PTE Core Sample Questions:
Respond to a Situation

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The PTE Core is a computer-based English test designed to assess your general understanding and communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It's ideal for individuals seeking migration or study opportunities in Canada where English proficiency is required. Lasting only two hours, the test offers several advantages: convenience, fast score turnaround, and accurate AI-powered scoring. With seven diverse speaking and writing tasks, multiple reading formats, and engaging audio recordings, PTE Core simulates real-world situations, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of your English abilities. Whether you're a professional aiming for career advancement or a student pursuing further education, the PTE Core provides a reliable pathway to achieving your English language goals.

Respond to a Situation


This question asks you to listen to and read a scenario of a common situation. You then need to give a spoken response of what you would say in that situation. You will have 20 seconds to plan your response, and then 40 seconds to speak.
  • The audio will start playing by itself.
  • When the audio stops, you will have 20 seconds to get ready.
The recording status box will show a countdown until the microphone turns on. You will hear a short beep. After the beep, speak right away. Do not speak before the microphone turns on because your voice will not be captured.
  • You should speak clearly. There is no need to hurry.
  • Stop speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” will switch to “Completed”.
  • You can only hear the audio once.
  • You can only record your response once.
Provided below are a few sample questions for you to understand & prepare:
Sample Question 1:
As a university student sharing a dorm with a consistently messy and inconsiderate roommate, you’ve attempted discussions without success. Frustrated and unsure of what to do, you plan to consult your resident advisor. What do you say to your RA?
Sample Question 2:
You are a guest speaker at a conference. You have prepared a presentation on a topic related to your field of expertise. However, when you arrive at the venue, you realize that the projector is not working. You have to deliver your presentation without any visual aids. Question: How would you adapt your presentation to the situation?
Sample Question 3:
You are a student in a group project. You have been assigned to do the research part of the project, but you are having trouble finding reliable sources. You have a meeting with your group members tomorrow to discuss your progress. What would you say to your group members about your research?
Sample Question 4:
Imagine you are at a job interview and you want to impress the interviewer. What would you say to introduce yourself, your skills, and your goals? How would you answer some common interview questions, such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Why do you want to work for us?”
Sample Question 5:
You’re at a library and you want to borrow a book to study for your exam that is coming up next week, but you don’t have a library card. How will you convince the librarian in order to get the book as this is a very important exam for you?
Sample Question 6:
You’re at a museum and you want to see a famous painting, but you see that there is a long line of people waiting to enter the gallery. You don’t have much time and you don’t want to miss the opportunity. You see the museum in-charge and decide to approach him. How would you approach him and what would you tell him?
Sample Question 7:
You’re at a hotel and you want to check out, but you realize that you lost your room key. You don’t remember your room number and you don’t have any identification with you. What will you tell the receptionist in order to get this situation sorted?

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