Before preparing for the test , we should have a look at the scoring system of PTE Academic. Though we are working hard to get 79+ in each section, it is difficult to crack if we don’t understand the scoring structure. We must understand which task carries more marks and which ones we have to prioritize. Let us see how the score is calculated and why it is important to know. Machine based score using PTE Academic’s automated scoring system. Here, no manual correction as it is completely system based and the result will be obtained within 1 to 5 business days.
Unlike IELTS, the marks are shared between each sections. In IELTS each section has its own scoring. Say for example, in reading section the marks will be given only to that section, similarly for other sections the points will be given only to those particular sections. However, in PTE the marks will be shared between all modules. We will see them below in detail.
To score 79+, it is enough to concentrate on certain tasks instead of practicing all tasks. This is why it is important to understand the scoring structure. Though we need to attend all the tasks, some of them are not much important. For example, Multiple Choice Questions, Highlight Correct Summary and Select Missing Words carry less marks. We have to spend less time for these sections. In that way, we will find more time for attending other tasks, which carry more marks.
Please watch the below video to have a complete understanding on PTE scoring system.
Two types of scoring in PTE Academic
Correct or incorrect
In reading and listening sections, MCQs and FIBs have either correct or incorrect scoring. In addition to that, we do have negative marks for MCQs multiple answers and HIW. For example, in multiple choice multiple answers, if the answers are A and B but if we select A, B and C we will get 1 for each correct answer and -1 for the wrong answer, which is C. Finally, we will get 2-1, that is 1 mark given to that question. Similarly, if the answers are A and B, but if we select C and D, we won’t get -2, instead we will get zero marks, because the minimum mark for each question is zero.
Partial scoring
Marks will be given based on the keywords that we use, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, content, fluency and pronunciation. For example, in speaking section, a maximum of 5 marks each, will be given to content, fluency and pronunciation. The marks will be reduced from 5 to 0 based on the content that we deliver. Suppose if the content is irrelevant, then zero mark will be given for content but if the fluency is too good, then 5 marks will be given to fluency.
We will see more details in speaking section.
PTE Scoring – Speaking
Speaking is the only section, which does not scored from other sections.
| Tasks | Speaking | Reading | Listening |
| Read Aloud | 22.2 | 22.1 | |
| Repeat Sentence | 32.1 | 19.7 | |
| Describe Image | 22.2 | ||
| Re-tell Lecture | 11.1 | 9.9 | |
| Answer Short Questions | 2.4 | 6.6 | |
| Total | 90 | 22.1 | 36.2 |
The below are the tasks in speaking section:
Read Aloud
It carries equal marks to speaking and reading. If we maintain smooth fluency and 50% pronunciation, we will get more than 79 marks in speaking section as the content is not important in speaking section. However, for reading and listening, it is very important to maintain content and pronunciation as well.
Repeat sentence
32 marks for speaking and around 20 for listening. This task contributes highest marks to PTE.
Describe image
Since it is scored only for speaking section, we can concentrate only on fluency to get more marks in speaking section.
Retell Lecture
11 marks for speaking section and 9.9 marks for listening section. For both describe image and retell lecture we can follow the template to avoid fumbling while speaking. We can follow any template, but we should capture proper phrases from the inputs provided and include them in the template. You can find the templates that I have shared in the speaking section.
Answer short Questions
Only 2.4 marks for speaking section and 6.6 marks for listening section. It is completely based on the general knowledge and we have lot of questions in the internet. For ASQ, if we don’t know the answer, just repeat the question as it is evaluating your listening skills and not the general knowledge.
PTE Scoring – Writing
| Tasks | Writing | Reading |
| Summarize Written Text | 10.4 | 10.3 |
| Essay | 11.2 | |
| Reading Section | 22.3 | |
| Listening Section | 46.1 | |
| Total | 90 | 10.3 |
Although we have only two tasks in writing section, which carries only 20 marks, the tasks from reading and listening sections provide more marks. Summarize written text contributes 10 marks for reading section.
PTE Scoring – Reading
| Tasks | Reading | Writing |
| Fill in the Blanks (drag and drop) | 14.8 | |
| Fill in the Blanks (drop-down) | 22.1 | 22.3 |
| Re-order Paragraphs | 5.8 | |
| Multiple Choice – Single Answer | 1.5 | |
| Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers | 3 | |
| Speaking Section | 22.1 | |
| Writing Section | 10.3 | |
| Listening Section | 10.4 | |
| Total | 90 | 22.3 |
Fill in the blanks (drag and drop) – This is scored only for reading.
Fill in the blanks (drop-down) – It carries approximately equal marks for reading and writing.
Reorder paragraph is scored only for reading section.
MCQs – Both single answer and multiple answer multiple choice questions have only less marks. This is what I have mentioned earlier. We can give more priority to other tasks and give less importance to these two tasks. Since reading section is time consuming, overall we can spend only a maximum of 2 minutes for each question of these two tasks and can concentrate on other tasks. The remaining marks will be contributed by the other three sections.
PTE Scoring – Listening
And the final section is listening, which has more tasks. However, we can prioritize the tasks by allocating less time for the sections, which carries less marks.
| Tasks | Listening | Writing | Reading |
| Summarize Spoken Text | 13.1 | 11.9 | |
| Multiple Choice – Multiple Answers | 2.6 | ||
| Fill in the Blanks | 6.6 | 7.4 | |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 1.3 | 1.5 | |
| Multiple Choice – Single Answer | 1.3 | ||
| Select Missing Word | 1.3 | ||
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 7.9 | 8.9 | |
| Write From Dictation | 19.7 | 26.8 | |
| Speaking Section | 36.2 | ||
| Total | 90 | 46.1 | 10.4 |
Here, summarize spoken text, fill in the blanks and write from dictation are important for writing as well. Similarly, Highlight incorrect words is important for reading section. Other sections have very less marks. Therefore, we can allocate time based on the provided time.
Normally, we will spend more time for highlight correct summary and may miss 1 or 2 WFD. But, the points provided for HCS is only 1.3 for listening section and 1.5 for reading section. Therefore, we need to complete this task as quick as possible. Whereas, WFD has more marks for listening and writing sections, therefore, we have to allocate atleast 4 minutes for this task, because sometimes we will get 4 questions in WFD. As a result, try to complete the tasks as soon as possible, which is less important and spend more time on other tasks.
The below screenshot shows the detailed points structure of all the tasks.
Conclusion
Based on this scoring system, identify your weak areas in high priority tasks and spend more time on them. Practice well and do your best. Hope this information helps!
