The first part of the test will evaluate your PTE Speaking and Writing skills ; this section is approximately of 75-95 minutes. It evaluates your English Language proficiency in an academic environment..
The speaking module of the PTE exam will test you on how well you can listen, speak and write. Thus, you need to be focused with utmost attention while reading, listening, writing and speaking the answers to the questions asked.
Your speaking proficiency will be judged by 5 different categories of questions that range from repeating the sentence given to answers the questions asked to summarizing the passages you listen. The speaking section begins with Personal Introduction, here you are expected to introduce yourself, but this part of the tests is not assessed. Alert : You must ensure that your response is recorded before the “progress bar” reaches to the end. Please note that if you stay silent for more than three seconds of time, the recording automatically stops and you will end up losing points.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Speaking section assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English through tasks like Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image, Retell Lecture, and Answer Short Questions. Here are the latest tips to excel in the PTE Speaking test, based on current trends and preparation strategies:
- Focus on Fluency and Pronunciation:
- Speak Naturally: Aim for a smooth, conversational pace without long pauses or hesitations. Fluency is prioritized over speed, so maintain a steady rhythm.
- Work on Pronunciation: Ensure words are clear and intelligible, even with your natural accent. Practice pronouncing common academic words and phrases. Use tools like online dictionaries (e.g., Cambridge or Merriam-Webster) to hear correct pronunciations.
- Avoid Filler Words: Minimize “um,” “uh,” or unnecessary repetitions, as these can lower your fluency score. Practice pausing briefly to gather thoughts instead.
- Master Task-Specific Strategies:
- Read Aloud:
- Preview the text during the preparation time to identify difficult words or punctuation. Read with appropriate intonation and stress, mimicking a native speaker’s rhythm.
- Practice reading academic texts aloud to improve clarity and pacing.
- Repeat Sentence:
- Listen carefully and focus on key words to recall the sentence accurately. Don’t mimic the speaker’s accent, but replicate their stress and intonation.
- Practice with short audio clips or PTE-specific apps to enhance memory retention. Posts on X emphasize practicing with mock tests to boost scores.
- Describe Image:
- Use a structured template: Start with an overview (e.g., “This image shows…”), describe key elements (e.g., trends, comparisons), and conclude briefly.
- Stick to 40 seconds, covering 3-4 main points concisely. Avoid over-explaining or using filler words. Practice with charts, graphs, and images.
- Retell Lecture:
- Take brief notes during the lecture, focusing on main ideas, keywords, and examples. Summarize in your own words, aiming for 50-70 words in 40 seconds.
- Practice summarizing TED Talks or academic podcasts to improve listening and summarizing skills.
- Answer Short Questions:
- Respond concisely with one or two words, ensuring clarity. Avoid overthinking or adding unnecessary details.
- Practice general knowledge questions to build quick response reflexes.
- Read Aloud:
- Leverage Practice Resources:
- Use official PTE preparation materials, including scored practice tests, to gauge your performance and identify weaknesses. Pearson offers demos and guides for task formats.
- Invest in PTE-specific apps or online platforms for mock tests and real-time feedback.
- Record yourself speaking and review for fluency, pronunciation, and errors. Compare with sample high-scoring responses available on Pearson’s website.
- Improve Time Management:
- Practice under timed conditions to simulate the test environment. Each task has strict time limits (e.g., 40 seconds for Describe Image, 10 seconds for Repeat Sentence).
- Use a stopwatch during practice to ensure you stay within time limits while covering key points.
- During the test, don’t dwell on mistakes—move on quickly to maintain confidence and focus.
- Enhance Vocabulary and Grammar:
- Build a bank of academic and general vocabulary relevant to common PTE topics (e.g., education, environment, technology). Use synonyms to avoid repetition.
- Practice complex sentence structures to demonstrate language range, but ensure accuracy. Grammatical errors can lower your score.
- Read articles from sources like BBC, The Guardian, or academic journals to expose yourself to varied vocabulary and sentence patterns.
- Optimize Your Test Environment:
- Ensure a quiet, distraction-free space, especially for online proctored tests. Use a high-quality headset with a clear microphone to avoid technical issues.
- Test your equipment (webcam, microphone, internet) beforehand, as advised by Pearson for online testing. A stable connection with 6 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload is recommended.
- Speak at a moderate volume, as the AI scoring system evaluates clarity and loudness.
- Build Confidence with Regular Practice:
- Practice speaking daily with native speakers, language partners, or tutors to improve fluency and reduce anxiety. Platforms like freeptetest or language exchange apps can help.
- Simulate test conditions by practicing in front of a computer, as PTE Academic is fully computer-based, which suits introverts who may feel less nervous without human examiners.
- Stay calm on test day. Familiarize yourself with the test center or online proctoring process to reduce stress. Pearson’s “What to Expect” guide can help.
- Understand AI Scoring:
- PTE uses AI to score speaking tasks, focusing on fluency, pronunciation, and content accuracy. Ensure responses are relevant and complete, as partial answers score lower.
- Avoid memorizing responses, as AI detects unnatural or rehearsed speech. Focus on understanding task requirements and responding authentically.
These tips, grounded in recent insights and official resources, can help you maximize your PTE Speaking score. Consistent practice, familiarity with the test format, and confidence in your preparation are key to success. For additional resources, visit Pearson’s official site (www.pearsonpte.com) or explore PTE practice platforms.
PTE Speaking Section has 5 Tasks:
Task 1: PTE Read Aloud
Task 2: PTE Repeat Sentence
Task 3: PTE describe Image
Task 4: PTE Re-tell lecture
Task 5: PTE Answer Short Question
Task 1: PTE Read Aloud
Candidates need to read the content given on the screen aloud.
Click Here for More PTE Speaking Read Aloud Samples
Task 2: PTE Repeat Sentence
You will hear a sentence.Please repeat the sentence exactly as you hear it. You will hear the sentence only once.
Task 3: PTE Describe Image
Task 4: PTE Re-tell lecture
PTE Re-Tell lecture Sample 1: | PTE Re-Tell lecture Sample 2: |
PTE Re-Tell lecture Sample 3: | PTE Re-Tell lecture Sample 4: |
PTE Re-Tell lecture Sample 5: | PTE Re-Tell lecture Sample 6: |
Task 5: Answer Short Question