The Pearson Test of English is a popular computer-based English proficiency test for non-native speakers. It contains various sections and tasks that evaluate a candidate’s level of proficiency in English. One of the key tasks students often feel overwhelmed about is the ‘Read Aloud.’ As the name suggests, you read a given passage out loud to show your fluency and pronunciation.
While this may sound simple, it can be tough when you’re in the spot. You may stutter, skip words, or overemphasise, and lose marks. That’s why practice is key in tasks such as these. Here’s a quick guide we curated to help you with this crucial task in the PTE exam.
First things first—
Understanding the ‘Read Aloud’ Task:
In the Read Aloud section, they give you a brief 40- to 60-word text to review for thirty seconds. Then, when the recording starts, you must read it aloud within the time limit. This task assesses your pronunciation, fluency, and ability to read effectively.
Scoring Criteria:
- How accurately you can read the text without omitting or altering words.
- The clarity and correctness of your spoken words.
- The rhythm, speed, and smoothness of your delivery.
Challenges You May Face:
Many candidates struggle with the Read Aloud task due to various reasons. Some common ones include –
- Time Pressure: When you are asked to perform in a certain time limit, you will naturally feel stressed and nervous.
- Pronunciation Errors: Candidates with a limited word bank often mispronounce unfamiliar words, losing marks ultimately.
- Anxious Attempts: Anxiety is common when appearing for important exams, but it can be a problem when it overwhelms you. It causes unnatural pauses in your speech, affecting fluency.
- Stuttered Speech: Lack of practice can make you stutter when speaking loud, and this may affect your speech clarity.
The solution to all these challenges is PRACTICE. If you can commit yourself to reading texts aloud every day until the actual exam, you will be able to avoid most of the problems successfully.
Expert Tips to Excel in the ‘Read Aloud’ Section:
The following tips have been used by PTE candidates across the world for years, and they have proven to be quite effective. Try them consistently for a period of time to see significant results.
1. Enrich your pronunciation
The first thing anyone will notice when you are speaking is your pronunciation. That is why this has to be the area you work on the most. Here are some ways you can practice accurate pronunciation.
- Listen and Mimic Natives – Put on a movie or a TV show and listen to their dialogues with keen attention. Then, mimic their speech immediately after them.
- Learn Phonetics – This may sound too technical for some, but it can help you to understand the right pronunciation, even for unfamiliar words.
- Practice Word Stress – One common mistake people make when speaking in English is stressing the wrong syllables. Make sure you avoid it with enough practice. For example, in the word ‘comfortable,’ the stress is on the first syllable (COM-fort-able) not on the second or third syllable.
2. Improve Oral Fluency
Fluency does not mean speaking fast, but speaking clearly and smoothly. Maintain a moderate pace while ensuring clarity and conciseness. You must also learn to overcome hesitation and unnecessary pauses. Practice speaking continuously, even when you are unsure of a word or a phrase.
3. Preparation techniques
Using the thirty to forty seconds of preparation given in the exam is crucial. Try the following three steps to make the best use of your time.
- Scan for difficult words.
- Make note of the context of the text.
- Divide the text into meaningful sections, making it easier to read.
These steps will help you read clearly and fluently when the recording begins. However, make sure to use this format even during your practice at home. The more you practice, the easier it will be.
4. Stick to regular practice
Consistency is key when it comes to exams like PTE. Even skipping a day of practice will clearly reflect in your speech, so make sure to stick to your practice. Here’s how you can get ready:
- Record your practice sessions and listen to them.
- Save previous recordings to track and estimate your progress.
- Use online tools and apps to try ‘Read Aloud’ exercises.
- Practice with various materials (news articles, academic journals, etc.)
Final Word:
The Read Aloud task in PTE Academic is a key component of the speaking module. To ace it, you need to master pronunciation, fluency, and clarity.
The above tips and techniques will help you to a great extent. If you need more expert guidance, feel free to contact our team at English Wise. We have guided thousands of candidates over the years, and we are confident that we can help you, too.
