Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official PTE Academic task types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a PTE score. For an official estimate, use Pearson's scored practice tests.
This is a full-length practice test with every PTE Academic task type, in the official order. You can take it in one sitting (about 2 hours) or press Pause whenever you need to.
Before you start
Do
- Use a headset with a microphone, in a quiet room.
- Keep the microphone near your chin, not in front of your mouth.
- Start speaking as soon as recording starts, and keep going after small mistakes.
- Take notes while you listen, as you can on test day.
- Check word counts and use one spelling style (Australian or American).
Don't
- Don't pause for 3 seconds. The real test closes the microphone.
- Don't go back to fix a word when speaking. It costs fluency.
- Don't guess wildly where wrong answers lose points (multiple answers, Highlight Incorrect Words).
- Don't replay the audio. In the real test you hear it once.
- Don't use a memorised template that ignores the question.
How the buttons work
- ▶ Start test starts the clock (135 minutes) and shows the first question. Questions come one at a time, as in the real test.
- Answer, then press Next ▶. Like the real PTE, you can't go back to an earlier question.
- Speaking questions start on their own: listen (if there's audio), then a short "get ready" countdown, then recording. Speak until the timer ends, or press ■ Finish answer if you've finished early.
- Writing tasks show their own countdown (for example, 20 minutes for the essay) and move on when it runs out.
- ❚❚ Pause stops the clock if you're interrupted (the real test can't be paused). End test finishes early and shows your results.
How it's marked
- Multiple-choice, fill-in and listening questions are marked instantly with the real test's rules. See exactly how we mark.
- For speaking, you get feedback on your fluency: start time, pauses and speaking time, analysed on your device.
- Essays and summaries get an estimated score for each of Pearson's writing traits, with spelling and grammar highlighted. How PTE writing is scored.
- At the end you'll see a results report by task type, with what to practise next.
Off by default. When it's on, your browser's built-in speech recognition turns your voice into text. In some browsers (for example Chrome), the browser maker processes that audio on its servers. We never receive it. Pause and timing feedback always works on your device, with nothing sent anywhere.
Test paused. The clock has stopped. If you were in the middle of a speaking question, it will restart from the beginning.
Part 1: Speaking & Writing
Each speaking task has its own preparation and speaking timer, just like the real test. Writing tasks show a live word count.
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Part 2: Reading
The real Reading part takes 23–30 minutes. Wrong choices cost a point in the multiple-answer question, as in the real test.
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Part 3: Listening
The real Listening part takes 31–39 minutes. Play each recording once, as on test day. Recordings are read by your browser's voice.
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How this test is marked
| Task | How the real PTE marks it | How we mark it here |
|---|---|---|
| Read Aloud | Content (every word, no extras), pronunciation, oral fluency | Pause and timing feedback on your device; with "Check my words", a content % and missed words |
| Repeat Sentence | Content (correct word sequences), pronunciation, oral fluency | Pause and timing feedback; with "Check my words", a content % against the sentence |
| Describe Image, Retell Lecture | Content (main points, details, conclusion), pronunciation, oral fluency; human review of content | Fluency feedback; with "Check my words", key points covered; sample answer and checklist |
| Answer Short Question | Correct or incorrect | Fluency feedback; with "Check my words", whether the answer word was heard |
| Summarize Group Discussion, Respond to a Situation | Content, pronunciation, oral fluency; human review of content | Fluency feedback; key points with "Check my words"; sample answer and checklist |
| Summarize Written Text | Content, form (one sentence, 5–75 words), grammar, vocabulary; zero if form or topic is wrong | An estimated score for each trait, with spelling and grammar highlighted, plus a sample answer |
| Write Essay | Content, development and structure, form (200–300 words), linguistic range, grammar, vocabulary, spelling | An estimated score for each trait, with spelling and grammar highlighted, plus a sample answer |
| Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks; Reading: Fill in the Blanks | One point per correct blank (partial credit) | The same: one point per correct blank |
| Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers (reading and listening) | +1 for each correct option, −1 for each wrong option, minimum 0 | The same rule |
| Reorder Paragraph | Partial credit for correct adjacent pairs | One point per correct adjacent pair |
| Multiple Choice, Single Answer; Highlight Correct Summary; Select Missing Word | Correct or incorrect | The same |
| Summarize Spoken Text | Content, form (50–70 words), grammar, vocabulary, spelling | An estimated score for each trait, with spelling and grammar highlighted, plus a sample answer |
| Listening: Fill in the Blanks | One point per correctly spelled word | The same: spelling must be exact |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | +1 per correct word, −1 per wrong click | The same rule |
| Write from Dictation | One point per correct word | One point per correct word (order not checked) |
Official marking from Pearson's PTE Academic test format pages. The real test also combines task scores into communicative skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing) on a 10–90 scale. We show points, not a PTE score, because we can't reproduce Pearson's scoring engine.
After the test
- Review every wrong answer. Each one has an explanation.
- Read your speaking feedback and focus on fluency first: start quickly, avoid long pauses, don't restart.
- Try mock test 2, or generate a brand-new test from our question bank.
- Want an official score? Pearson's scored practice tests use the real scoring system.
Answers, explanations and transcripts
Finish the test first, then open each section to check your answers. Every answer has an explanation.
Part 1: Speaking & Writing
Transcript: Repeat Sentence
The assignment must be submitted through the online portal by Friday.
Model answer: Repeat Sentence
Listen, then repeat the sentence exactly.
The assignment must be submitted through the online portal by Friday.
Transcript: Repeat Sentence
Most of the students in the course work part-time while they study.
Model answer: Repeat Sentence
Listen, then repeat the sentence exactly.
Most of the students in the course work part-time while they study.
Model answer: Describe Image
Describe the image in detail. You have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
The diagram shows how a home rainwater system works in four stages. First, rainwater is collected from the roof. It then passes through a filter that removes leaves and dirt, before being stored in a tank. Finally, a pump sends the water to the garden and toilets. When the tank is full, extra water overflows to the stormwater drain. Overall, the system allows households to reuse rainwater efficiently.
Transcript: Retell Lecture
Today I'd like to talk about why sleep matters for learning. During deep sleep, the brain replays what we experienced during the day and strengthens important memories. Studies show that students who sleep well after studying remember more than those who stay up late. So, if you want to perform well in exams, cramming all night may actually work against you.
Model answer: Retell Lecture
Listen to the lecture, then retell it in your own words. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
The lecture explained that sleep is essential for learning. During deep sleep, the brain replays the day's experiences and strengthens memories. Research shows students who sleep after studying remember more than those who stay up late, so the speaker concluded that cramming all night before an exam can be counterproductive.
Transcript: Answer Short Question
What do we call a doctor who treats children?
Model answer: Answer Short Question
Listen to the question and answer with one or a few words.
A paediatrician.
Transcript: Answer Short Question
How many days are there in a leap year?
Model answer: Answer Short Question
Listen to the question and answer with one or a few words.
366.
Transcript: Summarize Group Discussion
Student A: I think the uni should replace some lectures with online videos. Then we could watch them anytime. Student B: That would help people who work, but I learn better when I can ask questions in person. Student C: What about recording lectures but keeping the live sessions too? Then everyone gets what they need. Student A: True, as long as the live sessions stay interactive. Student B: I could agree with that.
Model answer: Summarize Group Discussion
Listen to the discussion, then summarise it. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 2 minutes to speak.
The discussion was about whether lectures should be replaced with online videos. The first student supported online videos because students could watch them at any time. The second student agreed this would help working students, but said she learns better by asking questions in person. The third student suggested a compromise: record the lectures but keep live sessions. The first student agreed, provided the live sessions remained interactive, and in the end the second student also accepted the compromise.
Transcript: Respond to a Situation
Your housemate has been leaving dishes in the sink for several days, and you have friends coming over tomorrow evening. What would you say to your housemate?
Model answer: Respond to a Situation
Listen to and read the situation. Then say what you would say. You have 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
Hey Alex, have you got a sec? I've noticed the dishes have been piling up in the sink for a few days. I've got some friends coming over tomorrow evening, so would you be able to wash them before then? If it helps, maybe we could set up a simple roster so we both know whose turn it is. Thanks, I really appreciate it.
Model answer: Summarize Written Text (10 minutes)
Summarise the text in ONE sentence of 5–75 words.
Although critics say lower speed limits slow drivers down, studies suggest they barely affect journey times while greatly reducing pedestrian injuries and making streets quieter and more attractive for walking, cycling and local businesses.
Model answer: Write Essay (20 minutes)
Some people believe that children should start learning a second language in primary school, while others think it is better to wait until secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Learning a second language has clear benefits, but there is disagreement about the best age to begin. While some argue that languages should wait until secondary school, I believe that starting in primary school is more effective.
Those who prefer a later start argue that young children should first build strong literacy in their own language. They also point out that primary schools often lack qualified language teachers, so early lessons may be poorly taught and quickly forgotten. Older students, they say, can learn grammar more efficiently because they think more analytically.
However, the advantages of an early start are significant. Young children are usually less self-conscious and more willing to imitate new sounds, which helps them develop more natural pronunciation. In addition, starting early means students accumulate many more hours of exposure by the time they finish school. For example, in countries where English is taught from the first years of primary school, students often reach a high level of fluency by the end of secondary education.
In conclusion, although concerns about teacher quality are valid, they are a reason to invest in better primary teaching rather than delay learning. Overall, I believe the benefits of beginning a second language in primary school outweigh the drawbacks.
Part 2: Reading
Text for question 6: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
Text for question 14: Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Answer key (14 answers)
| # | Question | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honey bees play a ___ | vital | 'Play a vital role' is a fixed collocation; populations 'decline'; 'find ways of' fits the grammar. |
| 2 | …In recent years, however, bee populations in several countries have ___ | declined | 'Play a vital role' is a fixed collocation; populations 'decline'; 'find ways of' fits the grammar. |
| 3 | …and habitat loss. Scientists are now working with farmers to find ___ | ways | 'Play a vital role' is a fixed collocation; populations 'decline'; 'find ways of' fits the grammar. |
| 4 | …the printing press in the fifteenth century made books far cheaper to ___ | produce | Books are 'produced'; ideas 'circulate' (move around). |
| 5 | …literacy began to spread beyond the wealthy, and new ideas could ___ | circulate | Books are 'produced'; ideas 'circulate' (move around). |
| 6 | According to the passage, which of the following are true about micro-credentials? | They focus on specific skills. · They are designed mainly for working people. · Their quality can differ between providers. | A, C and E are stated. Only 'some' universities allow credit (so B is false), and employers are 'still deciding' (D). |
| 7 | Reorder Paragraph | (1) Coffee arrived in Australia with the first European settlers… → (2) That began to change after the Second World War, when migran… → (3) These cafés introduced Australians to a new style of coffee … → (4) Today, cities like Melbourne are internationally known for t… | Topic sentence first; 'That' refers to tea's popularity; 'These cafés' refers back to the cafés just mentioned; 'Today' concludes. |
| 8 | …has many benefits for mental health. Even a short daily walk can ___ | improve | Check grammar (a verb after 'can', a noun after 'reduce') and collocations ('moderate exercise'). |
| 9 | mood and reduce ___ | stress | Check grammar (a verb after 'can', a noun after 'reduce') and collocations ('moderate exercise'). |
| 10 | …recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate ___ | exercise | Check grammar (a verb after 'can', a noun after 'reduce') and collocations ('moderate exercise'). |
| 11 | …rates of skin cancer in the world, largely because of its strong ___ | sunlight | 'Strong sunlight'; health 'campaigns'; rates are 'falling'. Watch for similar-looking distractors. |
| 12 | and outdoor lifestyle. Public health ___ | campaigns | 'Strong sunlight'; health 'campaigns'; rates are 'falling'. Watch for similar-looking distractors. |
| 13 | …to wear hats and sunscreen, and rates among young people are now ___ | falling | 'Strong sunlight'; health 'campaigns'; rates are 'falling'. Watch for similar-looking distractors. |
| 14 | Why are many councils setting tree canopy targets? | Because trees bring several environmental benefits. | The passage lists several benefits, then says 'as a result' councils set targets. |
Part 3: Listening
Transcript: Summarize Spoken Text (10 minutes)
Good afternoon. Today I'm going to talk about food waste. In Australia, households throw away a surprising amount of food every year, much of it still edible. The main reasons are buying too much, poor storage and confusion about 'best before' and 'use by' dates. 'Best before' is about quality, so food is usually still safe after that date, whereas 'use by' is about safety. Simple habits like planning meals, checking the fridge before shopping and freezing leftovers can significantly reduce waste and save families money.
Model answer: Summarize Spoken Text (10 minutes)
Listen, then write a summary of 50–70 words.
The speaker explains that Australian households waste a large amount of edible food, mainly by overbuying, storing food poorly and misunderstanding date labels. 'Best before' relates to quality, while 'use by' relates to safety. The speaker recommends planning meals, checking the fridge before shopping and freezing leftovers, which can reduce waste and save money.
Transcript: Listening: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
In this unit we'll look at why some animals migrate. The main reason is food: many birds fly north or south as seasons change and food becomes scarce. Breeding is another reason, as some species travel to safer places to raise their young. Climate also matters; animals may move to avoid extreme cold. Interestingly, scientists believe some birds use the Earth's magnetic field to find their way.
Transcript: Listening: Fill in the Blanks
Welcome to the library orientation. You can borrow up to twenty items at a time, and most books can be kept for three weeks. If you need more time, you can renew items online, unless another student has requested them.
Transcript: Highlight Correct Summary
Many people assume that working from home always improves productivity. Our survey found a more mixed picture. Employees saved time on commuting and reported fewer interruptions, but many also said they felt isolated and found it harder to switch off at the end of the day. Teams that combined home and office days reported the best results overall.
Transcript: Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Let me give you a quick tip on reading academic articles. Don't start at the first line and read every word. Look at the abstract first, then the conclusion. If the article is still relevant, go back and read the methods and results in detail.
Transcript: Select Missing Word
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. In Australia, about one in three houses now has panels on the roof. Because the panels produce the most power in the middle of the day, many households are now adding batteries so they can use that energy at…
Transcript: Highlight Incorrect Words
Australia's population is concentrated along the coastline, with most people living in the south-east of the country. The two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are home to around forty per cent of all Australians.
Answer key (12 answers)
| # | Question | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Which reasons for migration does the speaker mention? | Finding food · Breeding in safer places · Avoiding extreme cold | Food, breeding and climate are mentioned. Humans and the moon are not. |
| 16 | You can borrow up to ___ | twenty (also accepted: 20) | Spelling counts: each word must be spelled correctly. |
| 17 | items at a time, and most books can be kept for three ___ | weeks | Spelling counts: each word must be spelled correctly. |
| 18 | If you need more time, you can ___ | renew | Spelling counts: each word must be spelled correctly. |
| 19 | items online, unless another student has ___ | requested | Spelling counts: each word must be spelled correctly. |
| 20 | Which summary best matches the recording? | Working from home has benefits and drawbacks, and a mix of home and office days worked best. | The survey found both benefits (less commuting) and drawbacks (isolation), with hybrid teams doing best. |
| 21 | What does the speaker recommend reading first? | The abstract | The speaker says to look at the abstract first. |
| 22 | The recording stops before the end. Which option best completes it? | night | Batteries store daytime energy for use later, at night. |
| 23 | Highlight the words that differ from the recording | coast (said: coastline), west (said: south), half (said: forty) | Each correct click earns a point; each wrong click loses one. |
| 24 | Write the sentence you hear | Please return your library books before the end of the semester. | Every correctly spelled word scores a point. |
| 25 | Write the sentence you hear | The results of the survey will be published next month. | Every correctly spelled word scores a point. |
| 26 | Write the sentence you hear | Students are encouraged to attend all tutorials and workshops. | Every correctly spelled word scores a point. |
Frequently asked questions
Is PTE Mock Test 1 free?
Yes. It's a full PTE Academic mock test with all task types, real timers and instant marking, free and with no sign-up.
How accurate is the mock test score?
It's a practice estimate based on the published scoring rules, not an official score.
What should I do after the mock test?
Look at your weakest tasks in the results, practise them on the task pages, then try Mock Test 2 or a new generated test.