PTE Core Sample Questions:
Respond to a Situation
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:
You are sick so you can’t attend the invitation for the movie. Your friend in the lunchroom is having coffee, inform him about the situation.
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Sample Question 2:
You and your friends went to a local restaurant where you encountered several issues with the quality and service. The long wait times, small meal portions, and the coffee you ordered never arrived. Now, the manager is asking for your feedback after the meal. How would you respond to that?
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Sample Question 3:
You're the manager of a shared kitchen in your office, and you've noticed that some employees are leaving dirty dishes in the sink and not cleaning up spills on the counters. This is causing unpleasant odors and attracting pests. You need to remind them of the importance of cleaning up for everyone's convenience and health. What would you say?
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Sample Question 4:
You borrowed a book from your friend Anit, and she has asked for it back. You want to politely arrange its return and find a time that works for her to pick it up. What would you say to Anit to make the return easy and convenient for both of you?
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Sample Question 5:
You’ve received a letter at your home that’s actually meant for your neighbor. What would you say when you go to return the letter and explain the mistake politely?
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Sample Question 6:
You have a tutorial scheduled for 3 P.M. on Monday, but you’ve been selected to participate in an important competition at the same time. You need to inform your teacher and request a solution. What would you say?
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Sample Question 7:
You have a roommate, but he usually does not clean the common areas. You cannot stand dirty common areas. You're going to talk to him. What are you going to say?
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Sample Question 8:
You’ve invited a friend to dinner at your place. However, you’re unsure about their food preferences or dietary restrictions. You decide to call them, but they don’t answer. How would you leave a message asking about their food preferences to ensure you prepare something they would enjoy?
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Sample Question 9:
You're attending a networking event. Explain how you would approach new people, initiate conversations, and exchange contact information.
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Sample Question 10:
You are majoring in marketing and you are having an interview. The job needs somebody who have interactive skills, you have that set of skills. What do you say to convince them that you are suitable for the job?
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Sample Question 11:
You lent an English book to a friend three weeks ago, and he hasn't returned it yet. Now, you need the book very much.What would you say to him?
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Sample Question 12:
You've been invited to speak on a student podcast where participants are asked to share their views on whether academic failure should be normalized as part of the learning process. You're expected to briefly explain your opinion and support it with a reason or example. What would you say during the podcast?
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Sample Question 13:
You have to return a book to your friend, but when you get to school you realize you have forgotten to bring it. Your friend really needs it today.What will you say to your friend?
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Sample Question 14:
Your computer is broken and you can’t attend the online class. How should you tell your professor?
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Sample Question 15:
You are in the library working on a difficult assignment. A classmate, who you know hasn’t started the work, approaches you and asks if they can copy your nearly completed assignment because they are out of time. You don’t want to give them your work. What would you say?
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Sample Question 16:
You are chatting with a classmate after your language class. You’ve just found out about a fun language exchange event happening this weekend on campus. It’s a great opportunity to practice speaking with students from different countries. You’d like to invite your classmate to come with you. What would you say?
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Sample Question 17:
You are working on an assignment for your history class, but you are confused about what the professor expects in one of the questions. You read the instructions several times but are still unsure how to approach it. After class, you decide to ask your professor to clarify. What would you like to ask?
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Sample Question 18:
You are in class when you remember that you will be traveling overseas next week to attend a family event. You realize that you will miss one of your lectures and may also miss an assignment deadline. After class, you decide to speak to your professor to inform them about your situation. What would you say to your professor in this situation?
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Sample Question 19:
You are working on a group presentation for class. During a group meeting, your teammates have just decided the order of presenters and they want you to present first. However, you feel unprepared and would prefer to go later. How would you respond to your teammates in this situation?
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Sample Question 20:
You’re expecting an important package that requires a signature, but you’ll be away from home for about an hour during the expected delivery time. You decide to ask your neighbor if they could accept the package on your behalf. How would you politely ask your neighbor to sign for it and let them know you’ll collect it as soon as you return?
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