Know Challenging Sections in PTE to Score High

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Ever dreamt of studying in Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands? If yes, then scoring well in the PTE Exam & how to do PTE Exam Practice Online will always be the first question in your head. Before preparing you also should know about challenging sections in PTE.

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a critical gateway for students pursuing academic dreams in English-speaking countries. It is the exam that puts your English to the ultimate test – can you read complex texts, write clear arguments, listen to lectures, and chat like a champ. So here we are! Revealing most challenging PTE section and giving you accurate practice strategies for “How To Prepare For PTE”. By tackling these areas head-on, you’ll transform PTE test day into a victory march toward your academic dreams.

Understanding the PTE Exam

The PTE exam is a computer-based English language proficiency test designed to assess the speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills of non-native English speakers. This comprehensive test is divided into three main sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. Recognized by universities and institutions worldwide, the PTE exam evaluates the English language proficiency of international students, making it a crucial step for those aiming to study abroad.

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Exam Pattern & Most Important Sections In PTE

Understanding the most important section in PTE exam along with pattern is essential for effective preparation. Here is by section-by-section breakdown of important questions.

Speaking Section

PTE Speaking section got you feeling speechless? Well, the first thing you can do is – Imagine talking to a friendly robot. Among all the sections of the PTE exam, Speaking can be considered challenging. This section evaluates two things- One side is your English skills (vocabulary, grammar), and the other side is your test-taking smartness (knowing what to focus on and managing time).

The Speaking Section in PTE features diverse tasks that put your English communication skills to the test, including pronunciation and vocabulary. Out of those question types following are the high weightage task:

Repeat Sentences
Summarise Group Discussion

In this PTE Section tasks non-English speakers make major mistakes because of inappropriate pronunciation or words unfamiliar with the language. This reduces the scoring. It is advised to prioritise this section while preparing for the Pearson Test of English.

Here are bonus tips that will help you score your desired target for all sections in PTE

Keep checking your pronunciation and practice well for it.
Speak clearly and avoid pauses while answering.
Repeat all the words in the same order without rushing.
Practice phonetics & focus on word stress & sentence stress.
Engage in regular speaking practice.
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Writing Section

This section tests your ability to write in English effectively. The PTE Academic test is a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ proficiency in English across the Writing. To score well in this section, you need to have strong language skills, critical thinking, and time management. Out of various question types following task carries high weightage:

Summarise Written Text

Here are some tricks you can apply while preparing to enhance your preparations of sections in PTE:

Since the PTE Writing section also relies on your reading comprehension, mastering reading strategies will give you a head start on these writing tasks.

Give the passage a close read to find the main idea and key points. This will help you remember the most important information.
Highlight or underline essential keywords that best determine the content. Use these keywords in your summary.
Be concise and to the point. Focus on the facts.
Use your own words by thinking of synonyms and paraphrasing. Use the third person. Avoid using “I,” “Me,” or “We”.
Monitor the time during the exam. Allocate sufficient time for each part.

Reading Section

PTE Reading Section sometimes acts as a make-or-break zone for test takers. The reading section checks how well you understand what you read. The PTE exam pattern 2025 details the structure and timing of the test, outlining the specific sections and types of questions involved in assessing various English language skills necessary for studying internationally. It’s like a test to see if you can get the meaning of different kinds of writing. The most important question type that has major weightage is

Fill in the Blanks(Drop Down- PTE Academic)

Experts recommend prioritizing this section due to its time demands. Aim for 2-3 minutes per question during practice to develop efficient answering strategies.

To perform well in this section, here are some tips that you must follow to succeed.

Skim and scan to save time! Skimming helps grasp the main ideas, and scanning helps find specific information.
Understand question type, as it will help you in approaching strategically for a correct answer.
Context is king! Pay attention to the surrounding words to identify the missing part of speech.
There is no negative marking, so answer all the questions even if you are not sure.
Make use of the rule of elimination. Narrow down your options as much as possible.

Listening Section:

The PTE listening section can be a hurdle for many test-takers. The PTE test, known for its comprehensive evaluation of English language proficiency, has a scoring system that requires active listening to achieve high scores. Our fast-paced world, filled with constant notifications and distractions, develops the habit of “passive listening,” which might decrease one’s scores in the PTE Exam.

The PTE listening section is like a test of how well you understand English in everyday situations! You’ll hear conversations and lectures and then answer questions in different formats. This section comprises many question types. You must prioritise:

Write From Dictation

Prepare well for this section, as your writing skills will also be tested. Strategic studying is key! By prioritising sections that need more work, you’ll maximise your score potential.

To level up your Listening Section preparation, here are some tips:

Restrict your answer to 50-70 words & use the provided notepad to write down the keywords.
It is recommended that you read the questions before the audio starts.
Carefully listen and check whether the word was singular or plural, with an article or not, etc.
Review your answers before submitting them in case you have missed something.
Listen to new content as it will enhance your vocabulary and it will improve your understanding of spoken English.
Stay focused till the end, as the answers could be in the end.

By tackling the most challenging sections head-on, you’ll be well-equipped to ace the exam. We’ve identified these sections and provided targeted practice strategies. Now, it’s your turn to put them into action! Remember, with focused practice and the right approach, you can conquer even the toughest parts of the PTE.

Things to Avoid in PTE

Skipping Instructions – Each task has specific requirements. Ignoring them can cost points, e.g., word limit in Writing or response length in Speaking.
Overthinking Questions – Spending too much time on one tricky question can eat into the time for other sections.
Relying Only on Memory – In tasks like Repeat Sentence or Write from Dictation, don’t try to memorize the whole sentence; focus on key words and meaning.
Monotone Speaking – Flat tone, rushed speech, or unnatural pauses in Speaking tasks can reduce your score.
Skipping Practice Under Real Exam Conditions – Avoid relying solely on theory; not simulating exam timing and conditions can cause stress and mistakes on test day.

Preparing for the PTE Exam: Tips and Strategies

Preparing for the PTE exam requires a strategic approach and a solid understanding of the test format, question types, and scoring system. Here are some tips and strategies to help you excel in the section in PTE :

Understand the test format: Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and scoring system. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and approach each section with confidence.
Practice speaking and writing: Regularly practice speaking and writing in English to improve your communication skills. Engage in conversations, write essays, and seek feedback to enhance your proficiency.
Improve your reading skills: Read extensively and practice reading comprehension. Focus on understanding the main ideas, details, and inferences in various texts.
Enhance your listening skills: Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and English language TV shows to improve your listening comprehension. Pay attention to different accents and speech patterns.
Use online resources: Utilize online resources such as practice tests, study guides, and language learning apps to prepare for the test. These tools can provide valuable practice and insights.
Join a study group: Join a study group or find a study partner to practice speaking and listening with. Collaborative learning can help you stay motivated and gain different perspectives.
Get feedback: Seek feedback from a teacher or tutor to improve your speaking and writing skills. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your abilities.

Pro Tip – You can also use our PTE Score Calculator for compering your PTE score with IELTS Score.

By following these tips and strategies, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of scoring well on the PTE exam. Remember, consistent practice and a focused approach are key to achieving your desired score.

Conclusion:

Effective preparation goes beyond understanding the exam format. It requires a strategic focus on the most challenging areas, such as Read Aloud and Repeat Sentences in the Speaking section, Read and Write Fill in the Blanks in the Reading section and Writing from Dictation in the Listening section.

Put these practical tips into action for sections in PTE – pronunciation practice, phonetics drills, skimming & scanning texts, and active listening. This will enhance your performance in every section.

FAQ:

How many sections are in PTE?

The PTE Academic exam is divided into three main sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each section is designed to test specific English skills—Speaking & Writing evaluates verbal and written communication, Reading measures comprehension and interpretation of texts, and Listening checks understanding of spoken English in different contexts. Knowing this structure helps in planning your preparation effectively.

How is the PTE divided?

PTE is divided into multiple tasks across the three sections. In Speaking & Writing, tasks include Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, and Essay Writing. Reading features tasks like Multiple Choice Questions, Re-order Paragraphs, and Fill in the Blanks. Listening includes Summarize Spoken Text, Fill in the Blanks, and Multiple Choice Questions. Understanding each task type helps you focus on the skills needed to perform well.

Which is the hardest section in PTE?

While difficulty varies by individual, many candidates find the Speaking & Writing section the most challenging. Tasks like Repeat Sentence, Read Aloud, and Essay Writing require precision, fluency, and time management simultaneously. These tasks combine speaking, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills, which is why this section often feels more demanding than Reading or Listening.

Which section is most important in PTE?

All sections contribute to the overall score, but Speaking & Writing is often considered the most important because it tests multiple skills that affect scoring. Strong performance here can significantly boost your overall result. However, neglecting Reading or Listening can still lower your total score, so balanced preparation across all sections is key.

How to get 79 each in PTE?

Scoring 79 in each section requires focused strategy and consistent practice. Prioritize high-weight tasks such as Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, and Summarize Written Text. Practice mock tests under timed conditions and use AI-based feedback to identify and improve weak areas. Pay attention to pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and time management. With structured preparation and regular review, achieving a 79 in all sections is realistic.

Also Read:

Reduce Stress! Focus on Challenging Sections In PTE Academic Score High

Understanding the PTE Exam