Ever dreamt of studying in Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands? If yes, then scoring well in the PTE Exam & how to do PTE Exam Practice Online will always be the first question in your head.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a critical gateway for students pursuing academic dreams in English-speaking countries. It puts your English to the ultimate test – can you read complex texts, write clear arguments, listen to lectures, and chat like a champ.
Knowing about the format of the PTE exam is not enough. The format can be confusing, and let’s face it! Online preparation can make the pressure of getting a good score even worse. It is very essential to address this confusion effectively to score high.
So here we are! Revealing the exam’s most challenging sections and giving you accurate practice strategies for “How To Prepare For PTE”. By tackling these areas head-on, you’ll transform PTE test day into a victory march toward your academic dreams.
Speaking Section:
PTE Speaking section got you feeling speechless? Well, the first thing you can do is – Imagine talking to a friendly robot. Among all the sections of this exam, Speaking can be considered challenging. This section evaluates two things- One side is your English skills (vocabulary, grammar), and the other side is your test-taking smartness (knowing what to focus on and managing time).
The PTE Speaking Section features diverse tasks that put your English communication skills to the test, including pronunciation and vocabulary. Out of those question types, Read Aloud & Repeat Sentences are the most challenging and carry high weightage in the scoring.
In these question types, non-English speakers make major mistakes because of inappropriate pronunciation or words unfamiliar with the language. This reduces the scoring. It is advised to prioritise this section while preparing for the Pearson Test of English.
Here are bonus tips that will help you score your desired target.
- Keep checking your pronunciation and practice well for it.
- Speak clearly and avoid pauses while answering.
- Repeat all the words in the same order without rushing.
- Practice phonetics & focus on word stress & sentence stress.
- Engage in regular speaking practice.
- Seek guidance from experts and start giving PTE Mock Tests
Reading Section:
PTE Reading Section sometimes acts as a make-or-break zone for test takers. The reading section checks how well you understand what you read. It’s like a test to see if you can get the meaning of different kinds of writing. It includes R & W: Fill in the blanks, MCQ Multiple Single Answers, Re-Order Paragraphs, R (read): Fill In The Blanks & MCQ Single Answers question type.
Out of these question types, the most important question type that has major weightage is “Read and write fill in the blanks.” Experts recommend prioritising this section due to its time demands. Aim for 2-3 minutes per question during practice to develop efficient answering strategies.
To perform well in this section, here are some tips that you must follow to succeed.
- Skim and scan to save time! Skimming helps grasp the main ideas, and scanning helps find specific information.
- Understand question type, as it will help you in approaching strategically for a correct answer.
- Context is king! Pay attention to the surrounding words to identify the missing part of speech.
- There is no negative marking, so answer all the questions even if you are not sure.
- Make use of the rule of elimination. Narrow down your options as much as possible.
Listening Section:
The PTE listening section can be a hurdle for many test-takers. Our fast-paced world, filled with constant notifications and distractions, develops the habit of “passive listening,” which might decrease one’s scores in the PTE Exam.
The PTE listening section is like a test of how well you understand English in everyday situations! You’ll hear conversations and lectures and then answer questions in different formats. This section comprises many question types.
Prioritising preparations means focusing more on Write From Dictation, Highlight Incorrect Word, and Fill In the Blanks.
Prepare well for this section, as your writing skills will also be tested. Strategic studying is key! By prioritising sections that need more work, you’ll maximise your score potential.
To level up your Listening Section preparation, here are some tips:
- Restrict your answer to 50-70 words & use the provided notepad to write down the keywords.
- It is recommended that you read the questions before the audio starts.
- Carefully listen and check whether the word was singular or plural, with an article or not, etc.
- Review your answers before submitting them in case you have missed something.
- Listen to new content as it will enhance your vocabulary and it will improve your understanding of spoken English.
- Stay focused till the end, as the answers could be in the end.
Writing Section:
This section tests your ability to write in English effectively. While you’ll be using your speaking, reading, and listening skills throughout the exam, the writing tasks come after you finish speaking. To score well in this section, you need to have strong language skills, critical thinking, and time management.
Out of various question types, Summarise Written Text needs to be prioritised.
Since the PTE Writing section also relies on your reading comprehension, mastering reading strategies will give you a head start on these writing tasks.
Here are some tricks you can apply while preparing to enhance your preparations.
- Give the passage a close read to find the main idea and key points. This will help you remember the most important information.
- Highlight or underline essential keywords that best determine the content. Use these keywords in your summary.
- Be concise and to the point. Focus on the facts.
- Use your own words by thinking of synonyms and paraphrasing. Use the third person. Avoid using “I,” “Me,” or “We”.
- Monitor the time during the exam. Allocate sufficient time for each part.
By tackling the most challenging sections head-on, you’ll be well-equipped to ace the exam. We’ve identified these sections and provided targeted practice strategies. Now, it’s your turn to put them into action! Remember, with focused practice and the right approach, you can conquer even the toughest parts of the PTE.
Conclusion:
Effective preparation goes beyond understanding the exam format. It requires a strategic focus on the most challenging areas, such as Read Aloud and Repeat Sentences in the Speaking section, Read and Write Fill in the Blanks in the Reading section and Writing from Dictation in the Listening section.
Put these practical tips into action – pronunciation practice, phonetics drills, skimming & scanning texts, and active listening. This will enhance your performance in every section.
