PTE Speaking & Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In PTE Academic, what is the preparation time given before recording a Read Aloud response?
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 30–40 seconds (Correct answer)
- No preparation time is given
Correct answer: 30–40 seconds
Read Aloud gives 30–40 seconds to read the text silently before the microphone opens. This preparation time allows test takers to identify complex words, understand the meaning, and plan phrasing before speaking.
Question 2: Which writing strategy is MOST effective for PTE Academic Summarize Written Text?
- Copy the first and last sentence of the passage
- Identify the main topic and key supporting idea, then write one complex sentence combining them (Correct answer)
- Write a list of all key vocabulary from the passage
- Paraphrase only the first paragraph
Correct answer: Identify the main topic and key supporting idea, then write one complex sentence combining them
The best strategy is to identify the central argument and its main support, then construct one well-formed complex sentence (5–75 words). Copying sentences or listing vocabulary does not demonstrate comprehension and synthesis.
Question 3: In PTE Academic, what is the "Describe Image" preparation time and recording time?
- 10 seconds prep / 20 seconds recording
- 25 seconds prep / 40 seconds recording (Correct answer)
- 30 seconds prep / 60 seconds recording
- 15 seconds prep / 30 seconds recording
Correct answer: 25 seconds prep / 40 seconds recording
Describe Image gives 25 seconds to study the image and 40 seconds to speak. Test takers should use the prep time to identify what type of image it is, the main trend/message, and key data points to mention.
Question 4: Choose the sentence with the most appropriate formal academic tone for a PTE essay:
- This is a big problem for everybody.
- The issue presents significant challenges for all stakeholders involved. (Correct answer)
- It's a huge deal and we all know it.
- This problem is super important today.
Correct answer: The issue presents significant challenges for all stakeholders involved.
"The issue presents significant challenges for all stakeholders involved" uses formal academic vocabulary (presents, significant, challenges, stakeholders) and avoids contractions and colloquialisms. Academic register is assessed under Vocabulary and Written Discourse.
Question 5: For PTE Academic speaking tasks, what does the amber (yellow) light on the microphone status bar indicate?
- Recording has started
- The microphone is muted
- Recording is about to end; prepare to finish (Correct answer)
- There is a technical error
Correct answer: Recording is about to end; prepare to finish
The amber/yellow status light during PTE Academic recording warns that the recording time is almost finished, prompting the test taker to conclude their response. The green light indicates active recording, and the status bar goes off when time expires.
Question 6: Which type of academic vocabulary item is most likely to appear in PTE Speaking and Writing tasks about science or technology?
- Everyday conversational vocabulary
- Phrasal verbs typical of spoken English
- Subject-specific technical terms and Academic Word List (AWL) vocabulary (Correct answer)
- Colloquial idioms and informal expressions
Correct answer: Subject-specific technical terms and Academic Word List (AWL) vocabulary
PTE Academic tests are designed to assess academic English proficiency. Science and technology topics feature both subject-specific technical vocabulary and Academic Word List (AWL) words — the 570 most common academic word families across disciplines.
PTE Speaking & Writing 3
In PTE Academic, what is the preparation time given before recording a Read Aloud response?