Achieve a Perfect 90 in PTE: Step-by-Step Guide

Scoring a perfect 90 in the PTE Academic exam is a dream for many test-takers. While it may seem like a difficult goal, it is absolutely achievable with the right mindset, planning, and strategies. This guide walks you through each step of the process from understanding the test structure to mastering time management and boosting your confidence.

Understanding the PTE Scoring System

Before aiming for a 90, you must understand how the PTE Academic exam is scored.

• Each skill, Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, is scored individually.
• Scores range from 10 to 90 in each skill.
• The overall score is based on your performance across all skills, not just an average.

Step 1: Know the Test Format Inside-Out

The PTE Academic test is divided into three main sections:

Section	Skills Tested	Time
Speaking & Writing	Speaking, Writing	54–67 minutes
Reading	Reading	approx 30 minutes
Listening	Listening	approx 30 minutes

Step 2: Assess Your Current Level

Before you can improve, you need to understand your strengths and weaknesses.

• Take a free scored mock test from Sumlingo.
• Use your results to identify which areas need the most attention.
• Focus on improving low-scoring sections while maintaining your strong areas.

Step 3: Clear Your Basics

A strong foundation in English is essential before diving into test strategies. Here’s how to build it:

• Focus on mastering essential grammar rules and sentence structures.
• Expand your basic vocabulary for everyday topics and common test themes.
• Practice clear pronunciation by listening to native speakers and repeating.
• Work on understanding common English expressions and phrasal verbs.
• Read short articles, listen to simple podcasts, and try writing short essays to improve all-around language skills.

Step 4: Master Time Management

PTE is strictly timed, and good time management is critical.

• Reading and listening sections are not evenly timed per question; you control the pace.
• Practice moving on quickly from difficult questions to avoid running out of time.
• Use timers during practice sessions to simulate real conditions.

Step 5: Improve All Skills Holistically

Achieving a 90 requires balanced excellence in all areas.

Speaking:

• Focus on oral fluency and pronunciation.
• Record and listen to yourself daily.
• Practice Read Aloud and Repeat Sentence with natural rhythm and intonation.

Writing:

• Learn the structure of essays and summaries.
• Practice writing essays within 20 minutes.
• Improve vocabulary and grammar to express ideas clearly.

Reading:

• Read academic articles in science, business, and history.
• Practice skimming, scanning, and identifying keywords.
• Understand how to answer each question type efficiently.

Listening:

• Watch TED Talks and news podcasts.
• Practice summarizing spoken content in your own words.
• Focus on note-taking techniques to capture the main ideas.

Step 6: Use the Right Resources

To score a perfect 90, use reliable preparation materials:

• Sumlingo for online free PTE Mock Test
• The Official Guide to PTE Academic
• YouTube channels offering task strategies and walkthroughs

Step 7: Practice with a Real Exam Environment

• Simulate exam-day conditions during practice sessions.
• Use a quiet room, headphones, and a microphone to mimic test settings.
• Practice full tests without interruptions to build stamina and reduce test-day anxiety.

Step 8: Focus on Your Weak Areas and Improve

• Use mock test feedback to identify patterns of mistakes.
• Spend extra time on low-scoring tasks like Repeat Sentence, Summarize Spoken Text, or Reading Fill in the Blanks.
• Create a targeted study plan with focused practice.

Step 9: Stay Consistent and Motivated

• Study for at least 2 hours a day, 5–6 days a week.
• Set mini-goals, for example, improve repeat sentence accuracy.
• Track progress weekly and celebrate improvements.

Step 10: Test Day Strategy

• Arrive early, well-rested, and relaxed.
• Speak clearly into the microphone; don’t pause for too long.
• Manage your time wisely in reading and listening.
• Stay calm even if you make a small mistake; move on and stay focused.

Also Read

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring speaking fluency and pronunciation
• Overusing templates in writing without understanding the structure
• Reading questions too quickly and missing keywords
• Not reviewing the enabling skills in score reports
• Practicing only the tasks you like, instead of improving weak areas

Scoring a perfect 90 in PTE Academic is not about being perfect in English, but about being strategic, consistent, and well-prepared. Thousands of candidates have achieved this score with focused effort, so you can too.