PTE Preparation Tips 2024: Tips to Prepare for PTE Exam

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Priya Garg

Priya GargStudy Abroad Expert

Updated on Nov 21, 2024 15:53 IST

PTE Exam Preparation 2024: Candidates looking to do well in their PTE Academic Exam would be required to follow a robust PTE Preparation plan to achieve a good PTE score. Similar to preparing for other English language exams, candidates can either choose to study on their own by referring to authentic PTE exam preparation study material and free online PTE courses available on the official website or join a PTE coaching centre for a more interactive PTE preparation session. It is important for the candidates to develop their weak areas and at the same time keep revising sections that are easy.

PTE Exam Preparation

Q:   What is the total duration of the PTE Academic test?

A:

The total duration of the PTE exam is 2 hours and the section-wise break down of the time for each section involved in the test is given below: 

  1. Speaking & Writing (Part 1): 54–67 minutes 

  2. Reading (Part 2): 30 minutes

  3. Listening (Part 3): 30 minutes

Q:   Is 1 month enough for preparing for my PTE exam?

A:

Your PTE exam preparation depends upon how consistently you prepare for it. You need to practice daily to polish your English language skills, read articles, and immersive yourself thoroughly into the language to get a better preparation outcome before your exam.

Your total exam preparation time also depends upon your previous knowledge of the language and how good are your basics in English. Remember, good basics are the key to solving any English exam question. 

Candidates are advised to prepare for the PTE Academic exam before booking their test slot. Hence, candidates who have appeared for their PTE Academic exam before or who are well prepared for the exam can use the one month for revision and appear for the test. Others would definitely need a more substantial amount of time to be well-versed in the exam.

Q:   How can I boost my PTE score to 90?

A:

Scoring an absolute score of 90 on the PTE test may be difficult but not impossible. Test takers need to stay persistent with their practice of the PTE sample test papers.

Candidates are also often encouraged to visit and revisit their PTE Academic syllabus and understand the PTE exam pattern thoroughly to leave minimum room for difficulty in understanding the question types in the main PTE exam. A prior knowledge of the exam pattern and the question types will help you perform faster in the exam so that you will be able to give sufficient time to the questions that require critical thinking. 

Below are a few points you must follow to ace your preparation for the PTE exam.

  1. Solve as many sample and mock test papers as possible
  2. As the PTE test is an integrated skills test, read, write, speak and listen in English every day.
  3. Work on improving your vocabulary
  4. Practice speaking and recording your speech. Listening to your recorded speech will help you learn about the key areas where you need to improve. 
  5. Prepare for a self-introduction.
  6. Some sections of the PTE exam may require you to take notes. Hence, practice making notes under timed conditions.
  7. Get help from a teacher/trainer/coach. 

Q:   How to start preparing for the PTE Academic exam?

A:

Below are some of the best expert advices on how you can start preparing for your PTE exam:

  1. Cram Everything about the PTE Exam: If you practice this, more than 30% of your job is done. PTE Academic is a time-based test and a prior understanding of the entire exam pattern, question types and the right approach to answering each of these questions can save you a lot of time for the answering part rather than it getting wasted on reading and understanding instructions for each question type. 
  2. Prepare on a Wide Range of Topics: Understanding what is being asked in the question is important and answering it for any given skills is another part. For that reason, you will be required to make your English more versatile by consuming knowledge on each topic from different channels such as newspaper, documentries, podcasts, vlogs, blogs, magazines and dramas - all these formats include a wide range of vocabulary. 
  3. Avoid Using Memorised Script or Format for Answering a Question: Create a pattern or structured response for answering a particular type of question but do not learn specific format or script. You can instead use your own words to create a response based on - point (the main idea of the question), illustration and explanation of the same. 
  4. Practice and Practice More: Practicing often and practicing different types of questions in the PTE exam can get you an edge.     

 

Q:   Is the PTE Academic test hard for first-time test-takers?

A:

No. You should understand that the test has been created to understand the English language proficiency of the student. Hence a candidate who has prepared for the PTE Academic test should not find this English exam a tough exam.

Top 7 PTE Exam Preparation Tips 2024

PTE Preparation: Newer methods of PTE preparation are gaining popularity, like PTE preparation online and the Free Official Practice App launched by PTE for the benefit of students looking to take the PTE exam. This article has been solely dedicated to providing the best PTE preparation material for our test takers. Read on as we divulge in detail about PTE exam preparation 2024, PTE preparation online, PTE preparation material, PTE practice test and PTE exam preparation at home among other important topics revolving around PTE preparation.

A lot of times PTE test takers are often confused about the right direction of their PTE preparation plan to garner maximum outcome. Fear no more. We have come up with a personalized top PTE exam preparation guide for candidates looking to ace their PTE test. Check out the top 7 PTE exam preparation tools provided below:

  • It is important for PTE test-takers to know about their target score. This way they would be aware of their current English proficiency skills and also the amount of hard work ( PTE preparation) they would need to put in to get the desired PTE score.
  • Before preparing for any exam, it is important to know about the test format of the exam. Familiarizing yourself with the PTE exam pattern will help you understand the instructions, length and time allocation to each section, layout and the type of questions you would get as part of your PTE exam. 
  • If it is important to understand the PTE exam pattern it is also important to understand how your PTE test is scored.  Candidates should note that all questions in the PTE Academic exam are machine-scored. So it is important to know how the PTE test is scored.  While most answers are based on whether they are correct, others are judged upon formal aspects and the quality of the response.
  • The PTE exam is going to test your vocabulary and grammar skills. It is important to build your vocabulary and this can be achieved by reading newspapers, novels and magazines. Candidates can also look at online vocabulary tools and apps to enhance their overall vocabulary. 
  • The speaking section of the PTE exam will assess pronunciation and fluency. Candidates are required to improve their pronunciation and fluency by listening to English podcasts, English movies and practising speaking in front of a mirror to improve their pronunciation and fluency.
  • It is very important to source your PTE preparation material from reliable sources only. Candidates can visit the official PTE website and make use of their PTE preparation material. 
    • PTE Preparation Packages by PTE (paid)
      • Gold Package - USD129.99$
      • Silver Package - USD 89.99$
      • Bronze Package - USD 59.99$
    • Preparation Products by PTE (paid)
      • Scored Practice Tests - USD 35.99$
      • PTE Academic Question Bank - $19.99 USD
      • Official Guide to PTE Academic - $39.99 USD
    • PTE Preparation Resources by PTE (Free)
      • Test Format Guide
      • Free Courses
      • PTE Mobile App
      • PTE Taster Test (five questions in five minutes and get instant feedback.)
  • It is very important for candidates to Practice, Practice, Practice. Practising PTE Sample Papers in the real exam setting will only prepare the candidate for his test day. Solving PTE mock tests and PTE practice tests will also act as a self-progress indicator and expose areas that need attention via the test. 

Q:   How long does it take to prepare for the PTE Academic test?

A:

This is entirely at the discretion of the candidate. While students who have appeared for the test before and are on their second attempt would take lesser time preparation time than first-time test takers. Putting a number would be technically not right.

Q:   What is the best way to prepare for my next PTE Academic test?

A:

Understanding the structure of the PTE Academic exam, including its four main sections—speaking, writing, reading, and listening—is the first step in becoming well-prepared. Begin by practicing each area alone, paying particular attention to the time constraints and question categories. To boost your confidence and time management skills, replicate real test situations using official PTE practice materials or reliable internet sources. Read a variety of books, listen to English-language podcasts, and practise speaking clearly and smoothly to improve your English. To help with pronunciation and clarity in the Speaking part, record your answers. Lastly, to prevent errors, go over common grammar rules and terminology. Your performance will be greatly enhanced by frequent practice combined with comments on your weak areas.

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PTE Preparation Material (section-wise)

PTE Exam Preparation 2024: When given full attention and concentration, each section can be mastered in a few days, as the test checks your regular communication skills in the English language. You may always get help from the online videos and tutorials spread across the internet and also refer to practice papers for better preparation. Each section has its relevance to language fluency. Hence, all the sections need to be prepared separately. Check out the tips and tricks for you to practice each category below.

Top PTE Academic Preparation - by Section

  1. Know your target score
  2. Know the PTE exam pattern
  3. Understand how the PTE exam is scored 
  4. Select your preparation material wisely
  5. Practice, practice, practice

How to prepare for PTE Academic: Writing Section

In this section, you need to write according to the questions and your written answers are evaluated. The writing module of the PTE Academic is divided into two sections and we will provide tips for each of those sub-sections.

  1. Getting a perfect score of 90 out of 90 is possible with strong vocabulary and grammar. If you have average vocabulary and grammar, you can expect to score around 73. 

  2. Try writing your answers between 35–45 words. Avoid very long sentences, as the scoring algorithms may not be able to evaluate long sentences with great accuracy. 

  3. Pay attention to punctuation. 

  4. Capitalize all the starting words and nouns in a sentence. 

  5. Don’t provide any examples, unless asked for. 

  6. Write the summary in the third person form I.e. avoid the usage of I, Me, We, etc. 

  7. Concentrate on the last paragraph as it usually contains the summary of the text. 

  8. Summarize each paragraph in a single sentence.

Read: How to Write Essay in PTE?

PTE Test Preparation: Listening Section

Questions in this section are based on audio and video clips. You get to listen to each audio or video clip only once. Here are some tips according to each type of question to help you prepare for the listening section of the PTE Academic exam

  1. Listen actively, which means learning to listen to English songs differentlyFocus on the lyrics which require more attention.  
  2. Watch movies and TV shows first with subtitles and then without subtitles. 
  3. Listening to new content will increase your vocabulary which will improve your understanding of spoken English while listening.  
  4. Don't make blind guesses as this question hasnegative marking 
  5. It is recommended you read questions before the audio starts. 
  6. Stay focused till the end as the answers could be in the end.

PTE Academic Preparation: Speaking Section

Here are some tips according to each type of question to help you prepare for the listening section of the PTE Academic exam.

  1. Rising your tone at the beginning and falling tone at the end of the sentence will make the sentences sound authentic.
  2. If you realize you made a mistake, continue speaking and don't stop.
  3. From day 1 of preparation, practice with different tongue twisters every day until the exam day
  4. Listen with closed eyes and memorize the sentence.
  5. There is no beep at the end, so just start speaking after the clip ends.
  6. If you can’t manage to remember the whole sentence, at least focus on the keywords and repeat those.

PTE Test Preparation: Reading Section

For the reading section of the PTE Academic, the trick is to have fluency in reading, focus, and understanding. You will be using these skills at once when attempting the exam, but while practising you will have to learn them step-wise. 

  1. Understand the main message of the passage and focus on keywords to find the correct answer.
  2. Focus on the frequency words (for example - always, sometimes, never many, alloften, never, only) eliminate those options and maybe you will find the correct answer. 
  3. Since there is no negative marking for this question, answer the question and don’t leave it blank.  
  4. Make use of the rule of elimination. Narrow down your options as much as possible. 
  5. Read the question before you read the text to understand what kind of information to look for. 
  6. Remember the information in the passage as the questions will not be asked in chronological order and you will find the answer anywhere in the passage. 
  7. Learn to paraphrase, which means conveying the meaning using different words. 

Length and Duration of PTE Test (section-wise)

Section

Time

Reading

29 - 30 minutes

Listening

30 - 43 minutes

Speaking and Writing

54 - 67 minutes

Q:   Which practice tests are best for candidates looking to appear for their PTE Academic test?

A:

Candidates are advised to refer to PTE Academic Practice Papers available on the official PTE Academic website. Candidates are highly advised to only take information from trusted sources such as the official PTE Academic website and our preparatory guide.

Q:   Is 75 a good PTE score?

A:

Yes. A 75 PTE score falls under the 'Very Good' category. A PTE 75 score is equivalent to IELTS 7.5 - 8.0 band score. However, candidates should note that the real determining factor is their preferred university PTE score requirements. If they are eligible to apply with their PTE scores, good or else they can always re-take the test.

Q:   Which are the top 10 best PTE books for preparation?

A:

The top 10 best books for PTE exam are listed below:

  1. Official Guide to PTE Academic by Pearson PTE Academic
  2. Aspire C1 Practice Tests with Key
  3. PTE Academic Official Vocabulary 2020-2022
  4. PTE Practice Test Plus with Key, Vol 1 and 2
  5. Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1 & B2
  6. PTE Academic Question Bank
  7. PTE Academic Preparation Book
  8. PTE Academic Vocabulary Practice Book with Exercises and Answers
  9. PTE Academic Official Preparation App (bonus)
  10. Pearson Test of English Academic Practice Tests Plus 








PTE Exam Preparation - by Question Type

The PTE Academic Exam is made up of 20 different question types that are spread across three sections, Speaking & Writing Section, Reading Section and Listening Section. Provided below is a detailed summary of what your strategy should be when attempting each question type of the PTE exam. 

PTE 2024 Exam Preparation Tips - Speaking & Writing Section

Question Type Communicative Skills PTE Exam 2024 Preparation Strategies
Read aloud Reading and speaking Attempt unknown words
Repeat Sentence Listening & Speaking Do not go back to correct yourself or hesitate 
Describe image Speaking Describe the general content of the image, then summarize the most significant points, referring to details for support
Re-tell lecture Listening and speaking Pay attention to the lecture and take notes
Answer short question Listening and speaking Respond with a single word or short phrase
Summarize written text Reading and writing Check the content and length of the summary
Write essay Writing  Plan, draft, check and finalize

PTE 2024 Exam Preparation Tips - Reading Section

Question Type Communicative Skills PTE Exam 2024 Preparation Strategies
Multiple-choice, choose single answer Reading  While reading do not focus too much on unfamiliar words
Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers Reading  Check the responses if you are not sure
Re-order paragraphs Reading  It is better to attempt an item than to leave any text boxes unordered
Reading: Fill in the blanks Reading  Fill in the blanks one by one
Reading and writing: Fill in the blanks Reading and writing Use language clues as well as word knowledge to fill in the blanks

PTE 2024 Exam Preparation Tips - Listening Section

Question Type Communicative Skills PTE Exam 2024 Preparation Strategies
Summarize spoken text Listening and writing Summarize the lecture in your own words
Multiple–choice, choose multiple answers Listening Continue listening until the end of the recording
Fill in the blanks Listening and writing Do not stop to re-read what you have typed until the recording has finished
Highlight correct summary Listening Continue listening until the end of the recording
Select missing word Listening Focus on the general content of the recording
Highlight incorrect words Listening and reading Move the cursor along the text while listening and be ready to click on any word that doesn’t match
Write from dictation Listening and writing Write the sentence immediately and after finishing correct any mistakes







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Q:   Can I take PTE Academic test without studying?

A:

Candidates are advised to appear for the PTE Academic exam after having prepared well for the exam. Candidates are advised to refer to online/offline study material available on the official PTE website and also go through our preparatory guide.

Q:   How is the PTE Academic exam scored?

A:

An automated scoring system analyzes your performance in each section and assigns a score from 10-90 for each skill (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening). Your overall score reflects your general English proficiency level, calculated based on the average of your individual section scores. The scoring process is unbiased

PTE Preparation Online

PTE exam preparation online: Irrespective of your preferred university and course, candidates would be required to prove their English Language proficiency by appearing for an English test. PTE Academic is an English language test that is accepted by thousands of schools across the globe. Today there is so much happening in the online domain. Here we are going to talk about the PTE preparation material available online for the benefit of our test takers. 

Candidates are advised to visit the official website of PTE-A, Pearson PLC Group. For the benefit of PTE test-takers, the official website has a number of PTE preparation materials online for free. Candidates can also buy PTE preparation material or rent online PTE preparation material for their use. Candidates are highly advised to use the official website as they would have the latest PTE syllabus updated on the website.

For the benefit of our readers, we also have a very dedicated PTE sample papers section for candidates to view the latest PTE exam preparation material online. Here, the PTE study material available is online and the PTE questions have been sourced from the most reliable sources and are in tune with the current PTE Syllabus and PTE exam pattern.

PTE Online Coaching: MOOC

Launched by PTE, MOOC or Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a PTE Online Preparation tool that is available free of charge to all users. However, candidates who want access to this PTE Online Preparation tool need to be enrolled in a course to be able to access the free course material from PTE. The link to the PTE Online Preparation tool, MOOC is https://mylearningx.pearson.com/courses/course-v1:PX+PTE001+2019_T4/course/

The PTE online preparation tool, MOOC is designed to familiarize candidates with the test structure and question types for PTE Academic through video guidance and online practice. The course has been developed in partnership with E2Language, a global online test preparation and tuition provider for PTE Academic and other English language assessments. The course simulates each of the question types in PTE Academic allowing users to try out their own techniques for attempting the questions before receiving guidance.

Effective PTE Preparation Strategies

PTE Exam Preparation Tips: The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, like the other standardized tests for the English language, has different sections to evaluate your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Candidates preparing for the PTE exam should be aware that there is ample PTE preparation material available online. Hence, candidates should only use information from trusted sources and refer to the official PTE website for the most accurate PTE information.

Often students start the preparation by either joining a coaching centre or simply signing up for free practice tests. What a student forgets is that, like any exam, even language proficiency exams have to be dealt with a methodology. Here are a few study tips that would help you perform in the PTE Academic Exam. It is, however, important to note that no amount of tips, tricks, or tools can outwit the dedication and efficiency of the practice. So, improve these skills and practice them over and over again to succeed.

This exam does not need you to be a subject matter expert. This test is required to ensure that you understand the international official language. Your result and score in this test assure that you would be able to study abroad with this language as the medium of studying from English-speaking professors among people from international backgrounds.

The final PTE score may vary from 10 – 90, which is the sum of the score you have obtained in each section. The results are usually declared within 5 working days from the test date. You might want to check out the PTE important dates and find test centres around your location before you register for the PTE exam.

What is the Best PTE preparation plan?

Candidates should note that there is no set template for PTE preparation. What might work for Person A does not have to necessarily be right for Person B and vice versa. Hence, we have through this article provided a list of multiple PTE preparation techniques and we expect our readers to select the one that best fits their needs and follow the same to score better in their PTE exams. 

PTE Preparation at Home

Candidates should not get confused about preparing for PTE at Home and preparing for PTE for the test centre. As both the PTE tests are the same, only the test environment is different. A lot of times, test takers could get overwhelmed. Candidates should note that Pearson - the conducting body of the PTE exam has started conducting the PTE tests at home for candidates who are looking to appear for the PTE test from the safety of the home. Candidates who do not have a conducive environment at home or the necessary system requirements can appear for the test from the PTE test centre if the COVID-19 local restrictions allow.

PTE Preparation Length

This is again a very personalized question. While some test takers may take two to three months to reach their optimum level of PTE exam preparation others could take a longer or shorter duration to study. Hence, there is no set time frame. Candidates are encouraged to schedule their PTE tests only after they are convinced of having prepared for the PTE exam. 

PTE Exam Preparation Plan for 4 weeks

As you have one month or 4-weeks to the day of the PTE Academic exam you must plan your preparation accordingly. Building a solid timetable is paramount for students who wish to study in an organized manner. While some students may prefer to tackle the tough subjects, in the beginning, others might want to keep the complex subjects closer to the exam day. Let us take a look at the one-month PTE study plan.

Top PTE preparation action areas

  • Build a robust PTE Times table
  • Identify weak areas
  • Be honest with yourself
  • Revise Revise Revise
  • Solve PTE Practice Test Papers

Best Books for PTE Preparation 2024 (section-wise)

PTE preparation books: The following best books for PTE and course material have been authenticated by Pearson PTE Academic for students wanting to prepare for their PTE Exam. These are available in India through leading e-commerce portals like Amazon.

Best Book for PTE: The Official Guide to PTE Academic by Pearson PTE Academic

The Official Guide to PTE Academic provides comprehensive information about the test, over 200 practice tasks on CD-ROM, analysis of sample answers, test-taking tips, and more. The first and only official guide for PTE Academic written by the developers of the test itself, the book includes everything you need to know about the test.

Book Highlights

  • Understand how to register and what to expect in the exam
  • Learn How to do each task
  • Practice with authentic test questions and 200 additional questions in the CD
  • Assess your performance with samples and model answers
  • Improve your test-taking strategies

PTE Exam Day Tips

Candidates looking to appear for the PTE Academic Exam can go through the PTE Exam Day tips mentioned below. 

  • There should be no question of missing breakfast. A moderately heavy breakfast would fuel you for a longer period of time. Candidates are recommended to carry a light snack or a fruit with them to satisfy that untamed hunger pang.
  • Candidates are advised to wear loose clothes that would get them through all temperatures. It is very important for the candidate to feel comfortable while taking the exam.
  • Candidates are required to reach 30 mins before the reporting time at the PTE Academic Test centre as this would enable them to reach on time and avoid any last-minute hassle.
  • Once at the PTE Test Centre candidates would be required to show their identification proof which should be a valid passport to proceed further. For security reasons, the candidate would have his/her photograph taken and biometrics scanned at the time of verification of id for official use only.
  • Candidates would be provided with a locker facility for the safekeeping of the belongings that they bring to the PTE Test Centre. These could include, their electronics such as a watch or their mobile phone, snacks, and their bag if they have any on them.

Related Reads:

It is certain that you would want to conduct research at your end on utilizing the exam score for studying abroad. However, it is recommended that you consult industry experts for better guidance. They can help you from scratch with the application process to study abroad till receiving admission from your dream university.

PTE Preparation FAQs

What is the PTE Academic passing score?

Candidates should understand that there is no passing or failing scores. Universities would have a PTE cut-off score and candidates looking to take admission into the school would have to achieve that score or higher to apply.

How can I prepare for PTE at home?

The Internet has definitely made the world small. Candidates can take the help of the internet to refer to information from the official PTE website that is both genuine and updated to the latest PTE syllabus. Candidates can also refer to our preparation guide and also use textbooks available online and offline and on the official PTE website.

How can I crack PTE in 15 days?

Candidates can always reschedule their PTE Exam dates if they are not confident about the exam. However, if candidates have to appear for the exam in 15 days, I would suggest they solve as many practise papers as possible and focus on weaker sections of the PTE Academic exam.

How is the PTE Academic exam scored?

After the completion of your PTE Academic exam, candidates will receive their PTE Academic scores for each of the skill sections on a band range of 10 – 90. Along with that, they will also get an overall score. 

Do PTE Academic questions repeat?

This is entirely upon the discretion of Pearson PLC Group – the conducting body of the PTE Academic exam.

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Comments

(202)

Is PTE accepted in Australia? As i am migrating from Zimbabwe to Australia as a skilled worker.

Reply to ngonidzashe murungu

P

Priya GargStudy Abroad Expert

3 weeks ago

Hi Ngonidzashe! Yes, the PTE Academic Test is widely accepted for work or migration visas in Australia and New Zealand.

D

Divya

5 months ago

Is PTE accepted all over in Australia from international students?

Reply to Divya

P

Priya GargStudy Abroad Expert

5 months ago

Hello Divya, PTE is widely accepted throughout Australia for international students. Both universities and the Australian government itself accept PTE for: - University applications: All universities in Australia recognize PTE scores for admissions. - Student visa applications: The Department of Hom

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Rehan Nazir Dar

10 months ago

Is PTE Exam is accepted Ireland?

Reply to Rehan Nazir Dar

P

Priya GargStudy Abroad Expert

6 months ago

Hi Rehan, good to know that you are interested in taking the PTE exam. The PTE Academic exam is accepted across 30 institutions in Ireland.

S

Shiv Kumar

a year ago

Which date Sutable for home pte in india?

Reply to Shiv Kumar

M

Megha Rao

a year ago

any test center near Jamshedpur

Reply to Megha Rao