Things to keep in mind before appearing in PTE Exam

Taking a step forward towards your dream of studying abroad? Are you done with a thorough study of the per-requisites? Do you know about the English language Proficiency tests you might need to take? Do you know which English language Proficiency test you would need to answer, since there are a number of them? Once you have answers for these questions, you can proceed with test preparation.

If you opt for PTE (after evaluating your needs), here PTE practice test available to get you through the preparation phase:

1. Evaluate yourself and your time: Improvement begins from you but for that you need to know where you stand. Do a comprehensive evaluation of your skills (of course as per your target). This will help you know your strengths and weaknesses. Also, check how much time you can afford to spend to prepare for the test and if that is sufficient according to your evaluation.

2. Find a good English teacher or online preparation course: You might think that you are your best critique but you may not be better than a language expert. Find yourself a good English teacher who would evaluate your skills according to his/her knowledge. You may even consider enrolling in an online preparation course. The teacher or the online course can help you with improving your weak points and strengthening the others. Also, cracking PTE requires practice which is possible through an online course or a classroom program.

3. Make mistakes but never repeat them: Nobody is perfect but perfection is in the essence of learning. Keep a track of your mistakes, go through the list regularly, and TRY NOT TO REPEAT THEM EVER. There are online platforms which use data analytics to bring your strengths and weaknesses to the fore. These, just like a teacher can help you with improving your weak points. However, you would need to practice more and more. Keep assessing your skill level regularly to know where you stand, and what needs to be done next in order to improve.

4. Know the exam format: You do not want it to be a surprise or rather a shock. So, know the test format and know how it will appear on a screen. This is possible only if you attempt practice tests. You need to know a number of things such as:

ş The duration of the test.

ş The division of the test into different sections and tasks.

ş The different task types.

şThe different skills assessed in each task type.


5. Say no to solitude: You won’t be the only person taking the test in the center. Real exam and its preparation are two different things. Get used to chaos and noise. The best way can be to practice in public places such as a cafe. This will not only help you to adapt to the real test environment but also to handle distractions.

6. Pay attention!: If you are not careful, you will loose your chance to crack the exam. It may be due to any reason- you may not hear the beep, alerting you to start speaking; you may miss the words spoken or something else. You need to understand the question as well as the requirements of the answer. Some tips to be followed during the exam are given below:

şRead the instructions: Since PTE is a computer-based test and there is a publicized system of scoring, it is essential to keep note of even the small details of each section and each task such as, in speaking section if you stay silent for more than 3 seconds during an answer, the microphone will switch off automatically.

şDon’t leave questions unanswered: There is no negative marking in the test except in ‘Multiple-choice, choose multiple answers’ and ‘Highlight incorrect words’ where 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect option. So, don’t leave the other questions unanswered.
Speak at your normal pace and natural accent: The test is not to evaluate how well you imitate but to evaluate how well you understand and repeat. So, do it your way.

şPrepare your personal interview: Time is limited and this will help you in reaching your dream place. So, prepare for it.
Reach at least 30 minutes before the test: There are a number of formalities such as to pass security and get the documentation check done, so it is advisable to reach early. And don’t forget to take your acceptable ID.

It might appear at instances that taking this test is simple. Yes, it is but only if you know ‘how?’. Consider everything discussed above and then see if you are ready to sit the exam. Confidence is must but do not get trapped in over-confidence. Choose a date wisely when you and your teacher think you are prepared enough. And do not confuse yourself with your weaknesses, make your strengths speak.