Understanding the Read Aloud Task in PTE Academic, UKVI & Core

The "Read Aloud" is the first task in the Speaking section of all PTE (Pearson Test of English) exam types. Despite its obvious simplicity, this activity is key for assessing your fluency and pronunciation as well as your capacity to understand and successfully communicate textual material. It affects the Speaking and Reading modules and is a crucial scoring factor.
Note: Read Aloud contributes only to Speaking module now in PTE Academic & UKVI since 7th Aug 2025 updates.

What is the Read Aloud Task?

In the Read Aloud task of the PTE exam, you will be presented with a short text on your screen. Your objective is to read the passage aloud, certainly and naturally, within the given time. You will have 35 seconds to prepare, during which you can review the text and plan your pronunciation and intonation before the microphone opens.
This task assesses your capability to read fluently, pronounce words correctly, and maintain a natural rhythm and pace. It contributes to both your speaking and Reading scores.
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Types of Passages in the Read Aloud PTE Task

While reading a brief piece aloud is a requirement for all Read Aloud assignments, the subject and writing style can differ. By identifying the kind, you can increase your fluency and clarity by modifying your tone and pronunciation.
Academic Excerpts
These passages are taken from academic texts, including textbooks, journals, and research articles. This includes complex terms and focuses on clarity. Focus on pronunciation and slight emphasis on technical terms.
Example topics: Biology, History, Technology
General Informative Texts
These are informative but written in a more accessible, general tone. They often discuss interesting facts or overviews on everyday topics and are typically easier to read fluently.
Example topics: Health tips, Famous landmarks, Daily habits
News Articles
More formal kinds of texts; you should be careful with numbers or facts. It is important to maintain a clear tone and natural rhythm, especially around accurate information.
Example topics: Scientific discoveries, Events, Announcements
Opinion/Argumentative-based Texts
These passages communicate a point of view or argue for/against something. They may include effective language, contrastive phrases, and varied sentence lengths. Use intonation to reflect contrast or emphasis.
Example topics: Environmental policies, Lifestyle choices
Descriptive Narratives
Some passages are completely descriptive, painting a scene or describing a person, place, or event. These require expressive reading and varied intonation to reflect the expressive nature of the text.
Example topics: Travel descriptions, Historical accounts
Length of Read Aloud Passages in PTE
In the PTE Read Aloud task, each passage is relatively short but varies slightly in length. Here’s what you can expect:
  • Word Count: Provided words will be between 60 and 80 words.
  • Prepare: A preparation time of 35 seconds will be provided where you need to have a quick go-through of the paragraph.
  • Speak: Record your response properly within the provided timeframe of 30–40 seconds.
Tip: The key is to support fluency and clear pronunciation throughout the passage. Don’t rush — pace yourself based on the length of the text, and use the preparation time to scan for nouns and difficult words.
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Read Aloud

Sample Question 1:

Beginning in 35 sec
In the creative condition, the students were told to think of a friend who did something special and think of them as their "creative friend" who could help them solve any problem. This type of creativity training is called perspective shifting, in which the kids look at a problem through the eyes of someone else.
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Sample Question 2:

Beginning in 35 sec
The Second Plague Pandemic of the mid 14th century, also known as the Black Death, killed 30 to 60% of the European population and profoundly changed the course of European history. New research suggests that this plague, potentially through resulting changes in diet and hygiene, may also be associated with a shift in the composition of the human oral microbiome toward one that contributes to chronic diseases in modern day humans.
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Sample Question 3:

Beginning in 35 sec
There are three main interpretations of the English Revolution. The longest lasting interpretation was that the Revolution was an almost inevitable outcome of an age old power struggle between parliament and crown. The second sees it as a class struggle, and a lead up to the French and other revolutions. Finally, the third interpretation sees the other two as too fixed, not allowing for unpredictability, and that the outcome could have gone either way.
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Tips for acing the PTE Read Aloud Practice Task:
Understanding the text quickly
Scan for meanings and confusing words in the paragraph.
Pronouncing the words clearly
using proper and natural intonations.
Pausing smartly
Take proper pauses and stops at commas and full stops.
Managing time effectively
Keep a steady pace throughout the recording and finish the response before the time ends.
Be confident while speaking
do not hesitate or restart in the middle while recording.
Submit your response promptly
click “Next” immediately after finishing your recording.

How to Effectively Attempt a Read Aloud in PTE

A structured approach can importantly enhance fluency and accuracy when performing the PTE Speaking section. Begin by using your preparation time of 35 seconds wisely, read the passage quietly to understand its meaning, rhythm, and tone. Mentally break the text into manageable chunks or phrases. You might say to yourself, “I will pause at commas and full stops to maintain fluency.”

Some of the Effective Strategies to Do This Perfectly

  • Using the preparation time to break down the text mentally.
  • Noting the punctuations required to maintain your tone and pauses.
  • Starting confidently as soon as your mic opens.
  • Do not restart if you stumble in the middle—keep going without hesitation.
  • Stay silent after finishing your response to avoid recording your noise.

Learn more about other questions

Your Guide to Every Section of the PTE Exam

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Speaking
Read AloudRepeat SentenceDescribe ImageRe-Tell Lecture (Academic / UKVI)Answer Short QuestionRespond to a Situation (Academic / UKVI)Summarize Group Discussion (Academic / UKVI)
Respond to a Situation (Core)
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Writing
Summarize Written TextWrite Essay
Write Email (Core)
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Reading
Fill in the Blanks (Drop Down)Multiple Choice, Multiple AnswersRe-order ParagraphsFill in the Blanks (Drag & Drop)Multiple Choice, Single Answer
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Listening
Summarize Spoken TextMultiple Choice, Multiple AnswersFill in the BlanksHighlight Correct SummaryMultiple Choice, Single AnswerSelect Missing WordHighlight Incorrect WordsWrite from Dictation

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

Reading a short text in a loud voice with good clarity and pronunciation while maintaining fluency. This tests your reading and speaking skills.

Usually, 6–7 read-aloud can be found per test.

Academic literature, general texts, news articles, opinion-based texts, and descriptive narratives.

You will be given 35 seconds to prepare for this task.

No, you must read in one go; otherwise, this can damage your fluency scores.

Yes—it impacts speaking & reading scores significantly in PTE Core.In PTE Academic, it only impacts speaking scores.