A complete, original Lumi practice test covering all 22 PTE Academic task types. Work through each part as if it were the real, timed test, then check the answer key and model answers. Listening items include full audioscripts so you can practise now; audio recordings can be added later.
Look at the text below. In 30–40 seconds you must read this text aloud as naturally and clearly as you can.
Item 1 Coral reefs cover less than one per cent of the ocean floor, yet they support around a quarter of all marine species. These fragile ecosystems act as nurseries for fish and protect coastlines from storms, but rising sea temperatures now threaten their survival.
Item 2 The invention of the printing press transformed society by making books affordable and widely available. For the first time, knowledge could spread rapidly across borders, fuelling scientific discovery and allowing ordinary people to learn ideas once reserved for a privileged few.
Item 3 Sleep is not merely a period of rest. While we sleep, the brain consolidates memories, repairs cells and clears away waste products. Consistently sleeping too little has been linked to poorer concentration, weaker immunity and a higher risk of long-term illness.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Read each text smoothly at a steady pace, pausing only at commas and full stops. Fluency and clear pronunciation matter more than speed. Do not repeat a word if you stumble — keep moving forward.
2
Repeat Sentence
You will hear a sentence. Please repeat the sentence exactly as you hear it. You will hear the sentence only once.
Item 1 The seminar on climate policy has been rescheduled to Friday afternoon.
Item 2 Students must submit their research proposals before the end of the month.
Item 3 The library extends its opening hours during the examination period.
Item 4 Renewable energy now supplies almost a third of the country's electricity.
Item 5 Please remember to bring your identification card to the registration desk.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Repeat each sentence word-for-word, starting immediately. If you miss a word, say the rest confidently — partial answers still score per correct word.
3
Describe Image
Look at the image below. In 25 seconds, please speak into the microphone and describe in detail what the image is showing. You will have 40 seconds to give your response.
Item 1 IMAGE: A bar chart titled 'Average daily screen time by age group (hours)'. Bars: children 6–12 = 3.5; teenagers 13–18 = 7.2; adults 19–35 = 6.1; adults 36–60 = 4.4; over 60 = 2.8.
Item 2 IMAGE: A pie chart titled 'How a typical household uses water'. Segments: bathing & showering 34%, toilet 24%, laundry 16%, kitchen & drinking 14%, outdoor & other 12%.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Use the Describe Image template: name the chart type and topic, state the most noticeable feature, add two or three details, then give an overall statement. Keep talking for the full 40 seconds.
Item 1: Model answer: This bar chart shows average daily screen time across five age groups, measured in hours. The most striking feature is that teenagers aged 13 to 18 have by far the highest screen time, at over seven hours a day. Adults aged 19 to 35 follow, at just over six hours, while children aged 6 to 12 average around three and a half hours. Screen time then declines with age, with the over-sixties spending the least — under three hours daily. Overall, it is clear that screen use peaks in the teenage years and falls steadily thereafter. Item 2: Model answer: This pie chart illustrates how a typical household uses its water, divided into five categories. The largest share, at 34 per cent, goes to bathing and showering, followed by toilet use at 24 per cent. Laundry accounts for 16 per cent, while the kitchen and drinking water make up 14 per cent. The smallest proportion, 12 per cent, is used outdoors and for other purposes. Overall, the chart makes clear that personal hygiene — bathing and toilet use combined — accounts for well over half of all household water consumption.
4
Re-tell Lecture
You will hear a lecture. After listening, in 10 seconds, please speak into the microphone and retell what you have just heard in your own words. You will have 40 seconds.
AUDIOSCRIPT: Today I want to talk about the concept of 'urban heat islands'. Cities tend to be several degrees warmer than the countryside around them, and there are a few reasons for this. First, materials like concrete and asphalt absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. Second, tall buildings trap warm air in narrow streets. And third, there's simply less vegetation in cities to provide shade and cooling through evaporation. The effects are significant — higher energy bills from air conditioning, and real health risks during heatwaves. But cities are fighting back, with green roofs, more trees, and lighter-coloured surfaces that reflect rather than absorb sunlight.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Note keywords as you listen (topic, 2–3 points, one example, conclusion), then use the Re-tell template to structure your 40 seconds.
Model answer: The lecture was about urban heat islands — the fact that cities are several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas. The speaker gave three main reasons: concrete and asphalt absorb and slowly release heat, tall buildings trap warm air, and there is less vegetation to provide cooling. They explained that this raises energy bills and creates health risks during heatwaves. Finally, the speaker mentioned solutions such as green roofs, planting more trees, and using lighter, more reflective surfaces.
5
Answer Short Question
You will hear a question. Please give a simple and short answer, usually in one or a few words.
Item 1 What do we call the season that comes after winter?
Item 2 How many days are there in a week?
Item 3 What instrument do you use to measure temperature?
Item 4 What do you call a doctor who treats animals?
Item 5 Which planet is known as the Red Planet?
Item 6 What do you call the money you pay to travel on a bus or train?
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Answer with one word or a short phrase — no full sentence needed. If unsure, give your best quick guess.
Item 1: Spring Item 2: Seven Item 3: A thermometer Item 4: A vet / a veterinarian Item 5: Mars Item 6: A fare
6
Summarize Group Discussion
NEW 2025
You will hear three people discussing a topic. In 10 seconds, then speak for up to 2 minutes, summarising the discussion. Note who says what.
AUDIOSCRIPT — three speakers discussing remote working. SPEAKER 1 (Maya): I honestly think remote work is here to stay. People save hours of commuting and report being more productive when they can focus at home. SPEAKER 2 (Tom): I'm not so sure. Productivity might be up for some, but younger staff lose out — they learn so much just by being in the room with experienced colleagues. SPEAKER 3 (Priya): I'd say the answer is somewhere in between. A hybrid model gives people flexibility but keeps some in-person time for mentoring and team spirit. The key is trusting employees to manage their own time.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Note each speaker's view and whether they agree or disagree. Structure: topic → view 1 → view 2 → view 3 → overall outcome. Use most of the two minutes.
Model answer: The discussion focused on remote working. The first speaker, Maya, argued strongly in favour, saying it saves commuting time and boosts productivity. Tom disagreed, warning that younger employees miss out on the learning that comes from working alongside experienced colleagues. Priya took a middle position, suggesting that a hybrid model is best because it combines flexibility with some in-person time for mentoring and team building. Overall, while opinions differed, the group leaned towards a balanced, hybrid approach based on trusting employees.
7
Respond to a Situation
NEW 2025
You will hear or read a description of a situation. In 10 seconds, then speak for 40 seconds, giving an appropriate spoken response.
Item 1 SITUATION: A friend has invited you to their birthday dinner this weekend, but you already have a work commitment and cannot attend. Speak to your friend.
Item 2 SITUATION: You ordered a jacket online, but the one that arrived is the wrong size. Call the customer service line and explain.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Address the situation directly, be polite, and include a reason and a next step. Sound natural, not scripted.
Item 1: Model answer: Hi Ahmed, thank you so much for inviting me to your birthday dinner — that's really kind of you. Unfortunately, I've got a work commitment this weekend that I just can't move, so I won't be able to make it, and I'm genuinely sorry to miss it. I'd love to celebrate with you another time, though — maybe I could take you out for coffee or lunch next week instead? I hope you have a wonderful evening. Item 2: Model answer: Hello, I'm calling about an online order I received yesterday. I ordered a jacket in medium, but the one that arrived is a large, so it doesn't fit. I'd like to exchange it for the correct size if possible, or get a refund if the medium is out of stock. Could you let me know how to return the wrong item? My order number is on the receipt, and I'm happy to email any details you need. Thank you for your help.
8
Summarize Written Text
Read the passage below. Write a ONE-sentence summary (5–75 words) of the passage. You have 10 minutes.
Item 1 PASSAGE: Bees are among the world's most important pollinators, responsible for a large share of the crops humans eat. In recent decades, however, bee populations have fallen sharply. Scientists attribute this decline to a combination of pesticide use, loss of wild-flower habitat, and the spread of parasites and disease. Because so much of our food supply depends on pollination, researchers warn that protecting bees is not just an environmental concern but a matter of food security.
Item 2 PASSAGE: Physical exercise is widely known to strengthen the body, but its effects on the mind are equally striking. Regular activity increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of mood-boosting chemicals, and has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies also link exercise to sharper memory and better focus, suggesting that keeping active benefits not only how we feel but also how well we think.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Write exactly one grammatical sentence between 5 and 75 words, joining ideas with 'while', 'although', 'because' or 'which'.
Item 1: Model answer: Although bees are vital pollinators that support much of the human food supply, their populations have declined sharply due to pesticides, habitat loss and disease, which scientists warn makes bee protection a matter of food security rather than merely an environmental issue. Item 2: Model answer: While exercise is best known for strengthening the body, it also greatly benefits the mind by improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and sharpening memory and focus, showing that staying active enhances both how we feel and how we think.
9
Write Essay
You have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay of 200–300 words on the topic below.
Item 1 Some people believe that governments should spend money on public services such as health and education, while others think investment in the arts and culture is equally important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Item 2 In many countries, people are increasingly buying goods online rather than in physical shops. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Follow the 4-paragraph structure: introduction + position, two developed body paragraphs with examples, and a conclusion. Stay within 200–300 words.
Item 1: Model answer: Governments face constant pressure to spend limited budgets wisely, and there is ongoing debate about whether funding should prioritise essential public services or extend to the arts and culture. While both have value, I believe essential services must come first, with culture supported wherever resources allow.
Those who favour spending on health and education argue that these services are fundamental to a functioning society. A healthy, well-educated population is more productive, and access to good hospitals and schools reduces inequality. When budgets are tight, most citizens would agree that a working hospital matters more than a new concert hall.
On the other hand, supporters of arts funding point out that culture enriches lives and strengthens national identity. Museums, theatres and public art improve wellbeing, attract tourism, and give people a sense of belonging. A society that neglects culture, they argue, becomes purely functional and loses part of what makes life meaningful.
In my view, the two are not truly in conflict. Governments should guarantee essential services first, because health and education are needs rather than luxuries. However, once those needs are met, modest and consistent investment in the arts is a wise use of public money, as culture delivers social and economic benefits that pure services cannot.
In conclusion, while both public services and the arts deserve support, essential services should take priority, with culture funded as a valuable complement rather than an equal competitor. Item 2: Model answer: (Plan your own response using the 4-paragraph template: introduction with your position; body 1 on the advantages, e.g. convenience, wider choice, lower prices; body 2 on the disadvantages, e.g. decline of local shops, delivery/environmental costs, inability to try products; conclusion restating your view.)
Part 2 · Reading
~29–30 minutes
10
Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Below is a text with blanks. Choose the correct word from the drop-down list for each blank.
Volunteering offers benefits that go far (1)_____ helping others. People who give their time regularly often report a stronger sense of purpose and (2)_____ levels of stress. Employers, too, increasingly (3)_____ volunteer experience, seeing it as evidence of initiative and teamwork.
(1) beyond / above / across / past (2) lower / fewer / smaller / less (3) value / cost / spend / afford
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Use meaning, grammar and collocation. 'Go beyond', 'lower levels', and 'value experience' are the natural fits. No negative marking — answer every blank.
(1) beyond (2) lower (3) value
11
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
NEGATIVE MARKING
Read the text and answer the question by selecting ALL the correct responses. More than one response is correct. Wrong answers deduct marks.
TEXT: The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has been rapid, driven by falling battery prices, government incentives, and growing environmental awareness. However, challenges remain. Charging infrastructure is still limited outside major cities, and the electricity used to charge EVs is only as clean as the grid that supplies it. Manufacturing batteries also requires scarce minerals, raising concerns about mining and supply chains.
QUESTION: According to the text, which of the following are challenges facing electric vehicles? A. Falling battery prices B. Limited charging infrastructure outside cities C. The cleanliness of the electricity grid D. Growing environmental awareness E. The need for scarce minerals in batteries
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Only select options clearly stated as challenges. A and D are reasons EVs are rising, so choosing them would lose marks under negative marking.
B, C and E. (A and D are drivers of EV growth, not challenges.)
12
Re-order Paragraphs
The text boxes below are in the wrong order. Put them in the correct order.
A. As a result, the technique spread quickly, and within a decade vaccination had become common practice across much of Europe. B. In the late 18th century, a country doctor named Edward Jenner made a crucial observation. C. He noticed that milkmaids who had caught cowpox seemed to be protected from the far deadlier smallpox. D. To test his idea, he deliberately exposed a young boy to cowpox and later to smallpox, and the boy did not fall ill.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Find the topic sentence first (B introduces Jenner with no back-reference). Then follow the logical chain of events to the outcome (A).
B → C → D → A. (Jenner's observation → what he noticed → his test → the result and spread.)
13
Reading: Fill in the Blanks
In the text below, some words are missing. Drag words from the box to the correct place. There are more words than blanks.
The human brain uses about twenty per cent of the body's energy, despite (1)_____ only two per cent of its weight. This remarkable (2)_____ reflects the constant work the brain does, even while we (3)_____.
Read the text and answer the question by selecting the ONE correct response.
TEXT: For centuries, tomatoes were grown purely as ornamental plants in Europe. Many people believed they were poisonous, partly because they belong to the nightshade family and partly because the acidic fruit reacted with the pewter plates of wealthy diners, leaching lead. It was only later, as cheaper pottery replaced pewter, that tomatoes became a trusted part of the European diet.
QUESTION: Why did some wealthy Europeans once believe tomatoes were poisonous? A. Tomatoes were too expensive to eat. B. The acidic fruit drew lead out of their pewter plates. C. Tomatoes were only grown in other countries. D. Cheaper pottery had not yet been invented.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: The text directly states the acidic fruit 'reacted with the pewter plates … leaching lead'. Option B paraphrases this; the others are not the stated reason.
B. The acid reacted with pewter plates, leaching lead, which made diners ill.
Part 3 · Listening
~30–43 minutes · Each item below includes the audioscript so you can practise now. Read it once (or have someone read it to you) to simulate hearing it a single time.
15
Summarize Spoken Text
You will hear a short lecture. Write a summary of 50–70 words. You have 10 minutes.
AUDIOSCRIPT: Researchers studying happiness have found that, beyond a certain income, having more money adds surprisingly little to how satisfied people feel. What matters far more are strong relationships, a sense of purpose, and good health. In fact, people who spend money on experiences — such as travel or time with friends — report longer-lasting happiness than those who spend on possessions, which we quickly get used to.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Capture the main idea plus key supporting points in 50–70 words, one paragraph, correct grammar and spelling.
Model answer: The speaker explained that once people earn enough to meet their needs, additional money adds little to their happiness. Instead, strong relationships, a sense of purpose and good health matter far more. Research also shows that spending money on experiences, such as travel or time with friends, brings longer-lasting satisfaction than buying possessions, which people quickly become accustomed to. (58 words)
16
Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers
NEGATIVE MARKING
Listen and select ALL the correct responses. Wrong answers deduct marks.
AUDIOSCRIPT: In today's session we'll look at how to reduce food waste at home. The single biggest step is planning — write a shopping list based on meals you'll actually cook, and check what you already have. Storing food correctly helps too; many fruits last far longer in the fridge. And don't be fooled by 'best before' dates, which are about quality, not safety — plenty of food is perfectly fine to eat afterwards. What doesn't help, frankly, is buying in bulk just because something's on offer.
QUESTION: According to the speaker, which of the following help reduce food waste? A. Planning meals and writing a shopping list B. Storing food correctly C. Buying in bulk when items are on offer D. Understanding that 'best before' dates are about quality, not safety
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Select only what the speaker recommends. Buying in bulk is explicitly said not to help, so choosing C loses marks.
A, B and D. (C is described as something that does NOT help.)
17
Listening: Fill in the Blanks
You will hear a recording. Type the missing words in each blank as you listen.
AUDIOSCRIPT (blanks marked): The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living (1)_______, stretching over two thousand kilometres. It is home to thousands of species, but rising ocean temperatures have caused widespread (2)_______, in which corals lose their colour and can eventually die. Scientists are now testing ways to help the reef (3)_______.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Type each missing word exactly as heard, with correct spelling. Keep pace with the audio.
(1) structure (2) bleaching (3) recover
18
Highlight Correct Summary
You will hear a recording. Choose the paragraph that best summarises it.
AUDIOSCRIPT: Libraries have changed dramatically in the digital age. Far from becoming obsolete, many now serve as community hubs — offering free internet access, study spaces, children's activities and support for job seekers. While borrowing physical books remains popular, it's the range of free services that keeps libraries relevant to modern communities.
OPTIONS: A. Libraries are becoming obsolete because everything is now available online. B. Libraries have stayed relevant by becoming community hubs that offer far more than books, including internet access, study spaces and support services. C. Libraries now focus only on children's activities and job-seeker support. D. Borrowing physical books is the only reason people still visit libraries.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Choose the summary with nothing false in it and that reflects the whole talk. B fits; A, C and D each contain an error.
B. It captures the whole recording accurately; the others contain wrong or incomplete details.
19
Multiple Choice, Single Answer
Listen and select the ONE correct response.
AUDIOSCRIPT: When we think of dinosaurs, we often picture them as slow, cold-blooded reptiles. But recent evidence — from bone structure to fossilised feathers — suggests many were warm-blooded and surprisingly active, more like today's birds than modern lizards.
QUESTION: What does recent evidence suggest about many dinosaurs? A. They were slow and cold-blooded. B. They were more similar to modern lizards. C. They were warm-blooded and active, more like birds. D. They had no connection to birds.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: The correct option paraphrases the speaker's conclusion. A describes the old view, which the speaker corrects.
C. The speaker says evidence suggests many were warm-blooded and active, 'more like today's birds'.
20
Select Missing Word
You will hear a recording with the last word or group of words replaced by a beep. Select the correct option to complete the recording.
AUDIOSCRIPT: For years, experts advised people to avoid all fats to stay healthy. But we now know that some fats — like those in nuts, fish and olive oil — are actually essential. So the old advice to cut out fat completely was, in fact, [BEEP].
OPTIONS: A. perfectly correct B. misleading C. too expensive D. easy to follow
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Predict the ending from the speaker's argument. The talk contradicts the old advice, so the missing word is negative — 'misleading'.
B. misleading — the talk explains the old advice was wrong, so 'misleading' completes the meaning.
21
Highlight Incorrect Words
NEGATIVE MARKING
You will hear a recording. Below is a transcript. Some words differ from what is spoken. Click the words that are DIFFERENT. Wrong clicks deduct marks.
WHAT IS SPOKEN: The ancient city was built beside a wide river, which provided water for farming and a route for trade. Over time, it grew into a busy centre of learning.
PRINTED TRANSCRIPT (differences to find): The ancient city was built beside a wide river, which provided water for farming and a route for travel. Over time, it grew into a busy centre of teaching.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Follow the transcript word by word and click only the words that clearly differ: 'travel' and 'teaching'. Guessing costs marks.
'travel' (spoken: trade) and 'teaching' (spoken: learning).
22
Write from Dictation
You will hear a sentence. Type the sentence exactly as you hear it. You will hear each sentence only once.
Item 1 The committee will review all applications before the final deadline.
Item 2 Advances in technology have transformed the way we communicate.
Item 3 Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
Item 4 The professor explained the theory using several practical examples.
Item 5 Regular physical exercise contributes to both mental and physical health.
Show answer & model
Answer key / strategy: Type each sentence word-for-word with correct spelling. Every correct word scores, so always write the full sentence even if unsure of one word.