PTE Core Question Types & Exam Format
Master all 19 PTE Core tasks with format breakdowns, scoring logic, and high-impact practice tips for Canada PR.
Test Format: Duration & Timing
Exam Structure
6 task types including Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Write Email
5 task types including FIB, Reorder Paragraphs, MCQ
7 task types including WFD, SST, Highlight Incorrect Words
Question Types Overview
Quick reference for all 19 question types. Click to practice.
Speaking
Familiarisation only, not scored
Read a sentence aloud from text on screen
Practice real Read Aloud questionsRepeat the sentence you hear
Practice high-frequency Repeat Sentence questionsWriting
Reading
Choose multiple answers
Choose one answer
Listening
PTE Core Sample Questions & Free Examples
These examples show the format and timing expectations. Practice with AI feedback for full scoring.
The city plans to expand public transit to reduce traffic congestion.
Focus on clear pronunciation and steady pace.
Your neighbor asks you to water their plants while they are away.
Acknowledge the request and offer a clear plan.
What do we call the person who fixes cars?
Answer in 1-3 words (e.g., mechanic).
Write to your landlord about a broken heater. Mention the issue, how it affects you, and request a repair time.
Use 100-120 words and cover all three points.
Summarize a short paragraph in one sentence with 25-50 words.
Use one well-structured sentence and stay within the word limit.
The team decided to ____ the meeting until Friday. (postpone / protect / provide / proceed)
Use grammar and collocation clues.
Arrange four sentences to form a logical paragraph about renewable energy.
Find topic sentences and linking words.
The report will be published next month.
Type every word you hear; spelling matters.
The speaker said the company will invest in ____ energy sources.
Listen for key nouns and exact spelling.
Train all 19 PTE Core tasks.
Practice HubPTE Core Question Types Table
Complete breakdown with timing, score weight, and per-skill share.
| Code | Question Type | Qty | Prep | Answer | Overall | S | W | R | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speaking & Writing (46-67 mins) | |||||||||
| SI | Self Introduction | 1 | - | 25s | Not scored | ||||
| RA | 6-7 | 30-40s | 40s | 16% | 30% | 32% | |||
| RS | 10-12 | - | 40s | 19% | 38% | 39% | |||
| DI | 3-4 | 25s | 40s | 5% | 18% | ||||
| RTS | Respond to Situation Core Only | 2-4 | 20s | 40s | 3% | 12% | |||
| ASQ | 5-6 | - | 10s | <1% | 2% | 1% | |||
Writing | |||||||||
| SWT | Summarize Written Text | 1-2 | - | 10min | 4% | 9% | 7% | ||
| WE | Write Email Core Only | 2-3 | - | 9min | 7% | 28% | |||
Reading (27-38 mins) | |||||||||
| FIB-RW | 5-6 | - | ~2min | 11% | 18% | 25% | |||
| MCM-R | Multiple Choice (Multiple) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | <1% | 2% | |||
| RO | 2-3 | - | ~2min | 2% | 6% | ||||
| FIB-R | 4-5 | - | ~2min | 6% | 22% | ||||
| MCS-R | Multiple Choice (Single) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | <1% | 1% | |||
Listening (30-37 mins) | |||||||||
| SST | 1-2 | - | 8min | 4% | 11% | 5% | |||
| MCM-L | Multiple Choice (Multiple) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | <1% | 2% | |||
| FIB-L | 2-3 | - | ~2min | 5% | 7% | 14% | |||
| MCS-L | Multiple Choice (Single) | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | <1% | 1% | |||
| SMW | Select Missing Word | 1-2 | - | ~1.5min | <1% | 1% | |||
| HIW | Highlight Incorrect Words | 1-2 | - | ~2min | 5% | 5% | 13% | ||
| WFD | 3-4 | - | ~2min | 13% | 27% | 24% | |||
Scoring Algorithm Explained
PTE Core scoring combines communicative skills with enabling skills. A few integrated tasks can lift multiple scores at once.
Communicative Skills
Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing are your core scores.
Enabling Skills
Grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary affect all skills.
Integrated Scoring
Tasks like RS and WFD contribute to multiple skills simultaneously.
Task Weighting
RS 19%, RA 16%, WFD 13% and FIB-RW 11% together make up almost 60% of the overall score.
High-Impact Signals
- Stay on-task and accurate; content errors reduce multiple skills.
- Consistency across skills lifts overall CLB.
- Weak enabling skills can cap your scores.
- Integrated tasks provide the fastest score gains.
Study Plan Generator
Pick a target CLB and weekly study time to get a focused plan.
CLB 9 Plan (6-10 weeks)
Estimated plan for 5 hours/week
- Daily RS + WFD drills to lift multiple skills.
- Alternate Reading FIB and Reorder practice.
- Weekly mock review to spot pronunciation gaps.
Booking & Fees Resources
Detailed guides for scheduling your test, understanding fees, and setting score targets.
Study Guide: Tips for Success
Quick Tips
- Master the format and timing first.
- Prioritize high-impact integrated tasks (RS, RA, WFD, FIB-RW).
- Practice daily with detailed AI feedback.
- Build typing speed and dictation accuracy.
- Take a full mock test 1 week before exam.