Glossary term
Spelling
A writing trait in PTE's automated scoring that checks whether words are spelt correctly and consistently. PTE accepts multiple standard spelling conventions — British, American and other recognised variants — but expects you to stick to one system within a response. Spelling is assessed in tasks such as the 200–300-word essay, Summarize Written Text and Summarize Spoken Text, alongside grammar, vocabulary, content and form. Formerly one of the 'enabling skills' removed from score reports in November 2021, spelling now feeds the test taker-only Skills Profile while still contributing to the Writing score.
In plain language
Pick one spelling convention — British or American — and use it consistently; mixing the two in a single answer costs marks.
Related terms
More PTE terms
AI ScoringCEFRCLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)Communicative SkillsContentFluencyGSE (Global Scale of English)Integrated TaskMock TestmyPTENegative MarkingOne Skill RetakeOverall ScorePartial CreditPronunciationPTE CorePTE HomeRescoreScore BandScore Report CodeSELT (Secure English Language Test)UKVIURN (Unique Reference Number)