PTE

Here are some of the common PTE exam challenges that the students may face while trying to meet the desired cut-offs:

1. Strict Sectional Cut-offs: Many universities and immigration bodies have not just an overall PTE score requirement but also minimum scores for each section (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing). A student might achieve a great overall score but fall short in just one section, making him/her ineligible.
2. Time Management Issues During the PTE Exam: PTE is a fast-paced, timed exam. Students often find themselves struggling to manage their time effectively, especially in sections like Reading (multiple question types) and Writing (essay).
3. Accent and Pronunciation for the Speaking Section: Since PTE is machine-scored, it's very sensitive to pronunciation and fluency. Students from non-native English speaking backgrounds often struggle with the machine's ability to understand their accent.
4. Lack of Specific PTE Practice: Many students prepare for IELTS or TOEFL and assume that preparation will suffice for PTE. However, PTE has unique question types, scoring algorithms, and a different exam format (computer-based, integrated skills). Without specific PTE practice, students can be caught off guard.

Test takers are going to observe some major changes in their PTE exams, starting from 07 Aug 2025. These changes include - 

• Addition of 2 new question types as task 7 and task 8 in Part 1 - Speaking and Writing of the PTE Exam. These questions are:
  • Summarize Group Discussion, and
  • Respond to a Situation
• Changes in the names of some tasks in Part 2 - Reading and Part 3 - Listening. The tasks that have been renamed are:

 What's not changing with this update - The duration and scoring of the PTE exam! The PTE exam will continue to be scored on a scale of 10-90 and the overall duration of the PTE exam will also continue to be ~2 hours, as confirmed by the conducting body.