PTE Academic Test Tip of the Week

Copy the stress and intonation patterns of the sentence you hear

2010-11-15T09:00:00.001Z

SPEAKING: Repeat sentence

Make a mental note of the way the speaker uses stress and intonation on the recording. These patterns help to convey the meaning. Speak calmly and clearly, copying this stress and intonation.

Remember to check grammar, spelling and punctuation

2010-11-08T09:00:00.000Z

LISTENING: Summarize spoken text

In your 50-70 word summary, you will be scored on the enabling skills of grammar, spelling and vocabulary. So leave yourself 1-2 minutes after you have written your summary to check your sentences for things like subject/verb agreement, tenses and word order.

Use grammatical structures that you can use confidently, and words that you are sure you have spelled correctly. Finally, check for punctuation: check full stops and commas, and make sure you have begun each sentence with a capital letter.

Note any repeated words in the options

2010-11-02T17:44:00.000Z

READING: Multiple choice, choose multiple answers

Quickly read through the response options and note any words that are repeated, particularly adjectives (e.g., ‘multigrade’) or nouns (e.g., ‘classes’). If the same noun phrase occurs in a lot of the options, the answer is probably related to this phrase.

Scan the text for the repeated words. Then read around them to find the answer more quickly.

Analyze the essay prompt so you know how to answer

2010-10-25T09:00:00.003+01:00

WRITING: Write essay

Essay prompts can be written in a number of ways. For example:

You may need to discuss whether you agree or disagree with a statement.

You may have to consider how different groups of people might feel about a particular situation.

You may need to argue for and against an opinion or discuss advantages and disadvantages of a situation.

If there is a statement followed by a question, read the question very carefully and note key words. Make sure you know what to do.

Listen to the phrasing of the sentence as it is read aloud

2010-10-11T09:00:00.000+01:00

SPEAKING: Repeat sentence

You will be scored on the correct word sequences that you produce for this item type, so the more phrases you understand, the better your reproduction of the sentence will be.

If you listen for meaningful phrases in the sentence, you will have a better chance of repeating what you hear accurately.

Make sure you summarize the main point and include the supporting points

2010-10-04T09:00:00.001+01:00

LISTENING: Summarize spoken text

When you take notes using an erasable noteboard booklet, whilst you listen to the recording, make sure you note down the supporting points as well as the main idea. From your notes, you can then summarize the main point and refer briefly to the essential supporting points.

Make sure you know how the task is scored

2010-09-27T09:00:00.002+01:00

READING: Multiple choice, choose multiple answers

Read the instructions carefully. Remember that more than one option is correct in this type of multiple choice item.

You will score marks for any correct options but you will lose score points for any incorrect options; these include:
• options that you have clicked on as correct but which are wrong
• options that are correct but that you have not clicked on

If you click on all the options, because you do not know the answer, you will lose score points. This applies to Multiple choice, choose multiple answers item types for reading and listening.

Note the key words in the prompt before you read the text

2010-09-20T09:00:00.004+01:00

READING: Multiple choice, choose single answer

The prompt for this item type may be a question or a sentence that you have to complete. Whatever type of prompt you get, read it carefully because it will tell you what information you need to find in the text.

If you focus on the key words in the prompt, you will find the answer more quickly and spend less time reading the text. This strategy also applies to multiple-choice questions with more than one answer.

Start by analyzing the task

2010-09-13T09:00:00.000+01:00

WRITING: Write essay

Before you write anything, note key words in the prompt. Find out the topic, what key points you should focus on to answer the question and any points of view to present and discuss.

Analyzing these four areas will help you to approach the task, structure your essay and decide on your main ideas.

The content of your answer is very important. If you do not write about the topic in the prompt, you will receive no score points at all for this item type.

Make sure your response is in the correct form

2010-08-30T09:00:00.000+01:00

WRITING: Summarize written text

When you have written your response, check to make sure that it is only one sentence, with a capital letter at the beginning and only one full stop at the end.

Your response must be between 5 and 30 words so check the word count using the ‘Total Word Count’ counter below the response box. If you write fewer than five words or more than 30 words, your response will not be scored:

Do not pause for too long when you answer the question

2010-08-23T09:00:00.000+01:00

SPEAKING: Answer short question
You hear a short question and then the recording status box will change to recording:

Start your answer as soon as this happens. If you wait for more than 3 seconds, recording will stop and the item status will change to ‘completed’, which means that you have lost your chance to give your answer.

When you have started talking, don’t stop for more than a second or two until you have finished. If you stop for 3 seconds whilst speaking, the recording status will change to ‘completed’ even if you haven’t finished, and you won’t be able to continue answering:

If the status changes to ‘completed’, you have to click ‘Next’ to move on to the next item. This also applies to speaking item types Read aloud, Repeat sentence, Describe image and Re-tell lecture.

Make good use of the image to predict the topic of the lecture

2010-08-09T09:00:00.003+01:00

SPEAKING: Re-tell lecture
You have 3 seconds before you listen to the recording to quickly look at the image on the screen. Use this time to think about the vocabulary you might hear. This will give you an idea of the topic of the lecture and help you predict what you will hear when the recording begins:

Focus on the main information in the image

2010-07-26T09:00:00.001+01:00

(SPEAKING: Describe image)When you look at the image ask yourself ‘‘What is the main idea being shown by the image?’’ and ‘‘What are the details relating to the main ideas?’’. Use your erasable noteboard booklet to note down key ideas and phrases that relate to the main information and the explanatory details. These can be put into sentences when you start to speak:

Listen to the phrasing of the sentence as it is read aloud

2010-07-19T09:00:00.000+01:00

(Speaking: Repeat sentence)
You will be scored on the correct word sequences that you produce for this item type, so the more phrases you understand, the better your reproduction of the sentence will be. For example, there are three phrases in this sentence, separated by /, and each one carries a separate message that has its own meaning:

If you listen for meaningful phrases in the sentence, you will have a better chance of repeating what you hear accurately.

Use punctuation to help you decide where to pause when you read

2010-07-12T09:00:00.015+01:00

(Speaking: Read aloud)
You have 30-40 seconds to look at the text before the microphone opens, so use this time to break the text up into meaningful chunks, using the punctuation as a guide. This will show you the places where you can make a tiny pause and alter your intonation – going up when you begin reading a chunk and falling a little when you end a chunk.

Using appropriate pausing helps you to read more fluently and give the full meaning of the text. This will improve your score. Look at where the pauses / are indicated in the example:

30 Prepare, Practice, Perform!

2010-07-05T09:00:00.002+01:00

Before you take PTE Academic, we encourage you to use the valuable Learning Resources available through the PTE Academic website to ensure your success. There are several key ones to help you prepare and practice for PTE Academic:

PTE Academic Tutorial – in this free tutorial you can become familiar with the screen format, the parts of the test, and how to respond to tasks
The Official Guide to PTE Academic– purchase the guide to review and practice all the item types, the subskills tested, and understand how responses are scored
Skills pod for PTE Academic – this free web tool directs you to over 90 on and offline resources to help you develop the subskills tested in PTE Academic
Unscored Practice Test – take an unscored practice test and review the feedback (free when you register for PTE Academic)
Scored Practice Test – purchase and take a scored practice test to find out if you are ready to take PTE Academic.

29 When you take the test, try to keep your stress levels low

2010-06-28T09:00:00.002+01:00

On the day of the test, stay calm. Try to get a good sleep the night before your test. Make sure you get directions to the test center, so that you don’t become worried about getting lost or being late. If you are well prepared and calm, you will be able to do your best.

28 Take a break during the test if you wish to

2010-06-21T09:00:00.001+01:00

During the test there is one optional 10-minute break, which you can take after you have completed Part 2 of the test (Reading). Consider taking a break at this time so that you can return fresh and ready to complete the final part of the test.

27 When writing responses, make sure the Caps Lock on the keyboard is OFF

2010-06-14T09:00:00.000+01:00

Your written responses should be in correct English and also in the correct form. Writing responses all in capital letters is inappropriate for the test. Use capitals for the beginning of a sentence and for names. Check all the punctuation when you edit your response, including commas.

26 Be aware of how much time you have remaining for each section

2010-06-07T09:00:00.003+01:00

The timer in the upper right-hand corner of the screen shows the time remaining for the section you are working on.

A counter in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen shows the item you are doing and the total number of items in the section.

You need to keep track of how much time is available for the section and keep moving through the items using the “Next” button.

25 Be prepared for several items of the same type to follow each other

2010-05-31T09:00:00.002+01:00

Remember that there are often several of each item type in the test but the number varies. For example, in Re-order paragraphs, there will be two or three of these items. In Read aloud, there will be six or seven of these items.

Different combinations of items will occur in the test. For example, in the Writing part, you may have to respond to two or three Summarize written text tasks with one or two Write essay tasks. The document Skills and Scoring in PTE Academic has information about how many of each item type there might be.

24 Remember that you have plenty of time to speak

2010-05-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

In Speaking item types, you will be aware of the recording timer bar moving as you speak, but don’t worry about it. You have plenty of time to respond to the task if you speak at a normal pace. Once you have finished and the Recorded Answer status changes to “Completed”, click on “Next” to move on to the next item.

23 Make sure your written responses are in the correct form

2010-05-17T11:49:00.000+01:00

Check the form your response should take. When you are asked to write a one sentence summary in Summarize written text, do not use two sentences. Check the word count for the responses to the items and do not write more or fewer words than you should. For example, Summarize spoken text asks you to write 50 to 70 words, so keep your response within these limits.

22 Be ready to speak when you see the status change to “Recording”

2010-05-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

Speaking item types that give you time for preparation have a tone that signals when to speak (e.g. Read aloud, Describe image, and Retell lecture). Be ready to speak when you hear the tone. Other Speaking items require an immediate response and have no tone (e.g. Repeat sentence and Answer short question).

For all items, begin to speak when you see the Recorded Answer status change to “Recording”, but don’t speak before it changes or some of what you say will be missed.

21 Make good use of the time available before each audio item

2010-05-03T09:00:00.001+01:00

The time available before each audio item begins varies, but make sure you use this time well.

For example, in Summarize spoken text, use the 12 seconds before the short lecture begins, be ready to take notes on the Erasable Noteboard Booklet as soon as the lecture starts. The audio status counts down so you know when the lecture will begin.

In Read aloud, use the time before recording begins to read the text aloud for yourself, so that you have practiced it before the microphone opens and recording begins.

In Multiple choice, choose multiple answers, read through the text of the question and the answer options and think what they mean so you know what to listen for.

20 Read the essay topic carefully

2010-04-26T09:00:00.002+01:00

In Write essay, read the essay prompt carefully so that you know exactly what you have to do. For example, if you are asked to write an essay about the environment, don’t write about sport. If the essay prompt asks you to agree or disagree with a statement, your score will be affected if you do not say whether you agree or disagree. If the essay prompt asks you to describe a situation, you will lose score points if you write about the situation’s advantages and disadvantages but do not describe it.

19 Take notes of the key words only

2010-04-19T09:00:00.000+01:00

When you listen and take notes using the Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen, focus on the key words. You won’t have time to write down every word you hear, or to write complete sentences. If you quickly note just the key words of the main points, your notes will be more helpful.

18 Be ready to respond as you listen to audio text

2010-04-12T09:00:00.002+01:00

If you have to click or type while listening or immediately after listening, position the cursor in the response box or at the beginning of the text so that you are ready to click or type when the item starts.

For example, in Highlight incorrect words, follow what you hear with the cursor so you are ready to click on the words you hear that are different.

17 Be ready to take notes using the Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen

2010-04-05T09:00:00.002+01:00

Your notes will help you respond to many items including Re-tell lecture and Summarize spoken text. For items where you need to make notes, there is often only a short time before the audio begins, so when you come to an item like this, have the pen in your hand and be ready to write using the Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen provided.

When you see the audio status box counting down, have your pen ready to begin taking notes as soon as the Status changes to ‘Playing’:

16 Make good use of your time when doing writing tasks

2010-03-29T09:00:00.003+01:00

When you have to write a response, for example in Write essay, check how much time you have and decide how much time you will use for planning, writing, and revising your response.

Use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen to note your ideas and organize your response.

Check your plan as you write to make sure you have answered the entire question.

Be aware of the timer and make sure you leave some time to read through and edit your response. The timer in the upper right-hand corner of the screen will count down from 20 minutes in Write essay and from 10 minutes in Summarize written text.

15 Adjust the audio volume control

2010-03-22T09:00:00.003Z

The volume control is in the audio status box. Move the slider with your mouse to increase or decrease the volume as you listen, if you need to.

14 Use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen to make notes

2010-03-15T09:00:00.000Z

When you take the test, an Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen are provided for you to make notes. Each recording is played only once for any item, so your notes will help you remember what is said. For example, in Summarize spoken test, take notes while you are listening to the lecture and then use your notes as a quide when you are summarizing the lecture you have heard.

You can also use the Erasable Noteboard Booklet and pen to plan your essay in Write essay.

13 Remember that the instructions can help you respond to the task

2010-03-08T09:00:00.000Z

Key words in the instructions help you to respond to each item. For example, in Multiple choice, choose multiple answers, if you read the prompt carefully, this will help you to know what to read for:

‘According to the text, which of the following statements can be concluded about primary classes in the Turks and Caicos Islands?’

In Select missing word, the first sentence of the instructions describes the topic of the recording. Knowing the subject of the recording helps you prepare for what you will hear:

‘You will hear a recording about medicine. At the end of the recording the last word or group of words has been replaced by a beep. Select the correct option to complete the recording.’

12 Speak naturally into the microphone

2010-03-01T09:00:00.001Z

Before you speak, take a calming breath. Speak at normal speed; you have plenty of time to respond so you don’t have to rush. Speak at normal volume, neither too softly nor too loudly. Keep speaking; if you remain silent for more than three seconds, the microphone will close and stop recording your response.

11 Prepare for the Personal introduction at the start of the test

2010-02-22T09:00:00.006Z

Your response in the Personal introduction section of the test gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to institutions. It is not scored, but is an additional security feature and offers some impression of you to institutions you select to receive your score report.

You have 25 seconds to read the prompt and 30 seconds to give your response.

You cannot re-record the introduction, so think about what you will say.

You could talk about things that interest you, or your study plans for the future, or what you want to do at the end of your studies. If you prepare for the Personal introduction, you will feel more confident when you start the test.

10 Remember to use the “Next” button to move on to the following question

2010-02-15T09:00:00.009Z

When you have finished an item, click on the “Next” button at the bottom of the screen to move to the next item. You can also use a keyboard shortcut, Ctrl-N, to move to the next item.
You can change your response while you are still working on an item, but once you have clicked on “Next”, your response is fixed. You cannot go back to a previous item.

9 Be familiar with the instructions for different item types

2010-02-08T09:00:00.019Z

There are 20 different types of item in PTE Academic. Each item type has its own instructions, so it’s a good idea to practice the item types so that you don’t waste time during the test working out what to do. The instructions are in bold and given at the top of the screen.

The instructions for each item type are given in the PTE Academic Tutorial and the Official Guide to PTE Academic.

You can practice the items by taking one of the scored or unscored practice tests online and by using the interactive the Official Guide to PTE Academic CD-ROM which contains over 200 items for practice.

8 Practice writing on screen, as well as dragging and dropping

2010-02-01T09:00:00.006Z

In some item types, such as Write essay or Summarize spoken text, you have to write your answer in a box.

In others, such as Fill in the blanks, you have to drag and drop words.

In Re-order paragraphs, you have to drag and drop whole paragraphs.

7 For some tasks, remember that you must click on the answer

2010-01-25T09:00:00.020Z

For some item types you answer by clicking on words

or checkboxes

or radio buttons

You can change your response by clicking on a different answer, but only up until you move to the next item. You cannot return to an item and click on a different answer.

6 Become familiar with the screen format for typed responses

2010-01-18T09:00:00.010Z

When you have to type your response for item types such as Write essay or Summarize spoken text, there is a box on the screen for you to type in.

To edit your response, you can cut, copy and paste text using the ‘Cut’, ‘Copy’ and ‘Paste’ buttons below the writing box.

While you write, the ‘Total Word Count’ at the bottom of the screen shows the number of words you have written.

5 Make sure you can use a QWERTY keyboard

2010-01-11T09:00:00.002Z

Practice on a QWERTY keyboard as this is what you will use in the test. To see why it is called a QWERTY keyboard, look at the image below for the layout of the top row of keys!

4. Become familiar with the audio and recording status boxes

2010-01-04T04:30:00.000Z

The audio and recording status boxes have important information for you.

Audio status box

When you are going to listen to audio text, the audio status box shows the time before an audio item begins.

Then the blue bar moves as the audio is playing.

Finally the box shows that the audio text is complete.

The audio status box also has a volume control.

Recording status box

The recording status box first shows how much time there is before the microphone opens.

The blue recording bar moves as you record your response.

Finally the box shows that the recording time is complete.

3. Become familiar with the screen format of PTE Academic

2009-12-21T12:30:00.001Z

PTE Academic is delivered on a computer and the screen format shows important information as you take the test.

The screen always shows the instructions for the task and the content of the task as necessary.

The time remaining for the section is shown in the upper right corner of the screen.

The item you are doing and how many items left for the section is shown in the bottom right corner of the screen.

2. Find out the meaning of phrases relevant to PTE Academic

2009-12-14T17:36:00.001Z

For example, information about PTE Academic uses the term ‘item type’. An ‘item’ means the whole test task and includes the instructions, the content, what you have to do to respond and how your response is scored. An ‘item type’ is a particular kind of item such as Multiple choice: choose single answer, or Read aloud, or Write essay, and there 20 different item types in the test.

You can see the format of the screen for different item types in the PTE Academic Tutorial.

You will find the meaning of words used in information about PTE Academic in the Glossary of The Official Guide to PTE Academic.

1. Find out what you will have to do in PTE Academic

2009-12-02T12:43:00.000Z

Use The Official Guide to PTE Academic and the PTE Academic Tutorial to see what the test requires you to do.

You can also take a scored practice test to see if you are ready to take the test.

Become familiar with the parts of the test. PTE Academic has three parts and sections within those parts.