PTE Academic study plan: how to prepare in four weeks

Week 1: learn the format and find your gap

Start by learning the exam format and every task type, then take a full practice test to see where each skill stands. The goal of week one is a clear picture of your weakest skill and the tasks that are pulling your score down. Pay special attention to Write Essay and Re-tell Lecture, since these are new if you are coming from PTE Core.

Week 2: drill your weakest skill

Spend most of your time on the skill with the lowest score. If Writing is weak, focus on the essay and Summarize Written Text. If Speaking is weak, drill Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence and Re-tell Lecture. Practise a little every day rather than cramming.

Week 3: high-value tasks and the essay

Some tasks feed two skills at once, so put extra reps into Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Write from Dictation and Summarize Spoken Text. Write a timed essay every day this week, and retell a short lecture daily, so both academic tasks become routine.

Week 4: timed mocks and review

Sit full, timed mock tests to build stamina, then review every mistake. By now you should be passing your target band with a small buffer. Do not book the real test until your mocks are steady. Confirm the band your program needs in our PTE Academic university score guide.

Keep reading: PTE Academic exam format · PTE Academic Write Essay · Improve your PTE Academic score