Understanding Marks Allocation in PTE Academic Tasks

The exact marks allocated to each task in the PTE (Pearson Test of English) are not explicitly disclosed by Pearson. This is because the PTE uses a proprietary algorithm to calculate scores. This algorithm incorporates integrated scoring, meaning a single task can contribute to multiple skill areas, such as Speaking and Listening. As a result, we can only infer approximate weights based on patterns observed by PTE test-takers and experts.

Here is an estimated breakdown of task contributions for each section based on these observations:

Speaking (Approx. 45-55 Marks)

1. Read Aloud: ~15-20 marks
   • Contributes heavily to Speaking and Reading.
2. Repeat Sentence: ~10-12 marks
   • Significant impact on Listening and Speaking.
3. Describe Image: ~5-7 marks
   • Impacts Speaking only.
4. Re-tell Lecture: ~5-8 marks
   • Contributes to Speaking and Listening.
5. Answer Short Question: ~2-5 marks
   • Minimal contribution to Speaking and Listening.

Writing (Approx. 40-50 Marks)

1. Summarize Written Text: ~10-15 marks
   • Contributes to Writing and Reading.
2. Essay: ~10-15 marks
   • Impacts Writing only.

Reading (Approx. 45-55 Marks)

1. Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks: ~15-20 marks
   • Contributes significantly to Reading and Writing.
2. Re-order Paragraphs: ~5-10 marks
   • Impacts Reading only.
3. Fill in the Blanks: ~10-15 marks
   • Impacts Reading only.
4. Multiple-choice, Single Answer: ~1-2 marks
   • Minimal impact.
5. Multiple-choice, Multiple Answers: ~1-2 marks
   • Includes negative marking; minimal impact.

Listening (Approx. 45-55 Marks)

1. Summarize Spoken Text: ~10-15 marks
   • Contributes to Listening and Writing.
2. Fill in the Blanks: ~8-10 marks
   • Contributes to Listening and Writing.
3. Highlight Correct Summary: ~5-7 marks
   • Contributes to Listening and Reading.
4. Multiple-choice, Single Answer: ~1-2 marks
   • Minimal impact.
5. Multiple-choice, Multiple Answers: ~1-2 marks
   • Minimal impact (negative marking applies).
6. Select Missing Word: ~2-3 marks
   • Impacts Listening only.
7. Highlight Incorrect Words: ~10-15 marks
   • Contributes to Listening and Reading; negative marking applies.
8. Write from Dictation: ~15-20 marks
   • High impact; contributes heavily to Listening and Writing.

Key Notes:

1. Integrated Scoring:
   Each task affects multiple skill scores. For example:
   • Read Aloud impacts Speaking and Reading.
   • Write from Dictation impacts Listening and Writing.
2. Negative Marking:
   Some tasks, like Multiple-choice, Multiple Answers and Highlight Incorrect Words, include negative marking, which can reduce overall marks.
3. Test Design:
   The total score for each skill (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening) is 90, and the marks are calculated using an algorithm that balances contributions from these tasks.

By focusing on tasks with higher marks and integrated scoring, you can maximize your overall performance in the PTE. Preparation strategies that prioritize these tasks will give you a significant edge in achieving your desired score.