8 Ways to Crack the PTE Exam

The Pearson Test of English, or PTE, is a highly valued assessment tool used by universities worldwide, including the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, etc. If you are looking for some ideas on how to crack this prestigious exam, then read on:

1. Understanding the PTE exam

The PTE exam consists of 4 sections: reading, writing, speaking and listening. It is a 2-hour exam of 90 marks. The Speaking & Writing (Part 1) is 54–67 minutes, Reading (Part 2) is 30 minutes, and Listenin (Part 3) is 30 minutes.

Here is a breakdown of these sections:
Reading

• Multiple choice answers
• Fill in the blanks
• Re-order paragraphs

Speaking and Writing:

• Personal introduction
• Short questions
• Re-tell lecture
• Summarize
• Read aloud
• Repeat sentence
• Describe image
• Essay(20 mins)

Listening
This is based on audio and video clips that can be listened to only once.

• Summarize
• Multiple choice answers
• Fill in the blanks
• Write from dictation
• Highlight wrong words

2. Tackling each section

Don’t get worried by looking at the above. Just read on to find tips on how to tackle each section. Let’s start with reading:

• To excel in reading comprehension, focus on understanding the passage’s main idea and keywords. Pay attention to frequent words and eliminate options accordingly. Answer all questions, even if unsure Strategically eliminate options to narrow down choices. Read questions first to guide your reading Remember, information can appear anywhere in the passage. Lastly, practice rephrasing text to understand it better.
• To improve your PTE speaking score, practice correct intonation with rising and falling tones. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; keep speaking. Consistent tongue twister practice enhances fluency. Focus on key words if you forget the entire sentence.
• Strong vocabulary and grammar significantly influence PTE writing scores, with perfect scores attainable for those proficient in both. Aim for concise summaries between 35-45 words, avoiding complex sentence structures. Proper punctuation and capitalization are essential. Focus on the main idea, especially in the final paragraph, and write in the third person for objective summaries.
• The PTE listening section requires focused attention. Listen actively to audio and video clips only once. Improve listening skills by watching movies and TV shows, focusing on lyrics, and exposing yourself to new content. Avoid random guessing, as this can lead to negative markings. Always read questions before listening and maintain focus till the end.

3. Resources

PTE preparation is best done from official resources. You can get materials on the official PTE website. Be prepared to invest your time and money in these valuable resources. Remember that repeated practice can help you achieve maximum scores. Here are your options:

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.)

4. Online coaching and preparation-

Digital transformation has made quality education accessible to everyone. As mentioned above, there are plenty of resources available online for PTE students across the globe. There are paid and free resources that you can utilize for preparation. Along with this, there is also an online PTE preparation tool called MOOC or Massive Open Online Course. This was launched by PTE in partnership with E2 language. This app helps candidates familiarize themselves with the test structure and types of questions in video format. This app also allows users to attempt the questions before providing guidance.

5. Time management

Along with the right resources, the most important skill that you can develop is time management. To complete all the tasks accurately and finish each section within the provided time, you need to manage your time wisely. The best way to understand your time management skills is to practice as many sample papers as you can in proper exam conditions.

6. Exam day preparation

Exam day jitters are quite common in PTE candidates. To optimize your PTE performance, begin by meticulously reading all test instructions to prevent errors. Effective time management is crucial; ensure adequate sleep and relaxation to manage exam stress. You should carry all essential documents, including your passport. Take advantage of the provided break to recharge. Minimize distractions during the exam and make full use of the notepad. Finally, prioritize proper capitalization and punctuation for accurate results.

7. Best books for preparation

The Official Guide to PTE Academic offers a comprehensive roadmap to PTE success. Developed by the test creators, this authoritative resource provides in-depth test information, hundreds of practice questions, and expert guidance. Explore the exam format, practice authentic tasks, analyze sample answers, and refine your test-taking strategies. With this book, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to excel on the PTE.

8. Harnessing Data and Psychology for PTE Success

While preparing for the PTE, it’s crucial to recognize that language proficiency is intertwined with human behavior. A Bachelor of Science in Management Psychology can provide valuable insights into communication, interpersonal skills, and understanding different perspectives. Professionals with data science degree in the UAE can help educational institutions and technology institutes to analyze vast amounts of PTE exam data and uncover useful information regarding student performance. This data can help in preparing specialized learning materials, better exam strategies and much more.

With the right strategy and preparation, any candidate can pass the PTE exam with flying colors. With the above tips, you can easily navigate this exam and get admitted to the university of your choice. Best of luck.

Author Bio:

Betsy Thomas, a freelancer by profession but an educator at heart, has always been fascinated by the confluence of teaching and leadership. With a deep passion for education and management, her writings offer insights drawn from rigorous research and a wealth of industry experience. Social Media Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-t-641550294/