PTE COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Common Mistakes in the PTE Exam and How to Avoid Them
PTE Common Mistakes To Avoid: Are you prepared to take the PTE Academic Test? Unfortunately, nervous test takers tend to make errors that can later have severe consequences. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common mistakes test-takers make during the PTE exam and offer tips on how to avoid them at all costs, ensuring you achieve perfect marks in your English proficiency exam.
Speaking too Quickly
Many people make the common mistake of confusing speed with fluency. However, it’s important to note that speaking too fast can negatively impact your fluency score. When you rush, your speaking clarity tends to decline, resulting in a lower PTE Score. Additionally, you may find yourself rambling and losing track of your thoughts.
So, aim to achieve a speed that is just right: not too fast, not too slow. Put in hours of practice to attain this optimum speed and maintain the same pace during your exam.
Using Filler Words and Sounds
Sometimes, we struggle to find the appropriate words to convey a point. Usually, when this happens, the involuntary action is to fill the silence with filler words and sounds like “Uhm,” “aah,” “like,” etc. During the PTE Academic Exam, it is crucial to refrain from doing this as it can hurt your PTE score.
An effective way to completely avoid fillers is to prepare a speaking template. The more you practice speaking using the template, the better you will become at avoiding these unnecessary words.
In case you make a mistake while recording your answer, it is important not to panic. Additionally, there is no need to pause or attempt to explain the error if you believe a mistake has been made.
Incorrect use of language and Tense
Another common mistake test-takers make is using the wrong tense form when describing things and situations. For instance, you may use “is” and “was” to describe the same situation. Although this might appear to be a minor error, it can result in mark deductions.
Additionally, it is advisable to avoid using informal and casual language. Instead, opt for formal and academic language.
Misuse of Vocabulary and Grammatical Errors
Another aspect to be cautious about is minor grammatical errors, such as incorrect punctuation marks or misspelt words. Even though a missing comma may appear insignificant, it can hurt your PTE score. Therefore, it is essential to always proofread your written work before submission.
In an attempt to sound intelligent, some writers tend to fill their sentences with unnecessary or complex words. Instead, focus on writing clear and concise points, and use your vocabulary wisely.
Multiple Sentences in PTE Summarize Written Text Questions
In “Summarize Written Text” questions, the expectation is to write a single sentence that concludes with a full stop. Connectors can be used if required, but it is important to restrict the response to only one sentence with one period.
Not Adhering to the Word Limit
Follow the word limit specified in each question. Do not exceed or fall short of the given number. For instance, if the limit is 200-300, make sure your answer consists of more than 200 words but does not exceed 300 words.
Pausing for too Long
In the speaking test, if you pause for more than 3 seconds after the microphone starts recording, it will switch off. Any subsequent speech will not be recorded. Therefore, it is crucial to refrain from hesitating, pausing, or speaking in breaks.
Making mistakes during the PTE Academic exam is natural. However, with carefulness and practice, you can prevent them altogether. At hzadeducation, we provide coaching and practice materials that will assist you in avoiding these mistakes.
OTHER PTE MISTAKES TO AVOID
Neglecting time management:
Test-takers frequently struggle to complete all tasks within the given time frame, which leads to rushed responses and lower scores. To prevent this, they should practice with timed mock tests, devise an efficient strategy for each section, and allocate time for reviewing and editing answers.
Insufficient understanding of the scoring criteria:
Familiarizing yourself with the PTE scoring criteria for each task is essential. You need to understand what examiners expect in terms of content, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and coherence. Ignorance of these criteria can result in a mismatch between your performance and the expected standards.
Weak pronunciation and intonation:
Poor pronunciation and incorrect stress and intonation patterns in the PTE Speaking and Listening sections cause many test-takers to lose marks. To enhance proficiency in this aspect, test-takers should engage in regular English-speaking practice, actively observe native speakers, and utilize pronunciation apps or online resources for focused practice.
Overlooking instructions:
Test-takers often make the common mistake of not properly reading or understanding the instructions. Each task in the PTE exam has specific guidelines and requirements. Not following instructions can lead to penalties or incomplete responses. To avoid this, take the time to read the instructions carefully, underline important points, and make sure to address all the mentioned aspects.
Lack of preparation for the writing section:
Test-takers often make the common mistake of not properly reading or understanding the instructions. Each task in the PTE exam has specific guidelines and requirements. Not following instructions can lead to penalties or incomplete responses. To avoid this, take the time to read the instructions carefully, underline important points, and make sure to address all the mentioned aspects.
Neglecting grammar and vocabulary:
In the PTE exam, grammar and vocabulary play a crucial role, especially in the Reading and Writing sections. Numerous test-takers lose points because of grammatical errors, incorrect word usage, or limited vocabulary. To improve your language skills, reading extensively, learning new words, and regularly practising grammar exercises is essential.
Ignoring the importance of practice:
Underestimating the significance of practice is a common mistake. Familiarize yourself with the PTE exam format, take mock tests, and identify your weaknesses. Regular exercise will help you become familiar with the test structure, build confidence, and improve your overall performance.
Many test-takers make the common mistake of underestimating the significance of the practice. To avoid this, you should familiarize yourself with the PTE exam format, take mock tests, and identify your weaknesses. Regular exercise will help you become familiar with the test structure, build confidence, and improve your overall performance.
Conclusion:
Proper preparation and awareness of common mistakes can maximize your chances of success in the PTE exam. Remember, consistency, dedication, and a strategic approach are key to overcoming these common pitfalls and realizing your desired results.
15-hour All-Inclusive PTE Course!