Getting a high score of more than 79 in PTE is not only your pathway to gaining 20 points for your PR in Australia, but another way to study in most English speaking countries.
So, let’s begin by understanding what it is, why it is important and then… we’ll dive into 6 tips to get a high score in PTE.
What is PTE?
Pearson Test of English(PTE) is a computer-based test of English considered the “fastest and the most accurate” language test accepted academic institutions and governments around the world, including Australia.
Why is it important?
Unlike IELTS, PTE is entirely computer-based. And because of that, many see it as a game of beating the computer. But, we disagree. PTE is much more complex than that.
PTE tests your reading, listening, writing, speaking, comprehension, fluency and even your pronunciation. So, don’t fall into the trap of assuming that PTE exams are easy.
However, with the right strategy and the right knowledge, YOU WILL SCORE 79 or higher in PTE.
How to get a high score(79+) in PTE?
As promised, here are 6 ways to improve you score in PTE.
Know the Test Format
You must know how the test is conducted. In short, there are three sections:
- Speaking and Writing—75 to 90 minutes
- Reading—32 to 41 minutes
- Listening—45-57 minutes
One key thing to remember is that if you finish one section with 10 minutes to spare, that remaining time WILL NOT carry over to the next section.
This means you must manage your time to be able to finish the test within the allotted period.
Know the question types for each section.
Familiarize yourself with the type of questions for each section.
In short, there are 21 different question types in the PTE exam.
Out of the 21, there are 8 question types in the Speaking and Writing section (including your Personal Introduction). The reading section has 5 different question types and the listening section has 8 question types.
For Speaking & Writing section, you have the following question types:
- Personal Introduction
- Read Aloud
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Re-tell Lecture
- Answer Short Question
- Summarize Written Text
- Essay Writing
Then, on Reading section, you will have:
- Fill in the Blanks (covers Reading and Writing sections)
- Multiple choice, choose multiple answers
- Re-order paragraphs
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple choice, choose single answer
And finally, in the Listening section, you will have:
- Summarize Spoken Text
- Fill in the blanks
- Highlight correct summary
- Select missing word
- Highlight Incorrect words
- Write from Dictation
- Multiple choice, choose multiple answers
- Multiple choice, choose single answers
Understand how the test is marked
You must understand that each question type has a different weight when it comes to marking. Some questions are scored based on their correctness only… while others are scored based on their correctness and the quality of response.
But, how can a computer mark your test like a human examiner?
Well… to answer that question, we researched deep into the Pearson PTE website. What we found was that leading expert-designed and marked the test. The computer used marking pattern from the experts to train itself to mark the tests. Only after it successfully scores the test just like a human examiner, the computer is allowed to mark tests from real candidates.
Using a computer to mark the test ensures that you will be marked withouth any bias or laspe in concentration.
Speak Fluently
To get a high score in fluency and pronunciation, it is important to speak without stopping and without hesitation. If you feel like you have missed a word, don’t correct yourself. Just keep speaking. Speak the way you speak normally. Don’t rush your speech.
Most students are afraid that they need to speak fast otherwise they will go over the time limit. This is just a myth… because from what our students have experienced, we know that you will have enough time even if you speak in their normal speed.
However, you must avoid unnatural, long pauses. This is where the computer deducts the most points which will stop you from getting a high score in PTE.
And make sure that you are speaking like a human… with varying intonations and rhythm. What you need to do is speak as you would speak with another person—by expressing emotions.
Choose a small test center
This one is often overlooked. Choose a small test center because they have fewer test-taker.
But why?
Because… imagine this… you chose a very popular test center. And that’s what everyone does. When you reach your test center, you see that the whole place is crowded with other test takers and the moment you enter the test room, you see yourself surrounded by other test-takers.
What happens next??
All the test takers around you will speak in a loud voice to make sure they are heard… and this means you will be disturbed. This means you won’t be able to concentrate on your own test. And you will not receive the score you want.
This is why it is necessary to choose a small test center. Other test takers won’t disturb you in a small test center, and you can get a high score in PTE.
PRACTICE! Lots of PRACTICE!!
Practicing online is a good way to improve yourself. But… do you know what’s even better?? Practicing real exam questions with other people. If you are looking for an institute to help you practice your skills… contact us we run PTE classes 7 days a week.
Feel free to check out our PTE courses to help you get a high score in PTE.