A Comparison Between PTE Academic and PTE Core
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) offers two different tests, i.e. PTE Academic and PTE Core, both of which serve different purposes.Both the tests are computer-based and conducted in a single sitting of 2 hours. The tests are segregated into 3 parts: Speaking and Writing, Reading and Listening.
| Question Type | PTE Academic | PTE Core | |
| Speaking and Writing | 50 minutes | ||
| Personal Introduction | 1 | 1 | Speak about yourself, your background, reasons for taking PTE |
| Read Aloud | 6-7 | 6-7 | Read the given text |
| Repeat Sentence | 10-12 | 10-12 | Repeat the sentence you hear |
| Describe Image | 3-4 | 3-4 | Briefly describe the image you see |
| Retell lecture | 1-2 | NA | After hearing the lecture, talk about it in your words |
| Respond to a Situation | NA | 2-4 | Respond to a situation after listening to it and reading its description |
| Answer Short Question | 5-6 | 5-6 | Answer the question in a single word or a few words |
| Summarize Written Text | 1-2 | 1-2 | Read the given text and write its summary in 25-50 words |
| Write Essay | 1-2 | NA | Write an essay in 200-300 words about the given statement/question |
| Write Email NA | NA | 2-3 | Write an email in response to the sentence |
| Reading | 29-30 minutes | ||
| Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks | 5-6 | 5-6 | Answer the blank from 4 options provided |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 1-2 | 1-2 | Answer the question by selecting more than one answers |
| Re-order Paragraph | 2-3 | 2-3 | Arrange the sentences in the right order |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks | 4-5 | 4-5 | Fill the blanks from the list of words given at the bottom |
| Multiple Choice-Single Answer | 1-2 | 1-2 | Answer the question by selecting one option |
| Listening | 30-43 minutes | ||
| Summarize Spoken Text | 1-2 | 1-2 | Write 50-70 words about an audio you hear (may be accompanied by an image) |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers | 1-2 | 1-2 | Select more than one option based on the audio you hear |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2-3 | 2-3 | Type the missing words based on the audio |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 1-2 | Choose the correct summary of the audio | |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 1-2 | 1-2 | Choose the right answer based on the audio |
| Select Missing Word | 1-2 | 1-2 | Out of the given options, choose the right one to replace the beep at the end of the audio |
| Highlight Incorrect Word | 2-3 | 2-3 | Choose the incorrect words in the transcript as you hear the audio |
| Write from Dictation | 3-4 | 3-4 | Listen to the sentence and type it in the given space |
Make the Right Choice
If you are planning to move to Canada (permanent residency, citizenship), PTE Core is the right test. However, if you wish to go abroad for higher education and work, PTE Academic is your partner. SGES Education based in Ludhiana, will guide you in choosing the right test and preparing for it with the best staff and curriculum. Contact us today to begin your journey!
