Pearson Test of English General (Formerly known as LTE)

Pearson Test of English General (PTE General) is designed to reward positive achievement in English language learning.   

PTE General consist of two parts: a written paper and an oral test. The written paper tests listening, reading comprehension and writing skills and is marked by external examiners in the UK. The oral test is assessed by trained local examiners and is sent to the UK for moderation.

There are six levels which are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Level A1:
For test takers with a beginner level knowledge of English sufficient for survival in social, travel and everyday situations.  

Level 1:
For test takers with a basic command of English to cope with language needs for social, travel and everyday purposes.  

Level 2:
For test takers with intermediate English for practical use in study, work, travel and other everyday purposes.  

Level 3:
For test takers who use or will use an upper intermediate level of English for their personal, social, educational or working life.  

Level 4:
For test takers applying for higher education in an English speaking institution and/or wishing to demonstrate an advanced level in English for social, academic and vocational purposes. Level 4 is recognized for admission to a number of UK universities.  

Level 5:
For test takers applying for higher education in an English speaking institution and/or wishing to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English for social, academic and professional purposes. Level 5 is recognized for admission to a number of UK universities.

PTE General:

• motivate and help build confidence
  PTE General is a scenario-based English language test designed to allow students the freedom to express themselves, show what they can do and how well they can use English as speakers of other languages.
• feature authentic and relevant scenarios
  The emphasis for our students is on real-life situations that learners will meet, not on how well they remember formal vocabulary and structures. For this reason, our tests use real-life scenarios rather than grammatical exercises, and focus on a student’s ability to both understand and communicate proficiently.
   
• are flexible and communicative
  The tasks set at each level are similar to the tasks used in modern communicative course books and a variety of teaching materials and approaches can be used to prepare for the tests.
   
• integrate all four skills
  There is a single paper which tests listening and reading comprehension and extended writing and an oral test which is taken before the written test paper. The communicative nature of the tests enables them to be shorter for test takers, without compromising the quality of the achievement.
   
• assess and certify
  The tests are prepared and marked by teams of professionals and successful test takers receive a certificate of attainment from the largest examining body in the UK, Edexcel, a Pearson company.
   
• provide constructive feedback
  Using an online marking system (e-Pen) and a web-based test centre service system (Edexcel Online), we provide fast and helpful feedback on individual performance of students in the tests.