Sample Questions

PTE Academic Sample Questions

6 practice questions with complete answer explanations.

Sample Questions

Question 1paragraph-order

Re-order: [A] Deforestation contributes significantly to climate change. [B] As a result, carbon that was stored in trees is released into the atmosphere. [C] Forests absorb carbon dioxide. [D] When trees are cut down, this storage capacity is lost.

A.C → A → D → B✓ Correct

B.A → C → D → B

C.B → A → C → D

D.D → C → A → B

Explanation

Logical order: forests absorb CO2 → deforestation → storage lost → carbon released. C→A→D→B.

Question 2summarize-spoken

You hear: 'The phenomenon occurs primarily during the winter solstice when solar radiation...' The summary that best captures this is:

A.The event is most common in winter due to sunlight patterns.✓ Correct

B.Solar radiation is responsible for winter weather.

C.The solstice causes radiation increases.

D.Phenomena are unrelated to seasonal changes.

Explanation

Key information: 'occurs primarily during winter solstice' + 'solar radiation' = winter + sunlight patterns.

Question 3describe-image

For 'Describe Image' (a bar chart showing smartphone usage growth 2010–2024), the best opening is:

A.The chart illustrates the steady growth in global smartphone usage between 2010 and 2024.✓ Correct

B.There is a bar chart about smartphones.

C.Smartphones became more popular.

D.The image shows phones used by people over time.

Explanation

PTE Speaking: clear main idea first, formal register, specific content words.

Question 4summarize-written

Summarize: 'Urban green spaces provide physical and mental health benefits, reduce heat island effects, and improve biodiversity. However, cities often sacrifice parks for development.' Best summary:

A.Urban green spaces offer multiple benefits but are threatened by development pressure.✓ Correct

B.Parks are being destroyed in cities.

C.Green spaces help health but cities keep building.

D.Development is more important than parks in urban areas.

Explanation

PTE summary: capture all main ideas (benefits + threat) in formal language within 75 words.

Question 5vocabulary

Fill in the blank: 'The committee reached a ___ decision after hours of deliberation.' (unanimous / unilateral / ultimate / unambiguous)

A.unanimous✓ Correct

B.unilateral

C.ultimate

D.unambiguous

Explanation

'Unanimous' = all in agreement. Fits 'committee' reaching agreement after discussion.

Question 6dictation

Write from dictation. You hear: 'The environmental impact of single-use plastics cannot be overstated.' Type exactly:

A.The environmental impact of single-use plastics cannot be overstated.✓ Correct

B.The environmental impact of single use plastics cannot be overstated.

C.The environmental impacts of single-use plastics cannot be overstated.

D.The environmental impact of single-use plastic cannot be overstated.

Explanation

Exact transcription: 'single-use' hyphenated, 'plastics' plural, 'impact' singular.

Test-Taking Tips

1.PTE is AI-scored — speaking tone, pace, and pronunciation matter more than accent.
2.Repeat Sentence is high-impact: practice immediately repeating sentences from podcasts.
3.Describe Image: practice with a template — 'The [chart type] illustrates [subject] [time period]...'
4.Write From Dictation contributes to both Reading and Listening scores — highest ROI practice.
5.Use E2Language or Pearson's official PTE Practice App for scored practice tests.
6.Focus on Enabling Skills where you're weakest — spelling and vocabulary impact multiple question types.

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