Reading 3-option (graphical) multiple choice 5 Correct/incorrect
6 Reading Open-ended question 8 Correct/incorrect
7 Reading Text, note completion 7 Correct/incorrect
8 Writing Write correspondence 10 Partial credit
9 Writing Write text 10 Partial credit
Total 75
Scoring in the written component of the test (all levels)

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 Score Guide

How Sections 2, 8 and 9 are scored

Section 2: Dictation
Section 2 has a total weighting of 10 score points at
all levels. Of these 10 score points, 5 are awarded
for listening and 5 for writing. Each score is
calculated separately.
The score for listening is based on the number of correct
words the test taker writes down from the recording.
The score out of 5 is calculated by dividing the number
of accurate words by the total number of words in the
recording, which gives the proportion of correct words.
The result is then multiplied by 5 and rounded to the
nearest whole number. A test taker who has written all
the words correctly would get the maximum score of 5.
For example, if 17 words are accurate from a passage
containing 20 words, then the score is calculated
as follows:
17/20 = 0.85
5 x 0.85 = 4.25
Score = 4
Similarly, the writing score is based on the number of
words the test taker spells correctly. The score out of 5
is computed using the number of words spelt accurately
and the total number of words in the text. This is then
multiplied by 5 and rounded to the nearest whole
number. For example, if 23 words are spelt correctly
out of a passage containing 30 words, then the score is
calculated as follows:
23/30 = 0.766
5 x 0.766 = 3.83
Score = 4
The mark for this listening section is added to the scores
obtained for the other listening sections (1 and 3) to give
a listening score out of 25 reported for performance on
the entire test. The mark for writing is added to the scores
for the other sections (8 and 9) to give a writing score out
of 25 reported for performance on the entire test.
Section 8: Write correspondence,
and Section 9: Write text
Sections 8 and 9 have a weighting of 10 score points
each at all levels of the test.
Test takers are scored on a total of seven traits in both
Section 8 and Section 9 of the test at each level (task
completion, formal requirements, range, accuracy,
coherence and orthographic control, along with either
written interaction in Section 8 or written production in
Section 9).
Completing the task
For completing the task, test takers receive 0, 1 or 2 score
points. If a 0 score is received for task completion, the
response will not be assessed on any other criteria and the
score will be 0 for the section.
0 No engagement with the prompt with regards
to content
1 Partial engagement with the prompt with regards
to content, i.e., not all aspects of the prompt have
been considered
2 Full engagement with the prompt with regards
to content, i.e., all aspects of the prompt are
referred to
Marking scale for task completion (written)
Formal requirements
The table below indicates how scores for formal
requirements are given:
0 Complies with neither the word limit nor the
response format
1 Either the word limit or the response format
is correct
2 Both the word limit and the response format
are correct
Marking scale for formal requirements (written)
Please note: At each level there is a “tolerated” word
count for Sections 8 and 9. The table below shows the
“tolerance” for the writing tasks at each level.

Level Section Tolerance Section Tolerance

8 word 9 word
limit limit
A1 30–50 24–55 50–80 30–88
L1 50–70 40–77 80–100 48–110
L2 70–90 56–99 100–150 60–165
L3 90–120 72–132 150–200 90–220
L4 120–150 96–165 200–250 120–275
L5 150–200 120–220 250–300 150–330

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 Score Guide

Analytic level descriptive criteria The maximum score for Level 5 is 19 points for each
All levels were designed to be aligned to the Common section and is composed of: task completion (2 points),
European Framework of Reference for Languages. Written formal requirements (2 points), range (3 points),
responses in Sections 8 and 9 are scored against the accuracy (3 points), coherence and cohesion (3 points),
following analytic descriptive criteria which are based on orthographic control (3 points), with written interaction
Council of Europe descriptors: range, accuracy, coherence (3 points) for Section 8 and written production (3 points)
and orthographic control. for Section 9.
Global criteria Score range
Written responses in Sections 8 and 9 are also scored
against global section descriptive criteria at each level Sections 8 and 9
for the traits written interaction in Section 8 and written Analytic level score
production in Section 9. 0–2 Task completion
Computing the overall level score 0–2 Formal requirements
To compute the score for Sections 8 and 9, scores 0–3 Range
obtained in the different categories and traits are added
0–3 Accuracy
together. The maximum score for Levels A1–4 is
29 points for each section and is composed of: task 0–3 Coherence
completion (2 points), formal requirements (2 points), 0–3 Orthographic control
range (5 points), accuracy (5 points), coherence and Global score
cohesion (5 points), orthographic control (5 points), with
written interaction (5 points) for Section 8 and written Section 8 Write correspondence
production (5 points) for Section 9. 0–3 Written interaction
Section 9 Write text
Score range
0–3 Written production
Sections 8 and 9
Total = 0–19
Analytic level score
0–2 Task completion Score range for Sections 8 and 9 at Level 5

0–2 Formal requirements The marking scale below, from 1–5, is used by examiners
0–5 Range to allocate score points to each of the traits of the analytic
descriptive and global criteria.
0–5 Accuracy
0–5 Coherence 1 The performance is below the level
0–5 Orthographic control 2 The performance is just at the level
Global score 3 The performance is at the level
Section 8 Write correspondence 4 The performance is almost at the next level
0–5 Written interaction 5 The performance is at the next level.
Section 9 Write text Analytic level descriptive and global criteria marking
scale (written)
0–5 Written production
The total score is converted to a scale out of 10,
Total = 0–29
by dividing the obtained score by the maximum score.
Score range for Sections 8 and 9 at Levels A1–4 The result is then multiplied by 10 and rounded to the
nearest whole number. Thus, for a test taker at Levels
A1–4 who has obtained a total score of 24, the score will
be computed as follows:
24/29 = 0.827
10 x 0.827 = 8.270
Score = 8
Computing the total writing score for Sections 2, 8
and 9
To compute the total writing score, the converted scores
for Sections 2, 8 and 9 are added together to give a score
out of 25.

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 Score Guide

Spoken component: Speaking

Partial credit scoring: Sections 10–13 Score range Traits
Partial credit scoring is applied to all sections of the
Analytic level score
spoken component of the test. The information in the
table below indicates that across all sections of the spoken 0–3 Fluency
component, three at Levels A1 and 1 (10, 12 and 13) 0–3 Interaction
and four at Levels 2–5 (10–11, 12 and 13), the maximum 0–3 Range
number of score points is 25.
0–3 Accuracy
Sections Skill Item types Score points 0–3 Phonological control
10 Speaking Sustained 25 score Global section score
monologue points
Section 10
11 Speaking (only Discussion in total,
distributed 0–3 Sustained interaction
featured at (only for
Levels 2–5, NOT Levels 2–5) across the Section 11 (NOT Levels A1 and 1)
Levels A1 and 1) marking 0–3 Turn taking
criteria
12 Speaking Describe Section 12
picture 0–3 Thematic development
13 Speaking Role play Section 13
Scoring in the spoken component of the test (all levels) 0–3 Sociolinguistic appropriateness
How Sections 10–13 are scored Total = 0–27 (Level 5)
A maximum of 25 score points is available across the Score range for Sections 10–13 for Level 5
three sections of the spoken component of the tests at The scores for each section are calculated in relation to
Levels A1 and 1 and the four sections at Levels 2–5. the maximum score. For example, a test taker at Level 2
Test takers are scored on a total of eight traits at Levels A1–1 may score a total of 30 marks over the nine traits. This
(A1 and 1 do not include Section 11): fluency, interaction, score is converted to a score out of 25 by applying the
range, accuracy, phonological control; and, per section, ratio of 30:45 (score achieved for the four sections divided
sustained interaction in Section 10, thematic development in by the maximum number of score points available), then
Section 12, and sociolinguistic appropriateness in Section 13. multiplied by 25. The result is rounded to the nearest
At Levels 2–5, nine traits in total are scored because Section whole number giving a weighted score of 17:
11 (turn taking) is included. 30/45 = 0.667
Score range Traits 0.667 x 25 = 16.6
Analytic level score Score = 17
0–5 Fluency
0–5 Interaction
0–5 Range
0–5 Accuracy
0–5 Phonological control
Global section score
Section 10
0–5 Sustained interaction
Section 11 (NOT Levels A1 and 1)
0–5 Turn taking
Section 12
0–5 Thematic development
Section 13
0–5 Sociolinguistic appropriateness
Total = 0–40 (Levels A1 and 1); 0–45 (Levels 2–4)
Score range for Sections 10–13 for Levels A1 and 1, and 2–4

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PTE General: Top 20 Questions
PTE General: Top 20 Questions
1 How many marks are needed to pass the exam?
To pass the exam you need a score of 50 or above.
2 Do I have to pass each paper in order to pass
the exam?
No, each paper doesn’t have a pass or fail mark. Your
overall grade comes from adding your marks in both the
Written and Spoken papers.
3 Are marks taken off for wrong answers?
No. This means that, if you are not sure, you should
always try to choose the answer you think is best – you
might be right.
4 Am I allowed to use a dictionary in the exam?
No.
5 Generally, in the exam, if I am not sure about an
answer, can I give two possible answers?
No. If there are two answers, one of them is wrong; you
will not get a mark. So you must decide on one answer
to give.
6 How many times will I hear each recording in the
Listening sections?
In Section 1, once. In Section 2, you will hear the
recording twice, the second time with pauses giving
you time to write down word-for-word what is heard. In
Section 3, you will hear each recording twice.
7 In Listening Section 2, what happens if I misspell
a word?
All answers need to be correctly spelt, so you will
lose marks.
8 In Listening Section 1 and Reading Section 5, what
should I do if I am not sure which picture is correct?
Check them again, there is only one correct picture.
Sometimes, the pictures might look similar, but there
will be some small differences that will help you find the
correct answer.
9 In Listening Section 3, should I use the words I hear
in the recording?
You can expect to hear some of the words in the
recording. When you are completing sentences,
you should check that the completed sentence
with your answer inserted makes sense and is
grammatically correct.
10 In Listening Section 3, what happens if my answer is
too long to fit in the space on the answer sheet?
Most answers are single words, numbers or groups of
two to three words. If you think the answer is longer, then
it is probably incorrect.
11 In Reading Section 6, should I write a complete
sentence in answer to the questions?
You should write only the word or words that answer
the question.
© 2 016 P e a rs on P h o t o co p i ab l e
PTE G eneral : Top 20 Questions
12 In Reading Section 7, what happens if I write words
that are not from the article?
The words should come from the text.
13 In Reading Section 7, what happens if I write more
than three words in a gap?
Answers are one to three words. If you think the answer
is longer, it is probably incorrect.
14 In Writing Section 8, what happens if I don’t write
about all the points listed with bullet points (•)?
You should write about all the bullet points. The
examiners are looking to see if you can provide the right
information and good language.
15 In Writing Section 8, can I copy words/text from the
text in Section 7?
You can use parts of the input text in Section 7 to plan
the content of your answer, but you need to use your own
words and ideas as much as you can.
16 In Writing Sections 8 and 9, what happens if I write
too few or too many words?
The word count is an important guide. It tells you how
much to write when doing the task. There are tolerated
ranges for each section. Your teacher will be able to
guide you on these. Make sure you stay within the
relevant range and use about the right number of words
in your answer. Plan your time so that you write about
the right amount and have time to check what you have
written. You will not lose score points if you stay within
the tolerated word limits.
17 What happens if I make a spelling mistake in the
Writing sections?
All spelling must be correct; spelling is one of several
things that the examiner considers when deciding what
mark to give you.
18 For the Speaking paper, is it a good idea to prepare
what I am going to say in Section 10?
It is, of course, good to prepare well for the exam.
But you cannot know exactly what the examiner will
ask beforehand, so you must listen very carefully
to the examiner and make sure you answer the
questions relevantly.
19 In Speaking Section 10, what happens if I cannot talk
for one minute on my own?
The examiner will ask you some follow-up questions
to encourage you to talk more about the topic. Listen
carefully to the examiner’s questions before giving
an answer.
20 In Speaking Section 13, how much time will I have to
prepare for the role play?
You will have 15 seconds to prepare. Use this time
to develop ideas and questions based on the test
taker’s card.
13