Read Aloud Questions in PTE Speaking

Learn about Read aloud questions in PTE speaking with an overview, recommended strategy and practice question.

two young polar bears playing

Overview

Read aloud questions test your ability to read a short text aloud with correct pronunciation and intonation.

Here are some key points about Read aloud questions:

  • They assess both speaking and reading skills.
  • The reading texts can be up to 60 words in length.
  • You’ll be given time to prepare. The amount of time you have will vary for each item, but it’s usually 30–40 seconds.
  • At the end of your preparation time, the status will change to “Recording”, and you should start reading the text aloud. The amount of time you have to read each text will vary, but it’s usually 30–40 seconds.
  • When the time runs out – or you’re silent for more than 3 seconds – the status will change to “Completed”.
  • Partial credit scoring applies.
  • You only have one chance – you won’t be able to re-record your response.
  • You’ll answer 6–7 Read aloud questions in the speaking test.

Example question

Here’s an example Read aloud question related to the topic of polar bears.

You can try this question in the practice section.

Look at the text below. In 40 seconds, you must read this text aloud as naturally and clearly as possible. You have 40 seconds to read aloud.

The polar bear is the largest living bear species, weighing up to 700 kilograms. For decades, large-scale hunting raised international concern for the future of the polar bear, but their numbers rebounded after certain measures were put in place. However, due to the expected habitat loss caused by climate change, they are still classified as a vulnerable species.

Scoring criteria

There are three scoring criteria for Read aloud questions.

Criterion What does this mean?
Content Have you included all of the words from the reading text in your response (and not added any others)?
Oral fluency Do you read smoothly, easily and at a natural speed?
Pronunciation Do you read with correct speech sounds (e.g. vowels, consonants) and stress words and phrases correctly?

NOTE: Regional and national varieties of English pronunciation are understood and accepted.

Practice question

Now it’s your turn to practise. Try the Read aloud question below using the strategy outlined above.

Look at the text below. In 40 seconds, you must read this text aloud as naturally and clearly as possible. You have 40 seconds to read aloud.

The polar bear is the largest living bear species, weighing up to 700 kilograms. For decades, large-scale hunting raised international concern for the future of the polar bear, but their numbers rebounded after certain measures were put in place. However, due to the expected habitat loss caused by climate change, they are still classified as a vulnerable species.

Feedback

Click below to listen to a sample response.

Notice how pausing is used in the sample response. After full stops, there’s a fairly long pause (= //). After commas, the pause is shorter (= /).

Also, words that carry important meaning are stressed.

The polar bear is the largest living bear species, / weighing up to 700 kilograms. // For decades, / large-scale hunting raised international concern for the future of the polar bear, / but their numbers rebounded after certain measures were put in place. // However, due to the expected habitat loss caused by climate change, / they are still classified as a vulnerable species.