Do you often dream about studying or working abroad? While you have all the right skills and qualifications to lift your chances, passing an English Proficiency test is a requirement. Out of all the tests available, a Pearson Test of English (Academic) is a widely known test that every university or corporate company demands for accepting foreign applicants.
While this English test contains different sections, its speaking section is a bit challenging. Many test takers find themselves unable to speak fluently and to the point. This can happen with exam pressure or lack of preparation in managing the timeframe.
If you are considering EnglishWise PTE in Sydney, this blog will guide you through tips and strategies to avoid common mistakes in the PTE speaking section to excel in your career.
1. Mispronunciation
Frequent Mistake:
A pronunciation mistake is quite common in the PTE speaking section. More so as most of us have a habit of reading sentences or new words without understanding how to read it correctly. We either often skip it completely or do not practise remembering the right accent which leads us to uttering words in the wrong way.
How to Avoid:
- Practice Consistently
Whenever you read any new or complicated word that is difficult to pronounce easily, look for its pronounciation through Wikipedia. Plus, consider taking pronounciation exercises from a reputed coaching institute’s mock tests to get a clear idea.
Alternatively, you can use online pronounciation apps or websites to hear the right pronounciation and practise the same accordingly.
- Listen and Repeat:
Watch English videos, TV shows, and movies to make yourself familiar with new terms and their accents. This will largely boost your preparation for PTE in Sydney. Repeat each phrase or word after listening to it to improve your pronunciation more effectively.
- Phonetic Transcriptions:
Learn phonetic symbols and transcriptions to understand how words should sound.
2. Incorrect Pacing
Frequent Mistake:
Speaking too quickly or too slowly can affect your score. Rapid speech may lead to unclear pronunciation and missed words, while slow speech can make you seem uncertain and disrupt fluency.
How to Avoid:
- Find a Balanced Pace:
If speaking too quickly or too slowly is inconvenient for the computer to record your sentences when speaking, then it is best to achieve a balanced pace. To be specific, practice speaking words clearly while taking a pause to make others understand what you are saying. This should also mean that you are understanding how words are articulating and you are speaking in the right tone.
- Practice with a Timer:
Use a timer to simulate the PTE online test environment. This will make you get used to speaking within a specific time frame without rushing or dragging your speech.
3. Lack of Fluency
Frequent Mistake:
When you are unable to get the right words out of your mouth while speaking, you unknowingly lack fluency. Words like “um”, “uh”, or long pauses can break the sentences and flow, distract you from speaking the next words, and can be really confusing.
How to Avoid:
- Preparation:
Familiarise yourself with common topics and practise speaking about them. This preparation will reduce the need for fillers and hesitations.
- Pause Strategically:
Build your confidence with practising speaking in full length sentences. Pause any sentence naturally instead of pressuring yourself to pause after every single sentence.
- Practise Spontaneous Speaking:
Consider talking about any topic or subject of your choice in English with your friend or mentor. You can even practise speaking exercises of a reputable coaching that enrols students for PTE online preparation. They usually have impromptu exercises where you can think on your own feet and build much confidence.
4. Inadequate Response Length
Frequent Mistake:
Responding while also cutting the sentences to short can be a big reason behind the low score. While short answers may not fully address the question, overly long answers will look like you are rambling answers without being clear on the main idea.
How to Avoid:
- Structure Your Response:
Before speaking, think and structure how you will respond. You might not have all the time to think about all the points, so focus only on the main ones and organise them. The trick is to write main ideas while listening on a paper and organise the right flow to save your time.
- Practise Balanced Responses:
Aim for responses that are short, clear, and comprehensive. Practise speaking about topics within a reasonable timeframe to get a sense of appropriate response lengths.
5. Ignoring Pronunciation of Intonation and Stress
Frequent Mistake:
Monotone speech or incorrect intonation and stress can make your speech sound unnatural and difficult to understand.
How to Avoid:
- Learn Intonation Patterns:
Pay attention to the natural rise and fall of speech in English. Practice intonation patterns by mimicking native speakers.
- Stress Important Words:
Emphasise key words in your sentences to convey the correct meaning and add variety to your speech.
6. Poor Grammar and Sentence Structure
Frequent Mistake:
Using incorrect grammar or forming awkward sentences can negatively impact your PTE online score.
How to Avoid:
- Study Grammar Rules:
Review basic grammar rules and ensure you understand how to construct sentences correctly.
- Practice Speaking in Full Sentences:
Avoid fragmented responses. Practice speaking in complete sentences to improve your grammar and coherence.
7. Misunderstanding the Prompt
Frequent Mistake:
Failing to understand the prompt correctly can lead to irrelevant or off-topic responses.
How to Avoid:
- Listen Carefully:
Pay close attention to the prompt and ensure you fully understand the question before you start speaking.
- Take a Moment to Plan:
Take a few seconds to plan your response and make sure it addresses the prompt accurately.
8. Overuse of Rehearsed Answers
Frequent Mistake:
Relying too heavily on memorised answers can make your speech sound robotic and disconnected from the actual prompt.
How to Avoid:
- Be Spontaneous:
While it’s good to practise common topics, avoid memorising entire responses. Focus on understanding key points and how to structure your answers.
- Adapt to the Prompt:
Tailor your response to fit the specific prompt rather than reciting a pre-prepared answer.
9. Not Utilising Preparation Time
Frequent Mistake:
Neglecting the brief preparation time provided before you speak can lead to disorganised responses.
How to Avoid:
- Use Preparation Time Wisely:
Use the few seconds given before speaking to quickly outline your response. Think about the main points you want to cover and the order in which you will present them.
- Practise Quick Thinking:
Engage in exercises that require quick thinking and organisation of thoughts to make the most of the preparation time.
10. Neglecting Pronunciation of Consonants and Vowels
Frequent Mistake:
Mispronouncing consonants and vowels can lead to unclear speech and misunderstandings.
How to Avoid:
- Focus on Clear Pronunciation:
Pay attention to the pronunciation of consonants and vowels. Practise difficult sounds and ensure you articulate them clearly.
- Use Pronunciation Guides:
Utilise pronunciation guides and tools to help you understand the correct way to pronounce words.
Final Words
The PTE speaking section can be challenging, but by avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the strategies provided, you can significantly improve your performance. Remember, consistent practice and a focus on key areas such as pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and confidence are essential. Use the resources available to you, such as pronunciation tools and practice tests, to prepare effectively. With dedication and the right approach, you can achieve a high score in the PTE speaking section.
Trust EnglishWise for best preparation for exams like PTE in Sydney.
