PTE Speaking & Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In PTE Academic's Describe Image task, which type of image requires describing trends over time?
- Pie chart
- Line graph (Correct answer)
- Flow chart
- Map
Correct answer: Line graph
Line graphs show changes over time, so describing them requires language for trends (e.g., "rose sharply," "declined gradually," "remained stable"). This is distinct from pie charts (proportions), flow charts (processes), and maps (spatial information).
Question 2: Which phrase is most appropriate for describing an upward trend in a PTE Academic Describe Image response?
- "The figure went a lot up."
- "There was a significant increase in..." (Correct answer)
- "It upped by much."
- "The thing got bigger really fast."
Correct answer: "There was a significant increase in..."
"There was a significant increase in..." uses formal academic language with precise vocabulary. The other options use informal or ungrammatical phrasing that would lower oral fluency and pronunciation scores.
Question 3: For PTE Academic Re-tell Lecture, what should test takers focus on capturing during the audio?
- Every word spoken verbatim
- The main idea, key points, and any examples or conclusions mentioned (Correct answer)
- Only the first and last sentences
- Technical vocabulary only, ignoring the main argument
Correct answer: The main idea, key points, and any examples or conclusions mentioned
Re-tell Lecture requires summarizing a 60–90 second academic talk. Effective note-taking focuses on the main idea, supporting key points, and significant examples. Attempting to memorize every word leads to missing the overall structure.
Question 4: What is the function of the "introduction" in a PTE Academic essay?
- To present all evidence and supporting details
- To introduce the topic, provide context, and state the thesis (Correct answer)
- To summarize the counterargument
- To list all sources used in the essay
Correct answer: To introduce the topic, provide context, and state the thesis
A strong PTE Academic essay introduction: (1) introduces the general topic, (2) provides brief context, and (3) states the thesis (writer's position). It should be 50–70 words — not too long, not too brief.
Question 5: In PTE Academic, the Answer Short Question task is scored on:
- Oral Fluency and Pronunciation
- Only Vocabulary (Correct answer)
- Speaking and Listening communicative skills
- Only Listening
Correct answer: Only Vocabulary
Answer Short Question contributes to the Vocabulary enabling skill score only. Test takers hear a question and give a short one-or-two word spoken answer. While it is in the Speaking section, it mainly tests knowledge and vocabulary range.
Question 6: Which grammar structure is recommended for expressing purpose in PTE Academic writing and speaking?
- "so that" or "in order to" (Correct answer)
- "because of" or "due to"
- "as a result of" or "consequently"
- "although" or "despite"
Correct answer: "so that" or "in order to"
"So that" and "in order to" express purpose (the goal or intention of an action). "Because of" and "due to" express cause, "as a result of" expresses effect, and "although/despite" express concession or contrast.
PTE Speaking & Writing 2
In PTE Academic's Describe Image task, which type of image requires describing trends over time?