We
all want it! The perfect 90! Wouldn’t life be easier if you had a bag of tricks
to perform well on the difficult question types? Yes! But when reality strikes
we can do nothing but keep our fingers crossed. Are you that person? If yes,
let’s see how keeping a few things in check could help you reach your coveted
score.
1.
Taking PTE Off the Cuff:
Native speakers or those who regularly use the language for their everyday
conversation often think that they don’t need to practice for the test as achieving
a perfect score in an English test is a cakewalk. This is huge misconception as
a lot of native speakers actually don’t score well on the PTE Practice Test
because the test not only assesses your English but also your ability to put
critical thinking, or problem-solving skills to work.
2. Studying
Alone: Peaceful surroundings certainly help in
concentrating, but the real PTE centres are NOT free of noise. So, get ready to
give your best even in the noisy environments. If you are someone who can’t
concentrate in groups, join a PTE coaching class <link for BetterThink>.
3. Pacing
Up: Speaking too fast and speaking fluently
DON'T mean the same. You must learn to speak at your natural pace and that
doesn’t mean too slow. Try to make your speech as clear as possible in your
normal tone and pace.
4. Overuse
of Fillers: The test expects you to present
formally. Speaking sentences full of too many 'ah’, ‘um’, ‘like’ or ‘so' or
'you know' would indicate that you are not prepared for the response. Use them
only sparsely. Using them at several places in a sentence would bring down your
score in Fluency.
5. Incomplete
Sentences: Why leave the message half way?
Remember you are being tested and not the other way round. If you realise that you
have forgotten what you had to say, continue any way (to the best of your
abilities).
6. Colloquial
Language: Speak as if you are appearing for an
interview and not as if you are talking to your partner or friend. After all,
it is an academic test.
7. Complicated
Sentences: Jamming a sentence with so many ideas
makes it incomprehensible. Simple, Short and Grammatically Correct sentences
would help you grab your perfect score.
8. Jumping
Straight to Writing: Take some time to plan your essay.
Decide upon the order of ideas as it would keep you away from restarting all
over again.
9. Avoiding
Lexis: Good vocabulary works in your favour.
Vocabulary is one of the enabling skills; so use a variety of academic words
can increase your score. Here is a fine list of academic words to help you get started. Check whether you use
them in your writing or speaking. Also check the word pairs (collocations) and
remember them.
.
Not Using the Preparation Time: You have to learn
how to manage time. Using the preparation time and speaking within the response
time well will only come with regular practice.
Here
is a guide that you can follow:
1.
Assessment:
Get yourself the online mock tests and attempt one or two to know where you
stand. Take TCY’s scored online mock test to know
where you stand.
2.
Practice:
Work on your weak aspects. Some platforms such as TCY even offer item-wise
tests specifically meant to improve your weak areas.
3.
Reassessment:
Once you have practiced, check where you stand and what next you should do to
achieve your target score.
A final word: PTE is not tough
to crack; what you need are the correct strategies.
