PTE Speaking Section - Tips and Tricks
PTE
Talk to ExpertThe Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Academic is one of the most sought-after English language tests for candidates looking to study abroad. In this article, we are going to focus on the PTE preparation for the PTE Speaking section of the exam. Read on as we talk about the PTE speaking test, PTE speaking module, PTE speaking test format, PTE study topics that candidates can expect during the exam and the best practices to improve their PTE Academic Speaking Section Scores.
How to Improve PTE Academic Speaking Section Score: The full form of PTE-A is the Pearson Test of English - Academic and is one of the most sought-after English language tests for candidates wanting to study abroad. The PTE-A exam is made up of the PTE Reading section, PTE Listening section, PTE Speaking section and PTE Writing sections and in this article, we are going to focus on the PTE preparation for the Speaking section of the exam. Read on as we talk about the PTE speaking test, PTE speaking module, PTE speaking test format and PTE study topics that candidates can expect during the exam.
Top 4 PTE Speaking Tips and Tricks
As mentioned earlier, we are going to be talking about the top 4 PTE Speaking Section Tips and Tricks for the benefit of our PTE test takers. They are as follows:
- Candidates should speak confidently, which should neither be too slow nor too fast.
- Candidates should avoid repeating themselves or pausing unnecessarily.
- Candidates should only start speaking when the recording of the conversation starts.
- Candidates should avoid 'false starts' - which is trying a do-over of the already recorded conversation.
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PTE Speaking Module
PTE Speaking Test Format: Candidates must be aware that the PTE Speaking Section of the test is combined with the PTE Writing Section. We are going to start by showing you the PTE speaking module topics that are covered under the PTE Speaking section:
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| PTE Speaking and Writing Section Question Topics |
PTE Question Format |
|---|---|
| Personal introduction |
1 |
| Read Aloud |
6 - 7 |
| Repeat sentence |
10 - 12 |
| Describe image |
3 - 4 |
| Retell lecture |
1 - 2 |
| Answer short question |
5 - 6 |
| Summarize written text |
1 - 2 |
| Write Essay |
1 - 2 |
| Total Questions |
28 - 36 |
| Time Allocation |
54 - 67 minutes |
Here are the best PTE Speaking section tips according to each type of PTE Speaking question to help you prepare for the PTE speaking section of the PTE exam.
PTE Speaking Section: Personal Introduction
This item is not scored but provides you with an opportunity to tell the institution about yourself. You get 25 seconds to prepare till you can record. After the tone, start speaking. You should speak clearly and don't rush. You get 30 seconds to record your introduction. You should finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. You will be able to record your introduction only once. Your response will be sent along with your score report to the colleges and universities selected by you.
PTE Speaking Section: Read Aloud
- Rising your tone at the beginning and falling tone at the end of the sentence will make the sentences sound authentic.
- If you realise you made a mistake, continue speaking and don't stop.
- From day 1 of preparation, practice with different tongue twisters every day until the exam day.
PTE Speaking Section: Repeat Sentence
- Listen with closed eyes and memorize the sentence.
- There is no beep at the end, so just start speaking after the clip ends.
- If you can’t manage to remember the whole sentence, at least focus on the keywords and repeat those.
PTE Speaking Section: Describe Image
- Start with words like illustrate, elucidates, depicts, etc.
- Notice whether it is a bar chart, line graph or pie chart. Line graphs have 'timeline', pie charts have 'slices' and bar graphs compare.
- Make use of the following words – on the left-hand side, on the right side, next to, below/bottom, above, at the top, foreground, background etc.
- Try finishing in 30–35 seconds and don’t leave incomplete recorded sentences.
PTE Speaking Section: Retell Lecture
- Notice the keywords, they can help you understand the context of the topic.
- Instead of complete full names, you can use titles, like – Dr Says or the professor mentions etc.
- Try to capture the best 3-5 sentences. They should be enough to retell the lecture.
PTE Speaking Section: Answer short question
- Add articles (a, an, the) before some words.
- If you don’t know the answer, just repeat the words in the question.
PTE Speaking Test Tips
Provided below are some of the best PTE Speaking Tips and Tricks when dealing with the PTE Speaking Section.
- You will have to Youtube pronunciation videos to achieve desired oral fluency.
- Try to mimic native English speakers with either British, American or Australian accents.
- For better pronunciation, google or YouTube IPA and phonemes. You need to be aware of the position of the tongue, jaw, and lips while speaking each word.
- Focus on mimicking intonations as each word has ups and downs for each alphabet.
Also, Read
PTE Speaking Section Exam Pattern
Candidates should note that the PTE Speaking and Writing section are combined. In the PTE exam, Part 1 of the PTE test will assess your PTE Writing and Speaking skills. The total time allotted for the PTE Speaking and Writing section is between 77 - 93 Minutes. Note: If you remain silent for more than 3 seconds, the recording will stop automatically and you'll not be able to re-record.
PTE Speaking Format - Overview
|
PTE Module |
PTE Speaking Task / Skills assessed |
Time to answer |
|---|---|---|
|
Read aloud |
Read the provided text aloud (Reading and Speaking) |
Varies; depends on the length of text |
|
Repeat sentence |
After listening to a recording, repeat the sentence (Listening and Speaking) |
15 seconds |
|
Describe image |
Describe the image provided in detail (Speaking) |
40 seconds |
|
Re-tell lecture |
After listening to a lecture, re-tell it in your own words (Listening and Speaking) |
40 seconds |
|
Answer short question |
After listening to a question, answer with a single word (Listening and Speaking) |
10 seconds |
|
Summarize written text |
After reading a text, write a one-sentence summary (Reading and Writing) |
10 minutes |
|
Essay |
Write a 200–300-word essay on the given topic (Writing) |
20 minutes |
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Q: Is the PTE Academic test easy to crack?
For a candidate who is well versed with the PTE syllabus and who has prepared well for the exam with total sincerity and enthusiasm would be able to crack the PTE Academic test without hurdles.
Q: Is PTE test hard to pass?
No. Candidates should note that the exam has been designed to test the candidates’ English proficiency levels. Hence, a candidate who is well prepared would qualify for the PTE Academic exam with flying colours.
Q: What is a good PTE Academic score?
There is no such thing as a good PTE Academic score. Every university would have its own score cut-off and students are required to achieve scores equal or higher than the set grade. Candidates should note that higher scores would automatically increase their chances of securing a seat in the university and also make them a front-runner for any scholarships being offered by the university.
Q: Is 1 month enough for preparing for my PTE exam?
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: Is the PTE Academic test hard for first-time test-takers?
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.
Q: Is 75 a good PTE score?
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: How can I boost my PTE score to 90?
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.
- Solve as many sample and mock test papers as possible
- As the PTE test is an integrated skills test, read, write, speak and listen in English every day.
- Work on improving your vocabulary
- Practice speaking and recording your speech. Listening to your recorded speech will help you learn about the key areas where you need to improve.
- Prepare for a self-introduction.
- Some sections of the PTE exam may require you to take notes. Hence, practice making notes under timed conditions.
- Get help from a teacher/trainer/coach.
Q: What is the best way to prepare for my next PTE Academic test?
The best way to prepare for any test including PTE Academic would be to have a plan in mind. The plan should include a timetable that should cover the entire syllabus and also leave ample room for solving practice papers. Extra attention should be given to topics that are difficult for the candidate while at the same time solving easy sections.
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