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Updated for the 2026 exam · 7 Aug 2025 format

PTE templates & task strategies (2026)

Structure that earns marks — without the memorised content that now scores zero. Frameworks for every high-value task.

Good PTE structure earns marks; memorised content now loses them. Since August 2025 the engine detects rehearsed openers and scores Content 0 when your answer ignores what's on screen. Use these frameworks for structure — then fill them with what you actually see and hear.

Warning: a template that starts "The image clearly depicts…" and then lists generic phrases will score Content 0, which zeroes the whole task. Structure yes; canned content no.

Describe Image

Structure: Introduction → Key trend → Supporting detail → Conclusion. In 25 seconds of prep, fix the title, the main trend, and one high/low. Use comparison language: "significantly higher than", "peaked at", "roughly double". Use all 40 seconds.

Sample PTE Describe Image bar chart prompt
Describe Image model answer annotated with the four-step template

Re-tell Lecture

Structure: Topic → 3–4 key points in order → conclusion. Note actively with abbreviations. If you finish early, add "Overall, the lecture highlighted the importance of…".

Write Essay

Structure: Introduction (state your position) → Body 1 (argument + example) → Body 2 (counter-argument or second reason) → Conclusion. Aim 200–300 words; plan for 3–4 minutes; avoid "In today's modern world…" openers. Proofread for spelling and agreement — both are scored traits.

Summarize Written Text

One sentence, 5–75 words (aim 55–65). Keep it a single sentence with one full stop — two sentences score 0 on Form. Combine the main idea and one key support with a linking word.

Write From Dictation

Highest-value Listening task, no negative marking. Type the moment audio ends, chunk the sentence as you hear it, and drill commonly misspelled academic words — one wrong letter zeroes the word.

8-week PTE study plan

Frequently asked questions

Do templates still work in PTE 2025?

Structural frameworks help, but memorised content does not. Since August 2025 the engine scores Content 0 when your answer doesn't reflect the actual prompt. Use structure, not canned sentences.

What is the best Describe Image structure?

Introduction → Key trend → Supporting detail → Conclusion, using comparison phrases and all 40 seconds — describing what is actually shown.

How many words for the essay?

200–300 words in four paragraphs. Under 120 or over 380 words scores 0 on Form.

How long should Summarize Written Text be?

One sentence of 5–75 words (aim 55–65). More than one sentence scores 0 on Form.

Annotated PTE scoring result showing the estimated score band and all seven marked traits

Related guides

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