PTE Made Easy·PIspeaking Reading time: 6 minutes 1 task per test
    Made Easy

    Personal Introduction

    Personal Introduction is the very first task in PTE Academic — unscored, but sent with your score report as your first impression. On this page: an overview of the task, top strategies for the 25-second prep and 30-second response, sample answers and common mistakes to practise with your trainer, and a guided task worksheet.

    Chapter

    Overview

    • Time to read the prompt:

      25 seconds

    • Time to give your response:

      30 seconds

    • Number of these tasks in each test:

      1

    • Scored:

      No — sent with your score report

    Personal Introduction is your opportunity to briefly introduce yourself. The task is not scored, but it is sent — along with your score report — to the institutions of your choice. Use it to make a good impression.

    • You have 25 seconds to read the instructions and ideas for things to talk about.
    • You should then speak into the microphone, talking about yourself.
    • This task is not scored. It also acts as a microphone check and warm-up for the speaking section.
    • There is no beep — the status box silently changes from the countdown to 'Recording'.
    Chapter

    Exam Interface

    How the test screen works

    The screen below is annotated with green markers (1–2). Press Start: a 25-second countdown begins (no tone), then the status changes silently to 'Recording' and you have 30 seconds to record. When the bar reaches the end the microphone switches off and the status shows 'Completed'.

    PPTE Academic - Candidate Name
    Time Remaining 00:29:59 1 of 5

    Read the prompt below. In 25 seconds, you must reply in your own words, as naturally and clearly as possible. You have 30 seconds to record your response. Your response will be sent together with your score report to the institutions selected by you.

    Please introduce yourself. For example, you could talk about one or more of the following:

    • – Your interests
    • – Your plans for future study
    • – Why you want to study abroad
    • – Why you need to learn English
    • – Why you chose this test
    25

    The recording will start in 25 seconds.

    1The recording status box silently counts down 25 seconds. Then it switches to 'Recording' (no tone) — start speaking. When the bar reaches the end, the mic switches off and status shows 'Completed'.
    2Click 'Next' to go to the next task once you have finished speaking.

    Hover the green markers to see what each part of the screen does.

    What this task tests

    Skill assessed

    Not scored

    Score weight

    up to0points

    The AI scorer checks

    Criterion

    Personal Introduction does not contribute to your overall score.

    Criterion

    It IS sent — together with your score report — to the institutions you select, so universities will hear it.

    Criterion

    It also functions as an additional identity check and as a warm-up for the speaking section.

    Fluency

    Treat it as your first impression: be clear, natural and confident.

    Chapter

    Strategies for Success

    Plan in advance what you want to talk about

    Start by giving your name and saying where you're from. Then include some of the ideas from the instructions: your interests · your plans for future study · why you want to study abroad · why you need to learn English · why you chose this test.

    Three things to do before exam day:

    Practise & time yourself

    Spend time before the test practising your introduction. Time yourself and make sure your response takes as close to 30 seconds as possible.

    Sound natural — don't memorise a script

    You want to sound natural. Don't write out a speech and memorise it — it can sound very unnatural, and nerves on the day might make you forget the exact words. Instead, practise the kinds of things you want to say.

    Record & self-review

    Record yourself speaking, then listen back. Ask yourself: if I were an admissions officer, would this message make a positive impression on me?

    Quick tips — Do this, not that

    • Tip 01

      Start with your name and where you're from.

      Don't dive straight into details without introducing yourself.

    • Tip 02

      Pick 2–3 ideas from the prompt and develop them.

      Don't try to cover all five bullet points in 30 seconds.

    • Tip 03

      Speak naturally and confidently.

      Don't recite a memorised script word-for-word.

    • Tip 04

      Aim to fill around 30 seconds.

      Don't stop after 10 seconds, and don't speak so slowly that you run out of time.

    • Tip 05

      Speak normally — natural volume and pace.

      Don't speak too loudly, too quietly, too quickly or too slowly.

    Chapter

    Practice — record your own Personal Introduction

    Try Personal Introduction — Practice with timing

    Real exam timing — 25 seconds to read the prompt, then 30 seconds to record. After you finish, you can play back your own recording and compare it with the C1, B2 and B1 sample answers below.

    PPTE Academic - Candidate Name
    Time Remaining 00:29:59 1 of 5

    Read the prompt below. In 25 seconds, you must reply in your own words, as naturally and clearly as possible. You have 30 seconds to record your response. Your response will be sent together with your score report to the institutions selected by you.

    Please introduce yourself. For example, you could talk about one or more of the following:

    • – Your interests
    • – Your plans for future study
    • – Why you want to study abroad
    • – Why you need to learn English
    • – Why you chose this test
    25

    The recording will start in 25 seconds.

    Chapter

    Sample Answers & Feedback

    Sample Answers & Feedback by Level

    Listen to three official Pearson responses to the same Personal Introduction prompt at C1, B2 and B1 levels. Click any card to listen and read the transcript and examiner notes.

    Sample Answer 1 — C1 (Excellent)C1
    +
    ▶Sample Answer Transcript

    I'm forty-two years old and am married with two young children. I've been practising law for three years but now I am ready for something new. My wife and I are keen to raise our family abroad, maybe Canada or the US. My firm has offices in both countries and where we end up will depend on where I can get a good position. I'm keen to take the Pearson Academic test as it's computer-based, which I prefer, and because you can also take the entire test in one sitting.

    Feedback

    • ◾A clear, well-structured introduction: name/age/family → current job → future plans → reason for choosing the test.
    • ◾Natural pace, accurate grammar and varied vocabulary. Connectors like 'but now', 'and where we end up' make the answer flow naturally.
    • ◾Uses specific reasons ('computer-based', 'one sitting') instead of generic statements.
    Sample Answer 2 — B2 (Average)B2
    +
    ▶Sample Answer Transcript

    I'm a 21-year-old secretary and I live in a shared house with four friends. I want to go and live in Sydney because I want to experience living in a new country before I settle down and start a family. I'm planning to go in six months, so I spend all my free time watching movies and TV programmes in English. I chose the Pearson test because I prefer online tests.

    Feedback

    • ◾Covers the key ideas (who you are, plans abroad, why English, why this test) with reasonable fluency.
    • ◾Sentences are simple but accurate; some repetition of 'I want to' could be replaced with varied structures.
    • ◾Reason for choosing the test is short — adding one specific detail would strengthen it.
    Sample Answer 3 — B1 (Needs improvement)B1
    +
    ▶Sample Answer Transcript

    I am twenty years old, and I live with my family. I am a student at university and I am currently studying to become an engineer. When I finish my undergraduate degree I would like to study for a Master's degree in Canada. I want to do well in this PTE Academic test. You get results very quickly with this test, which is good. I need the test so I can apply to universities in Canada.

    Feedback

    • ◾All ideas are present but the language is repetitive ('I am…', 'I want…', 'this test').
    • ◾Pronunciation and pace are fine but ideas are listed rather than connected — try linkers ('because', 'so that', 'after').
    • ◾Add one personal detail (a specific course, university or interest) to make the introduction memorable.
    Chapter

    Response Templates

    Block 2

    Response Templates

    Choose a template, fill in the brackets with your own details, and practise until it feels natural — not memorised.

    • Greeting + Name
      Good morning. My name is [Full Name] and I am from [Country / City].
    • Current Status
      I am currently [studying / working] as a [field or role], based in [city or country].
    • Interest
      I have a strong interest in [topic] and I have been pursuing this for [X] years.
    • Reason for PTE
      I chose PTE Academic because [fast results / global recognition / university requirement].
    • Future Goal
      After achieving my target score, I plan to [study / work / migrate] in [country or field].
    • Closing
      I am confident in my English ability and I look forward to demonstrating that today.

    Tip: You do not need to memorise a script. Memorise the structure. If you know what comes next, nerves cannot stop you.

    Chapter

    Sentence Building Blocks

    Block 3

    Sentence Building Blocks

    Mix and match sentences from any category to build a response that sounds like you.

    AOpening

    StructureExample
    • "Good [morning / afternoon]. My name is ___."Good morning. My name is Maria.
    • "Hello, I am ___ and I come from ___."Hello, I am Carlos and I come from Brazil.
    • "My name is ___ and I am originally from ___."My name is Aisha and I am originally from Nigeria.
    • "I am ___ from ___, currently living in ___."I am Wei from China, currently living in Melbourne.

    BBackground / Study

    StructureExample
    • "I am currently studying ___ at ___ University."I am currently studying Engineering at RMIT University.
    • "I completed my ___ degree in ___ in [year]."I completed my Bachelor's degree in Commerce in 2022.
    • "I am applying for a ___ programme in ___."I am applying for a Master's programme in Data Science.
    • "My academic background is in ___, particularly ___."My academic background is in science, particularly chemistry.

    CInterest / Passion

    StructureExample
    • "I have a strong interest in ___, especially ___."I have a strong interest in technology, especially AI.
    • "One of my greatest passions is ___ because ___."One of my greatest passions is teaching because I enjoy helping others.
    • "In my free time, I enjoy ___, which helps me ___."In my free time, I enjoy reading, which helps me expand my vocabulary.
    • "I am deeply interested in ___ and hope to pursue it ___."I am deeply interested in healthcare and hope to pursue it abroad.

    DReason for PTE

    StructureExample
    • "I chose PTE Academic because ___."I chose PTE Academic because results are available within 5 business days.
    • "I need to achieve a score of ___ for ___."I need to achieve a score of 65 for my university application.
    • "English proficiency is essential for my goal of ___."English proficiency is essential for my goal of working in Australia.
    • "I am taking this test to fulfil the requirements for ___."I am taking this test to fulfil the requirements for skilled migration.

    EClosing

    StructureExample
    • "I am well-prepared and confident in my ability to ___."I am well-prepared and confident in my ability to achieve my target score.
    • "Thank you for this opportunity. I am ready to ___."Thank you for this opportunity. I am ready to begin the test.
    • "I look forward to completing this test and taking the next step towards ___."I look forward to completing this test and taking the next step towards my studies.
    • "I am excited about this opportunity and will give my best today."I am excited about this opportunity and will give my best today.
    Chapter

    Practice Worksheets

    Block 4

    Practice Worksheets

    Work through each task in order. Write first, then speak. Use a 30-second timer for any task marked with a clock icon.

    1

    Worksheet 1 — Fill in the Template

    Complete the template below using your own personal details. Write your answers in the spaces, then practise speaking it aloud within 30 seconds.

    Good morning. My name is and I am from . I am currently in the field of . I have a strong interest in and I have been working on this for . I chose PTE Academic because . After achieving my target score, I plan to . I am confident in my English ability and I look forward to doing my best today.
    2

    Worksheet 2 — Identify the Mistake

    Each response below contains one or more problems. Identify the problem and write a corrected version in the space provided.

    1. 1
      Uh... my name is... Ahmed. I am... I am from Egypt. I want to... study abroad.
    2. 2
      My name is Lin. I study. I like English. I choose PTE. Thank you.
    3. 3
      Hello. I am Fatima. I am a student. I am studying in university. I like to learn English because English is very important in today modern world and I think English is important for my career and also for my future and I hope I will pass this test and I am very happy to be here today and thank you very much for giving me this chance.
    4. 4
      I chose PTE because IELTS is very hard and PTE is easier.
    5. 5
      I am Pedro and I want get high score. I am prepare for this test three months. I am work in hospital.
    3

    Worksheet 3 — Sentence Expansion Drill

    Expand each short sentence into a fluent 2–3 sentence chunk that would work naturally inside a 30-second Personal Introduction.

    Short SentenceYour Expanded Version
    • I like science.
    • I want to study abroad.
    • I chose PTE.
    • I am a nurse.
    • I enjoy reading.
    4

    Worksheet 4 — Chunking and Pause Marking

    Read the response below. Mark where you would naturally pause using a single slash ( / ) for a short pause and a double slash ( // ) for a longer pause between sentences. Then practise reading it aloud with those pauses.

    Good morning. My name is Ananya Krishnan and I am from Chennai in India. I completed my undergraduate degree in computer science and I am now applying for a Master of Data Analytics at an Australian university. I have a deep interest in machine learning particularly its applications in healthcare data. I chose PTE Academic because it is recognised by most universities in Australia and the fast results suit my application timeline. After receiving my score I plan to apply for a postgraduate student visa. I look forward to demonstrating my abilities today.
    5

    Worksheet 5 — Timed Self-Assessment Drill

    Write a personalised response of 85–100 words using any template from this page. Then record yourself speaking it. Play it back and complete the checklist below.

    0 / 85–100 words

    Part B — Self-Assessment Checklist

    • I spoke for close to 30 seconds
    • I followed a clear structure (opening, middle, close)
    • I did not pause for more than 2 seconds at any point
    • My voice was clear and easy to understand
    • I used complete sentences, not just keywords
    • I covered at least 3 of the suggested topics
    • I did not sound like I was reading from a script
    6

    Worksheet 6 — Timed Simulation (5 Prompts)

    Five prompts in the style of actual PTE Personal Introduction questions. For each one: write a key-word plan (maximum 8 words), set a 30-second timer, then speak.

    • 1

      Please introduce yourself. You could talk about your interests, your plans for future study, why you want to study abroad, why you need to learn English, or why you chose this test.

    • 2

      Tell us about yourself. For example, you could mention your current work or study situation, your reasons for taking PTE, and your future plans.

    • 3

      Introduce yourself to the institutions you have selected. Include your background, your English learning journey, and your goals.

    • 4

      Please tell us about yourself. You may include your personal interests, your academic background, and why you are taking the PTE Academic test.

    • 5

      Briefly introduce yourself. Consider talking about where you are from, what you do, why you chose PTE, and what your plans are after the test.

    7

    Worksheet 7 — Match the Sentence to the Template Part

    Match each sentence (A–J) to the correct template section. Select your answer from the dropdown.

    • AGood afternoon. My name is Kwame and I am from Ghana.
    • BI am well-prepared and I look forward to doing my best today.
    • CI need to achieve a score of 79 overall for my nursing registration in Australia.
    • DI completed a Bachelor of Business in Finance in 2021 from the University of Lagos.
    • EI have a strong passion for environmental science and sustainable development.
    • FAfter achieving my score, I plan to apply for a skilled migration visa.
    • GI am currently working as a software developer with three years of experience.
    • HI chose PTE because results are typically ready within 48 hours.
    • IIn my free time I enjoy cooking traditional dishes, which connects me to my culture.
    • JMy name is Yuki and I come from Osaka in Japan.
    8

    Worksheet 8 — Reorder the Introduction

    The sentences below are from a Personal Introduction but they are in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct sequence.

    • 1After I receive my score, I intend to apply for a postgraduate engineering programme.
    • 2Good morning. My name is Hassan Al-Rashidi and I am from Oman.
    • 3I look forward to completing the test with confidence and demonstrating my abilities.
    • 4I am currently working as a civil engineer and I have five years of professional experience.
    • 5I chose PTE Academic because it is globally recognised and the results come quickly.
    • 6Outside of work, I am very passionate about urban planning and sustainable infrastructure.
    9

    Worksheet 9 — Peer Feedback Activity

    Work in pairs. Student A speaks their Personal Introduction. Student B uses this checklist to give structured feedback. Then swap roles.

    ObservationRatingComment
    • Opening — name and origin clearly stated
    • Structure — logical flow from opening to close
    • Content variety — at least 3 topics covered
    • Fluency — no long pauses
    • Chunking — words grouped into natural phrases
    • Volume and clarity — easy to hear and understand
    • Intonation — natural rise and fall in pitch
    • Timing — close to 30 seconds
    • Closing — complete, confident final sentence
    • Overall impression
    10

    Worksheet 10 — Build Your Personal Sentence Bank

    Write YOUR sentences for each section below. These become your personal response toolkit. Practise them until they feel automatic.

    Chapter

    Reflection

    Personal Introduction — Reflection Checklist

    Private to you — tick each item you actually did. Saved on this device only.

    0/5

    Keep going with Personal Introduction

    PTE coaching onlineGet feedback on your Personal Introduction answers from a mentor.PTE courses 1-on-1 and group classes.

    Useful Language for Speaking

    Open the Speaking Useful-Language toolkit

    A trainer-ready resource covering academic style, collocations, signposting, cause/effect, comparison, image description, hypothesis and estimation — every exercise has a hidden suggested answer. Use it for every speaking task.

    Open speaking resources