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Common Mistakes to Avoid in the PTE Academic Exam
When preparing for the PTE Academic Exam, many candidates make common mistakes that can significantly impact their scores. However, these errors can be easily avoided with a bit more attention. From our experience training PTE candidates, we have identified several frequent mistakes. Let us take a look at them:
1. Fast is Not Always Fluent
Some candidates mistake speed for fluency and try to speak too quickly, which affects their fluency scores. When speaking too fast, clarity and fluency suffer. Aim for a natural speed that is not too fast or too slow, and try to maintain it throughout your speech.
2. Using Filler Sounds
When pausing to think of words, candidates often use filler sounds like ‘aah’, ‘uhm’, etc., which negatively impact fluency scores. Instead, practice with templates for speaking to avoid using filler words and sounds. The more you practice, the better you will become.
3. Overuse of the Preposition “About”
Candidates frequently use the word ‘about’ excessively after verbs, which is a basic grammatical error and leads to losing marks.
4. Incorrect Use of Tense Forms
Often, candidates use the wrong tense when describing things, such as using the present continuous tense instead of the present simple tense, resulting in a loss of marks.
5. Avoid Pausing, False Starts, Repetitions and Hesitations
Oral Fluency is crucial to your PTE-A Speaking score. Unnecessary pauses, false starts, and repetitions can adversely affect your score. So, avoid hesitating and repeating words.
6. Do Not Pause for Too Long
Remember, if you pause for 3 seconds in the PTE-A Speaking Module, the microphone will turn off, and anything you say after that will not be recorded. Keep this in mind during the Speaking test.
7. Write a Single Sentence in PTE Summarize Written Text Questions
Many test-takers lose marks by writing multiple sentences in the PTE Summarize Written Text question. Write a single sentence using connectors if needed, but only one full stop. However, in Summarize Spoken Text questions, candidates can use multiple sentences to complete the summary.
8. Avoid Using Colloquial Language
Casual, informal language will not meet the standards of the PTE Academic Test, which expects formal, academic language.
9. Don’t Speak in Breaks
Avoid the ‘stopping and starting’ mode of speaking. This may be acceptable in daily conversations but is frowned upon in the PTE Academic Exam. Organize your thoughts and speak in complete sentences at a steady, normal pace to gather your thoughts before speaking.
10. Writing Without Adhering to the Word Limit
In Writing tasks like Summarizing Written Text and the Essay, adhere to the word limit. Write between 200-300 words for essays. Exceeding or falling short of the word limit will result in a lower PTE score.
11. Mispronunciation
Candidates often mispronounce words, affecting their speaking scores. Practicing pronunciation through listening exercises and mimicry can significantly improve your performance.
12. Spelling Errors
Spelling mistakes are prevalent in the writing section. Proofreading your responses and practicing common word spelling can help prevent errors. It is also beneficial to familiarise yourself with different English spellings (e.g., American vs. Australian English).
13. Ignoring Word Limits
In writing tasks, exceeding, or falling short of word limits can lead to penalties. Stick to the allocated word count to avoid losing points. Practicing timed writing exercises can help improve your ability to manage word limits effectively.
14. Inadequate Time Management
Poor time management can lead to incomplete sections. Allocate your time wisely across tasks and avoid spending too much time on a single section. Timed practice tests can help enhance time management skills.
15. Misunderstanding Context
Misinterpreting the context of a reading or listening passage can lead to incorrect answers. Focus on understanding the main idea and supporting details. Developing strong reading and listening skills through diverse practice materials can be beneficial.
Conclusion
To achieve a high score in PTE-A, avoid these common errors. Practice extensively with a PTE preparation app or online sample questions. If needed, consider certified experts for online PTE coaching.
