The PTE exam is a little challenging, and it’s common to make mistakes when studying. Although everyone makes mistakes, you should make an effort to avoid repeating them. Let’s talk about the typical errors that PTE test-takers make. This will assist you in understanding how to prepare and execute successfully.
Many PTE Academic applicants question why, despite their best efforts, they received lower exam scores. It has been observed that PTE Academic exam takers frequently make the same errors.
The reason could be –
- Inadequate planning.
- Ineffective time management.
- Disregarding appropriate guidance.
- Wasting time attempting to comprehend directions.
- Making spelling and grammar mistakes in written assignments.
Working on these points helps remove the negative points and increases the chances of securing a good PTE score.
Common Mistakes made by PTE test-takers
1. Studying without a plan is the first mistake.
To raise their PTE score, some applicants simply keep taking practice exams, believing that this will be sufficient. By doing this, you will continue to make the same mistakes without getting better. You must create a thorough plan and adhere to a set timetable when getting ready for the PTE. Make weekly goals for yourself and study in a way that is more detailed, and then appear for mock tests.
2. Fluent is not always fast.
Because they are confused about the speed required for fluency, some test participants strive to talk too quickly. This affects the fluency ratings. Speaking too quickly impairs clarity and fluidity. Therefore, you must talk at a pace that is neither too fast nor too slow. Try to keep your typical pace during the entire speaking portion.
3. Filler sounds
Candidates frequently use filler sounds like”Uhm,” etc., when they are trying to think of something to say. This has an impact on your speaking part score. By creating clear speaking templates (including how to begin and end sentences), you may prevent this. Speaking without these empty words or noises gets easier the more you practice using a template.
4. Using the preposition “About” excessively
The maximum PTE test taker makes this error. They follow verbs with the wrong words, far too frequently. They receive a worse grade on the test as a result of this careless language error. Candidates often use the incorrect tense while answering. Using incorrect tenses is one example. Points are lost as a result.
5. Avoid hesitations, repeats, and false starts
False starts have a detrimental effect on your Speaking score. Additionally, it is best to refrain from repeating words or hesitating to speak. Almost all test-takers make this typical error. You must prepare a lot before the actual test day in order to prevent this.
You should be aware that the microphone in the PTE Speaking Module will automatically turn off after three seconds of silence. Even if you continue talking after that, it won’t be captured. When taking the speaking portion of the PTE exam, keep this in mind.
6. In the PTE Summarise Written Text task, write just one sentence.
When writing more than one sentence in the PTE Summarise Written Text task, many applicants lose points as the response is supposed to be short and precise. Only one sentence with a capital letter at the beginning and a complete stop at the conclusion should be written. But if necessary, you can utilise connecting terms. Candidates may use more than one sentence to finish their summary in response to Summarise Spoken Text questions.
7. Composing without understanding the word limit
When writing essays or summarising written texts, for example, don’t go above the word limit. When writing essays, limit your work to 200–300 words. A lower PTE score will result from writing more or less than the allotted word count.
8. Steer clear of colloquial language
The PTE Academic Test will not accept informal, casual language. As the test is intended for students who wish to enter academic environments overseas, it expects you to utilise formal, academic language. Make use of sophisticated vocabulary and organise your responses well.
9. Arrange Ideas Before Speaking
Steer clear of the “stopping and starting” speech pattern. You are expected to finish each statement while speaking on the PTE. Thus, arrange your ideas and thoughts before responding.
Tips for each section of the PTE to avoid making mistakes
PTE Speaking Section
- Continue speaking even if you make any mistakes. Correcting it later will have an impact on your grades.
- Pronunciation, intonation, and oral fluency are more significant than your accent.
- Don’t hurry. For your content to be easily comprehended, keep your pace and tone natural.
- Wait until the microphone opens before speaking.
- It is essential to pay attention to all of the points, connections, implications, and conclusions in the Describe the Image and Retell lecture. They ought to be thoroughly explained.
- Part answers and misspelt words should be avoided in short answer questions.
- The microphone will automatically close if you pause for longer than three seconds.
PTE Writing Section
- Verify spelling, grammar, punctuation, task response, coherence and cohesiveness, linguistic range, written discourse, and vocabulary because they are crucial.
- Don’t write more than one sentence when summarising written text assignments, and make sure the sentence ends with a complete stop.
- Don’t repeat the words. Both synonyms and paraphrases are acceptable.
- Remember the time and word restrictions.
PTE Reading Section
- Avoid becoming upset over unfamiliar terms. Attempt to deduce the word’s meaning from the sentence’s content.
- Answer the multiple-choice questions carefully because selecting more than one response will result in a lower score. If you choose the wrong option, you will be penalised.
- Remove the choice that contains grammatically incorrect or illogical terms from the fill-in-the-blanks activities.
- Before answering either of the multiple-choice questions, do not read the passage. Instead, use the Scan and Skim techniques after reading the question.
PTE Listening Section
- There will only be one playback of the recording. Thus, pay attention when you listen.
- Don’t go above the word limit.
- Pay attention to the “Time remaining.”
- Verify the spelling, grammar, vocabulary, form, and content.
- Avoid trying to read while listening to Emphasise Accurate Synopsis
- Be sure to remove any inaccurate or missing information.
- As you listen, focus on the key elements.
Conclusion
The last piece of advice is to ensure that you fully comprehend the PTE format before entering the testing facility. Create a solid plan for each question type that you can apply to the PTE exam. Try to stay away from these errors if you want to receive a flawless PTE score. Use online sample questions or PTE preparation apps to get a lot of practice. With Englishwise by your side, you can be ready for everything as we help you with the right test-cracking strategies. The tips mentioned by our trainers boost your confidence on exam day, which will improve your performance. Connect with us soon!
