PTE Academic Format 2026: All 20 Tasks + Timing (Nepal)

Everything You Need to Know About PTE Academic Tasks Before You Start Preparing

One of the most confusing parts of starting PTE Academic preparation in Nepal is understanding exactly what you will face on test day. PTE Academic includes the original 20 question types, and tests taken after 7 August 2025 also include two new Speaking & Writing question types: Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation. These tasks are spread across three test sections — Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening. Each task type has its own scoring rules, timing, and strategy. Trying to prepare without a clear map of all these tasks is like studying for an exam without a syllabus.

This complete PTE Academic task list for 2026 covers every task type in the order they appear on your test, how long each task takes, how many items you will see, what is being assessed, and which communicative and enabling skills each task contributes to. Use this as your reference guide throughout your PTE Academic preparation in Nepal.

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How PTE Academic Is Structured

PTE Academic is a single 2-hour test divided into three timed sections that flow continuously in one sitting. According to Pearson's official site, the current test format includes:

Part 1 — Speaking and Writing: 76–84 minutes (combined section)
Part 2 — Reading: 22–30 minutes
Part 3 — Listening: 31–39 minutes

The number of items for each task type varies from test to test within a defined range. This means two students sitting the PTE Academic on the same day may see a different number of Describe Image items, for example. PTE Academic is mainly scored by Pearson's AI scoring system. Since the 2025 update, some response types may also be part-scored or reviewed by human experts, but pronunciation and oral fluency are not assessed by human examiners.

Verify with the official source: Item counts per task type (e.g. 6–7 Read Aloud, 10–12 Repeat Sentence) vary per test version. Always check the official PTE Academic test-format page for the current spec before relying on a precise item count.

Part 1 — Speaking and Writing Tasks

The Speaking and Writing section is the longest and most varied part of PTE Academic. It opens with a personal introduction, moves through five core speaking tasks (plus the two new tasks if your test is after 7 August 2025), and then presents two writing tasks.

Task 1: Personal Introduction (Unscored)

Format: Respond to a prompt by speaking about yourself (your background, study plans, or why you want to study abroad)
Time: 25 seconds preparation + 30 seconds speaking
Number of items: 1 (always)
Scored? No — this task is unscored and is used only for test centre identity verification purposes
Key point: Do not waste anxiety on this task. Speak naturally and use the 30 seconds to warm up your voice and get comfortable with the microphone before the scored tasks begin.

Task 2: Read Aloud

Format: Read a short text (up to 60 words) aloud as accurately and naturally as possible
Time: 30–40 seconds preparation + 30–40 seconds speaking (varies with text length)
Number of items: 6–7 per test
Skills scored: Speaking AND Reading (cross-module scoring)
Key point: Read Aloud is the highest-value task for Nepali students because it boosts both Speaking AND Reading. Prioritise this in practice. Do not stop and restart if you make an error — keep reading smoothly.

Task 3: Repeat Sentence

Format: Listen to a sentence (3–9 seconds) and repeat it exactly
Time: 15 seconds listening + 15 seconds response window
Number of items: 10–12 per test
Skills scored: Speaking AND Listening (cross-module scoring)
Key point: This is the single most frequent task in PTE Academic. Your score in Repeat Sentence significantly impacts both Speaking and Listening. The key strategy is to use chunked memory — break the sentence into 3-word groups and hold each group in short-term memory.

Task 4: Describe Image

Format: Look at an image (graph, chart, map, diagram, or photo) and describe it in 40 seconds
Time: 25 seconds preparation + 40 seconds speaking
Number of items: 6–7 per test
Skills scored: Speaking only
Key point: Use a fixed template for every image type. For graphs: "The graph shows [topic]. The highest value is [X]. The lowest value is [Y]. Overall, the trend is [rising/falling/fluctuating]." Speak for the full 40 seconds without stopping.

Task 5: Re-tell Lecture

Format: Listen to a 60–90 second academic lecture and re-tell it in your own words
Time: 60–90 seconds listening + 40 seconds response
Number of items: 3–4 per test
Skills scored: Speaking AND Listening (cross-module scoring)
Key point: Take notes during the lecture. Your response should cover: topic, main point, one or two supporting details. You do not need to repeat everything — coherent structure scores more than content volume.

Task 6: Answer Short Question

Format: Listen to a short question and give a one or two word answer
Time: 3–9 seconds question + 10 seconds response
Number of items: 10–12 per test
Skills scored: Speaking AND Listening (cross-module scoring)
Key point: These questions test general knowledge and vocabulary, not complex reasoning. Common topics: science, geography, everyday items, professions. If you do not know the answer, give a logical attempt — leaving a silence scores zero.

New Task 7: Respond to a Situation (Added August 2025)

Format: Read a situation prompt and respond appropriately in spoken English
Time: 20 seconds preparation + 40 seconds speaking
Number of items: Varies (new task type introduced after 7 August 2025)
Skills scored: Speaking only
Key point: This task assesses your ability to respond to everyday situations in English. Use polite, clear language and structure your response logically with greeting, main point, and closing.

New Task 8: Summarize Group Discussion (Added August 2025)

Format: Listen to a group discussion and summarize the key points
Time: Audio length varies + 40 seconds response
Number of items: Varies (new task type introduced after 7 August 2025)
Skills scored: Speaking AND Listening (cross-module scoring)
Key point: Take notes during the discussion. Identify the main topic and 2-3 key points mentioned by different speakers. Your summary should be coherent and cover the essential content.

Task 9: Summarize Written Text

Format: Read a 200–300 word academic text and write a single-sentence summary (5–75 words)
Time: 10 minutes per item
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Writing AND Reading (cross-module scoring)
Key point: Your summary must be a single grammatically complete sentence. The one-sentence rule is enforced — multi-sentence answers score zero for form. Identify the main idea and 1–2 supporting points and connect them into one complex sentence using "which," "that," "while," or "because."

Task 10: Write Essay

Format: Write a 200–300 word academic essay in response to a prompt
Time: 20 minutes per item
Number of items: 1–2 per test
Skills scored: Writing only
Key point: Use a fixed 4-paragraph template: Introduction (with your thesis), Body 1 (first argument), Body 2 (second argument or counter-argument), Conclusion (restate thesis + recommendation). Essays under 200 words or over 300 words receive score penalties.

Part 2 — Reading Tasks

The Reading section has a single combined timer for all tasks. You manage your own time across the five reading task types. Total time according to Pearson: 22–30 minutes.

Task 11: Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks

Format: Read a 200–300 word text with missing words; drag and drop the correct word into each blank from a given list
Number of items: 5–6 per test
Skills scored: Reading AND Writing (cross-module scoring)
Key point: This task scores BOTH reading and writing, making it one of the highest-value reading tasks. Focus on grammar and collocation clues to select the correct word. The word list has more options than blanks, so elimination helps.

Task 12: Multiple Choice — Multiple Answer (Reading)

Format: Read a text and select ALL correct answers from a list of options
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Reading only
Key point: Negative marking applies. Selecting a wrong answer deducts a point. If you are unsure about an option, leave it unselected. Only mark answers you are confident are correct.

Task 13: Reorder Paragraphs

Format: Rearrange jumbled text boxes into the correct logical order
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Reading only
Key point: Find the topic sentence (no pronoun reference, introduces the subject) to identify the first paragraph. Then use logical connectors (however, furthermore, as a result) to build the sequence from there. Work in pairs of boxes rather than trying to order all at once.

Task 14: Reading Fill in the Blanks

Format: Select the correct word for each blank from a dropdown menu within the text
Number of items: 4–5 per test
Skills scored: Reading only
Key point: Unlike Reading and Writing FIB (Task 11), this task scores Reading only. Use the surrounding sentence context and part of speech to narrow down your answer. Always check whether the blank needs a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb before looking at the options.

Task 15: Multiple Choice — Single Answer (Reading)

Format: Read a text and select the ONE correct answer from options
Number of items: 1–2 per test
Skills scored: Reading only
Key point: No negative marking. Always select an answer. Eliminate options that contradict the text or introduce ideas not mentioned. The correct answer is usually directly supported by a specific sentence in the passage.

Part 3 — Listening Tasks

The Listening section contains eight different task types and is the most varied section in the test.

Task 16: Summarize Spoken Text

Format: Listen to a 60–90 second lecture and write a 50–70 word summary
Time: 10 minutes per item
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Listening AND Writing (cross-module scoring)
Key point: This task scores both Listening and Writing — a double opportunity. Take notes during the audio. Your summary must be 50–70 words. Write a 4-part response: main topic sentence, key point 1, key point 2, conclusion sentence.

Task 17: Multiple Choice — Multiple Answer (Listening)

Format: Listen to a recording and select ALL correct answers
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Listening only
Key point: Negative marking applies. Only select options you are confident about. Guessing a wrong option cancels a correct selection.

Task 18: Fill in the Blanks (Listening)

Format: Listen to a recording and type the missing words directly into blank spaces in the transcript
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Listening AND Writing (cross-module scoring)
Key point: Spelling counts here — incorrect spelling loses the point for that word. Focus on the audio carefully during blanked sections. Use context from surrounding words to confirm what you heard.

Task 19: Highlight Correct Summary

Format: Listen to a recording and select the paragraph that best summarises the content
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Listening AND Reading (cross-module scoring)
Key point: Read all summary options before the audio plays. Listen for the main idea of the recording, not specific details. Eliminate options that contradict the audio or add information not mentioned.

Task 20: Multiple Choice — Single Answer (Listening)

Format: Listen to a recording and select the ONE correct answer
Number of items: 1–2 per test
Skills scored: Listening only
Key point: No negative marking. Always select an answer. The audio plays only once, so take brief notes on the key point of the recording before looking at options.

Task 21: Select Missing Word

Format: Listen to a recording that ends with a beep; select the missing word or phrase that would logically complete the content
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Listening only
Key point: Focus especially on the final 20–30 seconds of the recording. The context just before the beep will make one answer clearly more logical. Use grammar rules to eliminate options that would not fit the sentence structure.

Task 22: Highlight Incorrect Words

Format: Listen to a recording while following along with a text; click on words in the text that differ from what the speaker says
Number of items: 2–3 per test
Skills scored: Listening AND Reading (cross-module scoring)
Key point: Negative marking applies. Each incorrectly highlighted word deducts a point. Scroll ahead slightly while listening to anticipate upcoming words. Click only when you are certain you heard a different word — do not guess.

Task 23: Write from Dictation

Format: Listen to a sentence (10–20 words) and type it exactly
Number of items: 3–4 per test
Skills scored: Listening AND Writing (cross-module scoring)
Key point: This is the highest-scoring listening task. Each correctly spelled word earns a point. Use your notepad to capture the sentence in chunks as you listen. Even partial sentences earn partial credit — never leave this blank.

Cross-Module Scoring Summary

Several PTE Academic tasks contribute to more than one communicative skills score. This cross-module scoring means your performance on these tasks has a multiplied effect on your overall score.

Speaking AND Reading: Read Aloud
Speaking AND Listening: Repeat Sentence, Re-tell Lecture, Answer Short Question, Summarize Group Discussion (new)
Writing AND Reading: Summarize Written Text, Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks
Listening AND Writing: Summarize Spoken Text, Fill in the Blanks (Listening), Write from Dictation
Listening AND Reading: Highlight Correct Summary, Highlight Incorrect Words

Most of these 20 tasks are scored against the 79+ band needed for the Australia PR pathway. Get a personalised, task-by-task plan with 1-on-1 mentorship.

Tips for Nepali Students

Start with the cross-module tasks — If your preparation time is limited, prioritise Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation, and Summarize Written Text. These four tasks alone boost four different communicative skills simultaneously.
Learn which tasks have negative marking — PTE Academic uses negative marking in Multiple Choice Multiple Answer (both Reading and Listening) and Highlight Incorrect Words. Never guess on these tasks. Leave options unselected if you are uncertain.
Manage your Reading section time carefully — Reading has a single combined timer for all five task types. If you spend 12 minutes on Reading and Writing FIB, you have only 10-18 minutes left for the other four task types. Practise time allocation before your exam.
PTE Academic is fully computer-based — practise on screen — All tasks require typing, clicking, dragging, and recording on a computer. Students who prepare only with pen and paper are at a disadvantage. Use the Pearson PTE Practice app on a computer to simulate the exact test interface. Test center availability and fees can change; confirm seat availability and current pricing in your myPTE account before payment.

Most of these tasks are scored against the 79+ band needed for the Australia PR pathway — get a personalised plan with 1-on-1 mentorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many total tasks are in PTE Academic?

A: PTE Academic has the original 20 different task types, plus two new Speaking & Writing task types (Summarize Group Discussion and Respond to a Situation) introduced after 7 August 2025. The total number of individual items you will complete ranges from approximately 57 to 77 items per test, as the number of items per task type varies within defined ranges.

Q: Which PTE Academic task is the most important for scoring?

A: Write from Dictation and Repeat Sentence are consistently the highest-value individual task types by points per minute. Read Aloud is uniquely valuable because it is one of the only tasks that simultaneously boosts both Speaking and Reading communicative scores.

Q: How long is the PTE Academic test in total?

A: According to Pearson, PTE Academic is a 2-hour test. Including test centre check-in procedures, allow 2.5-3 hours for your test appointment.

Q: Can I go back to a previous question in PTE Academic?

A: Within the Reading section, you can navigate between tasks and revisit answers within the allotted time. However, you cannot go back to Speaking and Writing tasks once they are submitted, and you cannot return to a previous section after it has ended.

Conclusion

Understanding all PTE Academic task types before you begin preparing is one of the most efficient investments you can make in your test preparation. Each task has a specific scoring mechanism, a fixed timing structure, and a clear strategy. The students who target high scores in PTE Academic in Nepal are not necessarily the best English speakers — they are the students who know the test format thoroughly and have practised each task type deliberately. Use this complete task list as your PTE Academic reference guide throughout your preparation. For personalized coaching that covers every task type with expert strategies, contact PTE instructor Smriti Simkhada via WhatsApp for a free consultation.